Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands, Allure editorsSave this storySave this story
Wary of raccoon eyes? The best tubing mascaras will put your mind at ease with their long-wearing, smear-proof formulations. Unlike traditional mascaras that can transfer, smudge, and flake, “tubing mascaras are known for their excellent long-wear and ability to resist flaking and smudging that can occur due to oily sebum on the eyelids, or watery eyes,” says Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. How? They contain film-forming polymers, which Dobos says act like a protective sleeve around each lash, which equals higher resistance to the elements and more durability. The best part? Despite their staying power, tubing mascaras are refreshingly easy to remove: With a wash of warm water and gentle pressure, the mascara slides off in soft, tube-like pieces—no cleansing oil or micellar water needed.
Our Top Tubing Mascaras
- Best Overall: Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara, $28
- Best Clump-Resistant: Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Tubing Mascara, $29
- Best for Short Lashes: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, $34
- Best for Straight Lashes: Kulfi Beauty Badi Lash Mascara, $26
- Best Water-Resistant: Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara, $25
- Most Long-Lasting: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, $26
- Best Natural-Looking: Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara, $32
- Best Volumizing: Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volume Mascara, $29
- Best Curling: Urban Decay Tube Job Lash Augmenting Tubing Mascara, $25
- Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara, $13
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How is tubing mascara different from regular mascara?
- How should I choose a tubing mascara?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Read on for the best tubing mascaras for creating doe-eyed, wispy, and dramatic looks alike, as selected by Allure editors and makeup artists.
Best Overall: Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
Save to wishlist
Tarte
Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
Amazon
Revolve
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara in Brown
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Topping this list is Tarte's Tartelette Tubing Mascara, a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner that fends off flakes and resists dryness with a blend of shea butter, castor oil, and carnauba wax, making lashes look longer and softer. The wand is equipped with hundreds of tiny bristles, enabling you to reach under your lash line for a major lift and volume. In our humble opinion, this is the most dramatic volumizing pick on the list, and it outpaces the original Tartelette Tubing Mascara, which errs a bit more on the natural slide, with even more length and volume. Each lash is wrapped in a water-resistant veil of jet-black (or brown) color, so you can swipe and go without worrying about mid-day smudging.
Han before applying Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara in Brown
Sarah Han
Han after applying Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara in Brown
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
LargeChevron
"One thing about me: I have the babiest lashes that need a lot of coaxing to reach their full potential. I like Tarte's original Tartelette mascara so I had high hopes for XL, especially since it's a Best of Beauty winner—and let me tell you, it stacks up. The dense bristles latch onto my lashes right away and extend each individual wisp for a eye-opening effect. I hate mascaras that cause my lashes to clump, but this one doesn't do that! One small qualm: Some of the mascara smudges onto my eyelids during application (not sure if it's the wand or user error), but that's nothing some micellar water can't fix in seconds. I love the brown hue because it doesn't add as much drama as the black—perfect for my everyday office kinda vibe." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
LargeChevron
“I exclusively only use tubing mascara—who wants the dreaded end-of-day mascara mess? My current go-to is the Best of Beauty-winnng Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara. I typically brush on a thick coat on the top lashes in the morning, and then a quick second swipe a few minutes later–just for fun. Any more layers and my lashes start to droop. I don’t reapply throughout the day, but I do spend a solid 60 seconds on my lashes again at the end of the night when it’s removal time. I know water is the preferred liquid to lift the “tubes” away from the lashes, but I’ve never had a problem with cleansing balms. Just a couple of finger swipes will unlock and unload all of the inky black gunk within seconds.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: shea butter, castor oil, peptides
- Shades: 2
Best Clump-Resistant: Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Tubing Mascara
Save to wishlist
Too Faced
Ribbon Wrapped Lash Tubing Mascara
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying Too Faced’s Ribbon Wrapped Lash
Angela Trakoshis
Why it's worth it: Too Faced's Ribbon Wrapped Lash is a lengthening, separating, and lifting tubing mascara that rivals your fave falsies. The 24-hour, no-clump formula holds strong through sweat, humidity, and even tears—volumizing all the while. The wand's bristles flare out to a spiky tip, gripping every last lash for a clean, defined sweep from root to end. The result? A fluttery, full look that feels as effortless as it looks dramatic.
