Beauty, Design, Product Review

Shu Uemura: Eyelash Curler | Review

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.

Shu Uemura Iconic Eye Lash Curler Review India

Shu Uemura’s Iconic Eye Lash Curler – Is it worth the hype?

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.
Shu Uemura Iconic Eye Lash Curler Review _ Warnings & When to replace Refill (3)

Shu Uemura: Eye Lash Curler | Warnings & When to replace Refill

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.

Shu Uemura Iconic Eye Lash Curler Review_Features & Directions for Use (4)

Shu Uemura: Eye Lash Curler | Features and Directions for Use

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!

Shu Uemura Iconic Eye Lash Curler- Is it worth it?

Shu Uemura: Eye Lash Curler | Silicone Refill Pad

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.

Shu Uemura Iconic Eye Lash Curler Review_ Mushroom Shape

Shu Uemura: Iconic Eye Lash Curler | Unique Mushroom Shape

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.

Shu Uemura: Iconic Eye Lash Curler | Profile of the Silicone Pad

Shu Uemura: Iconic Eye Lash Curler | Profile of the Silicone Pad

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.

Shu Uemura Iconic Eye Lash Curler Review_ Patented Hinge

Shu Uemura: Eye Lash Curler | The Patented Hinge – beautifully engineered.

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.

Proof that Shu Uemura EyeLash Curler is worth the hype_ Ms Plainspoken

Left Eye – Front View | Picture taken in day light without any Mascara

Proof that Shu Uemura EyeLash Curler is worth the hype_ Ms Plainspoken_India(3)

Right Eye – Profile View| Picture taken in day light without any Mascara

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
Shu Uemura: Eye Lash Curler | Ergonomic Handle- easy to hold while doing ones own lashes or somebody else's.

Shu Uemura: Eye Lash Curler | Ergonomic Handle- easy to hold while doing ones own lashes or somebody else’s.

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.


Update | July 2019

Finally a picture that captured the lift & curl!

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25 thoughts on “Shu Uemura: Eyelash Curler | Review

  1. Just like you I was intrigued by this curler so much. I don’t understand why a simple eye lash curler could be this expensive but by reading your post, I think I understand now why.. such a helpful post.

  2. Gervin Khan says:

    Such a nice product to recommend that we used everyday. This is definitely a time saver for our eyelash to be what we want.

  3. alwaysusebutter says:

    I love this eye lash curler! It so much better than any other ones I’ve tried the one I got years ago lasted me for about 6 years (with just the refills provided in the package)! Thanks for reminding me I need to get a new one!

    • This is the first ever curler I got so I am so glad to hear that IT IS INDEED better than the others! I suppose good design can really prove to be a big differentiation.

  4. presiiicom says:

    How amazing is that? I barely have lashes but when I put on fake lashes I want them to look beautiful. I will check this out

  5. astoldbyalma says:

    Wow! There was definitely a difference between the before and after pics but I don’t know about trying this if I can’t get refills. Thats the worst falling for something and you can’t buy it anymore.

  6. I’ve never felt comfortable with bringing a pinching instrument so close to my eyes and so have always stayed away from them…but, I like the idea of an added silicone pad for protection and your eyes really open up after using it…so, I guess it’s a good product for those who like to use eyelash curlers
    – Nandita

  7. Amy-Lynn Denham says:

    Hmm… I never realized that they weren’t all just created equally LOL… i’m not much into fashion and stuff so I don’t even own an eyelash curler. I used to think they were all the same.

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