A little bit about me: I’m a beauty editor with sensitive, watery eyes and, for a good decade, haven’t been able to find a favorite mascara. Even the best mascara formulas can leave me looking like a bloodshot-eyed raccoon come noon. But about a year ago, I was introduced to the world of tubing mascaras. Unlike regular mascara that uses waxes and oils to create length and volume, the best tubing mascaras leverage special polymers to create an elongated tube around every individual lash. Think: Lash extensions in a bottle.
While all tubing mascaras will have the above in common, they're not one size fits all. Some have smaller wands that are great for lower lashes, a handful prioritizes lash fullness, and some will provide a more dramatic finish. I’ve spent the past few weeks testing dozens of formulas (seriously, I’ve worn a different mascara for the past 21 days) to bring you the best tubing mascaras for every concern and lash type.
Here, you’ll be able to shop the best of the best—and learn everything you need to know about tubing mascaras and how to apply them with a little help from celebrity makeup artists Brandy Allen, Vincent Oquendo and Lauren O’Leary, and cosmetic chemist Ginger King.
The Best Tubing Mascaras
- Best Tubing Mascara Overall: Sarah Creal Back of the Cab Volumizing Longwear Tubing Mascara
- Best Curling Tubing Mascara: Tarte Tartelette™ Tubing Mascara
- Best Tubing Mascara for Thickness: Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
- Best Tubing Mascara for Straight Lashes: Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
- Best Smudge-Proof Tubing Mascara: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara
- Best Tubing Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara
I’ve never had lash extensions, but I imagine this mascara is the next best thing. With a creamy, conditioning formula fortified with shea butter, Sarah Creal’s innovative tubing formula instantly lengthens and defines every single lash. It has an almost glossy-like finish and comes equipped with a rich black intensity lasting 12 hours. Trust me, I’ve tried it.
Benefits: Volume, definition, conditions
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Shea butter
Wand Type: Hourglass shape
What We Love: Dark black formula; holds a curl; great for straight lashes; opthomologist tested for sensitive eyes; comes off easily
What We Don’t: The bottle dries out a little too quickly
Review for MC: “I’m in my late 20s. But despite the fact that this entire beauty line is designed for women over the age of 40, I was still compelled to try the mascara, which promises to mimic lash extensions. I have incredible straight lashes that struggle to hold a curl and disturbingly watery eyes. With two coats of this mascara (and a quick pump of my lash curler), and my lashes are completely transformed. I’ve never received so many compliments on my ‘long’ lashes in my entire life. I suppose that’s why I’m already on my third bottle.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
If you're look for length and volume, this is the mascara for the job.
If you’re on the hunt for a do-it-all tubing formula that can outdo your regular mascara, turn your attention to Tartlette. Similar to the brand’s Better Than Sex formula, you’ll receive an instant boost of length, volume, and curl. But unlike the cult-favorite formula, you shouldn’t have any flaking or raccoon eyes. My favorite aspect about this formula is that it’s available in a travel-size bottle, ensuring the mascara doesn’t dry out.
Benefits: Volume, curl, length
Shades: Black, brown
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, castor oil, carnauba wax
Wand Type: Tapered
What We Love: Easy to remove; incredibly lengthening, holds a curl, jet black color; ophthalmologist-testing
What We Don’t: Some report smudging (which is likely to the rare addition of wax in a tubing mascara formula)
Review for MC: “I am a die-hard tubing mascara fan, so I'm very skeptical of any new ones I try. This one did not disappoint! I liked how much it lengthened my lashes. It also held a curl well and didn't budge all day. And taking it off at the end of the day was so easy!” — Jonelle Afurong, Junior Visual Designer
If you have particularly straight lashes, reach for this Tarte mascara.
Tubing mascaras are typically better at length than they are at volume. But with Kevyn Aucoin’s specially designed volume-building fibers, you’ll get both benefits in a single swipe. This particular mascara has a chunkier brush than most other tubing mascaras, so you should only need one coat to get a high-impact finish. The color is also intense, making this a great tubing mascara for big events.
Benefits: Volume, length, dark pigment
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil
Wand Type: Precision brush
What We Love: Very dark pigment; thickens in addition to lengthens; clump-free formula
What We Don’t: Requires many coats to build up impact
Review for MC: “I’ve been a loyal waterproof mascara fan for years but then this tubing formula came into my life and solved two of my biggest mascara pain points—it actually stays put all day long and it’s easy as can be to remove. Other mascaras will end up smudged under my eyes and on my eyelids but this one does not budge in the slightest. It also comes off completely with just warm water, no harsh scrubbing required. Given just how long and thick my lashes look with this mascara, I'd say I've found a new favorite.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
Brooke loves how easily this mascara washes off—no tugging needed.
