I am, thanks to EH1812, hooked onto the 
mini Japonesque eyelash curler.  I must get one soon!  I'd use it even without mascara.  It curls perfectly, and not once was there a pinch!  I'd get the 
big professional one at the same price, but I'm not into bulky tools for on-the-go.
Funny thing, Sephora has the same exact thing, but under the 
Sephora Brand, and it's more pricey than the Japonesque at Nordstrom's.