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Why Do We Need Eyelash Curlers in Our Lives?
There are very few beauty products out there that deliver instant results – but eyelash curlers are certainly one of them. You probably spend more time comparing mascara wands or picking out the perfect shade of concealer – but according to experts (and little old me!), eyelash curlers are the key to achieving the dramatic, glamorous look you want. Come with us as we take a look at the comparison of two of the best eyelash curlers around – Shu Uemera Vs. Shiseido Eyelash Curlers and learn all about each of these tools.
If you’re an eyelash curler fan, you know precisely how this tiny tool can transform your entire look – seriously.
Of course, eyelash curlers work wonders to make your lashes appear longer and fuller – which is fantastic. But they also position your lashes upwards – creating the illusion of bigger, well-rested eyes. Even better? A quality eyelash curler smooths and primes your lashes for flawless mascara application!
So let’s take a look at these two lash curling heavyweights – Shu Uemera and Shiseido and learn what makes them both so great, and which curler is the right curler for you.
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The Origins of Eyelash Curlers
Lights. Camera. Lashes?
In the Golden Age of Hollywood, everybody who’s anybody wanted flawless Katharine Hepburn eyelashes. Women around the world were coming up with ways to achieve this camera-ready look. Insert – the first-ever eyelash curler.
In response to this demand, in 1931, William Joseph Beldue patented the first eyelash curler in Rochester, New York. This uber-popular tool was inexpensive and expertly designed. The original device doesn’t look much different from the eyelash curlers we love and use today!
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How Eyelash Curlers Work
It’s no secret that eyelash curlers produce immediate results – so, you’re probably thinking, “How does it actually work? Is it safe?”
Although eyelash curlers have gotten a bad rap for looking like a medieval torture device, they are super safe and effective! Curlers are typically made of metal but have soft rubber or silicone pads that protect your lashes from damage. The natural curve of the tool presses against your top lashes – holding the beautifully fanned curve in place for hours.
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The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler Review
From makeup artists to beauty bloggers, the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is a cult favorite that continues to get rave reviews from users – including Hilary Duff!
At first glance, this product looks like any other eyelash curler – but its high-quality features and calculated design makes it stand out from the rest. Award-winning Tokyo makeup artist Mr. Shu Uemura took the original design from 1931 and vowed to create something better – and then, he did.
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The Design
The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler has a ton of design features that make it super practical and unique. To start, the company is super serious about safety and comfort (and you’ve probably heard the nightmare story of eyelash curlers ripping lashes out – ahh!). Luckily, Shu Uemura’s new silicone pad provides an extra layer of protection for your lashes to ensure no breakage or damage.
On top of that, the curler’s ergonomic handles make it super easy to curl with control. The engineering of its patented metal hinge produces the perfect amount of pressure for an optimum curl that stays in place – all day long. Shu Uemura’s new “mushroom” frame shape creates a super-curly, C-shaped lash style.
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.The Pros:
- Defined, curly eyelashes
- High-quality silicon pad for ultimate safety
- Ergonomic handle for precise curl control
- New “mushroom” shaped frame
- Purchase includes one silicon pad refill
- Shiny silver metal finish
The Cons:
- May not work as well on smaller eyes due to the wide frame (30mm) and high curve (9.5mm)
- Cost – the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is one of the most expensive curlers on the market!
- Shu Uemura doesn’t sell silicone pad refills separately (AKA – when you need a new silicon pad, you have to buy another curler – sigh)
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Best Suited For:
Large, round eyes.
Not Suited For:
Smaller eyes, wide eyes, hooded eyelids.
Price:
Somewhere in the ballpark of just over USD$20.00
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Find the Shu Umera Eyelash Curler here.
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The Shiseido Eyelash Curler Review
The Shiseido Eyelash Curler is also an all-time favorite for many celebrities and influencers. Several award-winning makeup artists swear by it and refuse to use any other tool on their clients. According to Vanessa Scali (Anna Kendrick and Christina Hendrick’s makeup artist), the Shiseido eyelash curler’s solid design “hits the ‘Goldilocks’ zone for firmness and roundness – it can curl even the smallest of lashes!”
This timeless eyelash curler gets all the rave reviews from users.
But what makes this tool the #1 eyelash curler in the US?
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The Design
The Shiseido lash curler is solid metal with silicon pads – similar to other eyelash curlers, but the frame measurements certainly make it unique and user-friendly.
The Shiseido frame is shallow and wide. Why does this matter? Absolutely. No. Pinching.
Yes!
The shallow arc of the curler is only 6 millimeters deep, but the frame itself is nearly 30 millimeters wide – creating a flatter curve that hits all the right spots. If you have a flatter eyelid, it is pretty much impossible to curl your lashes if the frame has a deeper curve. An eyelash curler with a flatter curve also ensures that you get super close to the lash roots and curl the entire lash – not just the tips.
