:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lashcurl_recirc-c8cce9b62a18438a865459c7cf877187.jpg)
Khera Alexander
At Byrdie HQ, most of us have gone through the rounds with lash extensions, lifts, falsies, and everything in between. What can we say? We love the look of full, lifted lashes. And as it turns out, you don't have to trek to a salon (or empty your wallet) to get it. Curling your lashes is one of those oft-overlooked makeup steps that can make all the difference.
That being said, it can be intimidating. We've all heard our fair share of horror stories of curling gone wrong, and some makeup artists even caution against using a lash curler. But for those who want to learn, we're here for you. We asked makeup artists Bob Scott and Tobi Henney for their best pro tips for curling lashes (and getting that curl to hold). Read on for what they shared.
Meet the Expert
- Bob Scott is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Karlie Kloss, Padma Lakshmi, and more.
- Tobi Henney is a makeup artist based in New York City who has worked with Ashley Graham, Barbara Palvin, Charlotte Lawrence, and more.
Keep reading to learn how to get the perfect long-lasting curl for your lashes.
How to Curl Your Lashes
Choose a Traditional Lash Curler
The first step in achieving an all-day hold is curling your lashes with a traditional lash curler. When searching for a curler, be sure to take into account the comfort of the grip, the quality of the lash pads, and the fit of the curve to your eye shape, if possible. (Henney recommends Surratt's Relevee Lash Curler). If all your lashes don't fit into your eyelash curler at once, opt for a smaller, half-lash curler.
If you're using a tried-and-true lash curler, be sure to clean it off with a makeup wipe to remove any old makeup residue.
Byrdie Tip
With a half-lash curler, use the same movements to curl your lashes section by section, starting at the inner corner until all your lashes have been curled.
Make Sure Your Lashes Are Clean
A clean face is the most important part of any skincare and makeup routine, and this goes for your lashes, too. Wash your face with a gentle face wash and carefully pull it through your lashes. This will ensure that any leftover makeup or makeup remover product is completely gone from your lashes before you set your makeup for the day.
Curl the Lashes
"Once you've got a clean lash curler, the best way to start is to tilt your head slightly in the mirror, open up the lash curler, and then just gently lift the curler over your upper lash line," says Henney, adding that you want to get as close to the lash line as possible without pinching it. "Then just slowly pinch it while looking in the mirror," she says.
Henney recommends pulsing the lash curler onto your lashes a few times before releasing, rather than just holding it shut on the lashes.
Byrdie Tip
According to Scott, curling your lashes before applying mascara is key. Curling after can result in a clumped appearance, crimped line of demarcation, or damage and fallout to your lashes.
Go in With Lash Primer
After curling, Henney recommends applying a quality lash primer to help boost dimension. Remember, don't go overboard with the primer; a thin layer is all you need to optimize your lashes for mascara application. We love Dior's Diorshow Maximizer 3D Triple Volume Plumping Lash Primer—it's infused with an oil serum concentrate to improve the thickness and curl of your lashes immediately and over time.
Apply Your Mascara
Once you've applied your primer, it's time to go in with your favorite mascara. Push the mascara into the base of your lashes, working from the bottom up to help keep your eyelashes curled. A couple of coats is okay, but a heavy application could work against you and your curl. A volumizing, curl-locking mascara will give you the best results, and for extra-staying power, choose a waterproof formula.
Keep in mind that volumizing mascaras are formulated for those with sparser, thinner lashes while lengthening mascaras are better suited for those with a thick volume of lashes but lacking in the length department. Volumizing mascaras usually feature a fluffy, feathery brush (many iterations include an hourglass applicator shape), while lengthening mascaras typically feature a rubberized applicator with more "spiky" bristles to grip lashes. If you're looking for volume and length, don't be afraid to layer different mascaras.
Comb Your Lashes
Next, Scott recommends using a metal lash comb to carefully comb through your lashes (and mascara). This will help remove some of that excess "goop" from your lashes for a more natural, feathery finish. "Go from the bottom and push through any clumps," they say. "This helps to distribute the mascara from the root to the tip and allows you to get more definition."
Finish Up With a Heated Lash Curler
A heated lash curler—like Grande's Lash Lift Heated Lash Curler—is a nice finishing touch when you've already used a curler on your lashes. "This is one of my favorite discoveries," Scott tells us. "It's a wand with a rod inside that heats up very gently. I... push it very close to the base, [then] push it through the rest of the lash."
As mentioned, cleaning your curler with a makeup wipe after each use is the best way to keep it sanitary. This will remove any dust, caked-on mascara, or debris from prior use and pave the way for more precise, hygienic lash curling. The general rule of thumb is to replace your lash curler pad within six months if used daily.
