How to Curl Lashes Without an Eyelash Curler

1. The Spoon Method

Maybe you encountered this method through TikTok, or maybe it was passed down to you from your cool aunt. Either way, using a metal spoon to curl lashes has endured through the years because it’s effective and user-friendly. Make sure you have a clean, sanitized spoon (this is going near your eyes after all) and hold it with the concave portion of the spoon facing away from you. Position the tip of the spoon at the center point of your eyes, keeping the edge of the spoon against your lash line with lashes on the outside. 

Then, you’ll want to use your free hand to press a finger against the spoon (pinning the lashes in between your finger and the spoon). This is where the magic happens—gently “scoop” the spoon down and outward, which will curl your lashes as they press against the curved side of the spoon. Repeat as many times as needed to get to the outer corners of your eyes. This method is easy to use after you’ve finished your eye makeup, just top with your mascara of choice. 

Note: Some may suggest using a hair dryer or hot water to heat the spoon beforehand, but we think it’s best to avoid any heat to be safe. 

2. Mascara Wand Double Duty

If you only have your mascara tube on hand, the wand can help curl eyelashes as well. While any wand can do the job, a wider, fluffier spoolie will yield the best results since they’re already designed to help lift and curl. 

Just like a normal swipe of mascara, you’ll position the wand against the base of the lashes and gently wiggle the wand side to side while you pull up and away to the tips. The difference here is you’re going to hold the wand at the tip of the lashes (without letting the lashes fall) for a good 10 to 15 seconds while the mascara dries—effectively freezing the lashes in their curled, lifted position. 

3. Cotton Swab It

TikTok makeup tips strike again! This particular hack takes advantage of that quick window between mascara being applied and drying, so you’ll have to work fast. After applying any eyeliner and eyeshadow, apply a coat of mascara as usual and, while it’s still wet, take a cotton swab (held horizontally) and press the plastic tube against the base of your lashes—lift and slowly move the swab to the ends of your lashes. Then, hold for 10 seconds at the top until the mascara dries. Be careful to keep the swab ends away from your mascara so the fibers don’t stick to your lashes.

4. Grab a Toothbrush

Similar to the cotton swab method, you’ll need a new, never-been-used toothbrush (you don’t want to risk bacteria spreading!) to brush through your lashes after applying a coat of mascara. Hold the fibers of the toothbrush at the tips of the lashes until your mascara dries, which should hold the lashes nicely in place. Since the lashes will be going through the toothbrush fibers, you’ll get a good amount of lash separation too—win, win. 

5. Swipe with Aloe Vera 

Kind of like a gentle lash lift, a small dollop of aloe vera applied with a clean mascara spoolie can help curl and hold your lashes in place. It’s best to use a thin coat of aloe vera and skip the mascara, so you don’t end up with any unwanted flaking. If you want an extra boost of nourishment for your lashes, you can swap the aloe for a little castor oil, which adds moisture to your lashes and helps ward off breakage.

Keep your makeup kits stocked with the essentials for your everyday and special occasion glam—eyelash curlers included. Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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