You know what they say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I’ve been using my Shiseido 213 Eyelash Curler for about a year now, and it works pretty well. So how did I end up with a Shu Uemura?
Curiosity, my friend, is the answer. So many people have raved about this eyelash curler that I felt almost obliged to give it a go! They launched a gold version of the curler (apparently 24k gold). Since it’s only a couple of bucks more expensive, that’s what I ended up with.
How does it work for me? Let’s read on!
Shu Uemura curlers come with a replacement silicone pad, which is handy. The SA told me the silicone pad has to be replaced after a year, and after 2 years the curler usually loses enough tension to be replaced. Even though the silicone pads are not sold separately, they are supposed to last through the life span of the curler.
The curler is very well-made. It is much heftier than the Shiseido one or any other I have tried before, and the mechanism seems sturdier. Only time will tell if this is because the curler is relatively new, but for the moment this is my observation.
The instructions on the back of the packaging are fairly standard. I also curl my lashes several times so that the curls would look more natural and hold better.
So does it work? Yes and no. I like how even the lashes on the outer corners fit into this one (this is very often my complaint with lash curlers), it has never broken one single lash (I’ve had that happen to me with a really cheap drugstore one, so now I am very cautious), and it does the job beautifully. However, the slightly rounder curve means there was a learning curve for me, as my eye area is really kind of flat. In the beginning I found it awkward to fit this on my eyes without my bones getting in the way. I’ve also pinched myself more times than I ever have with my Shiseido one. Once I figured it out though, it’s definitely less of a problem. It’s just that I had to get through the learning process!
Bottom line: I can see why Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is a legend in the industry, as it is very well-made and sturdy. However, it depends a lot on your eye shape/bone structure whether a lash curler would work effortlessly for you. For my flatter eye area there was definitely a learning curve with Shu! Now that I’ve figured it out this curler works beautifully, though I wish I could have foregone the pinching in the beginning!
What is your favorite curler? Have you tried either the Shiseido or Shu one?
Sunny, your beauty culture translator xx
MOSTLY SUNNY 
Oooh, I didn’t even knew you have both shi and shu! I have the shu one for years and it’s still looking great! It’s definitely worth an investment, I had cheaper ones that just suddenly broke (crazy right!) and it’s so dangerous especially when working near your eyes! It sounds horrible having lashcurlers pinching your lashes out, I didn’t even knew that was possible!
Oh yeah Teri, I once bought a cheap one from the drugstore that killed a couple of lashes in one go the first time I used it. I got so freaked out that I threw it away! That’s when I learnt my lesson.
Hi Sunny, I’ve had my Shu for years now (and haven’t replaced the pad) but it works beautifully for me still. It was the first pro curler I had, so I don’t have much comparison, however I do like the rounded shape. It works well for me!
Hey Dovey, good to know it’s working so well! Maybe the SA was exaggerating how often I’d have to replace it LOL
I love that it is gold! I used this curler for such a long time now, still like it but I feel like the shiseido one suits my eye shape a bit better. I think a good curler is worth the investment. My lashes are straight and it makes a huge difference – with curled lashes – my mascara works better then as well.
Oh yeah definitely! There are SOME mascaras that will give my lashes a lift, but a good round with the curler makes a big difference!
I have the Shu Uemura one (the regular one, not the 24K). I’ve had it for longer than I care to admit, and when I found out that Shu was being discontinued at Sephora, I bought a back up. The thing is, I only recently started curling my lashes daily. I used to just forget. I think it’s probably time I use my back up one, but then I will have none… 😦
I also have a problem with pinching myself with this one, too!
Aww Jen don’t worry about that though. You might travel or have a friend who does. At the dutyfree shops they sell 2 of these in a packet! If you tend to pinch yourself with this one then you should maybe try the Shiseido one. That is a curler I’ve never pinched myself with!
I have the Shu one. I loved it at first, as it created a perfect curl which lasted the whole day. But after a while, it just… Stopped working. Very strange! I’m dying to try the Shisheido one though.
Hey Diana, I think that means you need to replace the pad! That makes a big difference!
Hmm.. Seems I pretty neat for the color. I can picture the dark background with this golden curler being the centerpiece in some ad.
