I first tried this eyelash curler at a friends house when I was a young teen and have had one ever since.
I have only tried the manicare brand (think I've had 2 in like 12 years - they last ages) as I find it does what I need it to do, I would be open to try others yet there hasn't been any that have caught my eye.
Its an easy to hold device, similar to that of holding scissors. For a novice it can seem scary at first putting something so close up to your eye but you get use to it. I have found both my curlers to be sturdy and last well, with no defects to them. I remember when I first meet Mr Rosie and he was like 'What the heck are doing to your eye?! was rather funny - boys aye!
I use mine every time prior to mascara application. Never after. I also use it (if I remember) when I go makeup free as you can still get the curled effect, especially if you tint your lashes.
As the tip above states you can walk the curler up your lashes which is what I do and I really love the result. I really think it makes mascara application that much more easier. You don't need to press too firm either, start by pushing down slowly until you see the lashes curl up the curler, if you do it to hard in the wrong place it will end up pulling and curl your lashes in the wrong place.
I guess nowadays there are more lash products on the market (like falsies and more improved mascaras, as well as growth serums) so lash curlers are prob not as much a necessity as they once were but you will always find one in with my makeup stash.
I've had this for a few weeks now and it is pretty good. I have straight short lashes so nothing really is amazing but this is a decent product and does leave my lashes curled.
Prior to this I had a cheap eyelash curler from ebay and in comparison this one is definitely much better.
For the price I think it is really worth it but if you have naturally curly lashes and I'd skip this and just go straight to mascara.
IN conclusion I would recommend it but in the future I think that I will try out some different brand.