Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
As someone with naturally oily eyelids, I’m all too used to my mascara — yes, even ones deemed waterproof and/or long-wearing — smudging and flaking. (Hello, raccoon eyes.)
Traditional mascaras are made with waxes and silicones, which can easily break down. On the contrary, tubing mascaras are specially formulated with water-soluble polymers to wrap around each lash, forming oh-so-tiny tubes.
We like
We don't like
The Benefits of Tubing Mascara
Tubing mascaras are naturally water-resistant, which means they can handle light moisture without flaking or smudging. Despite this, they’re incredibly easy to remove since they don’t require the use of a cleanser or eye makeup remover. Simply watch in awe as the tubes “slide” off with warm water and light pressure. (Seriously, it’s super satisfying.) Also, since you don’t need to rub and tug at each lash to wipe away the makeup, you’ll be prone to less irritation — which is key for those with sensitive eyes (cough cough me).
These specially formulated mascaras also provide a lash-lengthening effect. As previously mentioned, while traditional mascaras coat or “paint” each lash, tubing mascaras wrap around each lash to create the illusion of longer, lifted, and more defined lashes. (Hello, eyelash extensions in a bottle.)
What to Consider When Shopping for Tubing Mascaras
While narrowing down the best tubing mascaras on the market, it was important to consider those with nourishing formulas featuring beneficial ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, and castor oil, to name a few.
Additionally, to determine if a mascara is a tubing mascara — not all of them will be labeled as such, which can be confusing — take a look at the ingredient list. If it contains polymers or copolymers (a few of the most common ones include propanediol, 10 dimethicone, polysilicon-11, cera alba, or glyceryl stearate), it’s a tubing mascara.
When shopping for the best tubing mascaras, you should also consider what type of wand you prefer. For example, do you prefer hourglass or cone-shaped wands, which may help lift and separate each lash? Similarly, curved wands can prevent clumping while helping with curl. Alternatively, would you rather reach for one with a straight, thin wand for a more subtle look?
Finally, keep in mind that, like traditional mascaras, tubing mascaras come in a slew of color options, from classic jet black to dark brown and even bolder hues like purple, which pops against brown and green eyes.
The Best Tubing Mascaras to Buy STAT
Ahead, we compiled a list of our favorite tubing mascaras on the market across a range of price points.
This tarte tubing mascara has quickly become my everyday makeup must-have; in fact, I even have the miniature version for travel. As someone with sensitive eyes, I especially appreciate this ophthalmologist-tested tubing mascara’s nourishing formula, which features conditioning shea butter and moisturizing castor oil. Oh, and did I mention it provides up to 24 hours of flake-free, smudge-proof wear?
We like
We don't like
Merit’s Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara is designed to define, separate, and lengthen lashes — and ultimately create the illusion of a full night’s sleep (don’t worry, I won’t spill your secret) — sans any smudging. It’s packed with fatty acids, glycerin, and olive oil esters to nourish and condition. It also gets major brownie points for its recyclable packaging.
We like
We don't like
Enriched with castor oil and shea butter, this fan-favorite tubing mascara from Thrive Causmetics is both dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested. As such, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and eyes alike. For optimal volume, the brand recommends starting with the wand at the base before slowly combing through from root to tip. Choose from a total of six shades: Brynn (rich black), Crystal (brown black), Nola (deep blue), Margo (purple), Donna (green), and ShantaQuilette (pink).
We like
We don't like
The Quality Edit teams love Tower28 for its sensitive skin-approved skincare and makeup products, including the MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara. This volumizing and lengthening tubing mascara utilizes Aquaflex® Technology to help define and hold a curl while simultaneously softening lashes. It’s also formulated fatty acid-rich staples like castor oil, sunflower seed wax, and olive oil esters. I’d also be remiss not to mention the mascara’s distinct dual-sided curve-shaped brush: The inner wave helps boost volume while the longer bristles on the other end help lengthen and define.
We like
We don't like
This smudge-proof tubing mascara from IT Cosmetics is especially unique in that it features a built-in conditioning lash serum enriched with biotin, known for its strengthening properties. It’s also packed with moisturizing powerhouses: argan and jojoba oils. Bonus: At the end of the wand is a ball tip, which is ideal for defining smaller lashes in hard-to-reach areas like the inner and outer corners of the eyes.
We like
We don't like
Alleyoop’s Go The Distance tubing mascara is enriched with a slew of beneficial ingredients, including shea butter, biotin, peptides, and amino acid-packed pea sprout extract, which can help boost hair growth. This ophthalmologist-tested mascara was also specially formulated with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers in mind.
We like
We don't like
According to the brand, the KVD Beauty Full Sleeve Long + Defined Tubing Mascara provides up to 24 hours of weartime without smudging or flaking. The inky black pigment creates the illusion of thicker lashes, and the tiny bristles are designed to grip each and every one. The result? A fluttery, fanned-out effect.
We like
We don't like
Available in three shades, this aptly named drugstore pick is sure to impress with its jojoba oil-enriched formula to provide an extra dose of nourishment and conditioning. The tapered silicone brush bristles grip onto — and separate — each lash. Its wallet-friendly price is just the icing on the cake.
We like
We don't like
This award-winning, jojoba oil-infused tubing mascara is easily buildable: For subtle, natural-looking lashes, one coat is sufficient; however, for a voluminous and fluttery effect sans the falsies, layer on two or three coats of product — and no, you need not worry about clumping. The tapered brush is designed to mold to your specific eye shape, while the soft, thin bristles are intricate enough to separate each lash.
We like
We don't like
