The 14 Best Tubing Mascaras for Ultra-Long Lashes

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Putting the words “tubing” and “mascara” together feels almost Mad Libs-esque. But it’s actually a genius invention, brought to us by way of Japanese beauty. Unlike traditional mascaras, these formulas build teeny-tiny tubes around your eyelashes with each swipe for an elongated, false-lash appearance. The formula also helps prevents flaking and smudging—plus, the little tubes come off simply with warm water.

“Tubing mascaras are unique in how they coat the lash. 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,’” explains Terri Bryant, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Guide Beauty. Tubing mascaras have exploded in popularity in recent years, yet also feel like a well kept secret. That’s why we’ve gathered the 14 best tubing mascaras, and shared more insights from Bryant, ahead.

Lash Wrap

This 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

Lash Alert Mascara

All of 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

Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Mascara

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.

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

Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara

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

Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara

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.

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

Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara

The lengthening formula in Merit's mascara, including plant-derived rice bran wax, adds serious length without ever getting spidery.

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

Double Extend Beauty Tubes™ Mascara

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

The Volume Mascara in Rich Pitch Black

In addition to a slender brush that reaches every—and we mean every lash—this makeup-artist-approved mascara also has moisturizing jojoba oil.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

"This is a fabulous mascara. I've had a hard time finding a mascara with just the right size wand. This wand is just what I've been looking for. The mascara goes on beautifully and comes off just as easily. This is a keeper for me." —cdee

tartelette™ tubing mascara

Length, volume, curl—this mascara offers a bit of everything, and lasts an entire 24 hours, should you need that.

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

Easy Lash Clean Lift Tubing Mascara

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

Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara

With instant length and volume, Milani's "Highly Rated" actually lives up to its descriptor, and even lasts up to 16 hours.

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

Pretty Big Deal Peptide & Tubing Mascara

A tubing mascara with benefits, this formula helps nourish and grow lashes and shield them from environmental damage with wear.

What the Reviewers Are Saying:

"Really enjoy using this mascara! Even on my short stubby eyelashes, they make them POP. I love how dark it is and it is now my go-to mascara. Also, it doesn't flake and smudge which is a huge plus." —Judy

Liquid Lash Extensions™ Mascara

The internet (re: 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

Stay Perfect Waterproof Long Wear Tubing Mascara

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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