9 best eyelash curlers for length and lift, tried and tested

Shiseido has been the gold standard for eyelash curlers for years. Its tool boasts an edge-free design that prevents pinching and nipping, with the contoured frame feeling comfortable and sturdy in hand. Featuring a silicone pad (and a replacement), the curved design grabs every last lash from the inner to the outer corner.

My lashes were lifted instantly and dramatically after use, with the tool curling, defining and volumising with just one quick squeeze. While mascara goes on far more smoothly and evenly, and with less clumping, after using this tool, the Shiseido curler is so good you can easily go for a bare lashes look (the lifted effect lasts all day). It’s pricier than some other eyelash curlers, but well worth investing in if you’re after flawless application and a naturally lifted look.

Elf impresses us time after time with its budget beauty buys, including this £5 eyelash curler. Easily rivalling more-premium brands, the curler features a contoured frame and large, padded handles that fit comfortably in your hand. Though it’s quite small and compact overall, the larger handles help with precise application. The curved head fits the shape of your eyes but be careful not to squeeze too hard, as it can pull skin. A light squeeze for around 30 seconds creates nicely curled, lengthened and defined lashes that last for most of the day. A reliable tool to throw in your make-up travel bag, it also comes with an additional rubber pad.

Anything from Dior feels like a luxurious affair. Arriving in the brand’s signature silver box with black branding, this tool would make a lovely gift. The slick metal frame is complete with smooth, padded handles that feel extra snug in hand. The curved head gets you as close to the lash line as possible without any pinching, while the cushioned silicone pad prevents any breakage. The rubber pad feels extra cushioned and plush on Dior’s curler, leading to super-smooth application. Every lash is grabbed and curled, with the results lasting all day. A coating of mascara is the pièce de résistance.

With its gleaming rose-gold finish, Charlotte Tilbury’s eyelash curler is in line with the brand’s signature glamorous style. A real showstopper in your make-up bag, it’s pretty and functional. The curved head and black silicone pad comfortably separate, lift and curl lashes without nipping skin. Just a couple of squeezes does the job, with the design best suited to those with wider eyes. I saw a satisfying curl and much longer length after use, with the fanned look staying in place throughout the day. To keep your tool in use for longer, the curler comes with a replacement pad.

Heated eyelash curlers may sound scary but, after trying this one from StylPro, we realised there is nothing to fear. Use the lever to press your lashes onto the heated pad. Hold for no more than 10 seconds, then release slowly for some seriously fluttery lashes.

I loved how the heating pad changed colour to indicate when it was at the perfect temperature, and the warmth from the pad was much more soothing and comforting than expected. My lashes were left looking defined and elongated but I did find it a bit tricky to make sure all the hairs were getting clamped at once, due to the shape of the pad – it is very obvious when you miss a lash or two. I still think this is a great pick for those with particularly stubborn lashes, though, as the heat helps to loosen them up nicely.

Kiko’s bargain eyelash curler is made from sturdy stainless steel with silicone cushions. The tool is slightly more compact than other eyelash curlers I tested, so it’s a good one to fit in your travel make-up bag. The tool is easy to grip and tightly hugs lashes from root to tip, giving them definition and lift, as well as a flattering fanned effect. I found Kiko’s tool is best suited to smaller eyes, as it’s not as wide as other curlers. A quick and easy tool for a natural-looking flutter, the results aren’t as long-lasting as those generated by other tools, plus the lengthening was a little subtler.

Just like the brand’s famous tweezers, Tweezerman’s eyelash curlers will be a sturdy addition to your beauty arsenal (there’s no risk of this tool falling apart any time soon). The ergonomic handles help with precise use, with the thick, rounded curler pad getting to the lash line without any pinching or pulling. Just a couple of seconds squeezing reveals beautifully curled and lengthened lashes, which can be made more dramatic with repeated use. Great for rounder and almond-shape eyes, it boasts a slightly more curved head than other curlers. Complete with three replacement pads, the sub-£20 eyelash curlers offer stellar value for money, too.

A brand famous for its eyelash growth serums – as used by Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian – RevitaLash’s eyelash curler gives your lashes even more length and definition. The carbon steel design feels sturdy and comfortable to grip, while the wide, curved head fits snugly along the lash line without any discomfort. Around seven seconds of light squeezing yielded impressive results, with the tool grabbing individual lashes to give the appearance of volume and fullness. Thanks to the tool’s precision, the final curl is flattering and fanned, which prevents mascara from clumping over the top. Owing to the curler’s open shape, it’s a nice fit for wide eyes, as it captures every lash without the need to go in at different angles.

This steel eyelash curler from Mac helps you get as close as possible to your lash line. Separating individual lashes, to achieve length and definition, the tool is curved to fit snugly around your eye, without any discomfort. Creating a flattering fanned effect, each lash is separated and defined without any kinking. The results are subtle and natural-looking, with the curl lasting all day. Best suited for smaller eyes, it can pinch a little on those with a wider shape. The frame itself is ergonomically designed, with our digits fitting comfortably in the handles. Lightweight and slimline with a robust feel, the curler also features a sleek dark finish.