8 Best Heated Eyelash Curlers of 2023
Get lifted lashes, stat.
Reviewed by Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
There are a variety of ways to get your dream lashes: lash extensions, lash lifts, so-called growth serums and more. All are great options but they can be time-consuming, costly or take a while to see results. If you're looking for quick but noticeable results, consider a heated eyelash curler, the 2.0 version of a classic curler.
"Eyelash curlers are devices that are designed to temporarily change the shape of your lashes to lift them and/or curl them," says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab 's executive director. "Traditional curlers use mechanical compression to achieve this look and the heated ones use a gentle heat source to increase the pliability of your lashes to then lock in the desired shape."
Keep reading for the top-rated and reviewed heated eyelash curlers for your most lifted lashes ever.
Our top picks:
One thing to take note of before we get to our reviews: While heated eyelash curlers can give you lifted and curled lashes in just a few seconds, there are some risks involved. "The biggest is the risk of burns to the eyelid skin, as the skin there is much thinner and more delicate than elsewhere on the face," says Dr. Ashley Brissette, M.D., an opthamologist in New York City and founder of Daily Practice. "There is also the small risk of potentially singeing the lashes — it's rare but can happen if the curler gets too hot. The last thing to look out for: with the heat being close to the eye, it could cause eye dryness and irritation which could lead to pain and blurry vision."
Pros
- Has safety slot to protect eyelids from heat
- Curved shape to reach shorter lashes
Cons
- May take multiple applications to see a difference
Grande Cosmetics' top-rated heated curler is all about being safe and efficacious at the same time. It features a grooved safety slot that is designed to protect eyes and skin from direct contact with heat. The curved shape makes sure to reach every lash and it has two heat settings, allowing you to choose which level you are comfortable with.
"It's the best lash lift ever; the ends of my lashes don't get curled so they extend over the eye bone instead of hitting it," says one Ulta reviewer. "I could never achieve this with traditional curlers." Be patient when using — some reviewers felt that it took multiple swipes to see results.
| Power source: | Rechargeable with USB cable |
| Number of heat settings: | Two |
| Curling mechanism: | Heat |
Pros
- Heats up quickly, but doesn't get too hot
- Good value
- Ergonomic
Cons
- Some feel it didn't curl their lashes enough
Easy to hold, use and budget-friendly? Yes, really. This pretty pink tool has a curved shape with a flexible silicone pad for comfortable curling. It heats up and works quickly but never gets too hot.
"While it does get warm enough to curl your lashes, it doesn't get hot," says one Walmart reviewer. "I was able to run my finger across the silicone band after it heated up with no problem." While this one was loved by most reviewers, a few said it didn't curl their lashes well.
| Power source: | Battery included |
| Number of heat settings: | One |
| Curling mechanism: | Heat and mechanical |
Pros
- Auto shutoff feature
- Doesn't pinch eyelids, according to Amazon reviewers
Cons
- May not be ideal for all eye shapes
A top seller on Amazon, this Vyaji heated curler heats up in just five seconds and works its curling magic quickly too, according to reviewers. It features two temperature options, an auto shutoff feature and a comfortable-to-use design.
"I've used different electric lash curlers before and this one seems to be better than the rest," says one Amazon user. "It does not pinch lids which is wonderful." One complaint a reviewer had was that it didn't work well for their big almond-shaped eyes, so it may not be ideal for all eye shapes and sizes.
| Power source: | Rechargeable with USB cable |
| Number of heat settings: | Two |
| Curling mechanism: | Heat and mechanical |
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Heats up quickly
- Smart temperature sensor lets you know when it's heated
Cons
- Short battery life
Easy as 1, 2, 3! This foolproof portable curler has a smart temperature sensor that changes color when it's warm so you know it's ready to go. Just let the tool heat up, place lashes between the silicone pads and gently squeeze.
"It is very easy to hold...it heats up quickly and wow!" says one Amazon reviewer. "The difference it makes on my eye lashes is really noticeable." A few reviewers did comment on the short battery life so you may want to take batteries out in between uses.
| Power source: | Two AAA batteries needed, not included |
| Number of heat settings: | One |
| Curling mechanism: | Heat and mechanical |
Pros
- Doesn't get too hot
- Great for straight lashes
- Automatic power-off setting
Cons
- Some find it doesn't get sufficiently warm
Anlan's curler, a Walmart best seller, is compact and customizable, thanks to the two heat setting options. It uses a silicone pad to prevent damage to lashes and has an automatic power-off function after five minutes of non-use. Reviewers say they love it for all types of lashes, but specifically straight, stubborn ones.
