A heated eyelash curler uses gentle warmth to help your lashes hold a curl, the same idea as using a warm tool on hair. Instead of pinching your lashes in a clamp, you brush or press them upward with a warm comb or pad. Whether it works for you depends on your lashes and what you want. Here is how it compares with a regular curler and how to use one safely.
Full disclosure: Pilamie sells a heated eyelash curler. The guidance below applies to most pen style heated curlers.
Short answer
- Yes, for many people a heated curler helps lashes look lifted, and the curl often holds better when you follow it with mascara.
- It is gentler on placement than a clamp, since there is no pinch point at the base of the lash.
- Results vary. Very straight or downward lashes may need a few passes, and how long the curl lasts depends on your lashes, humidity and mascara.
Heated curler vs clamp curler
| Heated curler | Clamp curler | |
|---|---|---|
| How it curls | Warm comb lifts and shapes lashes | Pressure bends lashes at one point |
| Learning curve | Easy, a few sweeps | Easy, but it is possible to pinch the lid |
| Curl shape | Gradual lift from base to tip | Can leave a sharp crimp if held too long |
| Hard to reach lashes | Pen shape reaches inner and outer corners | Fixed width, corners are harder |
| Power | Needs charging | None |
How to use a heated eyelash curler
- Start with clean, dry lashes. Use it before mascara, or on lashes with one light coat that has fully dried.
- Turn it on and let it warm up. Many pen style curlers warm up in seconds. If yours has heat settings, start with the lower one.
- Test the warmth on the back of your hand. It should feel warm, not hot.
- Place the comb at the base of your upper lashes, comb side touching the lashes, not your eyelid.
- Hold for a few seconds, then sweep slowly upward toward the tips. Repeat two or three times.
- Do the corners by tilting the pen to reach the inner and outer lashes.
- Finish with mascara to help hold the curl, and turn the curler off.
Using it with false lashes
- Strip lashes: curl your natural lashes before you apply the strip. A gentle pass afterward can help the two blend, as long as you keep the heat away from the glue.
- Lash clusters: curl your natural lashes first, then apply clusters underneath. Avoid heating the clusters and bond afterward unless your bond brand says it is safe, since heat can soften some bonds.
Pairing it with lashes? See our guides to applying lash clusters and getting cat eye lashes.
Who it suits
A heated curler is a good fit if a clamp curler pinches you, if your lashes are short and hard to grip, or if you want a curler that fits in a makeup bag for touch ups. If your lashes already hold a curl well with a clamp, you may not notice much difference.
Safety
- Use it on lashes only, never on the eyelid or skin.
- Do not use it on irritated eyes, after eye surgery, or with lash extensions unless your technician says it is fine.
- Keep it away from children and turn it off after use.
- Do not use it while moving, such as in a car.
Our heated eyelash curler is pen shaped, has two heat settings and charges over USB. Pair it with lashes from our lash and eye beauty collection: buy 2 or more items and get 15% off automatically.