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We all dream of it: Having long, voluminous natural lashes. Now, it's possible to bring that dream closer to reality with the innovative technology of tubing mascara. Though you can also get that dramatic look with fake lashes and lash extensions from brands like Lashify or magentic lashes, the benefit of using a tubing mascara is that it's easy and simple (all you do is swipe it onto your lashes as you would with any other product, and the tubing technology does the rest of the work). "Unlike traditional wax-based mascaras, this technology does not adhere/glue to a hair fiber," says . "Instead, it encapsulates individual lashes by forming a tube-like coating." This results in excellent lengthening effects and more intense color.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has been testing products for decades, including eye makeup products like mascaras. Our Lab scientists have done some research into tubing mascaras, and tested the best drugstore mascaras that won't break the bank, the best waterproof mascaras that won't smudge and the best hypoallergenic mascaras that are safe for sensitive eyes. In the Lab's most recent waterproof mascara testing, scientists tested each formula's resistance to smudging, smearing and running, and 402 consumer testers tried the products at home. All of these factors are important to consider when searching for a tubing mascara (or any mascara!) as well.
Our top picks:
You can read more about how we choose tubing mascaras — plus everything you need to know to shop for your perfect one — at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to get show-stopping lashes? Check out our guides to the best eyelash curlers and the best eyelash growth serums for your money.
Pros
- Won't smudge
- Can be removed easily
Cons
- Some find the formula sticky
The original formula that kicked off the tubing mascara phenomenon, appropriately named, Blinc's formula is the first tubing mascara. The GH Beauty Lab likes it because it requires just a little water and pressure to remove, sliding off in hollow tubes (or flakes). "I'm really bad about rubbing my eyes, and this never smudges," adds GH Senior Parenting and Relationships Editor Marisa LaScala. However, some reviewers note that the formula can be a bit sticky when applying on their lashes.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Double-ended wand with a primer and a mascara
Cons
- Some users note that it flakes off if they don't remove it well enough
Get the fake lash look in a two-step mascara. This affordably priced choice from L'Oréal Paris is double-ended, containing both a primer and a tubing mascara to give your lashes the extra push you love. "It's a GAME CHANGER. No more dark marks and circles around your eye," writes one reviewer. However, make sure to fully remove the mascara at the end of the day, as the reviewer also adds, "I was confused why I had little black dots on my pillow and top of my sheets... But then realized it was pieces of the mascara coming off during the night."
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Pros
- Extremely lengthening formula
- Applies easily on lashes
Cons
- Formula may clump on your lashes
Defy gravity with Tarte's tubing mascara. This pick does it all: it volumizes, separates and lengthens. "Honestly, it's like a push-up bra for my lashes," shares our Beauty Assistant. "I've never gotten so many compliments on my lashes, nor have they ever looked so long, full and pushed up. I'm completely obsessed." But if you apply too many layers of this mascara, you may experience some clumping, our Beauty Assistant has also noticed.
Pros
- Affordable
- Reviewers claim it's a Thrive Causemetics dupe
Cons
- Some find the formula too liquidy
No7's mascara is aptly named, with the brand claiming the formula will stay put for 24 hours. In its own study, the brand claims that 94% of users find it tear-proof; 98% find it rain-proof and 92% find it coats every lash from root to tip. Many reviewers line it up against the higher priced Thrive Causemetics tubing mascara and find it comparable: "I’ve been looking for a mascara that was cheaper but still similar to Thrive and this is it," one reviewer writes. "There is no raccoon eye or flakiness throughout the day. It comes off with just warm water." However, some reviewers find the glossy formula too liquid-y and would like a better dry down.