This one is particularly luxurious-looking for sure!
I have the Shiseido one and I absolutely love it–it’s been going strong for a little over a year now, I believe. I didn’t realize you had to replace the curling pad so infrequently though–I’ve been replacing mine every 4 months or so 😛 I never felt like it needed it, but I just did it anyway lol. I guess I will start waiting a little longer between replacements–like maybe every 8 months. My cousin used to use the Shu and i remember using hers a few times many years ago and absolutely loving it. It’s been so long though that I can’t remember what i liked about it and have no idea if I would like the Shiseido or Shu better. But I am perfectly content with my Shiseido, so unless it breaks or something, it will be around for a very long time to come!
Hey Becca, I only replace mine when I feel it’s not working too well anymore, and it’s roughly once a year. I don’t curl my lashes every day (only when I wear makeup), but every time I do I make sure they’re well-curled so I guess that means my curler is overworked! I really like the Shiseido one and would recommend it to anyone whose eye area is flatter (like myself)!
I don’t use a curler because I tend to poke my eye out when I use it 🙂
LOL but you have fabulous lashes, Jill! I’m too jealous!
I have the Shu and I love it – I’m curious about the Shiseido though! It’s really helpful to know that the Shiseido is flatter, I don’t think my eye area is flat, so the Shu is probably a better fit for me.
Hey Emi, if your eye area isn’t flat then I guess Shu is a better match for you! The Shiseido one is really rather flat in comparison!
I’ve got the Shi one, haha! I love it al though I still pinch my sometimes… :’) actually I had no idea that you have to replace the silicone thingy once a year.
Hey girly, you have to replace it approximately once a year, or when you start feeling it’s not working as well!
My Shu has been living in my pro kit for about 4 years. I can’t imagine working without it. I’m glad you picked up one for yourself. 🙂
I actually never curl my lashes. Very strange, just not in my morning routine. But 1 thing’s for sure, if I ever use one, it’s a shu 🙂 Many years ago I saw several MUA going crazy over a shu so you only confirmed it. The best there is 🙂
Hey Nanni, I’m glad to hear it works so well for you! I assume you’re blessed with naturally curly lashes, because I NEED a curler in my life LOL
I have been using my Shu for over 5 years! 🙂 very sturdy!
Oh wow that’s an impressive life span for a curler!
I love mine too! Best curler EVER.
I have been using Shu Uemura lash curlers ever since I earned to curl my lashes and I don’t feel the urge to change. But I do agree with you that it depends on your eye shape, we are all made different.
i totally agree it really depends on your eye shapes.
i love my Shu and i’ve been using it more than 3 years now. i just change the rubber a couple of times.
in my opion, papa Shu should be praised forever for having brought this curler and the hard eyebrow pencils. ;p
thanks for your through review, Sunny!
LOL I’m glad it works so well for you, Lena! I do use my curler like there’s no tomorrow sometimes, so I might need the pad replaced roughly once a year 🙂
Thanks for your review! I’ve always been curious about this. I’m still using the UD one, but I’m never 100% happy.
You’re welcome, Phyrra! I was really intrigued when the UD one came out, but never managed to snatch one!
I’ve almost bought this curler many times, but after some research I heard that the Sephora brand curler works just as well. I’ve been using the Sephora curler for years now and I LOVE it! And it’s cheaper, which is always a plus!
Hey Ashley, I’m glad to hear the Sephora one works well for you! There’s no Sephora where I live, and I already own two curlers now but I’ll keep that in mind!
Hmm, I’m glad it worked out for you in the end! Curlers always scare me haha so I mostly use a heated one… But I do have the small half size one from Mac!
I have tried drugstore brand and Shu curler and Shu curler is definitely better. The lashes at the ends get curled better.
I have heard nothing but good things about these eyelash curlers but personally I feel that they are too pricey, as a student I can’t justify spending that much money on an eyelash curler, because like you said eyelash curlers can be great depending on the shape of your eye, it has to match with the shape of the eyelash curler.
I’ve got one aswell, it’s silver and it comes in a white box 🙂 There is another kind on the market, which is smaller, especially for you outher lashes.
Hey Peggy I’ve seen those, but with this one my outer lashes actually fit nicely in as well!