The 15 Best Tubing Mascaras for Ultra-Long Lashes
These lengthening formulas are way easier to remove than traditional mascaras.
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If you haven’t tried a tubing mascara, you’re in for a beauty treat. Unlike traditional mascaras, tubing mascaras wrap around your eyelashes with each swipe to create major length—almost giving the appearance of false lashes. “Tubing mascaras are unique in how they coat the lash,” explains Terri Bryant, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Guide Beauty. “While oils or waxes in traditional mascaras brush on layers of pigment, tubing formulas contain polymers that wrap around each lash, creating individual, lash-enhancing ‘tubes.’”
The major upside is that tubing mascaras won’t flake or smudge after a few hours of wear. And although they’re largely waterproof—they’ll outlast a cry-fest or humid day—they still come off easily when you cleanse with warm water.
Intrigued? We've gathered the top 15 tubing mascaras no matter what look you want. Plus, read on for more expert intel from Bryant.
The Best Tubing Mascaras
KVD Beauty Full Sleeve Long + Defined Tubing Mascara
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
Cons
This vegan and cruelty-free tubing mascara offers a bit of everything: It curls, lifts, and lengthens lashes, with results lasting up to a whopping 24 hours. Better yet, it does all of the above while still being clump- and flake-proof.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"EVERYTHING smudges on me. I have spent so much money looking for a good mascara that stays put! I finally found this mascara and I love it! You can more natural or build with multiple coats. The brush end helps get every little lash. I love it!" —Kirsten
Pros
- Lasts all day
Cons
Although we love a false-lash-worthy moment, sometimes we want a mascara that just offers that little bit of extra oomph for no-makeup makeup days. This is the perfect tube for those days, and best of all, won't crumble as the hours pass by.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"First off this is not very volumizing nor lengthening in my opinion. Even when built up. It's a super natural finish, just enough for a little something." —Berrytree
Pros
- Guide ring design allows for more comfortable grip
- Contains nourishing moringa oil and ginger
Cons
This volumizing tubing mascara from Bryant's own line lasts an incredibly long time, but won't take too much elbow grease to remove. And like all products from Guide Beauty, it's made for optimal accessibility.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Best 'tube' mascara I’ve tried! Defines and wraps lashes and is easy to build with another coat, not too hard when it dries like other brands. And the Guide design makes it easy to apply with a steady hand. Love it!" —Laura Z
Pros
- Adds length and volume over time
Cons
This tubing mascara features primer and lash serum right inside the formula to help promote length and thickness. According to clinical studies, it can increase volume up to 62.5%, improve curls up to 49.9% curl improvement, and increase length by 59.2% in 12 weeks.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I'm so in love with this product! My lashes are no longer the same after two months...I had to order another one just in case I would run out of it. Game changer!" —cocosimmons
Pros
- Lasts over 12 hours
- Doesn't smudge or flake
Cons
All of flake-free Eyeko's mascaras are of the tubing variety, including their original Lash Alert. Available in five shades, including blue and purple, you have your choice of eye-perking hues.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Been using this product for a couple years now. I have a naturally oily face, so I've had problems with mascara running, but that doesn't happen with this. Of course, I need the specific micellar water for waterproof mascara, but that's okay. I'll be using this product for a long while." —Darcy_Rochester
Pros
- Adds volume without clumping
Cons
If you want a great tubing mascara—or any mascara, for that matter—for less than $5, you really can't go wrong with this perfectly named option from Essence, which offers volume and definition in one.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"This is my fourth purchase of this mascara. It doesn't smear or smudge and for sure there are no panda eyes. This is perfect for all day and sensitive eyes." —Marilyn
caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Pros
- Contains softening Argan oil
- Vial is 100 percent recycled ocean plastic.
