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Graphic by Cristina Cianci
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When it comes to long-lasting mascaras, there’s no denying that waterproof formulas take first place. And while they may not budge during a dip in the pool, on a humid summer day, or during a marathon viewing of The Notebook, the downside is that they can be admittedly hard to remove. You’re going to need a dedicated waterproof eye makeup remover for sure, and even then, it often requires more than a little bit of elbow grease to fully take off these budge-proof mascaras. All of that harsh scrubbing can end up taking a toll on your delicate lashes, often making waterproof mascaras almost not worth it. Enter tubing mascaras, which originally started in Japan, gradually made their way stateside, and have continued to grow in popularity over the past few years.
Our top tubing mascara on this list is Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara because it adds both length and fullness to lashes. NYX Professional Makeup Doll Eye Mascara is also a great waterproof option at a low price point, making it a fantastic budget pick.
Unlike traditional formulas, which paint your lashes with pigment, these use polymers that essentially shrink wrap each individual lash with tiny tubes. The result? Not only a long and lengthened effect, but increased staying power to boot. Tubing mascaras won’t smudge, but will also come off with only a little bit of warm water and a washcloth or cotton pad. (FYI, if you’ve never tried these, 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, evaluating them on their formulas, benefits, and shades. After considering dozens of brands and consulting with a makeup artist, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
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Amazon
Adds volume, lift and length
Clump-free
Removes easily
Coating is a bit thick
Consider this the OG of the bunch. As a general rule, tubing mascaras are usually best for adding extra length, simply based on the way in which they work and how the tubes wrap around and extend each lash. But when you want both length and added fullness, reach for this option. Not only does it contain the fibers it also has bold pigments to help thicken and separate lashes. Added jojoba oil keeps your fringe both soft and shiny, and the super skinny brush makes swiping and application easier than ever. Reviewers repeatedly note how it never leaves them with raccoon eyes, a major win in our book.
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
What Our Testers Say
“For those with shorter eyelashes, the brush really helps to define and elongate without a messy application.” — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester
Best Budget
NYX Professional Makeup Doll Eye Mascara
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Amazon
Instantly lengthens lashes
Comes with a tube for more volume
Conditions and softens lashes
Nothing to scrape excess product
This is one of the most affordable tubing mascaras out there. Using both natural oils and nylon fibers, it instantly lengthens lashes. And for when you need added staying power, it also comes in a waterproof version, as well as one that adds more volume. Bonus points for the addition of vitamin E, which helps condition lashes to keep them soft and fluttery.
Price at time of publish: $12.99 for volume mascara
Benefits: Unique blend of natural oils, vitamin E and nylon fibers extends eyelashes to almost faux proportions | Size: 0.28 oz. | Shades: Extreme Jet Black | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Volumizing
Blinc Original Tubing Mascara
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Amazon
Can layer multiple coats
Smudge- and flake-free setting
Adds volume
Glue-like consistency
While most tubing mascaras are ​choice for lengthening, this adds volume, too, and is available in both black and brown. You can also layer multiple coats until you achieve your desired effect, just make sure to swipe them on within two minutes of one another. Once the formula sets, it sets, so you don’t have to worry about smudges or flakes.
Price at time of publish: $26Â
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
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Amazon
Flexible wand reaches tiniest lashes
Infused vitamin E adds sheen and conditions
Smear-free
Can be a bit flaky
Key Ingredients
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin and oil often found in anti-oxidant blend topicals or moisturizers. It also helps soothe the skin and protects the lipid barrier.
This super-lengthening Japanese formula contains beeswax and vitamin E, which condition the lashes while you're wearing it and also give them an alluring sheen.
