How to Curl Your Eyelashes

Co-authored by Cassandra McClure

Last Updated: April 19, 2024

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Curling your eyelashes can instantly widen and brighten your eyes. The process can be a little intimidating, though -- especially if you're using a traditional eyelash curler. But if you've never liked using a lash curler, there are other ways to curl lashes using items that you already have around the house. Whether you prefer using a lash curler, a spoon, toothbrush, or just your fingers, you never have to be stuck with limp, straight lashes again.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making the Most of an Eyelash Curler

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1
Open the curler and hold it at the base of your lashes. Take the eyelash curler in your dominant hand, and move it to the open position. Hold it up to your eye, placing it so it’s at the base of your lashes.^{[1]
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- Don’t apply mascara to your lashes before using the eyelash curler. The lashes can stick to the curler’s pads if they have makeup on them and you may wind up pulling them out when you curling.
- You should hold the curler like a pair of scissors, with the curved side facing outwards.
- Line up the padded strip on the bottom edge of the curler with the root of your lashes.
- Make sure that all of your lashes are inside the opening between the upper and lower edge of the curler.
2
Squeeze the curler closed and pulse lightly. When you have the curler positioned at the base of your lashes, gently squeeze it closed, ensuring that none of your skin is pinched between the tool’s pads. Hold the curler closed on the lashes, but pulse it slowly to help with the curl.^{[2]
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- To ensure the best curl, keep the curler closed on your lashes for 5 to 10 seconds.
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3
Move the curler halfway down the lashes and pulse again. After you’ve curled your lashes at the base, open the curler and move it halfway down your lashes. Close it again, pulsing lightly to add a curl to the middle of your lashes.^{[3]
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- Once again, be sure to keep the curler closed for at least 5 seconds to ensure a defined curl.
4
Place the curler at the ends of the lashes and squeeze shut again. Slide the eyelash curler down to the ends of your lashes. Close it, and pulse gently to curl the tips of your lashes.^{[4]
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- By curling all the way along your lashes, you’ll get the most natural looking curl and help your eyes look wider.
5
Finish off your lashes with mascara. Once you’ve finished curling your lashes, apply one to two coats of a lengthening mascara. Make sure to wiggle the mascara brush back and forth at the base of your lashes to help add extra volume as well.^{[5]
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- A waterproof mascara formula usually does a better job of helping your lashes keep their curl throughout the day.
Bobbi Brown, Makeup Artist

Curling your eyelashes is one of the easiest ways to open up your eyes and make them appear larger and brighter. Start by heating your eyelash curler with a blow dryer for 10 seconds before curling. This helps set the curl better.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Curling Your Lashes with a Spoon

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1
Set a metal spoon in a mug of warm water for several minutes. Fill a mug or glass with warm water, and place a metal spoon in it. Let the spoon sit in the water for 3 to 5 minutes to warm up the metal.^{[6]
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- Don’t choose a spoon that’s too large or it may be difficult to hold comfortably against your eye. A tea or coffee spoon is usually the best size for curling.
2
Place the curved side of the spoon over your eyelid. Take the spoon out of the water and blot it lightly with a towel. Bring the spoon up to your eye, holding it with the curved side facing outward.^{[7]
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- It’s a good idea to test the heat of the spoon before holding it up to your eye to ensure that it’s not too hot.
With the spoon over your eye, push your lashes back against the spoon’s curve with your fingers. Hold your lashes against the spoon for at least 10 seconds for the best curl.^{[8]
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4
Lock the curl in with mascara. After you’ve curled your lashes, apply a waterproof lengthening mascara to help ensure that the curl stays in place all day. It helps to apply multiple coats to not only make the curl last, but help your lashes appear longer and thicker.^{[9]
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- Use a lash comb to brush through your curled lashes if they become clumpy after you apply the mascara.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Warming a Toothbrush to Curl Your Lashes

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1
Warm a toothbrush in hot water and dry it. Turn your sink’s tap on as hot as it will go, and run a toothbrush under the water to warm the bristles. Shake off the excess water, and dry the brush by pressing it into a clean towel.^{[10]
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- Make sure that you’re using a clean, unused toothbrush to curl your lashes.
2
Brush through your lashes with the toothbrush and hold at the tips to curl. When the toothbrush is warmed, gently brush it through your lashes. When you reach the end of your lashes, hold the brush back against your eyelid to curl the lashes.^{[11]
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- Hold the brush back against your eyelid for at least 10 seconds to ensure that your lashes curl.
- If your lashes don’t curl as much as you’d like, rewarm the toothbrush and repeat the process until you’re satisfied.
Once your lashes are curled, it helps to coat them with mascara so the curl holds. Use a waterproof lengthening mascara, and apply it in two to three thin coats for the most natural, flattering look.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Mascara and Your Fingers to Curl

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1
Apply several coats of mascara to your lashes. To make your lashes more pliable and likely to hold a curl, you should start by applying mascara. Use your favorite mascara, but make sure that it’s a waterproof formula because they typically do a better job of helping to hold a curl.^{[12]
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- Apply two to three thin coats of mascara to ensure that your lashes look as full and long as possible.
In order for your fingers to curl your lashes, they’ll need to be warm. Place your fingertips together, and rub them back and forth against one another several times to heat them gently.^{[13]
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3
Press your lashes back against your lid with your fingertips and hold. When your fingertips are warm, close your eyes and use your fingers to gently push your lashes back against lid. Press them so they’re going up toward your brow, and hold in place for 10 to 15 seconds.^{[14]
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- If your lashes aren’t curled enough when you’re finished, rewarm your fingertips and repeat the process until you’re happy with the curl.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I curl my eyelashes so they look natural?

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Cassandra McClure is a clean beauty advocate, working to increase use of sustainable and healthy cosmetics, based in Palo Alto, California. She has worked in the beauty and cosmetic industries for over 15 years, as a model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur. She has a Masters in High Definition Makeup from the MKC Beauty Academy.

Cassandra McClure

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

For a natural look, curl your lashes close to the base for 5-10 seconds, then move the curler out about a centimeter and curl them again.

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Question

Can I curl my eyelashes with an eyelash curler without mascara on?

Community Answer

Yes. Some people have thick lashes, so they just curl their eyelashes; some people have curly lashes so they only use mascara.

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Question

I can't get mascara. Do I need it for the first option (curler tool)?

Community Answer

You don't need to wear mascara to curl your eyelashes, although it will help it to hold the curl better. If you aren't allowed to wear mascara or don't want to, you could try a clear lash gel.

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Tips

Applying mascara with a curved brush can help encourage your lashes to curl, so it helps to use a curved wand after curling your lashes.

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Clean any eye makeup off of your eyelash curler regularly, and replace the curler pad every few months.

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No matter what method you choose for curling your lashes, it can be a little intimidating at first. Practice until you feel more comfortable.

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