How To Use a Heated Eyelash Curler

For those who have stick-straight eyelashes, eyelash curlers are an absolute beauty necessity, not an optional part of a makeup routine. Heated eyelash curlers that do half the work for you sound too good to be true, but are they? 

Believe it or not, heated eyelash curlers are safe and fairly easy to use. We will break down the best way to use a heated eyelash curler safely and effectively.

Why Do We Curl Our Lashes?

Our need for long, dark, curled eyelashes goes back hundreds of years. Curled lashes have always been on-trend, even as far back as the ancient Egyptians and Cleopatra’s to-die-for eye makeup. 

An eyelash curler can improve the overall look of your eyes, whether you were born with short lashes or sparse lashes. Curling physically bends the lashes upward, giving them a tiny vertical bend. This creates longer, fuller-looking lashes. 

Curling your lashes will help to enhance the effect of your mascara if you're applying it. Some mascara formulas that lengthen and thicken the lashes can also lift them and help them keep their curl throughout the day.

Curled lashes have a number of benefits:

• They make the eyes look bigger
• They make you look more awake and alert
• They can create a more youthful appearance
• They add a bit of oomph to your mascara
• They make your eyes stand out
• They can enhance your natural eye shape

The benefits of curled lashes are why so many people nowadays are opting for treatments such as eyelash extensions or lash lifts, also known as lash perms. If you don’t want to go that route, you may consider trying a heated curler. 

What Is a Heated Eyelash Curler?

If you are familiar with the traditional mechanical curlers, you may be surprised to know that most heated eyelash curlers look absolutely nothing like them. In fact, they are a different shape altogether.

A traditional eyelash curler is a hand-operated mechanical device for curling eyelashes, used strictly for cosmetic purposes. The upper eyelashes are usually curled, and the lower lashes are left alone. Metal eyelash curlers with rubber pads where the curlers make contact with the lashes are the most common type.

The heated eyelash curler is a whole different beast. These are self-heating, battery-operated wands, where the end of the curler heats up, usually using the power of a AAA battery. This gentle heating wand can really pack a punch, though!

Are Heated Eyelash Curlers Safe?

Heated eyelash curlers are mostly safe, but do come with some risks. As you can imagine, there is the possibility of burning your eyelid if you allow the device to get too hot. This risk can be mitigated by not leaving the curler turned on for too long, and monitoring the heat level. 

Most heated curlers have an ergonomic handle made of plastic, which keeps them from getting overheated. It’s also important not to keep contact with the lashes for too long when using a heated lash curler, as this can also lead to burning. 

A little common sense goes a long way when it comes to heated eyelash curler use. 

How Do I Use a Heated Eyelash Curler?

There is definitely a bit of a learning curve when it comes to the use of a heated eyelash curler. We will break down all the steps to getting a true 12-hour curl that never quits!

Wash and Prime Your Lashes

First, you need to make sure that you are starting out with clean, dry lashes. It’s in your best interest to use a gentle cleanser that is specifically formulated for the eyes, preferably one that’s oil-free. 

Allow lashes to dry completely after washing your face, otherwise, they most certainly will not hold a curl. 

Turn On Your Curler

After washing your face, turn on that heated curler! It will take a few minutes to heat up, and will be much more effective if it has reached its peak temperature. Just don’t forget about it and leave it on, as this can lead to overheating.

Curl Your Lashes

If you truly want to get the best, most long-lasting curl, here are the steps you want to take in curling them:

First, start with a traditional eyelash curler. Those handheld mechanical curlers we mentioned before? Now is their time to shine! 

Start by gripping the curler like a pair of scissors and opening it completely. Keep your eyes partially open and bring the rubber pad as close as possible to the base of your lashes. Place your lashes in the space between the top and the padded base, stopping as close to the root of your lashes as possible without squeezing or pinching your skin. 

Keep your tool upright by the roots of your lashes for the first round of curling. Make sure that all of your lashes are contained within the width of the curler. Now, you want to squeeze and pulse the lash curler, not hold it down continuously. Squeeze and pulse for approximately ten seconds, as close to the base as possible.  

Your job isn’t done! Adjust the angle of the curler slightly after you've finished your first clamp so that it lines up with the curvature of your eyelid crease. Clamp down again to achieve a curled, rather than crimped, result. Move the curler gently up the lashes away from the roots for another clamp to avoid a sharp, kinked bend. Crimping the lashes is not your goal; curling is! 

Here’s where the heated curler comes in. You want to add to the curl you’ve already created by holding the warm part of the wand up against the lashes, close to the lash line. Hold there for three to five seconds before repeating the same process halfway up the lashes.

Repeat one more time at the tips of the lashes, and there you have it! Curled lashes that will last you all day, even taking you from work to happy hour, to date night if need be. 

Apply Your Mascara

Mascara should be applied immediately after curling your lashes. If you want to double down, you can apply curling mascara.

When deciding what type of mascara to buy, consider the following factors:

• The formula: Do you prefer a drier formula or one that’s more wet and glossy?
• The wand: Different wands create different effects. A classic, dense brush is perfect for creating volume, while wands with short rubber bristles are better for lengthening and everyday looks.
• The wear: There are some mascaras that position themselves as long-wear mascaras or even waterproof. Waterproof mascaras are great but are more difficult to remove, so take that into consideration. 

After applying mascara, some people like to brush through the lashes with a spoolie, but that is entirely up to you! 

Should I Use a Heated or Unheated Curler?

Who says that you have to choose? Using both types of curlers means that you can solidify a long-lasting curl that will enhance your eyes and boost your mascara’s impact. If you do want to simplify and minimize your purchases, there are some benefits and disadvantages to each. 

Heated eyelash curlers have the advantage of being gentler than traditional eyelash curlers in that they do not pull or damage lashes.

Heated curlers tend to hold a curl for a longer time than traditional curlers, and it's worth noting that they curl your lashes more intensely than regular eyelash curlers.

However, they require a battery to function, which must be replaced on a regular basis to ensure smooth operation.

Also, because they grow pretty hot, there's a risk of burns to the eyelid, especially if they're made of metal, which may be extremely harmful when hot. Read any warnings on the labels that come with the curler. 

Both types of curlers are lightweight, with minimal actual product packaging, and they both offer dramatic looks. They can be cleaned easily with rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad and can add impact to the length of your lashes. No matter what you choose, it’s a win-win. 

Curl Away

Whatever you choose, just know that having curled, dramatic lashes will enhance the appearance of your makeup overall, and truly complete your look. And if all of this just seems like too much work, you may want to consider lash extensions, which will give you long, beautiful lashes every single day (no need for a curler or mascara!). 

Sources:

The best heated eyelash curler | The Chicago Tribune

Eyelash Curler vs Heated EyeLash Curlers | Beauty Glimpse