Lash curling. I think it’s probably one of the most under-talked about subjects in the blog world. And you know why? Because it’s a hugely neglected step in the quest for makeup perfection.
Before you think I’m preaching, I’m guilty of this too. The number of times that I pass over my eyelash curlers and reach straight for the mascara is pretty shameful for someone blogging about the virtues of this crucial step in the process!
First things first, many women give up on the idea of lash-curling simply because they haven’t found a pair of curlers to suit their eye shape. Some pinch, some force you to contort your wrist awkwardly, and some… well, some just don’t give any kind of curl at all. If your lashes are stubbornly straight, you may be better off investing in a pair of heated lash curlers which promise to give super-strength and hold to your curl.
My lashes are fairly average, they curl nicely at the end but benefit from a bit of lift at the roots for a more wide-eyed look. I’ve tried a few lash curlers in the past and my needs aren’t so demanding that I’ve struggled to find a tool that works (although I find the Shu Uemura ones a little too flat for me). Having said that, I’m enjoying the effortless results that I’m getting from these Japonesque Power Curl Eyelash Curlers* (£20) from Cult Beauty.
I say “effortless” because these ones seem to catch each lash in one attempt. I don’t have to faff around with placement and even though I’m using them extremely close to the root, I can squeeze them together safe in the knowledge that I’m not going to feel a pinch at the outer corners. Something that I have experienced in the past when I curl close to the root. I suppose you just know when you find a pair that suits your eye-shape and curling requirements, and these are pretty much spot-on for me. There’s also the added bonus of the brand offering free replacement curler pads throughout the lifetime of the product!
So… lash-curling… for the uninitiated, let me give you a few quick tips that work for me:
1. Rest the curlers against your cheek, they should feel comfortable to work with
2. Look down as you get the curlers in position, this will help trap as many lashes as possible.
3. Hold still whilst curling and count to ten before releasing your grip, you don’t want to pull out any lashes!
4. If your lashes are super-straight, don’t be afraid to create another curl halfway along the lash… and even another at the very tip if needed!
5. Set your curl with mascara. If your lashes are very curl-resistant, you may fare better with a waterproof mascara for extra-strength hold.
place and…
…squeeze!
worth the effort?
I did the above demonstration without a mirror (I was holding my camera!) and you can see that I had the curler a little too close to my nose, missing a couple of lashes at the outer corner. This is actually quite useful because it means that you can see the “droop” my lashes would have had minus the curling step.
Do you curl your lashes every day? Think it makes enough of a difference to warrant the additional step in your routine?
* press sample
I do curl my eyelashes everyday! It makes such a big difference that I’ve incorporated it in my routine and now can’t put mascara with on without using a lash curler first haha
I’m quite lucky in terms of curling as my lashes are really curly (also making any more effort in the mornings is just beyond me!). They’re annoying though because they curl in bizarre directions sometimes so I end up shouting at the mirror ‘why are you growing in my eyeball/ sideways/god knows where!’ Plus they’re always getting tangled haha! So attractive 🙂 but I see your point, the results are pretty fab! Xxx
I don’t have time to curl my lashes everyday, and I’m a bit wary of doing it after applying eyeliner because I don’t want to smudge it. But when I do it, I’m pleased with the results. My eyelash curlers are a cheap pair from Superdrug but I am intrigued by these, especially with the free pad replacements!
I’ve never actually owned a pair of eyelash curlers but your post has inspired me to buy a pair. You may have converted me!
Nicky
zeeblikesit.blogspot.com
xx
Curling my lashes has been a mandatory step in my makeup application for over 20 years. Without it, my lashes point down giving my large, downturned eyes an even houndier hound dog look. My fave is Kevin Aucoin’s The Eyelash Curler as it fits my eye shape better than others I’ve tried (including Shu) and it opens very wide to make positioning easier.
I love your uncurled look. Bedroom eyes!
I’m too scared of pinching my eyelid to give it a proper go. I always pussy foot around and end up with a kink halfway down so it looks like I’ve crimped my eyelashes! You have convinced me to have another bash. If you hear a loud bellow in a few minutes, it’ll be me poking myself in the eye hole. x x
I skip this step because my lashes are already naturally curly, but I shall have a go at curling near the root as you suggest.
I have to say you have such pretty eyes – I’m normally more looking at your cool eye shadow skillz but these pics show how beautiful your unadorned eyes are… Lucky moo 😛
And a top tip from me that you may not have heard of is to give your curlers a quick blast with a hairdryer, then you don’t have to ‘squeeze’ for quite as long.
Your before and after pictures have motivated me to get my lash curl on – crikey! x
[…] Why Japonesque makes it worth curling your lashes [Lipglossiping] […]
I am so bad for not doing this – my lashes are so short that if I try to get a proper curl as opposed to just crimping them upwards they look even shorter!
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