I use my arsenal of naturally curly lashes to great effect. They’re my pride and joy. 🙂
Okay, so I can’t fairly call them “natural,” unless you consider the transformative powers of the mighty lash curler, aka the beauty god’s gift to linear lashed lasses everywhere, natural.
When it comes to my Shu Uemura lash curler, I’m ride or die! I rarely stray away from it for long. It’s just so great, perfectly curling lashes in a single swoop, but when I came across Lancôme’s new $23 Le Curler I couldn’t resist giving it a little squeeze.
The curling surface, a silicone pad to buffer lashes and safeguard them from breaking, is pretty wide and should suit most eye shapes and lash lengths without crimping or pinching.
Even the hinge (“inspired by Japanese technology,” LOL!) is supposed to help it create an effortless lash look.
I’ve been alternating between Le Curler and my Shu for a few weeks, trying to compare the two, and I think it’s safe to say that the Shu influenced the Le Curler’s design. Same design, tension, same curly lash look — but it feels considerably heavier in my hands. Not heavy, I mean, it’s just a tiny little thing, but heavier than the Shu.
I like the results just fine, but I’m still loyal to my Shu. 🙂
Why fix what ain’t broken, right? When it comes to lash curlers, Le Curler isn’t revolutionary, but it borrows ideas from the best. It’s a good, albeit slightly more expensive, alternative to the Shu curler, which has been getting tougher and tougher to track down here in U.S. stores.
PRICE: $23
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Lancôme counters and lancome-usa.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Do you use a lash curler? Which one’s your fave?
I also really like Sonia Kashuk’s curler. Marked down from $13 to $6.48 at target.com.
P.P.S. And since we’re talking tools, here are 10 of my top beauties.
Wendy says
May 27th, 2012 at 4:08 pmI was told that Le Metier de Beaute’s eye lash curler bought the rights to sell the Shu Uemura’s curler when Shu pulled out of the states. I need to compare the two to verify.
Teri says
May 27th, 2012 at 4:11 pmI have the Shu one and it’s just the best! It’s nice to see Lancome coming out with a similar curler, because it’s so easier to access than Shu, Like you said. It’s funny to hear that they borrowed Japanese technology, a nice detail to know!
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Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says
May 27th, 2012 at 4:13 pmI’ve been super curious about Shu curlers. I’m pretty sure I’ll soon cave in and get one!
My favorite at the moment is the Shiseido one. It’s great for my eye shape, though when I tried to use it on a friend this weekend I realized it really doesn’t work on everyone!
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musical says
May 27th, 2012 at 4:16 pmThis is one thing that i haven’t yet dared to try :P. That and flat iron…*sigh*.
Becca says
May 27th, 2012 at 4:56 pmWell, L’Oreal owns both Lancome and Shu…
LeAnn says
May 27th, 2012 at 5:40 pmHaha that’s what I was going to say! Our Lancôme rep told us that’s the reason they’re so similar.
Tor says
May 27th, 2012 at 5:45 pmLash curlers scare me – I had a bad experience with a Mr Mascara curler, damp hands and half the lashes on my right eye! I know I should suck it up and try again, but I think it’s going to take a while.
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Chelsea says
May 27th, 2012 at 6:40 pmI don’t think I’ve tried any lash curler other than Revlon’s… I’m curious now.
Marnie Byod says
May 27th, 2012 at 7:02 pmShu is one of my favorite brand when it comes in make up materials. Lash curler can add more beauty and thanks for sharing your reviews about Shu.
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Michelle says
May 27th, 2012 at 7:53 pmSince I can’t track down the Shu lash curler, I may have to try this one out.
My favorite right now is Shiseido.
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JennySue Makeup says
May 27th, 2012 at 8:08 pmI know, I’m so bummed I can’t ever find the Shu curler here in my area!! I’ve had to go with the Tweezerman one, which isn’t too bad, but still no Shu. Maybe I’ll give the Lancome one a try though if it takes notes from the best.
Joyce says
May 27th, 2012 at 9:40 pmShu Uemura pulled out of the US a few years ago. I got my lash curler from Shu Uemura’s main website and I LOVE it. It doesn’t pinch my skin or break my lashes like my drugstore one did. Also, it curls my lashes effortlessly.
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Adrienne says
May 27th, 2012 at 9:41 pmThat’s because L’oreal bought Shu , which my manager said will no longer be available in stores in the states (but will remain online I guess)
So, basically, it is the Shu curler 🙂 (lil bit of insider info there, hehe)
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
May 28th, 2012 at 3:31 amMy trusty Shiseido curler works just fine, but I’ve ALWAYS wanted a Shu (ever since borrowing my cousin’s when I was younger and falling in love). BUT, the same cousin recently told me that she tried the Sonia Kashuk and loved it even more than her Shu!!! I’m torn over which to get! 😛
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Nina says
May 28th, 2012 at 7:50 amI am probably one of the few that prefer Shiseido’s lash curler to the Shu. Its probably because of my weirdly shaped eyes … 🙂 I also like ELF Studio’s 3 dollar eyelash curler, and the Revlon Gold Lash Curler.
LB says
May 28th, 2012 at 1:31 pmShu Uemura is doing a 20% off everything on their website and free shipping with a purchase over $50.
I personally love the eyelash curler and their cleansing oil.
Bridget says
May 28th, 2012 at 7:55 pmI have also been using my old Shu and the “new” Lancome….I cannot tell the difference. & I thought I could never find one I loved as much as Shu! sooo happy!!! 😉
80sChicwithglasses says
June 3rd, 2012 at 2:04 pmI’ve never tried the Shu since I was just getting into makeup when they starting leaving the states. I searched for a Shu, but didn’t want to buy online without seeing for myself. I broke down today and bought the Lancome one. The rep said it’s the same as the Shu since Lancome owns Shu. Not sure about that, but it did sell me on buying this. Can’t wait to try it out! Thanks for the review, Karen 🙂
Jamie L. Weiss says
September 5th, 2012 at 1:37 pmMy shu finally needed to be replaced after 10 years of great service to my eyelashes. I was told about this curler from a co-worker and will never use anything else. Recently I went to Ulta to buy a new one and was told that it is no longer sold in the U.S. I was told that Lancome bought the rights and that the Lancome curler is the exact as the shu. I have been using it all week and can tell a difference. Close but not the exact same. The Lancome is heavier and can pinch your eyelashes sometime whereas the Shu never did this.