You probably first heard about Tower28 through their SOS skincare line, a true savior for anyone with sensitive skin, eczema, or who is prone to irritation. But it’s their makeup products—specifically their tubing mascara—that you’ll find every beauty editor and makeup artist buzzing about. Available in soft black and rich brown, the gentle formula is perfect for mastering the clean girl aesthetic. The brush is really what makes this mascara so magical—with three suspended bands, it’s able to coat every little lash (even those little ones on the outer corner) with incredible ease.
Benefits: Length, volume, water-resistant
Shades: Black, brown
Key Ingredients: Castor oil blend
Wand Type: Thin, three-flex wand
What We Love: Lightweight finish; vegan formulation; very subtle
What We Don’t: Not very buildable
Review for MC: “If you want to know what mascara beauty insiders use, it’s this. I was originally turned onto the formula by makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes (it’s her go-to). But from the second I started talking about it’s lash-transforming powers to anyone that would listen, I quickly realized my passion for the product did not exist in a silo. It gives a light, natural finish that’s ideal for daily wear, keeps my straight lashes curled for the entire day, and never, ever smudges or flakes—regardless of the humidity or my activity level.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Samantha love the Tower 28 tubing mascara in the shade Jet.
You know this tubing mascara is good, because not one, but two of our expert makeup artists named it as their favorite. “This formula is really budge-proof, especially during long press days,” notes Oquendo. “This is one of my favorite formulas. I’ve even used it on bottom lashes.” Allen echoes the sentiment, mentioning that “it gives lashes intense length, lift, and definition.”
Benefits: Length, definition, lift
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, panthenol
Wand Type: Tapered wand for a fanned-out finish
What We Love: Expert-approved; doesn’t smudge; longwear; natural finish; easy cleanup; vegan; cruelty-free
What We Don’t: More subtle finish
Review for MC: "This Hourglass mascara is definitely more natural than I tend to go for, but that's ok. It's perfect if you prefer a formula that leaves you with clean, dark, and wispy lashes without a ton of clumpy volume, this pick is one of my favorites. It's been pretty hot here in New York so it was the perfect time to test its anti-smudging powers. I wore it. for close to 10 hours in the humid heat and I didn't notice one flake or smudge all day. It also didn't leave my lashes looking or feeling crispy. And the wash-off process was completely seamless—it tubed off as expected and left no residue behind." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Julia says Hourglass' mascara has all of the definition without any of the crunch.
If you love sustainable beauty as much as we do, consider this mascara from the eco-conscious brand Merit Beauty. This mascara is made from completely clean ingredients and even comes in recyclable packaging. Its formula is perfect for everyday wear or for those who prefer a natural look. Lashes are defined and lengthened in just a swipe or two, resulting in that wide-awake look. Thanks to fatty acids and olive oil, lashes also get a conditioning boost.
Benefits: Length, definition
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Fatty acids, olive oil
Wand Type: Chunky
What We Love: Lengthening; long-wearing; smudge-proof; clean; vegan; clump-free
What We Don’t: Doesn’t do a great job at curling lashes
Review for MC: “If I’m going for the clean girl aesthetic (read: slicked-back bun and minimal, glowy makeup), Merit is my go-to. Every single makeup product the brand puts out strikes the perfect balance between enhancing my features without overpowering them. That’s exactly what I get with this mascara. It ever-so-slightly lengthens each individual lash without clumping them together, flaking off, or creating a heavy, weighed-down appearance. Plus, the black is dark enough to brighten up my eyes, but light enough that it’s impossible to tell if I’m actually wearing any mascara at all.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Samantha reaches for this Merit mascara on no-makeup makeup days.
Other Tubing Mascaras We Love
While the brand insists that this isn’t technically a tubing mascara, the technology and wear come pretty damn close. The product washes off with warm water (no makeup remover necessary) and is ideal for sensitive eyes. It also happens to be Oquendo’s favorite. “It is a really black formula, so it really makes my client's eyes stand out,” he says .”I found that I get a really great even application from it, and I don’t have to worry about my client mascara running on the red carpet.”
