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The best tubing mascaras for smudge-free lashes

Because panda eyes will never be chic

By Kate Niven

Beauty Crew Beauty Writer / December 18 2018

With summer in full swing, the hot days and regular beach trips that go hand-in-hand with the warmer months can make wearing your regular mascara virtually impossible. One of the easiest solutions is to switch to a hard-wearing waterproof formula, but if you don’t like how difficult waterproof mascaras can be to remove (especially if you have sensitive eyes), there is another alternative.

Tubing or tubular mascaras have become increasingly popular in recent years because unlike regular mascaras that paint lashes with pigment, tubing formulas use “a special formula that contains unique fibres or polymers that wrap around each eyelash,” explains Sephora Australia’s National Artistry Lead, Alphie Sadsad. When it comes time to remove this type of mascara, the tubes around each lash gently slide off with warm water and gentle pressure, meaning you can easily remove them in the shower without the need for makeup remover.

These formulas are also less likely to flake or smudge throughout the day, and Sadsad notes that they're particularly good for those who have oily eyelids. As for their effect, Sadsad notes they’re a top choice if you’re after an ultra-defined and lengthened lash look. However, he does explain tubing mascaras may not be for you if you want a thickening mascara “that will give you that full and ‘clumpy’ look”.

If you like the sound of tubular mascaras but don’t know where to begin, we’ve found seven of the best tubing mascaras for you to try.

CliniqueFIT Workout 24-Hour Mascara

When we asked Sadsad to reveal his favourite tubing mascara, this one from Clinique was the first that came to mind. “The lash-defining formula of CliniqueFIT Workout 24-Hour Mascara uses advanced thermal technology that holds mascara to lashes until removed with warm water,” explains Sadsad. He adds, “It’s sweat and humidity-resistant, so you can go as hard for as long as you want without your mascara smudging, smearing or running. Another reason why I like it so much is because it’s a 24-hour volumising mascara and the only natural volumising mascara that has the tubing technology.”

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara

Heralded as one of the best tubing mascaras of all time, Kevyn Aucoin’s The Volume Mascara transforms your lashes, lengthening and volumising in just one coat. It’s also one of the most satisfying to remove, with the almost gummy-like tubes sliding off with little to no resistance.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Lengthening Mascara

Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

Because this mascara’s wand features both long and short bristles, it’s able to coat every single lash from root to tip. As such, the glossy and pigmented mascara leaves lashes looking longer and more voluminous.

Mirenesse Secret Weapon Mascara

This tubing mascara from Mirenesse is one of acclaimed Australian makeup artist Rachel Dal Santo’s favourites because of its rich texture and glossy finish. The long-wearing formula is also sweat-proof, smudge-proof, waterproof and flake-resistant, meaning it’ll stay put no matter what you throw at it.

Surratt Relevée Mascara

This mascara from Japanese brand Surratt uses humidity-proof microfibres to lengthen and define your lashes in a single swipe. The small brush also ensures a totally mess-free application.

Poni Cosmetics White Knight Tubing Mascara

Similar to Mirenesse, Dal Santo explains Poni Cosmetics' White Knight Tubing Mascara “has long-lasting properties that hold lashes in place throughout the day”. The smudge-proof formula is also a firm favourite of beauty guru Zoe Foster Blake’s, so you know it must be good!

Blinc Cosmetics Mascara

Blinc Cosmetics Mascara is available in both black and brown, and has a formula that is buildable and stays put for hours and hours. It’s also been clinically tested to be non-irritating, making it the perfect choice for those who have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses.

On the hunt for more beauty product recommendations? Then check out eight of the best new products that just launched.

Are you a fan of tubing mascaras? Share your pick for the best tubular mascara in the comments below.

Main image credit: Getty

Kate Niven

Kate started working for BEAUTYcrew in early 2016, first as a contributor, and was then named Beauty Writer in 2017. She loves picking the brains of the industry's top experts to get to the bottom of beauty's toughest questions. Bronze eyeshadow palettes are her weakness and she's forever on the hunt for the perfect nude nail polish to suit her fair skin. Her words can also be found in Men's Health magazine, and she now works in PR.