How to Curl Your Eyelashes With a Spoon: Step-by-Step Guide

woman curling lashes with a spoon — Ashley Rebecca/Design by Cristina Cianci

From all the beauty tips and tricks you've read throughout the years, I still have one that might surprise you. Thanks to TikTok, I recently came across an age-old trend that has made a resurgence: Curling your lashes with a spoon. Yep, you read that correctly.

While it sounds a bit out of the box, hear me out on this one. Maybe you don't like eyelash curlers, saw damage to your lashes after using one and swore them off entirely, or have found yourself in a bind where you've misplaced your curler or left it behind. No matter the reasoning, grabbing a good ol' trusty (clean) spoon and using it to curl your eyelashes actually works. If it sounds confusing or difficult, not to worry. Ahead, we've put together a tutorial for how to curl eyelashes with a spoon, along with other alternative methods. These techniques are so easy that you might just find yourself ditching your eyelash curler altogether.

01 of 06

Spoon

Angle Your Spoon

After sanitizing your spoon, find the part that slightly curves (it's right before the front tip part) and align it with your eyelashes and lash line so that it gently rests there.

Byrdie Tip

If you like applying mascara primer to eyelashes, you'll want to do that before you begin the curling process. It won't interfere and will give your lashes a great start before moving onto mascara.

Heat Your Spoon (Optional)

If you feel you need a slightly stronger curl, you can carefully heat your spoon with a blowdryer. After heating, tap the spoon against the inside of your forearm to see how hot it is before putting it near your eyes. You'll be able to tell right away if the metal is too hot and needs to cool down a bit before using.

Gently Press Lashes Upward

step two of curling lashes with a spoon — Ashley Rebecca/Byrdie

After you've aligned the spoon to your lash line, gently press your eyelashes against the curved part of your spoon in an upward motion and repeat along your lash line until the spoon gets to the inner corner of where lashes begin. You can start at the bottom of your lashes and work your way up to the tips depending on the type of curling effect you're going for. This enables that you go over each area securely and you're to give your lashes a proper curl without leaving any behind. The gentle pressing motion against the metal helps lashes to curl upward giving you the same results that an eyelash curler would.

Byrdie Tip

Experiment with the angle of the spoon until you find one that is most comfortable for you. For instance, if holding the spoon on its side is better, opt to do that throughout the curling process. If you need to angle the tip downward and press, you can do that too. Whatever feels natural with your movement is the best practice to follow.

Immediately Apply Mascara

woman applying mascara — Ashley Rebecca/Design by Cristina Cianci

After you've curled your lashes, it's imperative to move on to applying your mascara right away. This ensures that your lashes will look as curled up and voluminous as they can, and the type of mascara you use is important. For instance, if you want your lashes to appear thicker, be sure to use a formula that will help thicken and add some length, and so on.

Check Out Those Lashes

spoon eyelash tutorial — Ashley Rebecca/Design by Cristina Cianci

Now all you need to do is sit back and admire your newly curled eyelashes. That wasn't so hard, right? Keep in mind that if you're someone who likes to curl your eyelashes after you've applied mascara, it's actually very easy to do with a spoon. You don't need to worry about your eyelashes sticking to the inner part where they might with a lash curler, and you can just repeat the same steps by bending them upwards with your fingers for added lift. Wait a few minutes before curling them to ensure your mascara has fully dried, this will prevent it from getting on your fingers, the spoon, or flaking.

02 of 06

Mascara Wand

Take your mascara wand and place it at the base of your lashes.
Carefully work your wand from roots to tips, wiggling in a slow zig-zag motion.
Repeat, if necessary.

03 of 06

Cotton Swab

Cut off the ends of the cotton swab.
Take a lighter and heat up the stick by moving it back and forth across the flame a couple of times.
Check to make sure the stick isn't too hot by tapping against the back of your hand.
Use the warmed-up stick to gently lift and hold lashes.
Apply mascara (optional).

04 of 06

Toothbrush

Place a clean toothbrush under warm running water.
Dry it off and gently brush through your lashes.
Hold the brush against the tip of the lashes for a few seconds (FYI: This should set the curl).
Repeat, if desired.
Apply mascara (optional).

05 of 06

Castor Oil

Dip a clean spoolie, cotton swab, or toothbrush into castor oil.
Slowly and carefully brush the oil through the lashes from base to tip.
Hold the spoolie (or preferred applicator) against the tip of the lashes for a few seconds to set.

06 of 06

Warm Hands

Warm your fingertips by either rubbing them together or blowing on them.
Close your eyes and use your fingertips to gently lift and press your lashes against your eyelid.
Hold in place for a few seconds.
Repeat, as needed.
Apply mascara (optional).

A Makeup Artist's Review of Benefit's They're Real Mascara

How to Curl Your Lashes With a Spoon (And Other Alternative Methods)