The Eyelash Curler Debate: Should you save or splurge?

Today’s confession is this: I have not curled or applied masacara to my lashes in three weeks. And for someone who wears glasses, not curling stick-straight lashes is a big no-no. So let me tell you the second part of my confession:

I accidentally cut off my eyelashes. 

Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened. I’ve finally come to realize that both instances can pretty much be traced to the same problem: I was using cheap eyelash curlers. Now that I've learned my lesson, I felt it was important to share them and shed light on why it may be a good idea to spend more on your eyelash curler.

Cheap eyelash curlers may do more harm than good

Admittedly, it’s difficult to justify blowing off more than P300 on an eyelash curler. While there are some affordable, high-performing ones, these seem to be the exception rather than the norm.

I once purchased an unbranded eyelash curler from a supermarket for less than P100, and I ended up with the dreaded L-shaped eyelashes. The cheapskate in me refused to throw it out, and I patiently curled every third interval to make the curl look more natural. This became my morning routine until, two months after purchase, the pad slipped while I was curling and snipped off the tips of my eyelashes! To make the difference less noticeable, I had to use regular mascara on one eye, and a lengthening formula on the one with clipped lashes.

Invest in and replace your tools regularly

Now, a good eyelash curler should give you a natural curl and won’t pinch your eyelids. It also makes curling your lashes very easy, so you avoid having to resort to potentially dangerous techniques like heating up the lash curler with a blowdryer and effectively turning it into a mini curling iron. You really don't want hot tools anywhere near your eye area!

As I mentioned in the anecdote above, cheap eyelash curlers require repeated crimping to get lashes to curl. It doesn't sound so bad until you realize that applying repeated pressure can make your hair brittle. That's why even though there are no sharp edges in the curler, accidentally cutting off your lashes is easy enough when they're weakened. 

Even good quality curlers can turn into a disaster waiting to happen when they're not properly maintained. The protective pad on the curler gets softer and begins to break down with regular use, so it's a good idea to replace this regularly. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to properly curl your lashes and you may find yourself pressing harder and longer just to get them to curl.

Good tools and the right technique are a necessary combo for fabulous lashes

While I’m not discouraging you from using affordable tools, I highly suggest you transition to more durable brands. If you’re on a budget, stick to a reputable department store brand such as the F&S Cosmetics curler. You can also check out the one from Etude House that is rumored to be great for monolids because it has a flatter shape that make it easier to reach the roots and create a more dramatic effect. If you don't know how to curl your lashes, we have an easy tutorial on how to create the perfect curl.

After this last snafu, I am finally ready to invest in a good eyelash curler. Right now, the choices are down to three brands: Bobbi Brown,  Shiseido, and Shu Uemura. These three are known for having pads that last for months (though pad replacement should be done every six months), have minimal eyelid pinching, create natural-looking curls that lasts for hours, AND can reach the teeny lashes in your inner corner!

I have yet to decide which one to purchase! What eyelash curler do you use? Which of these would you want to get for yourself?