I did not think that an eyelash curler can make such a big difference. I had problems with my eyelashes and have for weeks used lately a cheap pliers. They looked better, but the outer lashes were never covered by the pliers. In this but it works wonderfully. The only difference I could see was that these pliers is not as strong bent, and therefore likely to better come to the outer lashes.
I rather have round eyes, still the tongs works beautifully.
And I think 19 not at all expensive. It's like having good brushes: They are used every day and hold them for years.