Many of us envy the long, thick eyelashes of celebrities, yet few of us are born with them naturally looking that way.
When used correctly, an eyelash curler can give your lashes amped up curl, length, and volume. This gives you the classic doe-eyed appearance you crave. An eyelash curler is one of the least expensive, yet most important items you should have in your beauty toolbox.
The History of the Eyelash Curler
The eyelash curler is an invention that is every beauty-savvy person’s dream. In 1923, the Stickel Company was founded by three investors in New York, but just three years later, in 1928, the name of the company was changed to the Kurlash Company.
This company was founded in order to market the Kurlash Natural Eyelash Curler which was invented in 1932 by Charles W. Stickel and William R. Tuttle.
The Kurlash eyelash curler was marketed to women as a curler that provided natural curl without pastes and creams.
A few years later it was replaced by a more “modern” replica which was less expensive. Salesmen began stocking shelves with the new eyelash curler and it was also widely sold in mail order magazines.
In 1930 the Kurlash Company began selling lash tints and other cosmetics.
Over the years, the eyelash curler hasn’t changed much. For the most part, it’s one of those inventions that doesn’t need much tweaking. This gives a new meaning to the phrase, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”.
The How-to’s of Eyelash Curling
An eyelash curler can do more harm than good if not used properly. It is very important to be gentle and cautious while curling your lashes in order to prevent natural lash breakage or shedding.
Make sure that the eyelash curler you use is clean and free of makeup and debris.
Take a look at the pads and make sure that they don’t have excessive wear.
Pads should be changed every few months in order to keep lashes clean and in good condition.
Here are the basic steps to take in order to curl your lashes to extraordinary lengths:
Step One
Before you begin, make sure your hands and the curler have been cleaned with soap and water and are completely dry. This prevents germs from spreading into your eye area.
Step Two
Curl your lashes before applying mascara. If you apply mascara first, you risk having your natural lashes stick to the curler and this can cause breakage. Ouch! Mascara can seriously clump in an eyelash curler, and no one wants clumpy lashes.
Step Three
If you plan to use false lashes, first refer to the instruction booklet to get the guided recommendations for the application of mascara and lash curling tips.
Step Four
Get ready! Tilt your head back slightly so that you can fully see your upper lashes, or lift your brow with your finger to open the eye for an ample upper lash viewing area.
Optional Hack: To lock the curl, you can place the eyelash curler underneath the warm air of a hairdryer for a few seconds to warm it up. Be careful to test the degree of warmth on your arm before applying the curler to your delicate eye area.
Step Five
While looking into the mirror, place the eyelash curler at the base of the upper lashes and gently squeeze your lashes between the curler and the pad. Hold for ten seconds. After the ten-second hold, pump the eyelash curler a few times and hold once more. Release. Now pump/squeeze moving slowly up to the tips of the lashes. Hold for a few seconds at the tips. Release.
Step Six
Grab your favorite mascara and apply. Sometimes a few coats are necessary to achieve the bold length and volume you desire. Be careful not to apply too much mascara though. This may weigh the curl down which defeats the purpose of curling. If you are using false lashes, skip this step and apply your false lashes as directed.
Voila! You have achieved full-on, fluffed-up lash volume!
Eyelash Curling Safety Tips
As with anything else, there are a few other things you should be aware of when curling your eyelashes.
- Be gentle. You are working in the eye area and the skin here is very thin. You don’t want to risk damage.
- Try not to use an eyelash curler every single day. While it’s okay to curl your lashes several times per week, daily use can cause your natural lashes to become brittle, which then risks shedding. Just be aware of your lash health. If they look dry and brittle, skip the curler for a few days.
- It is important to replace the pads of the eyelash curler every few months. This assures that your lashes will have that pillow softness to land on while you’re curling. Over time the pads become flattened and dirty. This can cause damage to the lashes if they are not replaced.
How To Clean an Eyelash Curler
Cleaning your eyelash curler is something you don’t want to forget to do. Clean cosmetic tools support healthy practices. This prevents infection and irritation of the eyes, skin, and nails.
Here are some easy steps for keeping your eyelash curler clean after each use:
- Dip a cotton pad into rubbing alcohol and wipe the curler all over with the cleaner.
- Rinse the eyelash curler in warm water.
- Dry and store in a cool, dry place.
If stubborn makeup or mascara is hard to remove, simply get the gunk warm with a hairdryer. This makes removal easier. Once the mess is removed, clean using the above steps.
If you have had pink eye, it is best to throw that eyelash curler away and replace it with a new one. Pink eye is an unpleasant eye infection that is highly contagious and must be treated by a doctor. It’s best not to risk eye re-contamination.
Achieving the Lash Look You Want
There are many options available in the beauty industry to achieve a full lash vibe.
The timeless eyelash curler can be used for precision and curl by itself or as a sidekick to your favorite faux lash.
We at Glamnetic have compiled all of the necessary accessories for reaching that full-on dramatic effect. We offer everything from eyelash curlers and combs, to mirrors, and makeup clean-up cloths and pens.
If you want a va-va-voom lash, we also carry magnetic lashes. These lashes are easy to apply, waterproof, paraben and latex-free, and reusable! Our lash quiz can help you decide which lashes fit your eye shape best.
Pulling off the daily routine of your cosmetic ritual can feel like a sense of achievement. An eyelash curler can help you achieve your look by secretly giving your lashes a natural curl with or without mascara.
Eyelash curlers have been used by women for decades. Today it is a staple in the makeup and beauty industry. So grab an eyelash curler and create your own unique look.
Sources:
US1904575A - Eyelash curler | Patents
How Do I Choose the Best Eyelash Curler Refills? | Wise-Geek
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention | WebMD