How Does an Eyelash Curler Work?

Choosing Your Eyelash Curler

There are three types of eyelash curlers: metal, plastic and heated.
A conventional metal curler may appear intimidating. You might fear pulling your lashes out or getting the skin of your eyelid caught in such a device, but keep in mind that metal curlers give lashes more of an uplifted effect as compared to the plastic ones.
Plastic curlers work the same way that metal ones do, they're simply made from a different material.
Another, gentler type of eyelash curler is a heated model. Invest in one which has a comb-like end to hold lashes up as it curls them rather than the kind which is built with the old-fashioned clamping mechanism.
For greater precision, try a mini eyelash curler after using one of the others. It allows you to lift even the lashes on the inner and outer corners of your eyes if you are extra meticulous about your makeup.

Get your eyelashes ready for curling by washing off the previous day's makeup. It won't do to use only eye makeup remover, particularly oil-based formulas, because lashes will not curl when oily. Mascara, which is applied after using the eyelash curler, will break down and smudge if applied on slippery lashes.

Once lashes have dried, look down or close your eyes halfway, and position lashes between the clamps of the eyelash curler. Gently squeeze. Hold for a count of five. After you get accustomed to using an eyelash curler, it is possible to comfortably curl the lashes relatively close to the base, as this is what gives eyes that sought after wide-open look; the point where you pinch the lashes is the point from where they flick upwards. Be forewarned though, that it is possible to lose your lashes if you make a regular habit of using a curler that leaves a particularly harsh dent. It is important that you use one with a cushy, spongy pad. The pad works as a shock absorber that protects your lashes.
A heated curler with a comb-like tip, on the other hand, is pre-heated before being set under clean lashes. Push lashes up at the degree you want them, and hold for two seconds.
If you have a metal eyelash curler and don't wish to spend more money on a heated one, you can use a hairdryer to help give your lashes longer lasting curl. Set the hairdryer on "low heat" and direct the air towards your metal curler for no more than 5 seconds. Make sure the curler is only warm--not hot--before you use it. If you try this option, look for non-stick silicone replacement pads for your lash curler to keep from damaging your lashes.

The finished product.

Apply mascara after curling your lashes. If you clamp down on freshly mascaraed lashes, they will get stuck to your curler and you may pull some of them out. If you do this frequently, you may notice your lashes getting sparser over time.
Some makeup artists argue that it is fine to curl lashes with mascara on them. If you choose to do so, make sure that it is at least later in the day, when the mascara has dried.