buuk.top / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
When it comes to long-lasting mascaras, there’s no denying that waterproof formulas take first place. The downside is that they take some elbow grease to remove, which can end up taking a toll on your delicate lashes. Enter tubing mascaras,the Japanese invention that paints your lashes with pigment, essentially shrink-wrapping each individual lash with tiny tubes. The result? Not only along and lengthened effect, but increased staying power to boot.
“Tubing mascaras provide lashes with more long-wear benefits, natural lash extension effects, and areeasily removable without any flaking or smudging,” says Jamie Greenberg, Celebrity Makeup Artist and founder of JamieMakeup. “Most traditional mascaras are prone to clumping or flaking throughout the day, but tubing mascaras aresuper lightweight and have buildable volume to ensure the formula never budges.”
When you’re ready to remove your tubing mascara, a little bit of warm water and a washcloth or cotton pad will do the trick. (FYI, newbies, you will see the little tubes coming off, but don’t worry, those aren’t your actual lashes.)
We conducted hours of research on the best tubing mascaras we’ve found in the marketplace,evaluating them on their ingredients, benefits, and shades. After considering dozens of brands andconsulting with a makeup artist, we landed on the following unbeatable formulas.
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara at Amazon
essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes Tubing Mascara at Amazon
Blinc Original Tubing Mascara at Amazon
DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection at Amazon
LOréal Paris Double Extend Mascara at Amazon
Clinique Lash Power Mascara at Sephora
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara at Thrivecausemetics.com
Surratt Beauty Relevée Mascara at Amazon
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara
Velour Lashes Mascara at Amazon
In This Article
Best Overall
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
Amazon
View On Nordstrom
View On Kevynaucoinbeauty.com
Adds volume, lift and length
Clump-free
Removes easily
Coating is a bit thick
Consider this the OG mascara of the bunch. As a general rule, tubing mascaras are usually best for adding extra length based on the way the tubes wrap around and extend each lash. But when you wantboth length and added fullness, reach for this option. Volume-building fibers and bold black pigments help thicken and separate lashes, while added jojoba oil conditionsthem. The super skinny brush makes swiping and application easier than ever and we love how itnever leaves you with raccoon eyes, a major win in our book.
Who It’s For
If your lashes could use a little love, this formula will help noticeably lengthen and thicken them.
Price at time of publish: $30
Benefits: Infused with volume-building fibers to thicken, separate, and lengthen lashes | Size: 0.18 oz | Shades: Rich Pitch Black | Waterproof: No|Cruelty-Free:No
buuk.top / Ashley Rebecca
Best Budget
essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes Tubing Mascara
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Essencemakeup.com
Can last all day without smudging
Free from parabens, artificial fragrance, and microplastic particles
Volumizes and defines the lashes
Can dry up quickly
This tubing formula from Essence (a brand famous for its mascaras) is only $5 but performs like a much more expensive product. You get a mascara thatdefines and volumizeswhile coating each individual lash in itsextremely water-resistant formula for wear that wont smudge or flakethroughout the day. Its easy to remove with warm water—and without heavy rubbing. We love that the mascaradoesn’t contain controversial ingredients like parabens (which the Environmental Working Group says can disrupt hormones, cause infertility, and increase cancer risk).
Who It’s For
If you want impressive lashes on a budget
, this $5 formula can’t be beat
Price at time of publish: $5
Benefits: Lasts without smudging, flaking, or running| Size: 0.3 oz. | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Volumizing
Blinc Original Tubing Mascara
Amazon
View On Blincinc.com
Can layer multiple coats
Smudge- and flake-free setting
Adds volume
Glue-like consistency
Blinc’s Original Tubing Mascara is formulated in Japan using acrylic copolymer, a molecule that forms awater-resistant film around each lash. This active ingredient provides not just length but volume, too, creating an impressive lash extension effect. You can layer multiple coats until you achieve your desired thickness, just make sure to swipe them on within two minutes of one another and brush them through with a lash comb if needed. Once the formula sets, it sets, soyou don’t have to worry about smudges or flakes.
