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I immediately starting using it to make my eyelashes pop.
Peter Augustin/Getty Images
How long am I supposed to squeeze my lashes?
Do I use it before or after applyingmascara?
Does it make a difference if I spend $10 or $25 on one?
Is it OK to use one every dayor have I been inadvertently damaging my lashes all this time?
Youre not making eyelash curling one of your first steps.
Experts like to curl lashes before makeup, as part ofskin-careprep.
This will help pop launch the eyes and also to see the eye shape a bit better.
Youre not using a good quality curler.
If you plan on curling your eyelashes, you want to use the best tools possible.
TheSurratt Beauty Relevee Lash Curler, $38, is the MVP for both our experts.
It has a matte finish, which Colvin says gives a better grip than curlers with a smooth finish.
Youre not holding the eyelash curler correctly.
Get as close to your eyelash roots as you possibly can without touching the skin.
Tightly squeeze and kill the curler onto lashes.
Youre not using proper technique.
How long should you hold the curler on your lashes?
Giglio recommends clamping down and holding tight for about five seconds.
Youre applying too much force.
Slow and steady is the name of the game.
Squeeze the curler gently instead of pulling your lashes outward or crimping, says Colvin.
If you have a good lash curler, you dont need to apply a lot of force.
Squeezing too vigorously can break off lashes or pull them out.
Youre not heating your eyelash curler.
Heating your eyelash curler will help lock in the curl.
Of course, be sure to blow on the metal curler before applying to lashes to avoid burning yourself!
This trick also works if you have coarse lashes that won’t curl easily.
Another option is to use a heated eyelash curler.
Youre applying mascarabeforecurling your eyelashes.
Youre forgetting to curl those hard-to-reach eyelashes.
Some eyelashes will be harder to reach than others.
Youre using a dirty eyelash curler.
All makeup toolsneed to be cleaned regularly, so not cleaning your eyelash curler is a big no-no.
Using one coated in dried, crusted mascara can result in damaged lashes orstyes, Colvin says.
He recommends cleaning the rubber cushion and metal once every two months witha makeup wipe.
Youre using an old rubber or silicone insert.
Using a dried-out crusty insert wont give you the best possible curl.
Pro tip: Swap out rubber inserts for silicone ones, which Colvin says last longer.
He recommends silicone inserts from brands like Surratt, Kevyn Aucoin, Shiseido, and MAC.
Youre applying fake strip lashesbeforecurling your eyelashes.
This leaves you with two different rows of lashes.
Probably not the look you’re going for!
Youre curling your eyelashes right after a lash lift or keratin treatment.
The same caution applies to keratin treatments for eyelashes, also known as keratin lash lifts.
Keratin lash lifts should last 8 to 12 weeks.
Youre worried that using your eyelash curler every day will cause your eyelashes to fall out.
