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Lift & curl your lashes with your fingers, a spoon & more
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Curling your eyelashes gives you the appearance of longer, fuller lashes as well as brightening your eyes and making you look more awake. If you don’t have an eyelash curler or you simply don’t want to use one, you’re in luck. Simple household products like spoons and cotton swabs, as well as your very own fingers, easily give your lashes a long-lasting curl. Follow along with us as we show you several different ways to safely curl your eyelashes with step-by-step instructions!

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Curling Your Eyelashes with Your Fingers

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  1. With this simple method, your eyelashes tend to hold their shape and curl better when they’re clean and bare rather than coated with mascara.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Applying a little heat to your eyelashes helps them maintain their shape throughout the day. Just warm up your fingertips by blowing on them, rubbing them together, or running them under warm water for 1 minute.[1]
    • Wash your hands before you begin to ensure your fingers are free from germs. Touching your eyes with dirty fingers can irritate your eyes or cause an infection.
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  3. Use your pointer finger to lift your eyelashes up at the base of your water line and push them against the top of your eye. Just hold them there for at least 30 seconds. Then, repeat the motions along the inner and outer corners of your eye.[2]
    • Curl your lower lashes using the same method, too! Simply push your lower lashes down against your lower eyelid.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Apply 1 to 2 coats of mascara to set the curl, if desired. Place the mascara wand at the base of your lashes. Then, brush up your lashes, using a slight zig-zag or wiggling motion to coat and curl each lash.[3]
    • If your eyelashes get stuck together, gently comb them out with an eyelash comb so they don’t fall or lose their shape.
    • For an extra volumizing boost, place the wand behind your lashes and twist the brush up to curl your lashes back further.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Using a Spoon to Curl Your Eyelashes

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Grab a clean, regular-sized dinner spoon and set it inside a cup of warm water. Then, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to heat up. Warming up the metal helps create a better eyelash curl, giving your lashes a curling iron-like effect.[4]
    • Do not use a large spoon, like a serving spoon. The spoon needs to fit neatly over your eye so the curve of the spoon matches the curve of your eyelid.
    • Ensure the water is warm, not hot. A very hot spoon can potentially burn your lashes or eyelids.
  2. Wipe off the spoon with a towel so it’s completely dry. Then, hold it horizontally and set the concave side, or side that curves inward, gently against your eyelid. Just align the edge of the spoon so it rests against your upper lash line.[5]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Press your lashes against the spoon and hold them for 30 seconds. Use your finger to push your eyelashes against the outward curve of the spoon, or the convex side. Simply hold them to the warm metal for 30 seconds. Then, repeat with the lashes along the inner and outer corners of your eye.[6]
    • Repeat the process with the eyelashes on your other eye. If your spoon gets cool, simply heat it up in warm water.
    • Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes.

    Tip: If you want a more defined curl, repeat the process for another 30 seconds. Then, use this method to curl your bottom lashes.

  4. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Brush up your lashes with your favorite mascara to hold the curl in place for the rest of the day. If you want a more natural look, apply a clear mascara to set the curl.[7]
    • If your lashes clump together, comb them with an eyelash comb while the mascara is still wet. Just give them a quick brush, as too much combing can lose the curl.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Curling Your Lashes with Mascara

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Brush your eyelashes with your mascara, starting at the base of your lash and zig-zagging the wand up to the tips. When you get to the top of your lashes, curl the wand up and hold it in place for 10 seconds. This gives your eyelashes an extra boost that helps hold the curl.[8]
    • Apply 1 to 2 coats of mascara depending on the look you’re going for.
    • Do not wait to let your mascara dry before moving on to the next step. Your mascara still needs to be wet for the curl to hold.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Hold the plastic handle of a cotton swab horizontally along your upper lash line. Then, push it upwards to curl your eyelashes against your eyelid.[9]
    • Use any long, thin instrument to curl your lashes upward, like a makeup brush handle, cuticle pusher, or chopstick.
    • Or, hold your lashes up with the side of your finger.[10]
  3. Continue pushing your eyelashes into a curl with the cotton swab for 30 seconds. This ensures that your mascara dries in the shape of the curl, helping your eyelashes maintain their shape for the entire day.[11]
    • Repeat the process with the lashes along your inner and outer corners, as well as your lower lashes. Then, move on to your other eye.
  4. Hold your hair dryer at least 6 inches (15 cm) below your face and turn it on to its lowest setting. Then, aim it upwards to blow your lashes back and set them in their curl. Just move the dryer slowly back and forth so each lash gets heated and dried.[12]
    • Gently heating and drying the mascara helps the curl stay in place longer.
    • Don't use the hottest setting on your hair dryer. The hot air can hurt your eyes and damage your lashes.
    • This step is optional, so feel free to skip it if you're happy with your curl!
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Using Cotton Swabs to Curl Your Lashes