Who It’s For
If your eyelash length is decent but you need a thickness boost, this volumizing formula will work wonders.
Price at time of publish: $20
Benefits: Water-resistant for maximum hold and conditioning |Size:0.17 oz | Shades: Black, Dark Brown | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Conditioning Formula
DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara
Amazon
View On Dermstore
View On Dhccare.com
Flexible wand reaches tiniest lashes
Infused vitamin E adds sheen and conditions
Smear-free
Can be a bit flaky
This super-lengthening Japanese formula contains beeswax which strengthens and solidifies, and vitamin E, which conditions the lashes,keeping them soft and pliable while also giving them an alluring sheen.1 We especially love the mini wand, which has fine but soft bristles to effectively coat lashes in the formula. Its also along-lasting formula that never clumpswhile applying (which can be a problem with some tubing mascaras).
Who It’s For
The moisturizing vitamin E in this formula will condition and soften your lashes, leaving them with aglossy, healthy-looking finish.
Price at time of publish: $19
Benefits: Conditions and strengthens the eyes with infused beeswax and vitamin E | Size: 0.17 oz | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore Option
LOréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening Mascara
Ulta
View On Ulta
View On Target
Easy to remove
Long-lasting
Lengthens lashes up to 80 percent
Glue-like consistency
This two-step formula promises impressively long lashes, especially for a drugstore brand. The dual-sided tube contains a base coat infused withconditioning ingredients such as ceramides(part of a complex family of fats or lipids that work to restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture) and panthenol (a moisturizing compound derived from vitamin b5).23 Swipe this on first to protect and strengthen lasheswhile also creating a base for the tubes to come. Next, apply the tubing top coat (there’s no need to wait in between) for instant length.We love how well it stays on without smudging, even on lower lashes, but we didn’t love the consistency, which was a bit glue-like.
Who It’s For
This effective tubing mascara with a nourishing base coat is conveniently available at most drugstores, so you’ll have no trouble tracking it down.
Price at time of publish: $10
Benefits: Lengthens the eyelashes up to 80% | Size: 0.33 oz | Shades: Black | Waterproof:No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Sensitive Eyes
Clinique Lash Power Mascara
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Target
Long-lasting 24-hour wear time
Lengthens even the tiniest of lashes
Holds up for watery eyes and oily eyelids
Not the most effective formula for volume
As anyone with sensitive eyes will tell you, mascara can quickly cause irritation and itchiness. Happily, this lengthening formula is bothallergy-tested and ophthalmologist (AKA eye doctor) tested, fragrance-free, and won’t irritate contact lens wearers. It also touts animpressive 24-hour wear time. We love that the thin and slightly tapered brush makes iteasy to reach your bottom lashes, as well as the tiny ones on the inner and outer corners of your eyes, creating animpressive lengthening look. The only disappointing things are that it didn’t add more volume and it can flake a bit.
Who It’s For
If you have eyes that are easily prone to irritation, this sensitive formula will give yousignificant length without compromising on comfort.
Price at time of publish: $25
Benefits: Stays put for 24 hours | Size: 0.6 oz | Shades: Black Onyx and Dark Chocolate | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Natural Formula
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Thrive Causemetics
Buildable fibers create length and volume
Powered by plant stem cell technology
Comes in three shades
Some reviewers found it messy to remove
This award-winningtubing mascara is a favorite among those who try to prioritize natural ingredients in their cosmetics.Buildable fibers add faux lash-like length while Korean plant extracts includingorchid stem cells (an ingredient shown to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin) strengthen lashes.4In addition, a combination of vitamin B5 and sodium hyaluronate (a water-soluble salt derived from hyaluronic acid, which can penetrate deeper into the skin due to its lower molecular weight) work to moisturize, which is why itglides on oh so smoothly.
Who It’s For
If you try to avoid chemicals in your cosmetics wherever possible, this popular natural tubing mascara should be in your makeup case.
