How To Use An Eyelash Curler

If using an eyelash curler intimidates you, you are not alone. Many women avoid using an eyelash curlier because the tool looks difficult to use, or they have heard stories about how eyelash curlers "rip out" eyelashes or cause permanent damage. But, when used properly, curling your eyelashes is safe, easy, and pain free.

How An Eyelash Curler Works

Eyelash curlers are effective because they take eyelashes, which are ordinarily straight or slightly curved, and create a more dramatic, upward curve at the base of the lash. By lifting the lash up and away from the eye itself, it make the lashes appear longer, and the eye appears to be more open and wide.

While eyelash curlers look like a complicated device, there are essentially two components to the curler: the tool itself, and the rubber or silicone pads between which you place your lashes. Look for eyelash curlers which have a rounded pad, instead of a pad that is squared off around the edges. This ensures a more natural-looking lash curl.

How to Use An Eyelash Curler

1. Start with clean, dry lashes. While your eye makeup should already be in place, you should not have already applied mascara.
2. Looking straight into the mirror, open the eyelash curler and place it over the eye, sandwiching your eyelashes are in between the two rubber or silicone eyelash pads. You can leave your eye open, or choose to close it, whichever is most comfortable for you. However, you will get a closer curl by leaving your eye open.
3. Make sure the curler is as close to the base of the lash, by the eyelid, as possible.
4. Without using a lot of pressure, gently close the curler at the base of the lash. Be as light as possible. Once you feel that you are not pinching any skin, apply more pressure, making sure to keep the pressure firm, but gentle.
5. Hold the curler in the center of the lash, and gently apply pressure again, just as you did in the previous step.
6. Repeat with the other eye.
7. Add a coat of your favorite mascara.

Tips and Tricks

Like any makeup application, practice over time makes the process easier. Also, less pressure when using the curl will create a softer, more natural curl. You are using too mcuh pressure if your lash curl results in a harsh, 90-degree angle. The curl should gently sweep up.

Change out the rubber eyelash curler pads every six months. Over time, the elasticity of the pad breaks down and this can impact the result of the curl. If you find that it is difficult to look in the mirror when curling your lashes, look downward slightly and try again.

While some people believe that heating their eyelash curler with a blow dryer will enhance results, it is better to repeat the steps, curling the lashes several times before applying mascara. Heating the eyelash curler on your own can cause burns to the skin.

Eyelash Curler

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