Thanks to genes and the lord for I have pretty long and considerably voluminous lashes. Due to this for a greater part of my life I never really used mascara let alone an eyelash curler! After I started blogging and started noticing how certain products have such a hype surrounding them my curiosity led me to check these out for myself. On one such occasion I ended up with the cult favorite Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler.

Cost:

22 USD (1600 INR approx)  includes one refill pad.

Buy Online:

Here

Claims:

The iconic, best-selling and award-winning Shu Uemura eyelash curler featuring enhanced design and upgraded features for ultimate precision that delivers the perfect curl.

The iconic Shu Uemura eyelash curler is one of the most famous “beauty secrets” of the industry, used by celebrities, fashion designers, and many top make-up artists because of its precise control and optimum, long-lasting curl.

• Upgraded silicone pad in a new “mushroom” shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl.
• Upgraded patented hinge with precise engineering applies perfect amount of pressure on eyelashes.
• Curved angle suits all eye shapes.
• Calculated shape and size of frame length and ergonomic handles ensure stability and control.

How to Use?

My rookie lashes had never come close to such a strange instrument and I will be honest the prospect of this very surgical looking tool coming that close to my eye was a little unnerving! Took me some time to get used to it.

The brand instructs to “open it and position the curler near the root of lashes, squeeze the curler gently on the lashes and hold it in place for several seconds. Repeat several times to achieve desired curl.”

After using it a few times I have realized you don’t need to repeat the action several times at all. If you do it once or twice and hold it for about 30 seconds, that is more than enough.

Why is it the cult curler?

Because it works and works well! It claims to work for all eye shapes and gives a natural long lasting curl without any kinks on the lash or breakage and it does not ever pinch the lid. Over-achiever this one!

This eyelash curler is so popular that while it has won numerous beauty awards it has also found mention in many a favorite lists of celebrities and top makeup artists alike and of course the big moment when it got a mention in the film “Devil wears Prada” where Gisele Bündchen acting a part of fashion editor, is shocked that Anne Hathaway’s  character doesn’t know what the Shu Uemura eyelash curler is! Such a glorious name-check in a Meryl Streep film is some major praise!

Product Design

The first eyelash curler patent goes back to 1925, by 1929 the patent documentation records an eyelash curler very close to the one we have today invented by the Kurlash Company New York. Mr. Shu Uemura improved upon the basic engineering radically after some 30 years.

Mr. Shu Uemura’s refined design is the primary reason why  this product is a winner. Firstly the shape instead of a typical “u” shaped profile, this lash curler has a more elliptical curve to it. That guarantees it will go closer to the lids on all sides and reduces the chances of pinching and pulling. The shape also helps holds the lashes in the same profile as your lid giving a natural looking curl.

The profile of the Silicone pad is also such that one gets a natural sweeping curl due to lashes adhering to the curvature of the silicone part. If this was not the case one would end up with an un-natural looking harsh crimp.

This curler has a patented hinge that ensures that you can’t press too hard. It’s like a built in fail safe! However hard you press, the hinge will make sure the pressure is evenly distributed, which reduces the chance of pinching or altogether breaking the lashes. It is also slightly heavier as compared to competitor product. The weight helps in creating a natural curl without needing a lot of pressure.

Visual Proof:

The curl on my eye lashes is pretty noticeable and lasts for a good few hours after holding it just for a few seconds.

Pros:

• Timeless Design
• Thoughtfully Engineered
• Comes with an extra Silicone Pad

Cons:

• No refills available on the silicone pads separately.
• Difficult to find in India locally

Closing Thoughts:

Shu Uemura discontinued refills of the silicone pad, which is something a lot of folks complain about. But I guess its a business strategy, after all they want to keep making money and selling more curlers!

Shu Umura has shown the world what good design can do to a product and needless to say I am a fan. I wholeheartedly recommend that you go for it.

Check out some of the other cult classics I have tried here & here. Also find me on Instagram and lets discuss Beauty.

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Update | July 2019

Finally a picture that captured the lift & curl!

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