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Pros
- Universally flattering mascara
- Gives defined, bold lashes in just a few swipes
Cons
- Pricier than some other picks
If you're looking for a defined, bold look, this mascara is your best bet. It features an inflexible brush to really separate and define the lashes. It claims to support longer, healthier-looking lashes, though the Beauty Lab hasn't tested that. "It truly is like liquid lash extensions," our Beauty Assistant shares. "My friend started using this mascara because her friend's lashes looked so good. I thought her lashes looked great too, so I started wearing it. Now I get tons of compliments on how long and voluminous my lashes look!" It's a pricier pick compared to some others on the list — but our Beauty Assistant believes it's worth the investment.
Pros
- Gives lashes a long and full look
- Lasts all day without smudging or flaking
Cons
- Can be difficult to remove
Feel good about what you're putting on your lashes. This eco-conscious tubing mascara comes in a vial that's made of 100% recycled ocean plastic. Plus, the long-wearing formula is a favorite of both our Beauty Assistant and GH Senior Textiles Analyst Emma Seymour. "I'm a huge mascara fiend and want my lashes to be as long and full as possible," says Seymour. "This mascara is my absolute favorite for a glam look. My lashes are so long and full without looking clumpy." However, the formula does stay put on your lashes: "It is tough to get off though at the end of the day," she adds.
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Pros
- Gives natural-looking volume to lashes
- Lashes appear longer and more separated
Cons
- Requires more than one layer of mascara for an intense, bold look
Kevyn Aucoin's The Volume Mascara lives up to its name. Especially when paired with our Beauty Assistant's favorite Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler, it volumizes and lengthens lashes almost instantly, though it has a spoolie-like applicator rather than a traditional wand. Our Beauty Assistant notes that it makes it a bit more difficult to get a lot of product onto the lashes. "It made my lashes look very long and naturally voluminous," she says. "However, it did take several passes to get enough mascara on my lashes to create a noticeable difference."
Pros
- Separates and curls lashes
- Reaches even the shortest lashes
Cons
- May require multiple layers of mascara to get dark, defined lashes
Say goodbye to clumped, crunchy looking lashes once you start using this Hourglass tubing mascara. "It separates and curls my lashes very well without making them look crimped," shares our Beauty Assistant. "Even the lashes on the outer corner of my eyes (which usually look stubby and stick-like) looked nicely curled." However, she also finds that it's a fairly light formula, requiring several passes to get the defined look she hopes for.
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9
Best Tubing Mascara for a No Makeup-Makeup Look
EM Cosmetics Pick Me Up Volume + Length Mascara
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Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Great for a natural everyday look
Cons
- Doesn't give lashes as much of an intense look as other picks
A great pick for someone who wants a natural, no makeup-makeup look, it has a very lightweight formula, making it ideal for everyday use. "I barely feel anything on my lashes when I wear this one," says our Beauty Assistant. "It's not heavy, and it doesn't weigh down my lashes. I do wish it deposited a little more intense color and boldness though."
Pros
- Doesn't weigh down lashes
- Users find it's very easy to remove
Cons
- Some users think too much product comes out on the mascara wand
J-Beauty is known for its innovation, and this water-resistant tubing mascara is no different. The wand has fine, flexible bristles to help reach small lashes, so if that's your preference, this mascara's for you. "I love that this tubing mascara can give a dramatic look without feeling so heavy on my lashes," one reviewer raves. Another reviewer also likes the mascara but feels that too much product comes out on the brush.
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Pros
- Reviewers find it makes their eyes look more open
- Many users with contacts and/or sensitive eyes note that it doesn't irritate them
Cons
- Some users feel the formula is heavy on their lashes
With a curved mascara wand, Tower 28 Beauty's much-anticipated tubing mascara works to get to those hard-to-reach lashes (even the smallest, shortest ones). "I have crazy sensitive eyes, and almost non-existent eyelashes," one reviewer writes. "My friend was watching me put this on, and commented, 'I feel like I'm watching magic happen.'" However, some reviewers note that the formula is a bit heavy on their lashes, leading to their lashes being unable to hold a curl.
