Eyelash curler is a hand-operated device that enables you to curl eyelash hairs to create a lift. They are part of the morning mascara routine because they help enhance the appearance of lash length and are mainly used on upper eyelash hairs.
How To Curl Eyelashes Without Curler
Make-up artists also recommend curly lashes to add an extra touch to your look and make your lashes look thicker, fuller, and longer. However, if you don’t have an eyelash curler, there are other alternative methods you can try.
1. Use A Spoon
Using a spoon is one of the most popular DIY hacks. However, most people find it challenging to use a spoon because they mind end up poking themselves in the eye.
However, this hack is relatively easy; you only need a few practices and enough patience. Interestingly, cold spoons can help reduce under-eye bags because the cold temperature relaxes the blood vessels and the pressure of the spoon pressed against the skin increases lymphatic drainage of excess fluid.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Use A Spoon
- Get your spoon. An iced teaspoon or a parfait spoon, preferably because the sides are smaller than your regular tablespoon.
- Fill up a mug with warm water and leave your spoon to heat up in it. When warm to the touch, dry it on a clean towel.
- Place the edge of the spoon above your lashes using firm but gentle pressure.
- Maintain the pressure of the spoon above your lashes for approximately 10 seconds.
- Go ahead and try it on the other eye.
2. Use Your Mascara Wand
The fascinating thing about mascara brushes is that they are created for different purposes. Some are created for volume; others provide separation, while the rest are meant for lift and curl. To curl your eyelashes, you will need a curved mascara wand because it will help to provide lift to the base.
Warm the mascara wand in hot water and dry it on a clean towel for the best results. Use the bristles on the underside base of the lashes, then carefully brush and press up gently to create an upward curl.
3. Apply Mascara
To curl your lashes using mascara, you will need waterproof mascara. You can start by simply using your mascara wand to curl your lashes by moving in a zig-zag motion.
Then hold the wand at the root of your lashes for a few seconds and slowly move towards the tips. After this, apply a second coat of the waterproof mascara for some extra volume and hold down the curl.
4. Cotton Swab
After you must have applied your mascara, you can go ahead to hold a cotton swab at the base of your lash line. You can gently lift your lashes to your desired position and hold them until your mascara fully dries. However, once you pull away, your lashes should stay curled.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil is highly effective and an excellent alternative for eyelash curlers. The oil is full of fatty acids that can effectively moisturize your lashes and keep them hydrated all day long. To use castor oil, you have to put a small quantity of the oil on your spoolie, then brush it through your lashes until they are fully coated.
6. Use A Clean Toothbrush
You probably never thought your toothbrush would come in handy one day. This toothbrush hack is quite similar to that of the mascara wand.
Run the toothbrush under hot water, then dab it dry using a clean towel to retain the heat. Then start from the base of the lid, brush through your lashes, and work your way up, holing the tip of your lashes to create the curl.
7. Get An Eyelash Perm
Eyelash perms are a semi-permanent chemical treatment that curls your lashes and gives you the permanent eyelash curl you have been looking for. Eyelash perm is a non-DIY approach to eyelash curling alternatives because a professional is involved here.
In this approach, the lash technician will use a gentle to secure a rod above your lash line; then, they will apply the perming solution and the neutralizing solution. However, the perm should last up to three months or more.
Furthermore, one exciting thing about eyelash perm is that the chemicals involved break down the disulfide bonds in the hair. To renew these disulfide bonds, a lash technician can mold the strands around a roller in the new curl pattern.
8. Use An Eye Make-up Or Gel
Using eye makeup or gel products is also a great alternative to an eyelash curler. You can opt for a gentle skincare gel like aloe vera or a volumizing or waterproof mascara. Apply the mascara or gel and press your lashes up, holding them for a few seconds to give you that perfect curl.
9. Use Q-tips
Q-tips are commonly used to remove wax from the ear, and it is funny how they can be so effective alternative to eyelash curlers. Grab a Q-tip, preferably the one with a wooden stick and not plastic. Then peel off the cotton ball from one side.
Use a lighter, moving the Q-tip stick back and forth over the fire for about five minutes. Once it is warm enough, carefully close your eyes and roll the Q-tip over your lashes from root to tip.
Then gently press it lightly against your eyelid to get the best curl. You can’t apply the Q-tip to your eye without testing it on your arm first to see if the results could be harmful.
10. Use Your Fingers
If you are not comfortable using these techniques, you can try using your fingers. All you need is warmth and a little pressure, and you can do this by running your finger under warm water and pressing them on your lashes.
Furthermore, you can also use your breath to warm up your fingertips and then press on your lashes, curling them into themselves. Try to hold it down for ten seconds and repeat the same process on the other eye. Once you are done, you can decide to leave it this way or finish it up with mascara. Whichever way you decide, it is totally fine.
How To Maintain Your Eyelash Curl
Now that you’ve learned the different hacks and techniques of curling your lashes without an eyelash curler, you might also want to know how to maintain these curls without damaging them.
- Wash your face before going to bed to take off the day’s make-up. If you go ahead to sleep with traces of any form of your make-up, be it mascara or eyeliner, you might have an infection.
- Use micellar water or coconut oil to remove traces of your eye make-up.
- Use a conditioner or lash serum before going to bed.
- Replace your mascara every three months, not just because of how clumpy and dry it gets but also because of the wand, as it can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
- It is okay to give your lashes a break sometimes. If you choose not to curl it, you might as well leave it.
- Lastly, professionals recommend a healthy diet. It is essential to eat foods that are rich in vitamins. They will be of great benefit to your lashes, but they can also promote the healthy growth of your lashes.