There's nothing wrong with sticking with the classics when it comes to your beauty tools, but in the case of eyelash curlers, a souped-up version with heat changes everything. Most often seen in wand form, these devicesuse a gentle influx of heat starting at the root to lift and curl lashes to the tip with minimal effort. While these tools can be game-changing for those with shorter or straighter lashes, experts advise using caution when incorporating them into your makeup rotation, as using too much heat around the eye can be dangerous.
“Human skin can sustain first-degree burns at 118 degrees Fahrenheit and second-degree burns at 131 degrees. Since the skin of the eyelids is especially thin, it will damage easier and at lower temperatures,” clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology Natasha Herz, says in a statement. Heated lash curlers require a steady hand and patience, since poking your eye with a hot tool is about as fun as it sounds.
Like any other high-tech device, we recommend starting slowly with a heated curler to familiarize yourself with its capabilities before officially using it. Additionally, professionals suggest starting on the lowest possible temperature setting, and being careful not to go over the same area repeatedly when curling to minimize potential damage. To ensure your lashes are safely curled and lifted—and to avoid the dreaded curler pinch—we've rounded up eight of the best heated eyelash curlers to shop now that give your manual tools, extensions, and lash strips a run for their money.
Similar to the look of a manual curler, this heated one from TouchBeauty uses a set of curved curler pads to lift lashes. It also features a temperature sensing pad that indicates when it's ready to use by changing color.
Customer review:
"Love how easy this was to use. The curler heated up quickly. It was so simple to place my lashes in and I held for a few seconds. Worked so much better than my regular eyelash curler." —MissyRN
How to use:
Do not use the heating eyelash curler when wearing contact lenses. All tool to warm up, place lashes between silicone pads, and gently squeeze.
Best All-Around Heated Eyelash Curler
Grande Cosmetics Grande Lash-Lift Heated Lash Curler
Best All-Around Heated Eyelash Curler
Grande Cosmetics Grande Lash-Lift Heated Lash Curler
Since this eyelash curler is rechargable, you'll never have to worry about keeping a pack of batteries around. It's also designed with a grooved safety slot and multiple heat settings to prevent your lid from getting accidentally singed.
Customer review:
"This is the best heated eyelash curler I've ever used—and I have used several. It heats up fast and is super easy to use as well as clean. I could not be happier with my purchase." —Tammy M.
How to use:
Press and hold the oval button on the front of the device for two seconds to power it on. After waiting 30 seconds for the device to heat up, Choose either the low or high temperature setting.,
Best Travel-Friendly Eyelash Curler
Conair True Glow by Conair Mini Heated Eyelash Curler
Best Travel-Friendly Eyelash Curler
Conair True Glow by Conair Mini Heated Eyelash Curler
All this mini heated curler needs is a AAA battery to power it up. The device fits nicely in a pocket or a purse for quick lash touch-ups on-the-go—perfect for moments when applying a pair of falsies just isn't in the cards.
Customer review:
"I haven’t used an eyelash curler in about 20 years. I used to have one of those guillotine type torture devices that leave a crimp in your eyelashes and often pluck a few out. Then I saw this heated thing. Like a tiny curling iron for your eyelashes? Not exactly. It turns out that all you do is sweep it against your eyelashes just like you would if you were applying mascara. It works great and quickly (let it heat up first), does not pull out my eyelashes, and leaves a very natural curl. I wish I had discovered this thing 10 years ago!" —tucker
How to use:
Start near the base of your upper lashes, hold for eight to 10 seconds; Repeat a needed to customize your look; Finish your look with a coat of your favorite mascara.
Here's a popular wand that uses gentle heat to curl your lashes, and works even better after you've applied a few coats of your favorite mascara. Since it features an easy rechargeable battery, you'll never have to worry about running out of batteries.
Customer review:
"My lashes grow straight and I’ve been frustrated for years using handheld curlers—they just don’t cut for me. Finally decided it was time to get serious and get a heated lash curler. OMG. That’s all I’ve got to say. You have to be careful but wowza does this curl my lashes!" —Linda W.
How to use:
Apply mascara while your device heats up, next, place the comb side at the base, roll toward eyelid and hold for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, brush from root to tip.
Here's a coveted curler from Blinc that uses a heated comb to separate and curl lashes starting at the root, and is powered by a single AAA battery. And since it has a built-in comb applicator, it can curl even the shortest of lashes.
Customer review:
"Really a great eyelash curler. This is my second one and I've been using them for years. Works well before or after mascara. If using after mascara, be sure to clean off the make up build up every once in a while so the heat can get through." —Pompote
How to use:
Curl upwards, keeping the comb pressed against lashes for five seconds.
Over 4,159 Amazon customers swear by this tool trio that includes a lash comb and wand—which features three heating options—to lengthen and separate your lashes. As an added bonus, the set is currently on sale for close to 30 percent off.
Customer review:
"I have never been able to curl my lashes, ever. This product is a game changer, it works! It has a sleek look, a lash comb and cleaning brush. So worth the money. Works right out of the box and yes, the cord is included. Great product." —Lisa B.
How to use:
Apply mascara, curl lashes, curl lashes, add mascara again to shape.
Here's another one-step curler that uses a set of silicone pads to curve your lashes, and features an ergonomic design that won't leave you with a hand cramp.
Customer review:
"I broke my old eyelash curler and thought this one could be a fun new one. It works way better than I thought it could. It leaves my eyelashes looking longer than I have ever seen them and more full. It's very easy to use and now I don't even really wear mascara. My lashes look so thick and luxurious. I love this!" —Zara
How to use:
Place lashes between warmed silicone pads and gently squeeze.
This heated curler contains an LCD temperature display with four temperature setting, and includes a nickel-chromium rod to give your lashes even heat distribution. As an added bonus, the tool can be used on falsies, extensions, and even your brows for up to 75 minutes continually.
How to use:
When the power is fully charged, press the on/off button to start the device. Pressing the button once will take you to the first heating mode that sets the temperature to 149ºF/65ºC. Two presses sets the temperature to 167ºF/75ºC. Three presses sets the temperature to 185ºF/85ºC. Four presses sets the temperature to 203ºF/95ºC. When you press the button a fifth time, the curler will power off.
Do heated eyelash curlers really work?
Using one of the best heated curlers is an easy and effective way to add length and volume with or with the help of mascara, extensions, or falsies. While some may feature a set of silicone pads, the gentle heat of the device does the heavy-lifting when it comes to curling your eyelashes.
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Which type of heated eyelash curler is best?
The best kind of heated eyelash curler is one that you feel comfortable using. There are a number of different curler design options on the market—including wands and those with dual heated pads—which is why we recommend paying attention to how each tool's unique features correspond with your needs before buying one.
Does heating your eyelashes damage them?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, using too much heat around the eye can ultimately damage your lashes and cause fall out. When used in moderation and at lower temperature settings, heated curlers can be a helpful tool in enhancing eye makeup looks and maximizing the impact of your mascara.
Meet the Experts
Natasha Herz, M.D., is the clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.