But wait, there’s more! When the curler is open, there is plenty of space (7 millimeters) to snuggle your lash roots in with absolutely no hassle or painful pinching. The New York Times tested the Shiseido Eyelash Curler on several differently shaped eyes and found that it “nipped eyelids much less often than its competitors.“
The Pros:
- Elongated, luminous lashes
- Shallow, wide frame that curls even the tiniest lashes
- Large opening that guarantees curl without pinching
- Smooth silicon padding to protect your lashes from crimping and damage
- Sleek gunmetal black finish
- Shiseido sells silicone pad refills – so you can keep your curler!
- Voted the best Asian eyelash curler
The Cons:
- May not work as well on bigger, rounder eyes due to the shallow curve
- No cushion on the handles – user reviews mention occasional hand slips Best For: wide eyes, smaller eyes, almond-shaped eyes, flatter eyelids
Not Suited For:
Large, round eye shapes
Price:
Similarly north of USD $20.00
Find the Shiseido Eyelash Curler here.
How to Choose the Best Eyelash Curler for Your Eyes (in the Shu Uemera Vs. Shiseido Debate)
Eyelash curlers are a definite game-changer, but even the best OG eyelash curlers won’t work on everyone’s lashes. Why?
Eyes come in all shapes and sizes (like snowflakes!) – which is fantastic. That’s why choosing an eyelash curler that will accentuate and highlight your natural beauty is soooo important.
If You Have Round, Wide Eyes
If your eyes are more circular and have a wider diameter (like Amanda Seyfried), you’ll want to choose an eyelash curler that is curved enough to fit your rounded lash line. You will also want to check out the length of the frame. A longer frame will be able to catch all the smaller lashes near the edges of your eye. If the frame is too short, you won’t be able to grasp all your lashes at once.
Celebrity makeup artist, Andre Sarmiento, recommends the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler because the frame is “slightly rounded, but still has some flatness to it so that it works well on wider eyes, as well as rounder eyes…”
If You Have Almond Shaped Eyes…
If you have deep-set eyes with more of an almond shape, then you know the struggle all too well… painful pinching that leaves your eyes red and irritated.
Well, you’re not alone – a recent study found that 79% of women with almond eye shapes reported pinching every time they use an eyelash curler. People with almond-shaped eyes should go for a curler with a shallow curve and an extra-wide opening to avoid this.
The Tweezerman Pro Master Lash Curler (winner of the Beauty Award Breakthrough) is your best bet! It has a 38-degree angle + a super large opening that guarantees a comfortable, seamless curling experience. The Tweezerman Pro is also the go-to tool of celebrity makeup artist and influencer – Patrick Ta.
It also happens to be my favorite lash curler! I think I have 3 of these (Shhh!!!) I have a particular soft spot for the Rose Gold finish. Get it here NOW!!
If You Have Smaller Eyes…
Curling your lashes when you have smaller eyes can be… tricky. You need to find a tool that fits the slight curve of your eye and captures all lashes with one pass. Sound familiar?
Next time you’re shopping around, be on the lookout for an eyelash curler that has a super shallow arc (7 millimeters or less!)
Although the Shiseido Eyelash Curler has a broader frame, beauty experts recommend it for smaller eyes because the perfectly engineered frame is more likely to fit your natural eye curve.
If You Have Hooded Eyes…
Hooded eyes have a heavier brow bone and a deeper eye crease. If you have hooded eyes, then you know the struggle… is real. Many people with hooded eyes experience severe pinching when using an eyelash curler that’s not right for them – ouch!
To combat this, you’ll need a curler that can give you a super comfortable, soft fit. Experts at Lash Envy Beauty recommend finding an eyelash curler with a wider opening and a soft pad density to avoid painful pinches.
Although it’s a bit pricey, the Surratt Relevee Lash Curler is the all-time favorite for hooded eyes. Its 10.5-millimeter opening and super-soft silicone padding make for a gentle curling experience with beautiful results.
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Want more lash talk? Find out How to Get Eyelash Glue Off Your Skin in 4 Easy Ways (and 1 Not-So-Easy-Way)
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Shu Uemura Vs. Shiseido
Both eyelash curlers are certainly standout stars – but which tool will give you the beautifully- fanned lashes you’re looking for?
Although the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler works wonders for more substantial eyes, the Shiseido Eyelash Curler claims victory here.
Its longer frame, shallow arc, and more significant opening guarantee instant satisfaction for a wide variety of eye shapes – and the proof is in the product reviews. All you have to do is some hard target digging, and find out what’s best for you!
