Smudging and flaking are two words you do not want to be associated with your mascara. And for those of us who want length, dimension and run-free color, waterproof mascara is usually a solid go-to. But smudge-proof formulas require lots of scrubbing, which can be harsh on the eyes and even harsher on the lashes. What if there was another option? There is, and it’s called tubing mascara.
While regular mascaras are made with waxes and silicones, tubing mascaras are made with water-soluble polymers that create flexible tubes around each lash. The result is a flawless finish that’s easy to remove.
“Tubing mascara contains polymers that don’t break down from the natural oils in the face,” says hair and makeup artist Goldie Tom. “Regular mascaras are water-based and break down a lot faster and easier with the face’s natural oils and will run if lashes get wet.”
Is there a trick to putting on tubing mascara? Not really, according to Cheekbone Beauty founder Jenn Harper. “The application process for tubing mascara is similar to regular mascara — start at the root and wiggle. However, there is a difference in the removal process. Tubing mascara can be removed with warm water, whereas regular mascara requires a makeup remover.”
When washing off a tubing mascara, you’ll see that each tube comes off with a little pressure, cleanser and warm water. Don’t be alarmed. If it’s your first time using tube mascara, you might think it’s your lashes going down the drain with your water and soap, but it’s not. It’s the tubing mascara doing its thing. In fact, it’s pretty satisfying to see those little tubes being washed away.
“The beauty of tubing mascara is it comes off easily with any makeup remover or even just a regular foaming cleanser,” says celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. “It gives eyes a dramatic look, adding length and lift to lashes. It also doesn’t flake.”
Ready to try out tubing mascara? Here are 15 of the best tubing mascaras on the market.
Leave it to KVD Beauty to compare tubing mascara to a full-sleeve tattoo. This lengthening and defining mascara coats each lash with clump-proof and smudge-resistant wear.
If you want flawless lashes and remain committed to the environment, this top-rated tubing mascara from Caliray — one of Tom's favorites — is an excellent choice. The long-wearing, lengthening mascara is made from clean ingredients and is cruelty-free.?
Use this tubing mascara once, and you’ll see why it’s a Pretty Big Deal. The vegan formula delivers longer natural lashes with regular use, thanks to its conditioning peptide complex.
Another one of Tom's picks, Bye, Bye Panda is the most affordable tubing mascara in the bunch, but it performs just as well as some of the more expensive brands. You’ll get defined lashes that don’t leave you with those dreaded panda eyes.
A proprietary formula defines, separates and lifts lashes without clumping. The brush applies just the right amount of product to keep lashes clump-free and looking fabulous all day long. This is a clean formula made with natural and environmentally safe ingredients.?
Lash extensions? Nope, it's just Thrive Cosmetics tube mascara. Customer reviews say that the mascara does wonders for thin lashes by thickening without all the clumps.?
If you’re looking for buildable volume and length, Blinc’s Original Tubing Mascara is a good option — and Harper’s personal tubing mascara of choice.
This tubing mascara from Tarte was clinically proven to volumize and lengthen. Reviewers love the precise spoolie that grabs each lash. Test it out yourself and choose from full-size or mini.
While Beauty Pie’s Wrap Star started as a trial item, customer response was so overwhelming it is now a bestselling, full-sized product. Each last is coated in a smooth, glossy polymer tube for dramatic length and lasting curl.?
It’s easy to see why Tower 28 has such a loyal fan base, especially in this mascara. While not officially a tubing formula, it gives the same lightweight, defining effect, without any worry of smudging. Plus, it’s vegan, safe for sensitive eyes and gentle enough for those who wear contacts.
Greenberg says that this mascara?"has a?blend of?peptides to?nourish lashes along with?tubing fibers that create a barrier around lashes to lock-in all of the goodness for amazing results."
Milani’s tubing mascara does everything it’s supposed to do: last, curl, lengthen, and more. And it comes at a great price for a quality formula that Greenberg says "gives eyes a dramatic look, adding length and lift to lashes. It also doesn’t flake."
Guide Beauty’s Lash Wrap comes with a unique brush that ensures every lash is encased in product. The slimline brush is meant to extend lashes to their longest lengths and set long-lasting curls (no lash curler required).?
This naturally derived mascara uses ingredients like beeswax and kaolin, in addition to polymers, to create long lasting length without clumps and flakes.?
Black is boring. Go for a bold green, blue or purple. While Eyeko’s tubing mascara comes in black and brown, it's known for its inventive colors that make bold statements.
