Shiseido's Eyelash Curler Gave Me Next-Level Lift and Curl

Due to my past experiences with eyelash curlers—that usually started with painful pinching and ended with short-lived results—I'd grown to be averse to them. It never became a major part of my routine, but I would reach for them for special occasions. However, after hearing about the beloved Shiseido Eyelash Curler for years from makeup artist friends and beauty lovers like myself, I decided to give them a chance. Fast forward a week of consistent use, my results were surprising. Read on for my experience with this expert-approved curler.

About My Lashes: Thin, slightly curled, and need a lift

Most of my eyelashes have a slight curl, but I do have a few on each eye that grow in straight and in need of a lift. My lashes aren’t particularly long or thick as well, so I find that they look their best when I use a lengthening and volumizing mascara.I haven’t felt compelled to use a mascara curler on a regular basis, but sometimes reach for one when I wanted to give my straight lashes a slight bend. I wanted to see if this curler would convince me to use an eyelash curler a little more consistently.

How to Apply: Align the curler with your lash line and squeeze

Using an eyelash curler may take some getting used to, but it’s a fairly straightforward process. Before I put mascara on, I tilted my chin upward in front of my mirror, opened the curler and wiggled it back and forth to find a comfortable fit, making sure all of my lashes were inside of the top and bottom frames of the eyelash curler. Once the position felt comfortable, I clamped the curler shut three times. After I applied my mascara, I repeated this process on both eyes.

Results: Lashes with major lift and curl

When I first used the curler, I was immediately impressed with how my eyelashes looked: They had a dramatic lift and curl. I’d used eyelash curlers a handful of times before, but I’d never experienced such a smooth and comfortable process. I haven't ever looked as bright-eyed, either.

Though using the curler on top of my mascara made my lashes looked great, I don’t think it’s a necessary step. The eyelash curler works so well on bare lashes and its curl held up for hours. After using it for a week, I’m warming up to the idea of using a curler on a more consistent basis.

The Value: An investment

If you’ve had difficulty finding a good lash curler in the past, you might see the $23 as an investment the way I do. While lash curlers can cost as low as $6, I suggest opting for this splurge. I can confidently say that this one is absolutely worth every penny. 

Similar Products: You have options

Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler: A popular drugstore option, the Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler ($7) is a great place to start for anyone that is new to lash curlers without spending too much. The Extra Curl Eyelash Curler curls lashes easily and comfortably without pinching, pulling, or crushing lashes.

MAC Cosmetics Half Lash Curler: If you’re a little more advanced in the lash curling department, the Half Lash Curler from MAC Cosmetics ($22) gets every lash, including the inner and outer lashes. If you’re more of a novice when it comes to eyelash curlers, stick with Shiseido.

Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler: A staple in the beauty industry, the Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler ($22) is a best-selling curler for a reason. Designed for optimal comfort and safety, this lash curler provides amazing lift and curl that lasts.

Final Verdict

My opinion on using an eyelash curler changed after trying Shiseido's. Though my lashes have a slight curl on their own, Shiseido’s curler lifted my lashes and gave me a wide-eyed look that I loved. I can see myself using the tool more consistently in the future.