Pros
- Gives a subtle, no makeup-makeup look
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers find it hard to remove
For a natural, everyday look, reach for Merit's tubing mascara. Many reviewers take note of its lightweight look and feel — perfect for a day of light makeup. "My lashes are an OK length but they aren't visible as my eyelids are dark," a reviewer writes. "This mascara tints them while offering some natural separation and a hint of length (nothing too voluminous), so I really [like] the subtle look." However, other users have found the formula doesn't "tube" off very well and is difficult to remove.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Rarely clumps
Cons
- Doesn't lengthen lashes as much as other picks
Panda eyes, raccoon eyes, smudging — whatever you call it, it's the thing mascaras try to avoid. This tubing mascara from Essence does that and more. Like other tubing mascaras, it works to lengthen, volumize and define lashes. Users also take special note of its non-clumping formula. "I love that this does not clump on my lashes," one reviewer writes, and many more reviews have the same sentiment. Some reviewers note the lack of lengthening benefits this mascara has, though.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Gives lashes fullness without being overly dramatic
Cons
- Pricey
Koh Gen Do makes high-performing, customer-loved products, from color correctors to foundations, and this tubing mascara is included. Users find it's long-lasting and that it gives their lashes fullness. "I do my makeup around 6am and take it off around 11pm," one reviewer writes. "This mascara lasts ALL day!! I don't get any fall out throughout the day and it looks as beautiful in the morning as it does at night." However, it is priced much higher than other picks.
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How we chose the best tubing mascaras
Though the Lab hasn't officially tested tubing mascaras, while looking into each product, we take into consideration the same factors that are considered during official Lab mascara tests. This includes performance (how the mascara volumizes, lengthens, curls and separates), wearability (how long it lasts and if it flakes or smudges), ease of application and ease of removal. With all of those aspects in mind, we curated this list of tubing mascaras from Beauty Lab experts, editor favorites and top-rated picks.
What to look for when shopping for tubing mascaras
To ensure you're finding the best tubing mascaras on the market, take note of the following:
✔️ Tubing technology: If you're on the hunt for a tubing mascara, make sure to check that it has tubing technology. If the packaging denotes that the mascara uses "tube," "tubing" or "tubular" technology, this is a sign that you're looking at a tubing mascara rather than a traditional one.
✔️ Removal process: Easy removal of tubing mascara is important as well. While many can be removed with just warm water and a gentle tug at the lashes, this isn't the case with all of them. "They should be removed with water and slight pressure — but since waxes are now incorporated in their formulas for added volume, some are removed the traditional way," says Wizemann. In cases like these, try removing with a cleansing oil or micellar water.
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What’s the difference between a tubing mascara and a regular mascara?
A regular mascara is often wax-based and adheres or glues to a hair fiber, but a tubing mascara does not — it creates a tube-like coating around the lash (think of it as putting plastic wrap around your lashes). Though similar to waterproof mascaras, tubing mascaras have additional benefits. "They claim to be long-lasting and smudge-free and have water-repelling properties similar to waterproof mascaras, but without waterproof mascara's main culprits: flakiness and removal," says Wizemann.
Does tubing mascara harm lashes?
No. "Once saturated in water, the tubing mascara slides off lashes by a gentle pull," says Wizemann. The gentle pull means that lashes are harmed less than with regular mascara in the removal process. Tubing mascaras are also generally more tolerated by those with sensitive eyes. "By eliminating the use of makeup removers and requiring no rubbing, tubing mascaras cut down the risk of irritation and are generally well regarded by contact lens wearers."
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of makeup products including mascaras and tubing mascaras. Many of her favorites are included in this roundup.
Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann has coordinated makeup products tests by collaborating with professional makeup artists, lab testing and performing large consumer studies. She has tested and assessed makeup foundations, concealers, mascaras, liquid lipsticks and tinted moisturizers during her tenure.
Catharine Malzahn
Beauty Assistant
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.