How To Curl Your Eyelashes Without An Eyelash Curler

Eyelashes have got to be one of the easiest ways to glam up your look. Whether it's full on professionally applied eyelash extensions or just a flick of mascara, no beauty look is complete until they've been tended to. But sometimes when you don't have your falsies on or forget to apply your eyelash serum, you need to give them a quick curl to make them look slightly more voluminous and full. While many will reach for their eyelash curler, there are actually many alternative ways to curl your eyelashes without using an eyelash curler.

Beyond using your mascara wand to push up the base of your lashes, it's widely claimed that warming your fingers should do the trick. According to Allure, all you need to do is "use your breath to heat fingertips and then press on lashes, curling them into themselves. Hold for ten seconds, then repeat as needed." Sounds simple.

Another way of curling your eyelashes without a curler is with a warm spoon. Bustle suggests heating a metal spoon with warm water (test it on your hand to ensure it's not too hot) then pressing the round side against your lashes for 10 to 20 seconds. The finger and spoon methods won't give you the same effect as an eyelash curler, but they work in a pinch.

For the most effective method, it's recommended that you look to Korean beauty techniques to curl your lashes without an eyelash curler. Angela Kim, founder of Insider Beauty, revealed to Byrdie that it's common for Korean women to use a cotton swab to achieve a curl. She describes that they "cut off the two ends of a cotton swab, warm up the leftover stick with fire, and use the warmed-up stick to 'lift' their lashes." The Byrdie team tried the method and claimed that after using the swab then applying mascara, their lashes stayed "upright, curled, and perky," referring to the technique as a DIY lash perm.

While all methods are safe for use, be extra careful when attempting the Korean cotton swab method. Always ensure whatever you put close to your eyes is never too hot as you may cause damage or irritation.