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Take the plastic handle of a cotton swab and hold it horizontally behind your upper eyelashes. Then, grab another cotton swab and press it in front of your lashes, just at the base of your lash line.[13]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Use the cotton swab in front of your eyelashes to press them upwards against the cotton swab behind your eyelashes. Then, slightly roll the front cotton swab at the tips of your lashes to curl them.[14]
  3. Continue pressing your eyelashes against the cotton swab behind your lashes for at least 30 seconds. Holding the swabs in place helps your lashes stay curled throughout the day.[15]
    • Repeat the process to curl the lashes along the inner and outer corners of your eye.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    To set your curl, glide 1 to 2 coats of your favorite mascara onto your lashes. Or, go for a natural look and rock your curled lashes without mascara.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Curling Your Lashes with a Spoolie and Aloe Vera

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  1. Dip a spoolie in aloe vera gel and wipe off the excess. Grab a clean mascara spoolie brush and coat in a dollop of aloe vera. Then, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe off the excess aloe vera so the spoolie is thinly saturated with the gel.[16]
    • Or, dip your spoolie in castor oil. Like aloe vera, castor oil helps set and hold your eyelashes’ curl.
    • Alternatively, use a clean, unused toothbrush in place of a spoolie.[17]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    Work the spoolie through your lashes like a regular mascara wand. Simply start at the base of your lashes and comb the spoolie through them using a zig-zag or wiggling motion. At the tips of your lashes, curl the spoolie upwards and hold it in place for 30 seconds.[18]
    • Repeat these steps for the lashes on your other eye.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Eyelashes Without an Eyelash Curler
    If you don’t want to use a spoolie, simply pump a small dollop of aloe vera onto your thumb. Hold your thumb at the base of your eyelashes and slowly close your eye to distribute the aloe along your lashes. Then, push your lashes against your eyelid and hold them for 30 seconds to curl them.[19]
    • Repeat this process along the lashes at the inner and outer corners of your eye.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water before applying the aloe vera and touching your eyes.
  4. Applying mascara on top of the aloe vera might cause your mascara to flake, so it’s best to keep your lashes bare with this method. With the spoolie’s curling action and the aloe vera’s ability to hold the curl all day, you likely won’t need mascara anyways!
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it okay to curl your eyelashes?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, as long as you do it carefully with a clean curler that is in good working order. Sometimes old curlers will become misaligned or have loose parts that can pinch or damage lashes.
  • Question
    Which eyelash curler is the best?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    I like the Shiseido curler because it's wide and grabs even the tiny lashes. Depending on your eye shape you may prefer a different one.
  • Question
    Can I apply mascara after applying aloe vera gel?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but make sure to let the gel dry thoroughly. You will also want to scrape excess mascara off of the brush, leaving a thin coating so that it won't appear clumpy atop the gel.
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Tips from our Readers

  • If you want a natural look with curled lashes, you can use any of these methods and then apply clear mascara. It holds curl really well.
  • Try to brush your middle lashes up, it will make your lashes look longer.
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Warnings

  • Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before you touch any part of your eyes. Germs on your fingers and hands can enter your eye and potentially cause an infection.
  • Only apply warm heat onto your lashes to curl them. Avoid heating any tools in the microwave or with a hair dryer as high heat can damage your lashes or burn your skin.
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About This Article

Alicia D'Angelo
Co-authored by:
Makeup Artist
This article was co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 1,154,345 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 69
Updated: June 24, 2024
Views: 1,154,345
Categories: Eyelashes
Article SummaryX

If you want to curl your eyelashes without an eyelash curler, try using a spoon! Hold a regular-sized teaspoon under hot running water until it becomes warm, then dry it off with a clean towel. Hold the spoon against your eye so the bowl of the spoon is against your eyelid and the bottom edge of the spoon lines up with your lashes. Use your finger to press your eyelashes against the curve of the spoon, and hold them there for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other eye, then apply mascara to set the curl. Keep reading for tips from our cosmetology reviewer on how to use a cotton swab and mascara to curl your lashes!

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Reader Success Stories

  • Sarah Johnson

    Sarah Johnson

    Jul 20, 2020

    "Great! My parents don't let me use eyelash curlers. This is perfect! I do this every day before school! Also,..." more
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