Benefits: Volume, definition, intensity
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Panthenol, niacinamide, vitamin E
Wand Type: Fluffy
What We Love: Creates incredible definition with a jet black color; makeup artist-recommended; doesn’t smudge; ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes
What We Don’t: Not technically a tubing mascara
Call it what you want—panda eyes, raccoon eyes, smudging. Whatever nomenclature you choose, I can guarantee the black residue is unwanted. Knappenberger recommends this mascara for those sick of their mascara running. “A great tubing mascara doesn't have to cost you more than a cup of coffee. If you don't believe me, you must try Essence's Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Mascara. This five-dollar mascara works just as well to lengthen your lashes as the more expensive picks on this list. It also delivers the same long-lasting, smudge-proof results as other tubing mascaras, hence the name 'Bye Bye Panda Eyes,” she says.
Benefits: Density, volume
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax
Wand Type: Chunky
What We Love: Affordable; no smudging or running; easy to remove
What We Don’t: Can get a bit clumpy
If you fear the heat will melt your makeup, Allen recommends this waterproof tubing mascara from MAC. In her experience, it's "sweat—and humidity-resistant and lasts up to 16 hours." The petite brush makes this a great option for lower lashes—just gently shimmy the wand. Ophthalmologists also verify it as safe for sensitive eyes and for wear with contact lenses.
Benefits: Lift, define
Shade: Black
Key Ingredients: Thermal sensitive technology, carnauba wax
Wand Type: Petite
What We Love: Great for lower lashes; waterproof formula; long-lasting; makeup artist-recommended
What We Don’t: Contains carmine, a red pigment, which can be irritating to sensitive eyes
If you wear contacts or have extra-sensitive eyes, opt for a mascara like this one from Clinique. It’s ophthalmologist- and allergy-tested, has a fragrance-free formula, and won't flake into your eyes. Knappenberger says she also loves "its thin, tapered brush, which reaches the tiniest of lashes on the corners and bottom lashline.”
Benefits: Length, Definition
Shades: Black, brown
Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax
Wand Type: Tapered
What We Love: Editor-Approved; lengthening; defining; long-wearing; smudge-proof; ophthalmologist-tested; easy to remove
What We Don’t: Only provides subtle volume; contains carmine, a red pigment that can be irritating
Clumping is my biggest mascara pet peeve. It looks heavy, feels irritating, and inevitably flakes off throughout the day. If you share my pain point, take Allen’s word and reach for this Maybelline formula, which provides “endless length and great volume." In this case, the product's name is very literate.
Benefits: Length, volume
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract
Wand Type: Tapered
What We Love: Expert-approved; non-clumping; voluminous; lengthening; comes in five colors
What We Don’t: Some reviewers find the applicator wand fragile
O'Leary's glowing review of this popular option will persuade you if you're still unsure about tubing mascara. "My favorite tubing mascara I have tried (and I've tried many) is the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extension Mascara," she says. "What I love about this formula is that it is really black, separates the lashes well, stays on long, and is easier to remove than my other mascaras."
Benefits: Length, curl
Shades: Pink, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, castor seed oil
Wand Type: Tapered
What We Love: Expert-approved; highly pigmented; defines lashes; easy to remove; long-wearing; clean and vegan formula; dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
What We Don’t: Formula is thick and sometimes clumps
What Is Tubing Mascara?
“Tubing mascaras are non-buging, which is great for oily skin and smaller eyes,” explains Allen, noting they're also some of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes. With these formulas, you’ll get more length than volume and a jet-black finish that still looks natural. Removal is as easy as can be—splash some water on your face, and the tubes of product will dissolve.
How Is Tubing Mascara Different From Regular Mascara?
The biggest difference between tubing and regular mascara is how the formula coats your lashes. “A tubing mascara uses polymers that will form little tubes to envelope the lashes and provide a volumized look,” explains King. “A regular mascara is usually made with waxes and oils—it also tends to smudge more.”
Deciding which option is best for you is largely up to personal preference. Just keep in mind that a regular mascara is better at providing thickness, density, and volume, whereas a tubing mascara will excel at lengthening.
What Are the Benefits of Tubing Mascara?
- Lengthening
Because tubing mascara essentially wraps around each lash with tiny tubes, lashes appear noticeably longer and, according to O’Leary, more defined.
- Easy Removal
O'Leary explains that tubing mascaras create "little tubes around your lashes," which are easier to remove than the pigments of non-tubing mascaras. Thus, they can wash off with warm water alone. This makes tubing mascara a great option for those with sensitive eyes who can't tolerate makeup removers.
- Long-Wearing
Tubing mascara has some serious staying power, too. “Tubing mascara is longer lasting and doesn't come off until it's removed,” O’Leary says. “It's not waterproof but usually claims to be water-resistant, meaning it's less likely to smudge or transfer until removed.” You shouldn’t experience any running, bleeding, or black circles under your eyes.
