Twiggy would be proud.
From the softness of pastel makeup to the grunge vibes of black lipstick, beauty is all about having fun and experimenting. And what makes a true beauty lewk is a good mascara. For those of us who want length, dimension and run-free colour, waterproof mascara is a go-to.
While smudge-proof formulas require a lot of scrubbing to remove — which is harsh on the eyes and even more harsh on the lashes — the best tubing mascara can amp up your makeup game without irritation.
What is tubing mascara, anyway?
Smudging and flaking are two words you don’t want to be associated with your mascara. While regular mascaras are made with waxes and silicones, tubing mascaras are made with water-soluble polymers that create flexible tubes around each lash.
Instead of coating your lashes with thick layers of waterproof mascara, tubing mascara easily wraps each lash in water-resistant, tube-like polymers (almost like a little cap that washes off). It sounds weird, but these tubes make your lashes look good and stay that way for hours.
The result? A flawless finish that’s easy to remove!
What to look for in the best tubing mascara
The phenomenon of tubing mascara has dominated social media, and rightfully so. “Tubing mascara forms a water-resistant shield around your lashes. No more panda eyes even if you break a sweat, cry, or even run in the rain,” explains Gisaura Laporte, owner of Hair and Makeup By Gisaura in Sola Salons.
“The fascination is in the removal process. You don’t need a makeup remover, just warm water. It’s smudge-proof, long-lasting, no clumping and gentle on lashes.”
But, what’s the difference between traditional and tubing mascara? “Look at the ingredients and if they mention anything like propanediol, 10 dimethicone, polysilicon-11, cera alba, or glyceryl stearate, those are polymers, and that indeed is a tubing mascara,” says Laporte.
She recommends using tubing mascara in combination with a lash primer because it contains fibres that wrap around every single lash. This helps to disguise the whiteness of the primer formula, but it will add extra length, too. Hot tip: Tubing mascaras also tend to be longer lasting than traditional mascaras.
“If you are looking for a mascara that can provide long wear, smudge resistance, and easy application, I highly suggest trying a tubing formula. I get so many compliments. People think that they are false lashes!”
The best tubing mascara products 2023
Best overall
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Say hello to sky-high lengthening and iconic volume from every angle. This long-lasting mascara features an exclusive flex brush that bends to volumize and extend every lash from root to tip. It’s our best tubing mascara overall, and an affordable beauty item you won’t regret.
The beloved formula is infused with bamboo extract for long, full lashes that never get weighed down. No wonder everyone loves it!
Pros
- Affordable price
- Long-lasting formula
- Provides full volume with each use
- Infused with bamboo extract for natural lengthening
- Available in waterproof and non-waterproof versions
Cons
- Some reviewers don’t like the liquid formula
Best colour range
CoverGirl Clump Crusher Water Resistant LashBlast Mascara
From intensely black to black-brown, this mascara from CoverGirl is a must-try. After all, it’s a breakthrough in no-clump mascara.
The innovative double-sided, curved brush fits the curve of your eye for root-to-tip volume and evenly distributes mascara on lashes giving loads of colour. You’ll be sure to turn heads!
Pros
- Affordable price
- No clumps!
- Innovative wand
- Cruelty-free formula
- Available in four shades and three water-resistant shades
Cons
- Has an unfavourable scent
Top-rated
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara
This telescopic mascara enhances your lashes with intense length and unique lash-by-lash separation. The flat side of the flexible precision brush lengthens lashes up while the comb side of the brush precisely separates lashes for a better look.
With a 4.4 star rating, users have praised this sensitive-eye formula, that’s ophthalmologist-tested and fragrance-free.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Enhances lashes with intense length and unique separation
- Doesn’t flake
- Sleek packaging
- Fragrance-free
- Available in four shades
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s not easy to remove
Best budget
E.l.f. Lash ‘N Roll Mascara
Get maximum curl and unbeatable lift — no lash curler necessary. It features a unique double-sided and curved silicone brush to lift and separate lashes for a fluttery effect.
The shorter bristles hold onto the formula while the longer bristles separate, lift and evenly coat each lash. The long-lasting formula keeps lashes up, up, up!
Pros
- Gives all-day maximum curl and lift
- Easy-to-use wand
- Smudge and flake-resistant
- Cruelty-free formula
Cons
- Only available in two shades (black, brown)
Best luxury
Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara
Meet your go-to everyday mascara. Designed to define, separate, and lengthen, Merit’s defining brush lifts lashes while ensuring your look never clumps or flakes. Makeup artists love this pick, and so do we.
Infused with nourishing ingredients, the mascara is easy to remove and protects your lashes from harmful pulling and removal techniques that most smudge-proof mascaras require. It’s also easy to apply right to your lash line for maximum oomph.
Pros
- Define, separate and lift lashes without clumping
- Adds structure and length to lashes
- Fatty acids and olive oil esters work to nourish and condition
- Cruelty-free formula
- Recyclable packaging
- Best tubing mascara for ingredient-aware beauty lovers
Cons
- The tube seems to dry up quickly
Best waterproof
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara
This mascara is number one in Canada for a reason. It’s uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften and build lashes up to five times their natural thickness. The beloved mascara features a bristle brush that thickens and evenly builds lashes for a full and dramatic look.
With over 100,000 rave reviews, this formula is suitable for any mascara-wearer. It wraps each individual lash in tiny tubes that amplify your eyes to new, extraordinary levels.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Fragrance-free
- No flakes, smudges or clumps
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Available in three shades
Cons
- Some reviewers say the formula is too subtle
- Not the best scent
Easiest to remove
Blinc Mascara Amplified, Dark Brown
ICYMI: Blinc is the original tube-technology mascara. Designed for maximum lash amplification and hold, once applied your lashes won’t run, smudge, clump, or flake — even if you cry or rub your eyes!
This tubing mascara provides incredible volume and length while offering smudge-proof and water-resistant elements. No more raccoon eyes after a long day—the tubes will slide right off with a bit of oil-based makeup remover.
Pros
- Volumizing and water-resistant
- Buildable formula
- Smudge-proof
- Sleek packaging
- Ideal for sensitive eyes and sensitive skin
Cons
- Only available in one colour
- On the pricier side, but it’s worth it
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