10 Best Tubing Mascaras (and what makes them different)

I started using tubing mascaras because regular mascaras smudged on me, no matter what kind I tried – whether they were from the drugstore or a high-end company.  In this post, I’ll explain why tubing mascara is different from others and a roundup of the best tubing mascaras on the market.

But I’m a bit of a mascara snob, and I don’t think I’ve ever found a mascara that has met every single one of my requirements, and I’ve tried dozens. For years, I struggled to keep my regular mascara from smudging or transferring onto my skin and I couldn’t figure out why. It turns out, I need a water-based mascara instead of an oil based option, which is the difference between tubing mascara vs regular mascara.

10 Best Tubing Mascaras

Tubing mascara is similar to both fiber and curling mascaras in that it works to thicken, lengthen, and curl your lashes, but because the tubing formula actually has polymers instead of fibers that wrap around each individual lash, it doesn’t flake off in your eyes or smudge.

What is Tubing Mascara?

The reason tubing mascara is called “tubing” is because of its unique formula containing polymers that wrap a “tube” around each lash, creating a very even coat. Celebrity makeup artist Gilbert Soliz explains tubing mascara as, “liquid lash extensions.” Regular mascaras require multiple coats, which tend to weigh down your lashes (and also tends to clump if you’re not super patient with application!) so it can also be hard to get a wide-eyed look, given the weight.

Since the tubes from tubing mascara grab each lash and lifts, it creates a lengthening, wide-eyed effect. Tubing mascaras are also more rubbery, so they don’t smudge, hold amazing curl, and are long-wearing.  This might make you think that tubing mascara would be difficult to remove at the end of the day, but the opposite is actually true.

Most tubing mascaras are actually water-soluble, which means they come off with just a little bit of warm water, and gentle pressure. (I use warm water and a washcloth to gently wipe mine off at the same time I remove my makeup with this cleansing balm.) As you wipe away the mascara, you are wiping away the “tubes,” which fall away easily without leaving a runny black trail of mascara on your sink (actually VERY satisfying).

Since traditional mascara is oil-soluble, they require a true eye makeup remover for removal.

They also smudge more easily if you have oily eyelids (which is my issue!). Tubing mascaras are great for people with sensitive skin and eyes, oily lids, or allergy-prone eyes because the tubes do not smear or run on your skin or in your eyes after they’ve set (moi!).

Okay, now that we have some background, let’s chat about various brands of tubing mascaras. Here are the most popular tubing mascaras on the market, including my favorite.

My Top Pick: Tarte Tartelette™ Tubing Mascara

My #1 pick is the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara. This mascara is made with moisturizing castor oil, conditioning shea butter and carnauba wax that volumizes and lengthens. It’s cruelty-free and vegan (love that) and the best part…it doesn’t need very many coats to lengthen your lashes (even though I like a bold look and use 3, and I often use this Tarte Opening Act lash primer with mascara). It also never clumps.

This one is my personal favorite because the ingredients are actually good for your lashes and it just looks GOOD.  It’s lightweight and keeps lashes looking natural. I use it almost exclusively now. The wand is also easy to use and applies without clumping, and the formula is neither too wet, nor too dry like others I’ve tried. Tarte did recently release an XL version of this mascara that gives an even bolder look, and I love that one too. I outlined that specific mascara below in this post.

Trish McEvoy High Volume Tubular Mascara Jet Black

This Trish McEvoy High Volume Tubular Mascara is polymer-based mascara, which is water-resistent throughout the day, yet slides off with just warm water when you’re ready to remove it. It’s free of phthalates, sulfates, and gluten, and it is also vegan.  To use this mascara, just start at the base and wiggle the wand in a zigzag motion.  This mascara is popular for many, but for me, it didn’t give me enough volume. If you like a more natural lash look, this a good choice.

Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Curling Clean Mascara

If you’re looking for a great mascara wand – look no further than the Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Curling Clean Mascara. It’s flexible and made with three different types of bands that lengthen and define each lash.  The formula is “clean,” cruelty-free and vegan and uses Aquaflex Technology, which is usually used in hairstyling. This technology defines curled hair (or lashes) and gives lasting curl and definition all day.

The vitamin B5 and castor oil help to keep lashes soft, moisturized, and stronger. This is an Allure Best of Beauty winner, so it comes highly recommended. Also, not necessarily important, but the branding is SO cute. It’s on my list to try! If you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

The Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extension Mascara is my second favorite tubing mascara, and I used it for years before trying the Tarte mascara above. Made with shea butter and castor seed oil, this product is 100% vegan and cruelty free and is available in three different colors.

It’s great for sensitive eyes (made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrance) and safe for contact lens wearers, it’s even tested and approved by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.

If you’re one to leave your mascara on overnight sometimes, this mascara won’t leave your eyes irritated the next day. For me, it was too wet for the first few weeks that I used it, making it difficult to build and it also dried out quickly and got clumpy. I felt like it only had a few weeks where the formula was perfect, but I did like it until I found a better option.

MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara

MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara is great if you want defined lashes because it has a smudge-proof, carbon-black formula. The petite brush has bristles that are dense and short so they are able to grip every lash, making this formula especially great for lower lashes. Makeup artist Lavonne claims this mascara is an “industry pro standard.”

Because MAC works to lift, coat and separate, however, it isn’t as successful in adding a lot of volume. The formula is just a little too thin.

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara

If you want very long lashes, this Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara is a great option. Using film-forming technology, this mascara adds length, lift and definition.  It is vegan and cruelty free. When using, you just want to pull the brush out straight from root to tip.

I do like this but just wasn’t as impressed as I was with Tarte. I felt like the wand was too flimsy, which made it difficult to get the right pressure to apply and lift.

Tarte Tartelette™ XL Tubing Mascara

Tarte recently launched the updated version of the Tartelette Tubing Mascara: XL tubing mascara. I love this mascara because it has all of the same qualities as the original but with more length and volume. It lasts for 24 hours without flaking (why you’d want it to last that long is beyond me, though!). The tubing XL peptide blend gives extra length, lift, and pigment. If you’re choosing between the original and this, you just have to decide if you like a super bold lash (this one) or if you prefer a more subdued, natural looking lash (original).

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara

With a “rich pitch black” color and volumizing formula, this Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara is a favorite for many. The tiny bristles grip your lashes and intensify the volume. Jojoba oil then works to keep your lashes soft and shiny.

The only negative is that this mascara creates gummy-like tubes, making it more difficult to remove. The product can dry out in the tube rather quickly, as well.

Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara

If you’re looking for a mascara to really curl your lashes, this Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara is for you. The bristles have wavy brush fibers that allow you to coat and curl every lash. For extra curl, apply starting from the base of your lashes and working your way up. The application AND removal is smooth and easy. I personally haven’t tried this mascara, but reviews say it provides medium volume that’s not feathery.

Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Mascara

Inexpensive ($5 on Amazon!), yet effective, this Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Mascara helps your lashes look thicker, more defined, and longer. It doesn’t flake or smudge and takes just a single coat for application. It does apply wet, though, so it can take a little more time to dry than most.

Bottom Line

If you have the same smudging issues as me, tubing mascara is your answer. It’s been such a game-changer for me, and I absolutely love how easy it is to remove. In fact, when I use a regular mascara (for a special occasion when I want a ton of impact), I’m always annoyed that it smudges after a few hours and then always groan and complain when I have to take it off since it feels like SO MUCH WORK.

If you’re choosing one to try first, I recommend the Tarte Tartelette Mascara (I have a detailed review of the Tartelette mascara linked here). It’s my all time favorite at a great price, and I have a coupon code for you to use ;). If you order directly from Tarte, use code terilyn15 for 15% off your order.

If there’s a tubing mascara that’s not included in this post that I need to try, let me know in the comments!!

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