What to Look for in Tubing Mascara
- Ingredients
Ingredients truly set tubing mascaras apart from their contemporaries. Allen advises looking for polymers such as dimethicone, propanediol, polysilicone-11, cera alba, carnauba wax, and glyceryl stearate. Ingredients may also simply list "polymer" or "copolymer." Any of these compounds make your mascara a tubing mascara.
Because mascara can be harsh on lashes, you'll also want to look for nourishing and conditioning ingredients like shea butter, castor oil, or vitamin E in your formulas.
- Brush Shape
Everyone has a different effect they are going for when it comes to mascara, so it’s important to consider the right brush shape and size for your personal goals. Typically, a denser and smaller brush will give you voluminous lashes, whereas a thinner, longer brush will result in lengthened and clump-free lashes. But don’t be afraid to mix two mascaras to achieve the effect you want—it’s actually O’Leary’s favorite trick.
“I feel like this helps the longevity of my mascara and helps to separate and define at the end of my mascara application,” she says. “But you must do the tubing mascara after a normal mascara because tubing mascara dries quickly and is meant to be longer lasting, making it harder to apply more coats once it's applied.”
How to Apply Tubing Mascara
If you want to apply tubing mascara like a pro, take Oquendo’s words of advice: “Curl your lashes first and then apply from the base of the lash line. Make sure you get the mascara from root to tip, so that you can have a bright-eyed look.” While you shouldn’t experience any clumping when using a tubing mascara (a huge plus!), you can always use a lash comb to ensure a defined finish.
How to Remove Tubing Mascara
Part of the allure of a tubing mascara is the removal process. If you have sensitive eyes, you know that eye makeup remover, which is needed for regular mascaras, can be irritating. Tubing mascaras on the other hand will come off with just a splash of water. “It’s much more gentle to the eyes,” sasy King.
How We Tested
I personally tested 21 tubing mascaras, while the rest of the Marie Claire team tested an additional nine. We evaluated each product on wear, how much it flaked, how long it stayed on lashes, and how easy it was to remove with warm water.
Why Trust Us
Marie Claire is an expert in mascara, having covered topics ranging from the best mascaras for sensitive eyes, to the best mascaras overall, the best colored mascaras, and the best brown mascaras. Samantha Holender specifically is a Beauty Editor with nearly a decade of experience in the space. She has sensitive eyes, and therefore wears exclusively tubing mascaras. She makes it a point to test every new innovation that hits the market. We also spoke with four celebrity makeup artists that keep tubing mascaras in their kits for this particular story.
Meet the Experts
Lauren is a New York City/Minneapolis based makeup artist, men's groomer, and beauty expert. She grew up in Minnesota but had her heart set on living in New York City since she was very young. As a lifelong artist, she was always on top of the latest beauty trends. Lauren specializes in beauty, editorial, celebrity, commercial/print, film & TV work. A few of her clients include Guess, Maybelline, Saks Fifth Ave, Samsung, Conde Nast, and celebrities Niki Taylor, Kaia Gerber, Joey Fatone, Shaq, Charlotte Mckinney, Hannah Brown, James Van der Beek, and more.
A native of Los Angeles, Brandy Allen started working in make-up at the age of 18 while earning her bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She worked in corporate beauty and sales for five years with companies such as MAC, Make Up For Ever, Napoleon Perdis, DuWop, Fashion Fair and Maybelline. While working in make-up throughout college, she honed her skills, product knowledge and customer service. Over the years, Brandy has become one of the industry’s go-to artists for women of color. She’s accentuated the natural beauty of celebrities such as Aja Naomi King, Keke Palmer, Janelle Monae, Serayah McNeil, Danielle Brooks, Yara Shahidi, and many more. Brandy is known for color mixing and flawless skin.
Vincent Oquendo is a globally recognized makeup artist, known for his bold aesthetic and creative vision. A “make-up maestro,” according to ELLE, Vincent's red carpet clients include Lily Collins, Janelle Monae, Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Hailey Bieber, Diane Kruger, and Jessica Biel.
Ginger King has been passionately creating beauty products from concept to finish since 1995. She is well versed in innovative concepts, creative product formulation, advanced technology applications, ergonomic package development and impactful competitive analysis. Ginger has developed over hundreds of products from hair care to skin care, and sun care to color cosmetics. Her claim to fame products include the revolutionary first to market Joico ICE SPIKER, water resistant hair glue, Freeze 24.7 Ice Shield, SPF 15 face wash and Avon Advance Techniques Color Protection series. Her Avon True Color Eye shadow and Daring Definition Mousse Mascara have also been selected as the finalists for CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) for 2005 and 2006 respectively.
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