If you’re a fan of curled lashes that stay all day or love that natural lifted-lash look that’s popular on TikTok, then a curling mascara is your new makeup must. This beauty essential is designed to give your lashes a long-lasting, eye-opening effect—no chemical lash lift required. But not all curling mascaras are created equal, and mastering the application can make all the difference.
And that’s where we come in! We’re diving into all things curling mascara: what it is, how it works, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your routine. We’ll walk you through the best techniques for application (because clumpy lashes are not it), plus tips for using that tricky curved mascara wand like a pro. Whether you’re aiming for a soft, natural curl or a bolder look, this guide will help you achieve the perfect lifted lashes every time. Read on for our guide for your most curled lashes yet!
What is a Curling Mascara?
Curling mascara is every beauty lover’s go-to for lifted, “naturally” curled lashes. Unlike traditional mascaras that focus solely on volume or length, curling mascara is specifically designed to lift and hold your lashes in a beautifully curled shape all day long.
It really all starts with the formula and brush design. Curling mascaras, like our Lash n’ Roll Mascara contain special curved polymers that wrap around each lash, helping to set and hold the curl in- place. These lightweight, yet buildable formulas, provide just the right amount of structure—firm enough to keep lashes lifted but flexible enough to prevent flaking or stiffness. Many curling mascaras also feature uniquely designed brushes, often with a curved shape, to help evenly distribute product while also gently lifting lashes from the root to get that sky-high and defined curl.
So, what makes curling mascara different from regular mascara? While standard mascaras focus on darkening, thickening, or lengthening, curling mascaras are engineered to enhance and maintain the upward lift of your lashes. The formula is typically lighter, allowing lashes to stay curled without weighing them down. Combined with a strategically shaped brush, curling mascara gives you that fresh, wide-awake look—minus the extra step of a lash curler.
Does Curling Mascara Actually Work?
If you’ve ever doubted the power of curling mascara, let’s set the record straight: it works! Like we mentioned, it starts with the brush. Unlike straight wands, curling mascara brushes are often curved to mimic the natural shape of your lash line, helping to gently lift and shape your lashes as you apply.
This subtle curl effect is locked-in-place by the innovative lightweight formula of Lash n Roll that won’t weigh your lashes down. No shade to heavier mascaras, but they can cause lashes to droop throughout the day, whereas curling mascaras keep them lifted, defined, and beautifully curled—so your look can last from morning to night.
Essential Pre-Application Tools You’ll Need
For flawlessly lifted lashes, the right tools make all the difference. First up: a high-quality eyelash curler —trust us, this isn’t the place to skimp! A well-made curler gently lifts without crimping or damaging your lashes.
Next, your curling mascara —the star of the show—will lock in that curl with a lightweight, long-lasting formula. A clean spoolie brush helps separate and shape, while a lash comb ensures zero clumps for a smooth, fanned-out effect. And don’t forget every makeup kit’s ultimate cure-all: cotton swabs! You’ll likely need these for quick cleanups and precision.
Prepping Your Lashes Before Application
They’re easy steps, but they’re crucial for getting that curl without potentially damaging those delicate lashes. Here’s how to prep for the most lifted results: First, remove all traces of old makeup—mascara buildup can weigh lashes down and prevent a fresh curl from holding properly.
Next, make sure your lashes are completely dry; damp lashes won’t hold a curl as well and can cause mascara to smudge. Finally, mastering the proper eyelash curler technique is key (don’t worry, we’ll cover that next!). A good curl before applying mascara creates the perfect foundation for lifted, fluttery lashes that last.
Step 1: Curling Your Lashes
It’s true, if you’ve never used a lash curler before, it looks like a makeup tool one should simply *avoid*. A big metal clamp right up next to your lash line? No thanks. But, if you know how to use a lash curler correctly, it does wonders for lifting lashes ahead of mascara. For extra hold, start by safely warming your curler—a few seconds with a blow dryer will do (just test the temperature on an area like your arm or wrist first!).
Next, position the curler right at the base of your lashes, ensuring every lash is inside the clamp. Gently pulse 3-4 times to set the curl without creating a harsh crease. Then, move the curler up the lash, repeating the pulsing motion to create a natural, gradual curve instead of a sharp bend. This method ensures soft, lifted lashes that hold their shape all day—and now you’re ready for mascara.
Step 2: Mascara Application
For maximum lift and a whole lot of natural curl, start at the base of your lashes, pressing the mascara wand close to the roots. Using wiggling motions, sweep upward to evenly coat and separate each lash.
To reach the inner corners, hold the wand vertically and use the tip for precise application. As you apply, focus on lifting, guiding your lashes upward rather than just coating them. If you can, aim to work quickly before the formula sets to build layers without clumps. Do the same motion (to the best of your ability!) on the bottom lashes, too.
