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The 12 Best Tubing Mascaras For Bolder, Smudge-Proof Lashes
Panda eyes? Never heard of them.
As a beauty writer, new mascaras can be a point of great contention in my beauty routine. There's nothing quite as humbling as walking into the office bathroom only to be confronted with the panda eyes worthy of London Zoo. Luckily, the beauty industry is boasting a new generation of tubing mascaras, the saviour for those who can't bear the flaking, smudging or almost-impossible removal of traditional formulas (never mind a stay-all-day waterproof mascara).
In turn, the ELLE UK beauty team and I have been on a journey to find very best tubing mascaras, trialling and testing for our different eye shapes and lash needs, as well as trying them out against our end-of-day cleanses. These are the ones we truly rate for watery eyes and make-up lovers alike.
The Best Tubing Mascaras
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What Is Tubing Mascara?
Tubing' refers to a unique mascara technology that, instead of washing the lashes in a layer of pigment, actually wraps micro-fibres around them, which then dry to form a flexible 'tube' that grips on. Traditionally they don't give a lightweight fluffy look (if that's what you're after), but can be built up to give impressive length, definition and drama. They're truly smudge free, meaning you won't end up with pigment all over your brow bone or shadows of soot under the eyes.
How Do I Remove Tubing Mascara?
The best thing about a tubing mascara, for most fans, is how easily it is removed. It's probably the reason you'll be familiar with them, if TikTok is how you were introduced. When they come into contact with warm water, the formula 'relaxes', and (should, if it's a true tubing formula) slide or be easily plucked from the lashes in soft clumps. No panda eyes, and no scrubbing at the sensitive eye area.
Who Is Tubing Mascara Best For?
There are two reasons that one might switch to a tubing mascara formula; the first is that you're just a little lazy when it comes to washing away your make-up. No judgement here. If you find that breaking down your lash formula with a cleansing balm or oil is too much faff, or too much for more sensitive skin types, a tubing mascara offers a more gentle alternative to the traditional take-off process.
The other reason is that your watery eyes interfere with your mascara throughout the day. Whether you're a frequent crier, having naturally leaky eyes or you're prone to hay fever and other tearful conditions, a tubing mascara will dramatically reduce the risk of smudging and streaking.
For many, once you turn to tubing, you never look back. From Hourglass to Clinique, meet the innovative tubing technologies we're switching to in 2024.
The Best Tubing Mascaras To Shop Now
This bold mascara is the ultimate party season companion. Offering thick, inky lashes without any of that dreadful clumping, this new Charlotte Tilbury launch has become a favourite of the beauty team. The best part? It won't move an inch, whether you're sporting a smoky eye or a graphic eyeliner.
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
A true tubing mascara (in the way it applies and the way it removes - in satisfying squishy clumps when immersed in warm water) this one ticks all the boxes for tubing superfans. As a bonus, it also gives incredible length and drama.
Beauty Pie's USP has always been about bringing the most advanced technology and luxury products at more affordable price points to all us beauty obsessives. This innovative tubing mascara is no exception, offering a high-tech formula that surrounds every single one of your lashes. The result: no dreaded smudges or creasing, and an extra-glossy finish.
Merit Beauty Clean Lash
Merit Beauty is all about a natural, 'clean girl' aesthetic, but even clean girls want show-stopping lashes. Despite the tubing formula, this finish is nice and fluffy.
KVD Beauty Full Sleeve Long & Defined Tubing Mascara
They promised 'long and defined' and they meant it: the length this formula gives is seriously impressive. Lashes will be separated but not spidery (just take your time when layering up to avoid clumping).
Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
Fans of a believably lengthened lash will adore this separating mascara. Complete with a fine plastic comb, this beloved formula provides subtle definition and an inky black tint without ever looking clumpy or thick.
Half Magic Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara
Created by Euphoria make-up artist Donni Davy, we trust Half Magic Beauty to deliver when it comes to ethereal glitters and structured eyeliners. But did you know their tubing mascara is also in our top tier? In three playful shades (black, blue and pink) this is designed to volumise and lengthen without a flake in sight.
Waterproof mascaras are notoriously difficult to remove, but this nifty tubing formula makes it ever-so-easy. Despite sliding away seamlessly with just a splash of water, this fluffy texture boasts a whopping 48 hours of wear time.
Clinique High Impact Zero Gravity Mascara
This Zero Gravity iteration of Clinique's classic High Impact mascara is all about that lift. With a tubing formula, it curls and lifts lashes to new heights – but without a smudge in sight.
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara Rich
Often seen as the OG of tubing mascaras, this one has stood the test of time and is still a favourite today. The finish is strikingly glossy and dramatically volumising: honestly, if you're new to tubing formulas, start here.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara
If you want the effortless removal but prefer a hyper-natural look, this is the pick for you. It does build to add length, but not full-on drama. A great option for day-to-day use.
This affordable formula layers lashes with buildable tubing technology, adding length and volume to any lacklustre eye look. Perfect for anyone seeking a new favourite high-street mascara. Did we mention it also comes in three shades? Pitch black, soft black and brown.
Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.
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