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Beauty Board: Eyelash Curlers

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Published: March 14, 2009

If you're never quite sure whether the ads for popular beauty products can be believed, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board is made up of veteran testers ready to try the latest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making life a little easier for you. This week: eyelash curlers. Did we bat a thousand or did they crimp our style?

La Cross Heated Lash Curler

Available at lacross.com, Sephora stores and drugstores; $10.49

"Creates long-lasting curl with just a few strokes; heats and curls evenly and safely."

Rating: F

Michelle says: This was a bad time to review a heated lash curler. When 2009 kicked off, I embarked on "The Year of Living Simply and Cheaply." So why would I want a lash curler that requires a triple-A battery? Truly, there's something inherently wrong about putting a hot item next to the ever-sensitive eyelid. Nonetheless, I am a fair reviewer, so I gave it a try. Yep, this product is a complete waste of time and money. First thing, the "color change pad" that signals when it's warm never changed colors, even though I put in three fresh batteries. It finally heated up somewhat, but I didn't see any dramatic change in my eyelashes when I used the curler. And when I accidently dropped it in my sink, the whole thing fell apart. I said I was going to live cheaply this year, but I didn't mean I would buy cheap, worthless products. Give me the old-fashioned eyelash curler that requires no batteries. In these lean, mean times, I see no reason to add more headaches to our already stressed lives. And this product made me stress out.

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tribune.
Shu Uemura eyelash curler

Available at Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom stores and several online retailers, including www.shuuemura-usa.com; $19

"Eyelash curler featuring enhanced design and upgraded features for ultimate precision that delivers the perfect curl."

Rating: A+
Cloe says: It's easy to see why this is the most talked about eyelash curler in the beauty industry. This little gadget coaxed my lashes toward the heavens with one gentle squeeze. It took me a few practice runs before I was able to curl the shorter end lashes without pinching my eye, but it was worth the effort. The curler follows the curve and length of your eye and is ergonomically designed to fit snugly between your fingers. It comes fitted with a strip of silicone that allows just the right amount of pressure on your lashes with no crimping. I even went without mascara, and my eyes didn't disappear. The curler comes with a curler pad and a refill. The instructions say that the pad should be changed after three months, and the curler should last about six months. But this Cadillac of curlers is on its seventh month and shows no signs of wear and tear.

Cloe Cabrera, 42, is the Tribune's fashion and beauty reporter.

Sephora Brand Professional Heated Lash Curler

Available at Sephora stores or online at www.sephora.com; $16

"An innovative heated eyelash curler."

Rating: B

Sara says: I'm always looking for a way to make my eyelashes look longer and fuller. I stay away from the traditional eyelash curlers because they pinch my skin and pull out lashes. My usual lash-lengthening method consists of using two mascaras by MAC Cosmetics: Fibre Rich Lash to add fullness and Zoom Lash for length. It may sound like a lot, but it isn't. For the impatient girl in me, I was pleased to see the curler heat up in a matter or seconds. If you can get past having a little heat that close to your eye, I recommend giving this a try. You only have to hold it for a couple of seconds, and it truly curls the lashes upward, making them seem longer. I need less mascara when I use this curler, and the curl seems to last all day.

Sara Minton, 31, coordinates the events listings for TBOEXTRA.com and Friday Extra.

Artemis Woman Double Curl Gentle Heat Lash Curler

Available at www.artemiswoman.com; $14.99

"Gives a lasting wide-eye look."

Rating: A

Shantae says: I have short and pretty unremarkable eyelashes. Needless to say, I was pretty excited about trying a product that claims to give a "lasting wide-eye look." It takes a few seconds to heat up the lash curler; the heating pads turn from orange to white so you know when it's ready to use. Starting at the base, you slowly lift up, and when you get to the tip, press back so the heated area of your lashes freezes in that position. It takes practice, but it's well worth the time. I tried the curler with and without mascara. It seems to work better with the mascara. (Wait for the mascara to dry.) The mascara acts as a gel for your eyelashes and the lukewarm temperature is just enough for you to create the bend in your eyelashes. As an added bonus this curler is totally purse friendly.

Shantae Brewster, 36, is the Tribune's Readers Desk supervisor.

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