Trakoshis before applying Too Faced’s Ribbon Wrapped Lash
Angela Trakoshis
Trakoshis after applying Too Faced’s Ribbon Wrapped Lash
Angela Trakoshis
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
LargeChevron
"Too Faced's first-ever tubing mascara is different from others on the market because of how lightweight it feels on the lashes, which also means lashes stay lifted and don't get weighed down over time. I also love the spiky tip on the wand that gets to all the corner baby lashes with ease." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: shea butter
- Shades: 1
Best for Short Lashes: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Save to wishlist
Hourglass
Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: If you classify your lashes as “little nubs,” don’t worry—Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is here to help. It delivers the look of falsies (minus any tackiness) without the weight, thanks to an ultra-light formula that skirts clumping. The tapered brush evenly coats and lifts each lash, and once it sets, they’ll be smudge- and flake-free throughout the entire day. Though it’s subtle at first, Unlocked is super buildable, so you can layer to your heart’s content.
Shipin before applying Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
LargeChevron
"I have the most stubborn lashes: They're short, straight, thick, and refuse to hold a curl. I also have super sensitive eyes and rarely find a mascara that doesn't make my eyeballs sting or get watery immediately after application. The Hourglass Unlocked mascara is absolutely heaven-sent for me—it, as the name suggests, makes it appear like I instantly have lash extensions, but even better for me is how it wears. It's weightless, comfortable, and does not budge—until you want it to. This is the easiest mascara I've ever taken off. It slips (truly slips, like silk!) off with water!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: glycerin
- Shades: 1
Best for Straight Lashes: Kulfi Beauty Badi Lash Mascara
Save to wishlist
Kulfi Beauty
Badi Lash Mascara
Sephora
Kulfi Beauty
Former Allure content director Kara McGrath applying Kulfi’s Badi Lash Mascara
Kara McGrath
Why it's worth it: If you’ve got straight lashes, Kulfi’s 2025 Allure Beauty Award winning Badi Lash Mascara is your girl. Made with heavy, straight South Asian lashes in mind, it’s designed to lift without weighing lashes down. Nothing makes ‘diving-board lashes’ worse than a clumpy, crusty formula—and thankfully, this one’s the opposite. Expect clean separation, lift, and conditioning, courtesy of a ball-tip applicator that grabs even the tiniest inner lashes. The formula also packs castor seed oil, rambutan extract, and a tripeptide complex to soften and strengthen over time. We’ll admit, Kulfi’s before-and-afters looked too good to be true, until we tried it ourselves and got the same results.
McGrath before applying Kulfi’s Badi Lash Mascara
Kara McGrath
McGrath after applying Kulfi’s Badi Lash Mascara
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
LargeChevron
"The worst part of wearing mascara is taking it off, which is why I am forever in favor of easier-to-remove tubing formulas. Kulfi's version adds the perfect amount of volume for everyday looks and doesn't leave flecks on your face come lunchtime. I love the spiky tip at the end of the brush that helps coat lashes at the inner and outer corners." —Kara McGrath, former content director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: castor seed oil, rambutan extract, tripeptide complex
- Shades: 1
Best Waterproof: Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Save to wishlist
Caliray
Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Sephora
Allure contributor Jennifer Hussein applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Jennifer Hussein
Why it's worth it: Caliray's Best of Beauty-winning Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara is formulated with conditioning argan oil to give your lashes a dose of nourishing, softening love, and film-forming tubing ingredients like acrylates copolymer for a smudge-proof finish. The brand's dense, fluffy "teddy bear brush" allows for comprehensive coverage with every flick of your wrist. And, if you have shorter lashes, this thicker brush won’t cause any smudgeyness—it actually makes them look bolder, longer, and more curled. It's long-wearing, waterproof, and it comes in a deep black and natural brown—everything you could hope for in an everyday mascara.