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
L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening Mascara
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Ulta
Easy to remove
Long-lasting
Lengthens lashes up to 80 percent
Glue-like consistency
Key Ingredients
Ceramides are a part of a complex family of fats or lipids called a sphingolipid. They work to restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
This two-step formula promises up to 80 percent longer-looking lashes. The dual-sided tube contains a base coat infused with conditioning ingredients such as ceramides and panthenol; swipe this on first to both protect and strengthen lashes, while also creating a base for the tubes to come. Next, apply the tubing top coat (there’s no need to wait in between) for impressively long lashes. Reviewers repeatedly comment on how well it stays on, without smudging, even on lower lashes.
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
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Amazon
Long-lasting 24-hour wear time
Lengthens even the tiniest of lashes
Holds up for watery eyes and oily eyelids
Not for volume
As anyone with sensitive eyes will tell you, mascara can quickly become more trouble than it’s worth. Happily, this lengthening formula is both allergy-tested and ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free, and won’t irritate contact lens wearers. With unique thermal technology, it also touts an impressive 24 hour wear-time. Plus, the thin and slightly tapered brush makes it easy to reach your bottom lashes, as well as the tiny ones on the inner and outer corners of your eyes.
Price at time of publish: $23
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
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Thrive Causemetics
Flake-Free Tubing Technology™ gives voluminous lashes
Powered by plant stem cell technology
Comes in three shades
Can be hard to apply
Key Ingredients
Sodium hyaluronate is a water-soluble salt that's derived from hyaluronic acid, which can be found naturally in the body. Like hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate binds up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, but this form can penetrate deeper into the skin due to its lower molecular weight and is more stable.
Vegan, cruelty-, paraben-, and sulfate-free, this uses a long list of natural ingredients to improve both the look and feel of your fringe. Buildable fibers add faux lash-like length, while Korean plant extracts strengthen lashes. It also contains an orchid stem cell complex to help encourage lash growth (yes, please), and a combination of vitamin B5 and sodium hyaluronate to moisturize, which is why so many pleased customers rave about how smoothly it glides on.
Price at time of publish: $24
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
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Amazon
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. Choice for muggy summer days, the humidity-proof formula contains microfibers to extend lashes, along with a slim and angled brush that helps lift and fan them out simultaneously. Also nice: The packaging is recyclable, which is not often the case with cosmetics.
Price at time of publish: $32
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
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Sephora
Unique brush and packaging
Gentle for contact lens wearers
Holds a curl all day
Can flake over time
Although this mascara is marketed for its lengthening and volumizing properties, it also cups the lashes upward and seals the curl, resulting in a lifted eye look. The brand notes its Aquaflex® Technology works in the same way hair styling products do, with memory hold that lifts and locks lashes into place while remaining soft, not crunchy. It's one of the cleaner mascaras out there, meeting Byrdie's Clean pledge, and makes lashes look wispy and feathered without the need for falsies.
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
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Amazon
Contains peptides
Angled brush
Lengthens
Not for volume
Velour Lashes is known for its glamorous false lashes, so it makes sense they would create a nourishing, lengthening mascara formulation. This inky-black mascara doubles as a lash serum, with a peptide complex and antioxidants to keep lashes feeling soft. The angled brush lifts and extends lashes to a feathery, natural-looking finish without clumping or smudging.
Price at time of publish: $26
Benefits: Peptide complex, tubing formula | Size: 0.3 oz. | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Our top tubing mascara on this list is Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara because it adds both length and fullness to lashes, a rare combination for a tubing mascara. We love the thin brush for how effortless it makes application. NYX Professional Makeup Doll Eye Mascara is also a great waterproof option that keeps lashes soft, full, and fringe-y at a low price point.
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. When you’re looking at tubing mascaras, take the wand into account because you might find that some are easier to use or better complement your lashes. Many options on this list, like Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara have 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 wide 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 lashes.
Formula Type
Like other 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 usually 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 doesn't 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. This is especially important if you wear glasses or contact lenses, have sensitive eyes, or are allergic to ingredients often found in mascaras. Some contact lens wearers or those with very sensitive eyes may experience irritation with tubing mascaras.
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