Pro Tips for Maximum Curl
Now that you’ve got the basics down, ready to level up your lift? Getting that ultra high lash lift and curl is all in the technique. Work in sections rather than rushing through—this helps ensure every lash gets coated and lifted. Start by applying mascara to the roots first, then wiggle upward to the tips for a full, fluttery effect. Layering is key, but do it strategically—apply a second coat while the first is still slightly tacky to build volume without clumps.
For a wide-eyed look, progress from inner to outer corners, using the wand vertically for those tiny inner lashes and horizontally to fan out the outer edges. Lastly, let your brush work for you—it’s designed as a curve for a reason! Use the curved side to lift and the tip to define. Positioning the wand at an upward angle while applying encourages even more curl.
Curling Mascara: The Best Mascara for Straight Lashes
If your lashes are naturally straight, don’t worry—you can still get that maximum, lashes-to-brow-bone lift if you take a few extra curling steps. Like we said (and we really mean it!) start by using a high-quality eyelash curler and gently hold for a few extra seconds to really set the curl.
When applying your curling mascara , layer it up to build more curl and volume. Don’t rush—let each coat dry slightly before adding another for better definition. For straight lashes, try angling the curler slightly toward the tips as you move up the lash line, applying pressure in sections. This technique ensures maximum curl so you get all the lift and not a trace of straight lashes in sight.
Curling Mascara Application Mistakes to Avoid
To get the best curl, it’s key to steer clear of a few common mistakes. One of the biggest (and potentially most harmful) mistakes is using an eyelash curler after applying mascara. This can damage your lashes, ruin the curl, and clump lashes together, leaving them looking broken and messy.
Though not necessarily a mistake, using too much product at once can weigh your lashes down and cause clumping, so it’s best to go in with a light touch and add layers if you’re looking for more impact. Also, don’t wait too long or too little between coats—apply the next layer while the first is still tacky (about 30 seconds) for better hold. And finally, when curling, make sure your eyelash curler is positioned correctly close to the base, and don’t pull too hard—this can cause lashes to break or create an uneven curl!
Curl Won't Hold? Here’s How to Fix It
Dealing with a lack of lash curl? Or are you finding that your curl simply won’t hold for as long as you’d like? It’s time to do a little lash investigation. It’s most likely your technique, the product, or a combination of the two. But let’s take it back to some simple fixes. First, make sure your lashes are completely dry before applying mascara—damp lashes won’t hold a curl!
Or, it could be that the formula you’re using is too heavy. Try switching to a lighter formula with a curl-enhancing wand for better lift. It also might be worth changing your curler technique. Try holding the curler at the base for a few extra seconds and angling it upward as you move along the lash line to set the curl. Next, layer your mascara carefully, building up the product gradually without applying too much at once. These simple changes can help lock in that perfect curl and achieve lashes that are lifted and long-lasting.
How to Choose the Perfect Mascara for You
Not sure if curling mascara is the perfect match for you? Learn about our other mascaras and how to find your perfect match:
• Volumizing Mascara: designed to make your eyelashes appear thicker and fuller, creating a more dramatic eye look compared to other mascara formulas.
• Lengthening Mascara: specifically formulated to make eyelashes appear longer and more defined, working to extend the appearance of lashes beyond their natural length for a more open-eyed, fluttery appearance.
• Tubing Mascara: uses innovative polymer formulas that wrap around each individual lash to create tiny "tubes," working to give the appearance of fake lashes.
Still unsure on what the perfect mascara choice is for you? Learn more in our Mascara Guide: How to Choose the Right Mascara for You.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curling Mascara
Q: How is Curling Mascara Different from Other Mascaras?
A: When it comes to mascaras, it can be hard to determine which formulas help to target your certain lash-needs. While some mascaras are made to help volumize, lengthen, darken, or thicken the look of your lashes, curling mascara is meant to help keep your lashes lifted throughout the day. Curling mascara will help to hold that “eye opening” effect you see after using your lash curler.
Q: Do I Need an Eyelash Curler if I Use Curling Mascara?
A: Yes! While curling mascara help to hold onto a curl and lock your lashes in place, using a lash curler helps to give your lashes that initial boost and lift, before applying any product.
Q: Is Waterproof Curling Mascara Better for Holding a Curl?
A: Yes! Waterproof curling mascara is generally better for holding a curl compared to regular mascara formulations. The waterproof polymers create a more rigid coating on the lashes that helps maintain the curl throughout the day.
Q: How Many Coats of Curling Mascara Should I Apply?
A: A good general rule-of-thumb for mascara is at least 2 coats. Your first two coats will help to create and set the curl of your lashes. Then, if you’re looking for darker lashes, you can apply more to achieve that more dramatic look. Just remember to wait at least 30 seconds in between coats to avoid any clumping!