Should you curl eyelashes before or after applying mascara?

If you really like your lashes to stand out you’ve probably wondered about the curl and mascara combo. It’s one of those things where different people have different approaches, as some people think that curling after mascara means the curl stays in longer, whilst others swear the curl has to come first.  

Knowing the right answer is the key to getting lashes that aren’t just gorgeous but healthy. So, check out the simple explainer we’ve put together below and you’ll soon be curling like a champion. 

What do curlers do? 

Curlers press your eyelashes upwards, making them look longer and more vibrant. It’s easy to spot lashes that have been given the curl treatment, they really jump out!  

Are you using your curler the right way? Click here to find out. 

When should I use a curler? 

It’s time to put the debate to rest because all of the experts now agree – the best time to curl is BEFORE you apply your mascara. Why is this? Well, mascaras can weigh down your lashes and make them more brittle. If you curl lashes that have had mascara applied to them, they are more likely to break. Some mascaras can also be a little sticky to the touch, so sometimes when you press down on the lashes you might get one or two which stick to your curler. When this happens, you run the risk of pulling out these lashes when you take away the curler. 

What about the rest of my makeup? 

Now that you know when you’re supposed to be curling your lashes, the next question is where everything else fits in. If you’re curling before lashes, does that mean you’re curling after eyeshadow? Well, this is where things get interesting. In fact, a lot of the top makeup artists recommend both. Give your eyelashes one curl before you apply your eyeshadow, then once you’ve finished your eyeshadow, give them another curl. This will ensure your lashes get a last-minute boost just before you apply your mascara.  

An insider trick 

Whilst you’ve seen that curling after you’ve applied mascara to your lashes to bake in the curl isn’t a good idea, there is another trick that can help. After you’ve curled your lashes, consider applying a waterproof mascara before your regular mascara. Thanks to its extra strength, the waterproof mascara will act like hairspray, fixing in that curl.  

Not a curling day? 

If you fancy giving the eyelash curler a miss altogether, the speedy option is to throw on a false lash. False lashes have a natural curl applied to their shape so you can give your lash line an instant lift in seconds without worrying about lots of different steps.  

And if you want to keep your look as natural as possible, the new trend for clear-band false lashes is a fantastic alternative to something that is more made-up. In fact, we’ve just launched our very own range of clear-band lashes called the SuperNatural Lash Series, they’re just as gorgeous and reliable as our Girl Lash Series and they’re able to blend invisibly into your natural lash line. For the most natural look, try our Cassiopeia set.  

And trust us, if you’re in the mood for instant curl that looks like your lashes have just woken up that way, SuperNatural is the answer!