Price at time of publish: $25
Benefits: Infused shea butter and castor seed oil condition lashes during wear along with stem cell complex for healthier-looking lashes | Size: 0.38 oz | Shades: Rich Black, Deep Blue, Brown Black |Waterproof:Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Humidity-Proof Formula
Surratt Beauty Relevée Mascara
Amazon
View On Spacenk.com
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
Infused microfibers add more volume
Slim, angled brush simultaneously lifts and fans
Recyclable packaging
Can clump
Celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt’s eponymous makeup line is largely inspired by Japanese technologies and innovations, so it’s no surprise that he created a tubing mascara. Our choice for muggy summer days, thehumidity-proof formula contains microfibers to extend lashes, along with a slim and angled brush that helps lift and fanthem out simultaneously. Also nice: Thepackaging is recyclable,which is not often the case with cosmetics. Annoyingly though, itcan become a little clumpy, so keep an eyelash comb handy.
Who It’s For
If you live in a place that’s warm and sunny or you’re about to go on vacation (lucky you), this humidity-proof mascara will keep your lashes in place.
Price at time of publish: $30
Benefits: Humidity-proof Japanese tubing formula hyperextends lashes |Size: 0.2 oz | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Curling Formula
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening & Volumizing Clean Mascara
Sephora
View On Tower28beauty.com
View On Credo Beauty
Unique brush and packaging
Gentle for contact lens wearers
Holds a curl all day
Can flake over time
One nifty trick for accentuating your eye shape and creating the illusion of larger eyes is to curl your lashes. Although this mascara is marketed for its lengthening and volumizing properties, it alsocups the lashes upward and seals the curl, resulting in a lifted-eye lookwithout the need for an eyelash curling tool. The brand notes that the mascara works in the same way hair styling products do, with a memory hold that lifts andlocks lashes into place while remaining soft, not crunchy. Its also one of the safest for sensitive and allergy-prone eyes, and makes lasheslook wispy and feathered without the need for falsies.
Who It’s For
This formula creates a dramatic curl without the need for an eyelash curler, making it useful for those with straighter lashes.
Price at time of publish: $20
Benefits: Humidity-proof curling technology, moisturizes and strengthens |Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Strengthening Formula
Velour Lashes Pretty Big Deal Peptide & Tubing Mascara
Amazon
View On Sephora
View On Jcpenney.com
Contains peptides
Angled brush lifts and extends lashes
Creates noticeable length
Not for volume
Velour Lashes is known for its glamorous false lashes, so it makes sense they would create a nourishing, lengthening tubing mascara. This inky-black formula doubles as a lash serum, with peptides(strings of amino acids, which are the "building blocks" of proteins) tostrengthen the lashes with each application. The angled brush lifts and extends lashesto a feathery, natural-looking finish without clumping or smudging. Our one criticism we’ve seen from users is that it doesn’t do much to volumize lashes.
Who It’s For
If you have fragile lashes that fall out occasionally, wearing this strengthening mascara daily willhelp nourish and fortify them.
Price at time of publish: $26
Benefits: Peptide complex, tubing formula | Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Clean
MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara
Sephora
View On Walmart
View On Meritbeauty.com
Defining and separating formula
Conditions lashes with with fatty acids and olive oil esters
Doesnt smudge
Not as dramatic as other formulas
If youre looking for a clean version of a tubing mascara, we recommend this formula from Merit. It’s formulated with rice bran wax (a natural thickener) to add structure and length to lashes, plus fatty acids and olive oil to hydrate and condition. While itwont give you the most dramatic lashesin the world, its still able to define and lift the lashes for a separated look with no clumping.
Who It’s For
Clean beauty obsessives will appreciate this award-winning clean formula, which offers long-lasting effects that won’t smudge.
Price at time of publish: $26
Benefits: Nourishes the lashes to lengthen, define, and separate | Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: Black |Waterproof:No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite tubing mascara is Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascarabecause of how effectively it adds both length and fullness to lashes. We also loved our best budget option,essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes Tubing Mascarafor its long-lasting effects that didn’t flake or smudge, and a very affordable price point of $5.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best tubing mascaras on the market, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also consulted a makeup artist for their opinion on our picks. We then used all that research to narrow down our choices to the 11 products on this list..