Cons
No one does surf-girl makeup quite like Caliray, so you know you can count on the brand for their conditioning, water-resistant formula. Plus, we love how the tube is made from recycled ocean plastic.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"My favorite mascara! Does not clump or smudge and separates lashes nicely. It lasts all day and even lasts a whole beach day with swimming. Easily removed with face wash." —sawa897
Pros
- Flexible brush is designed to reach all lashes
Cons
The Japanese beauty brand's mascara has earned a cult following, and we can see why with its glam look and long, bristle-y brush. The formula itself is also great for creating length and definition.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I have this problem where my bottom lash mascara smudges badly no matter what until I found this product someone recommended. I will not be without it for that reason. Works for top lashes too and very easily comes off with soap and water but otherwise you would think its waterproof with how well it stays on!" —ny
MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara
Pros
- Contains fatty acids and olive oil esters to condition lashes
Cons
The lengthening formula in Merit's mascara, including plant-derived rice bran wax, adds serious length without ever getting spidery. And like any great tubing mascara, it lasts all day without crumbling.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I will literally never go back to any other mascara. The way this stays on my lashes, makes them look full, and doesn’t smudge for 12+ hours … never going back to regular mascara." —plavusa
Pros
- Has a ceramide-rich primer to protect and strengthen lashes
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
Cons
The combination of the ceramide-packed base coat and tubing mascara coat means this dual-ended baby can add up to 80 percent of length to your lashes.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I recently tried this even though I've always seen it in stores- But I noticed my 3yrs became more sensitive and this formula is safe, comfortable and so easy to remove! Love this mascara and wished I tried it sooner!!!" —amomnamedfern
tarte tartelette™ tubing mascara
Pros
- Stays on up to 24 hours
Cons
Length, volume, curl—this vegan mascara offers a bit of everything. The brush also offers expert-level definition.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"This is my favorite mascara ever. It’s the only mascara that doesn’t smudge under my eyes and it’s so easy to take off. It literally comes off just with water. I’ve even slept with it on and I wake up with no smudges and will come off just with water in the showers." —Monica06
Pros
- Has a curling effect
Cons
The "easy" part of this mascara is thanks to the candelilla wax, which helps it glide on, while the rose oil and rosewater condition lashes.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I’ve tried several tubing mascaras and I really like this one. It’s very natural looking and separates lashes nicely. It reminds me of the Ilia limitless mascara, except this is a tubing formulation." —DeeKayPA
Pros
- Has a faux-lash finish
- Affordable price point
Cons
With instant length and volume, Milani's "Highly Rated" actually lives up to its descriptor, and even lasts up to 16 hours. If you're looking for major drama, this is the mascara to use.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I LOVE this mascara!!! I have extremely oily hooded eyes and this is the only mascara that has not smudged or flaked on me. Three coats and it looks like I have on eyelash extensions." —Tana
Thrive Causematics Liquid Lash Extensions™ Mascara
Pros
- Also comes in black and deep blue
Cons
The internet (read: TikTok) is finally recognizing the greatness that is brown mascara, so if you want both a tubing mascara and a great shade of brown, this one from Thrive Causemetics is a great bet.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"THE BEST mascara I have ever used. It stays on, doesn’t flake, and truly does extend your lashes. It washes off easily when you wash your face. It outlasts all the other mascaras I have used so you do t have to buy it as often. I love this mascara!" —Sue T
No7 Stay Perfect Waterproof Long Wear Tubing Mascara
Pros
- Lasts up to 24 hours
Cons
In addition to being waterproof, this drugstore mascara also claims to be "tear-proof," so you have full license to add to your makeup bag for wedding season.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"As a contact lens wearer for over 40 years I had all but given up on ever wearing mascara. This product changed all that and I can now wear it every day." —C McDonald
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Tubing Mascara?
Tubing mascaras keep lashes separated, last for hours, and also protect against flaking and smudging. And they are easier to remove than traditional mascaras. “Tubing formulas like our Guide Beauty Lash Wrap Mascara have the incredible staying power of a waterproof formula but are much gentler in the removal process,” explains Bryant. “This makes them ideal for anyone, but especially those with sensitive eyes.” Bryant says that the “tubes” slide off with warm water and “very light pressure,” even after all-day wear.
Can You Reapply Tubing Mascara?
Even though the formula is different from what you may be used to, Bryant says you can “absolutely” reapply if needed. “Tubing formulas have a wetter feel than traditional formulas and take a bit longer to dry and set,” she explains. “The upside here is that you’ll have more time to reapply. As long as the formula is still wet you can build up the lashes with a few light layers.”
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