Checklist · 12 picks · 3 categories
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Lashes and brows frame your whole face, and the right tools make a 2-minute routine look like you tried way harder.
Start with a lash curler (Reviewed reviewed nine) and a brow pencil (Shop TODAY ranked seven). Brow gel keeps everything brushed up, and PureWow's testers found its picks held through errands and a workout. False lashes are the fun extra: BestReviews' top pick has a clear band that blends into your lash line, which is handy while you're still learning. Tweezers handle the cleanup. Each card shows the drawback the testers called out, from plastic builds to tips that snap, so you know what you're getting before you start.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you want a full face of makeup from scratch; our Makeup Basics list covers skin tint, concealer, blush and mascara too.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
0 of 2 on your list · tap one to see your options
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler | budget | under $15 | curling most lashes without a bulky tool | 1 outlet |
| Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler | mid | $25-50 | a classic curler with plenty of spare pads | Limited evidence |
| Surratt Relevee Lash Curler | splurge | $25-50 | splurging on the best curl | 1 outlet |
| Ardell Naked Lashes | budget | under $15 | a clear band that hides beginner mistakes | 1 outlet |
| KISS So Wispy Lashes | budget | under $15 | everyday wispy lashes | 1 outlet |
Best lash curlerbudget pick · Compact
Best for curling most lashes without a bulky tool
Reviewed's best overall eyelash curler: the only curler in its test that was both highly functional and easy to store.
Heads up. Plastic, and it doesn't include replacement pads
1 outlet. Reviewed best overall eyelash curler.
under $15
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mid pick · Classic shape
Best for a classic curler with plenty of spare pads
Reviewed calls it a decent drugstore pick and a fine option if you prefer a traditional curler shape.
Heads up. Makes a clicking noise
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$25-50
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splurge pick · With carry case
Best for splurging on the best curl
Reviewed's best upgrade eyelash curler: the only one it reviewed that delivered truly wow-worthy results.
Heads up. Pricier than most
1 outlet. Reviewed best upgrade eyelash curler.
$25-50
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
Best false lashesbudget pick · Strip lashes
Best for a clear band that hides beginner mistakes
BestReviews' best of the best false eyelashes: a clear band that blends discreetly into your lash line.
Heads up. The band is a bit rigid, which can make it harder to apply
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the best false eyelashes.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget pick · 5 pairs
Best for everyday wispy lashes
BestReviews' best bang for the buck false eyelashes: a natural everyday look that's a step up from basic lashes, with reusable pairs.
Heads up. May be too long if you wear glasses
1 outlet. BestReviews best bang for the buck false eyelashes.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covergirl Easy Breezy Brow Micro-Fine + Define Pencil | budget | under $15 | sparse brows that need real-looking fill | 1 outlet |
| NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil | mid | under $15 | brows that need to survive a workout | 1 outlet |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Ultra-Slim Precision Detailing Eyebrow Pencil | splurge | $25-50 | hair-like strokes that last all day | 1 outlet |
| e.l.f. Brow Lift | budget | under $15 | brushed-up brows that stay put all day | 1 outlet |
| Grande Cosmetics GrandeBROW-FILL Volumizing Brow Gel | mid | $15-25 | filling in sparse brows with a tint | 1 outlet |
Best brow pencilbudget pick · Pencil
Best for sparse brows that need real-looking fill
Shop TODAY's best overall eyebrow pencil: the only one in its test that filled in the editor's entire brow.
Heads up. Smudges a little
1 outlet. Shop TODAY best overall eyebrow pencil.
under $15
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mid pick · Pencil
Best for brows that need to survive a workout
Shop TODAY's best value eyebrow pencil: its stay power was particularly impressive, sticking around through sweat.
Heads up. The tip tends to break
1 outlet. Shop TODAY best value eyebrow pencil.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Pencil
Best for hair-like strokes that last all day
Shop TODAY's best eyebrow pencil for long wear: the formula lasted all day and didn't smudge at all.
Heads up. The tip tends to break
1 outlet. Shop TODAY best eyebrow pencil for long wear.
$25-50
Shop at SephoraStore link, not an affiliate link. I don't earn from this one.
Best brow gelbudget pick · Tube
Best for brushed-up brows that stay put all day
PureWow's best eyebrow gel for daily wear: gave testers a thicker look and held up through errands and a workout.
Heads up. Sticky texture, and the container is small.
1 outlet. PureWow best eyebrow gel for daily wear.
under $15
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mid pick · Tube
Best for filling in sparse brows with a tint
PureWow's best eyebrow gel overall: testers found it fills sparse areas, tames unruly hairs and feels lightweight and flexible.
Heads up. Strong scent.
1 outlet. PureWow best eyebrow gel overall.
$15-25
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
Best tweezersbudget pick · Slant tip
Best for cheap, reliable brow cleanup
BestReviews' best bang for the buck tweezers: a name brand with a budget price tag and slanted tips that earn top marks.
Heads up. Not as sturdy as other options
1 outlet. BestReviews best bang for the buck tweezers.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
splurge pick · Slant tip
Best for precise plucking for years
BestReviews' best of the best tweezers: hand-filed tips slanted at a 25-degree angle for a precise pull that stay sharp over time.
Heads up. The tips are sharp, so handle with care
1 outlet. BestReviews best of the best tweezers.
$25-50
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Before. Reviewed says to curl first so your lashes don't stick to the tool, and not to heat your curler with a blow dryer. Swap the pads every two to three months, or sooner if they crack or lose shape.
BestReviews' best of the best, Ardell Naked Lashes, has a clear band that blends into your lash line, and BestReviews says demi and individual lashes are the most natural way to wear falsies. Use a thin layer of glue and wait 15 to 20 seconds for it to get tacky before placing them.
BestReviews suggests an oil-free eye makeup remover to loosen the glue first.