Whether you’ve got oily eyelids that are prone to smudging, or you’re keen to lengthen the appearance of your shorter lashes, the best tubing mascaras are definitely worth trying. Unlike the typical wax and oil formula of traditional mascaras, tubing mascaras are made up of polymers that wrap around the lashes like a tube. The result? Naturally lifted and longer looking lashes — without any clumps caused by layering the product.
Not just a classic lengthening mascara formula, we definitely recommend thoroughly checking the product description to make sure you’re investing in an actual tubing mascara. Our top tip is to scour the ingredients list in search of common polymer ingredients like propanediol, 10-dimethicone, polysilicon-11, cera alba, or glyceryl stearate.
“I generally use tubing mascara on clients who have oilier eyelids because it tends to be smudge-free, flake-free, and water-resistant, which means it’ll stay in place,” says Kasha Lassien, a celebrity makeup artist. As well as being great for clients with shorter lashes, she also likes using it on shoots where the talent will be underwater, sprayed, crying, or sweating — thanks to its impressive staying power.
In this edit, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of the top tubing mascaras you can currently buy — according to makeup artists and GLAMOUR editors. Eyelash curlers at the ready; it’s time to take those lashes to new heights.
How do you take off tubing mascara?
Most of the irritation experienced when taking off mascara is caused by us harshly rubbing the skin around the eyes with makeup remover — especially if you’ve got particularly sensitive eyes. “Tubing mascaras cut out the need for harsh removers that may cause you to tug at the eye area a bit more when cleaning,” Lassien says. Leaving behind far less residue and smudging, tubing mascara can be taken off with a far gentler approach.
To wash off tubing mascara, start off by using warm water or micellar water. Editorial makeup artist, Jasmin Winnie Stephen, also recommends double cleansing if you want to remove the mascara all in one swoop as you wash your face at night. “Using an oil-based cleanser and following up with your regular cleansing routine will always do the trick,” she says.
After something else? Shop brown mascara, waterproof mascara, false eyelashes and eyelash serum.