"I have very straight, very stiff lashes," shares one Walmart reviewer. "I have used many lash curlers over the years and this is the first one that truly works well." Another comments that "this adds just the right amount of heat to get your eyelashes to curl perfectly but not too much to burn." A few users note that they didn't feel it got sufficiently warm, but our experts note that heat might not be as important a factor with this combo type curler, since you'll theoretically get some added help from the mechanical compression and shaping.
| Power source: | Type C rechargeable battery included |
| Number of heat settings: | Two |
| Curling mechanism: | Heat and mechanical |
Pros
- Safe for lash extensions, per the brand
- Can be used after mascara
- Separates lashes
Cons
- Batteries not included
This portable silver curler is designed to be used after mascara and safe for lash extensions, too, according to the brand. It will smooth out any mascara clumps and help to separate lashes. According to the brand, it is painless and won't cause any damage to your natural lashes. Just be careful if you like low heat; this one only has one heat setting.
| Power source: | Single AA battery, not included |
| Number of heat settings: | One |
| Curling mechanism: | Heat |
Pros
- Comes with other lash tools
- Can be used with mascara
- Has three heat settings
Cons
- Doesn't work as well without mascara
Think of this as your all-in-one eyelash tool set. In addition to a heated curler with three heat settings, it also comes with a lash comb and cleaning brush (just be very careful not to poke your eye with these tools, warn our beauty experts!).
Plus, it works really well on hooded eyes, according to reviewers. "My eye lashes droop down a lot and this kept them up until I washed off my makeup," says one reviewer, while another shares "It’s very easy to use and works with my Asian eyes." One thing to look out for is a few reviewers noted that it only works well with mascara on.
| Power source: | One lithium ion battery, not included |
| Number of heat settings: | Three |
| Curling mechanism: | Heat |
Pros
- Four heat settings
- Clear temperature display so you know which setting you are using
- Can be used on brows
Cons
- Pricey when compared with other heated curlers
With four different heat settings, Lash Star's heated curler has other similar tools beat when it comes to versatility and functionality. It's also a little more high-tech with an LCD temperature display and a nickel-chromium rod to evenly distribute heat along the lash line. This curler can be used on lash extensions and falsies and (bonus!) it can also be used to smooth out brows. The only downside is it's pricier than other models.
| Power source: | Rechargeable battery with included USB cable |
| Number of heat settings: | Four |
| Curling mechanism: | Heat |
How we choose the best heated eyelash curlers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists test hundreds of makeup products and beauty tools every year, from mascara to lipsticks to hair dryer brushes and more.
While our experts in the GH Beauty Lab have not yet formally tested heated eyelash curlers, we researched the market to find products from our go-to brands and retailers that are highly reviewed and rated.
What to look for when shopping for the best heated eyelash curlers
Both of our pros shared their top shopping tips to choose the best tool:
✔️ Make sure it has a low heat setting. "Look for one that's lower heat or has multiple temperature settings," says Dr. Brissette.
✔️ Confirm clinical testing. "Check if the brands have been tested clinically under an ophthalmologist's care," says Aral.
✔️ Look for a warranty. "I would only buy those with money-back return warranties," says Aral.
Do heated eyelash curlers really work and are they worth buying?
They do work, but you have to decide if using one is worth the risks. "I generally don’t recommend these, as I think it’s safer to curl your lashes with a mechanical curler to avoid any potential risks," says Dr. Brissette.
Aral feels that these tools work better for longer lashes as they "don’t get hot enough to shape shorter lashes," she says. "People with long lashes could perhaps have better luck as the tips of the lashes could be finer and easier to bend."
Heated curlers are sometimes instructed to be used on clean lashes before mascara is applied but Aral finds the ones that can be used with mascara to be the most effective. "The best use I have found for them is after applying mascara to help separate any clumps and then gently curve lashes," says Aral. "The curler gently warms up the waxes and polymers in the formula and then can lock in the shape in the lifted and curled position."
What’s the best way to use a heated eyelash curler?
"Test it on the skin on the back of your hand first to make sure it’s not too hot, and follow the instructions carefully," says Dr. Brissette. Each heated curler works differently so it's important to read all of the guidelines for that particular one before using. "Avoid repeated applications as the heat may lead to irritation or burns," she adds.
Can you use a heated eyelash curler while wearing contacts?
The short answer: yes, but proceed with extreme caution. "Again, there's a rare risk of poking the eye or causing a burn, but you should be extremely careful when using these, especially if you have contact lenses in," says Dr. Brissette. "There is (a small) potential it could damage the lens material on the eye."
Also, check the product's instructions to see if it says anything specific about contact lenses.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dori Price interviewed two experts for this article and compiled the list of top product picks. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing makeup stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including makeup artists and cosmetic chemists. She is an expert in all makeup product categories including eye, lip and face makeup, tools, professional services and more.
Birnur Aral shared her expertise on heated eyelash curler for the story. In addition to her 15 years of leading clinical and consumer testing in the Beauty Lab, Aral has R&D experience through her seven-year stint at Unilever U.S. She has contributed to content in countless beauty categories ranging from anti-aging products to sunscreen safety. She also has written explainers that tease out the science behind beauty products and debunk misconceptions.
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.
Birnur (she/her) led the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2007 to 2023. In addition to overseeing product testing and GH Seal applications, she conducted our annual Beauty Awards selection process and was an active leader in GH’s green initiatives, including the Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Summit. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she also has a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University.
Readers Also Read
Does Wonderskin's Lip Stain Live up to the Hype?
The Best At-Home Hair Color Products
The Best Wrinkle Creams
Our Beauty Pros Love These Perfumes