Hussein before applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Jennifer Hussein
Hussein after applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Jennifer Hussein
Tester feedback from contributor Jennifer Hussein
LargeChevron
"Though it feels weightless on my lashes, Caliray’s mascara is exactly what I swipe on when I want the ever-so-slightest oomph to them. Kudos to its slender brush, which coats just about all of my lashes in one swipe." —Jennifer Hussein, contributor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: argan oil, acrylates copolymer, carnauba wax, synthetic wax
- Shades: 2
Most Long-Lasting: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
Save to wishlist
Thrive Causemetics
Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Thrive Causemetics
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Lily Wohlner
Why it’s worth it: We love how easily tubing mascaras wash off, but the downside is that they don’t always last as long. That’s not the case with Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara. Our editors find that it lasts even longer than many classic mascara formulas, refusing to flake or smudge during long days out and about. Yes, it takes a little extra massaging (and maybe a washcloth) to get off, but the extra time over the sink is worth it for all-day wear. Bonus: Shea butter and castor oil condition your lashes, so they stay soft and flexible under all that length.
Wohlner before applying Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after applying Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
Lily Wohlner
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
LargeChevron
“My lashes set the tone for my whole mood—if they’re not long enough, my friends and I joke the night won’t be as fun. That’s why I never risk it: Thrive’s mascara is my go-to for full, fluttery lashes that last through the whole night. It’s been an old faithful in my rotation since my college days.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: shea butter, castor oil
- Shades: 6
Best Natural-Looking: Kevyn Aucoin The Volumizing Mascara
Save to wishlist
Kevyn Aucoin
The Volumizing Mascara
Dermstore
Kevyn Aucion
Allure features director Dianna Singh applying the Kevyn Aucoin The Volumizing Mascara
Dianna Singh
Why it’s worth it: Not everyone wants a voluminous, show-stopping lash moment every day, so if that’s you, Kevyn Aucoin’s Curling Mascara is a demure tubing option (in the best way). The formula locks in place once applied, but the thin brush gently separates and lifts lashes for a natural look. Infused with moisturizing squalane and jojoba oil, it helps keep lashes soft and healthy-looking over time. The result is light, airy, and defined lashes that enhance your makeup—without stealing the spotlight.
Singh before applying the Kevyn Aucoin The Volumizing Mascara
Dianna Singh
Singh after applying the Kevyn Aucoin The Volumizing Mascara
Dianna Singh
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
LargeChevron
“I've been using Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara for the better part of the last decade. It's one of the OG tubing formulas and, in my humble opinion, still one of the best: It doesn't smudge, budge, or leave a telltale shadow on my hooded lids. This is not your show-stopper volumizing mascara; the effect is more subtle. But as someone who doesn't tend to wear much makeup anyway, that's exactly the effect I'm after.” —Dianna Singh, features director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba oil
- Shades: 1
Best Volumizing: Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volume Mascara
Save to wishlist
Charlotte Tilbury
Exagger-eyes Volume Mascara
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volume Mascara
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it’s worth it: When it comes to Charlotte Tilbury’s formulas, it’s all about going big or going home—and the Exaggerize Volume Mascara fully commits. Its ultra-curved brush features fine, laser-cut fiber bristles that are thicker on one side and thinner on the other, making it easy to grab and define every lash and add extra volume. Paired with lash-wrapping technology—think plumping polymers that coat each lash—the result is instant, fluttery volume from root to tip in just one coat. The formula also includes jojoba wax to condition lashes so they look full without feeling brittle. Our tip: Press the inner curve of the brush into the roots and pull upward, then flip to the outer curve and gently wiggle side to side to lift and separate.
Dall’Asen before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volume Mascara
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volume Mascara
Nicola Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
LargeChevron
“I'm blessed in the lash department, so it's not often I'm reaching for a heavy-duty mascara—but when I need to pull out the big guns (I'm appearing on camera, attending a special event, or it's a fancy date night), I only reach for Charlotte Tilbury's Exagger-eyes tubing mascara. You can tell by just a glance of its heavily coated, curved, dense applicator that this stuff does not fuck around. In fact, just one pass of this stuff is so dramatic, I'll sometimes wipe a bit of the product off the brush before I use my go-to mascara technique (blinking in front of the brush and wiggling the wand as I go). Whether I do or don't, what I get every time is a lash long and fluttery enough that I could set sail on it. Who needs falsies, anyway?” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: Black Wrap tech, jojoba waxes
- Shades: 1
Best Curling: Urban Decay Tube Job Lash Augmenting Tubing Mascara
Save to wishlist
Urban Decay
Tube Job Lash Augmenting Tubing Mascara
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: You know that moment when your mascara looks incredible for about 10 minutes—only for your lashes to slowly surrender and fall flat? That’s not an issue with Urban Decay’s Tube Job. From the first swipe, it delivers a serious lift and curl that actually stays put all day—no drooping in sight.
