Buying guide for Best heated eyelash curlers
The right mascara can certainly help your lashes look longer and thicker, but sometimes it’s not enough to give you the lush, fluttery look you want. An eyelash curler often helps, but traditional models can damage and pull out fragile lashes. That’s why a heated eyelash curler is a much better choice if you want to curl your lashes and keep them as healthy as possible.
A heated eyelash curler is a small battery-operated tool that generates heat. Some feature a clamp that closes around your lashes like a traditional eyelash curler, while others are merely a wand with a comb at the end. But if you want truly envy-worthy lashes, it all comes down to choosing the right heated eyelash curler, one that curls your lashes gently and effectively.
Key considerations
Style
Heated eyelash curlers are available in two styles: clamp or wand.
Clamp-style heated eyelash curlers look like traditional eyelash curlers, with a clamp at the end that closes over your lashes to curl them. A clamp-style traditional curler can potentially damage your lashes because the pressure you use when you squeeze the clamp closed can sometimes pull out fragile lashes. With a heated model, though, you don’t need to use as much pressure because both sides of the clamp are heated, and the heat curls the lashes more gently. If your lashes are extremely straight, a clamp-style heated eyelash curler is often necessary to get a noticeable curl.
However, if you have fragile, brittle lashes, a wand-style heated eyelash curler is a better option. It has a comb head that heats up, so you only need to run the comb through your lashes and hold them upward to get a curl. Because no pressure is necessary, there’s little risk of damage to your eyelashes. A wand-style heated lash curler may not be powerful enough to curl very straight lashes, though.
Power source
To heat up, a heated eyelash curler requires electricity. All models are battery-powered, but some curlers use standard replaceable batteries, while others have a rechargeable battery. Rechargeable models are usually charged via a USB cable.
A heated eyelash curler that features a rechargeable battery usually costs more, but you never have to purchase replacement batteries. However, you have to be sure that your curler is charged whenever you want to use it, or you’ll have to wait to curl your lashes. If a model with replaceable batteries runs out of power, you can simply replace the batteries.
Features
Size
Nearly all heated eyelash curlers are slim, relatively small handheld tools. However, some models are smaller than others, which makes them easier to fit in your makeup bag. If you plan to bring your curler with you to touch up your makeup throughout the day, opt for a compact model that won’t take up much space in your bag. Wand-style heated eyelash curlers are usually the most compact options.
Heat settings
Many heated eyelash curlers have a single temperature setting. Once you turn the curler on, it heats to a predetermined temperature that you’re unable to adjust. However, some heated eyelash curlers offer multiple heat settings. If your lashes are damaged or brittle, you’ll want to use a lower heat setting to avoid any further damage.
Ready alert
Most heated eyelash curlers require very little time to heat up, but it can be tricky to figure out exactly when the curler has reached the proper temperature. Some models have an alert light that lets you know when the curler is fully heated and ready to use.
LED light
Some heated eyelash curlers are equipped with an LED light near the head of the tool. The light provides just enough illumination to help you successfully curl your lashes even in low lighting, so you’ll be able to touch up your lashes anywhere.
Heated eyelash curler prices
Heated eyelash curlers vary in price based on power type, temperature options, and special features. Most models range from $6 to $32.
Inexpensive
The most affordable heated eyelash curlers are powered by replaceable batteries. They only have a single temperature option and don’t offer much in the way of special features. These heated eyelash curlers usually cost between $6 and $15.
Mid-range
In this range, heated eyelash curlers also use replaceable batteries. They may have two temperature options, though, and some have special features like a ready alert and LED light. These heated eyelash curlers typically range from $15 to $21.
Expensive
The most expensive heated eyelash curlers usually feature a rechargeable battery. They may have two temperature options and offer special features like a ready alert and LED light. These heated eyelash curlers usually cost between $21 and $32.
Tips
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Unlike a traditional eyelash curler, you can use a heated model on lashes that already have mascara on them. The heat softens the mascara, so you won’t tug on your lashes, while the mascara can actually help lock the curl in place.
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Make sure to start curling your lashes with the heated eyelash curler at the base of your lashes. Squeeze a clamp-style model at the base for several seconds, and then pump it along the lashes to the tips. With a wand-style model, place the comb at the base of your lashes, and then comb your lashes upward and press for several seconds.
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If your mascara looks clumpy, running a wand-style heated eyelash curler through your lashes can help separate them for a natural, fluttery look.
FAQ
Q. Is a heated eyelash curler safe for my lashes?
A. Just like heated styling tools for your hair, a heated eyelash curler can dry out your lashes over time. That’s why it’s a good idea to use a lash serum daily to help restore any moisture that the heat from the curler may strip from your lashes. If you keep your lashes properly hydrated, you won’t notice any adverse effects from a heated eyelash curler.
Q. Can I use a heated eyelash curler if I have lash extensions?
A. While you’re not supposed to use a traditional eyelash curler on eyelash extensions, a heated eyelash curler usually won’t do any damage to your extensions. Opt for a wand-style curler for the best results, though.
Q. Should I curl my lashes before or after I apply mascara?
A. When you’re using a heated eyelash curler, you can curl your lashes either before or after you apply mascara. The heat softens the mascara, so you usually don’t have to worry about your lashes sticking to the curler and accidentally getting pulled out. A wand-style heated lash curler has a comb on the end that can double as a lash comb and remove any mascara clumps, too.