Attributes we evaluated each tubing mascara based on:
IngredientsCostBenefitsShades
What to Look For in Tubing Mascaras
Wand Type: Do you prefer curved wands, or do you find yourself opting for cone-shaped wands? Mascara wands can differ in shape, size, number of bristles, and material. You’ll be adding several coats of tubing mascara and possibly even a primer to get the maximum amount of fibers on the lash, and the right wand shape can help lift, coat, separate, and curl. Many options on this list, likeTower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascarahave a curved wand to help curl lashes. Fluffy brushes are usually good for adding volume, while nylon or flexible bristles separate and define lashes.Color: Tubing mascaras come in different colors, from chocolate brown to jet black. Some tubing mascaras might come in a wider range of colors, while others might only come in a single shade. Before purchasing a tubing mascara, look at the color or colors offered so you can ensure it will be best suited for your skin tone and lashes. Black formulas, like theKevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascarawhich comes in “Rich Pitch Black” provide the most dramatic effects.Formula Type: Like traditional mascaras, tubing mascara comes in a variety of formulations. While traditional mascaras contain a wax base, tubing mascaras typically use a polymer or blend of polymers to essentially encapsulate each lash, building length and volume. Brands will often highlight the ingredient that is responsible for the tubing effect, but you can also look for "polymer" or "copolymer" in the ingredients to be sure.Velour Lashes Pretty Big Deal Tubing Mascara
uses three different polymers in its formula. And it doesnt stop there: If you swear by mascara that’s ophthalmologist-tested, or you are dedicated to only using cruelty-free products, be sure to check a tubing mascara’s formula. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, have sensitive eyes, or are allergic to ingredients often found in mascaras opt for a sensitive formula like Clinique Lash Power Mascara. If you prefer to use natural formulas, Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is our recommendation.
Tubing mascaras add length and volume to your lashes while resisting smudging, running, and flaking. However, it can be removed painlessly and doesn’t even require makeup remover. Avoid irritation and harsh chemicals by gently washing your lids with water.
“To apply your mascara, start with small coats and make sure the formula is dry before going in for a second layer,” says makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. “I always recommend wiggling your brush to help grab every lash. For boosted lash effect use an eyelash curler or skip, whatever you prefer.”
To remove, you can use a standard makeup remover. You can also wash with water and a washcloth, cotton pad, or just clean hands.
Unfortunately, your tubing mascara won’t last forever. Given the potential for microbial growth and the risk of eye infection, Greenberg suggests you replace your tubing mascara three to six months after purchase. This is especially important for tubing mascara made of only natural ingredients as it might lack preservatives, making it more susceptible to microbial growth. If your tubing mascara feels dry or as though it’s expired before the three-month mark, you should assume it has expired and replace it.5
“While its not necessary, some eye lash primers can enhance the overall definition of lashes and extend their long-wear potency,” explains Greenberg. “If I’m going for a dramatized eye look, I’ll usually use a primer and Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara to get the look of falsies with your real lashes.”
All mascara formulations have the potential to clump in the tube. If youre finding your tubing mascara is getting clumpy, there are a few tricks you can try. Greenberg says it’s best not to pump the mascara wand when starting the application process as this pumps excess air into the tube, making the formula dry out. “You can even clean the bristles with a damp paper towel to avoid overloading the formula on your lashes and clogging the tube,” she adds.
Why Trust buuk.top
This article was written by Melanie Rud, a Chicago-based writer with 10 years of experience covering beauty. She covers all things skincare for buuk.top, from ingredients to acne advice.
Additional guidance was provided by Jamie Greenberg, Celebrity Makeup Artist and founder of JamieMakeup.
buuk.top
contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on buuk.top’s list of the best
Ally Hirschlag
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Spada F, Barnes TM, Greive KA. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skins own natural moisturizing systems. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:491-497. Published 2018 Oct 15. doi:10.2147/CCID.S177697
Trehan S, Michniak-Kohn B, Beri K. Plant stem cells in cosmetics: current trends and future directions. Future Sci OA. 2017;3(4):FSO226. Published 2017 Jul 12. doi:10.4155/fsoa-2017-0026
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Cosmetics safety q&a: shelf life.
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