The trick is in the technique: Hold the wand at the tips of your lashes for five seconds after each swipe to help set the curl in place. The tubing formula comes in five playful shades, from red-brown to blonde, all of which resist smudging and won’t leave you with dreaded raccoon eyes by hour six. Instead, it conditions lashes with glycerin, castor oil, and shea butter for softness, protection, and healthier-looking lashes, no added lash serum required.
Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly before applying the Urban Decay Tube Job
Jenny Bailly
Bailly after applying the Urban Decay Tube Job
Jenny Bailly
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
LargeChevron
“Over the last year, I have become a total convert to tubing mascaras. I don't know if it's my aging skin or maybe an increasing laziness about removing eye makeup thoroughly, but regular mascaras were always leaving dark circles under my eyes. Urban Decay's Tube Job is one of my recent favorites. Two coats leave my lashes long and separated, which is how I like them, with no clumps (unless that second coat starts to turn into a third). Some tubing mascaras go so wet that you have to be careful about smearing right after application—this one has a thin consistency but a very manageable level of wetness and sets quickly. With warm water, it comes off in clean, black tubes, leaving zero pigment behind. I've only used the black but it also comes in brown and, more notably, a dark blonde taupe and auburn red. There's also a platinum shade, which I can't wrap my head around, but it's gotten its share of social media attention and is certainly a look.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, castor oil
- Shades: 5
Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara
Save to wishlist
CoverGirl
Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: CoverGirl’s Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara delivers voluminous, sky-high results for just over $10. The brush, which is a tapered skinny shape to reach the inner corner, grips onto even your tiniest lashes and surrounds them with ultra-pigmented, smudge-proof pigment (black, navy, and brown) that stays put for up to 30 hours (according to the brand) without flaking. But, true to all tubing mascaras, it comes off easily with just warm water. Just when you thought this affordable staple couldn’t get any better, the formula features moisturizing castor oil to prevent breakage—even if you’re a daily mascara wearer. The result is a lash extension effect without feeling heavy.
Felbin before applying the CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
LargeChevron
“CoverGirl's tubing mascara totally delivers. It adds volume at the roots and length at the tips, for super-fluttery lashes every time. I love the way the wand is shaped—it's long and skinny, so I can coat even the shorter lashes in my inner corners without making a smudgy mess. I usually do two coats because I like a little extra drama, but you could do one for a more natural look. Easy to use and easy to remove—it's a ten out of ten from me!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: castor oil
- Shades: 3
Frequently Asked Questions
How is tubing mascara different from regular mascara?
While there is plenty of overlap between the ingredients in tubing mascara and regular mascara, there are also crucial differences, the main one being the former’s ability to wrap around lashes, Dobos explains. "The overall ingredient list for a tubing mascara might resemble a traditional mascara emulsion with traditional waxes and emulsifiers, but polymers are necessary to form a 'tube' around each lash," she says. "The polymers have just enough adhesion to the lashes to hold them in place until you wiggle the tubes free with gentle pressure for removal."
Tubing mascaras tend to be easier to take off. Instead of rigorously wiping your eyes with makeup remover or thoroughly massaging mascara away with cleansing oil, the polymer-formed tubes slide off with warm water and gentle pressure. While waterproof mascara may offer comparable staying power, its composition can be conducive to a full-force scrub-fest for removal, and even worse, it often claims a few lashes as collateral.
How should I choose a tubing mascara?
When choosing a tubing mascara, check the ingredients list for key players. "If you're looking for more volume, ingredients like silica microspheres will help fatten the appearance of lashes and allow for a smooth application," Dobos explains. "And tiny rayon fibers can bring additional lengthening."
Meet the experts
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati, Ohio
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best tubing mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, makeup artists, and cosmetic chemists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear, longevity, and resistance. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
