Tubing mascara: what is it and how do you get it off?
Tubing mascara is a mascara that wraps every lash in a thin, flexible layer of polymer, like a tiny tube. That tube won't smudge from tears, sweat or oily lids, and at night you take it off with nothing but warm water. It mainly gives length and separation, less of the thick volume you get from a classic mascara.
What exactly is tubing mascara?
A regular mascara is mostly wax and pigment that cling to your lashes. Tubing mascara works differently: the formula contains film-forming polymers that dry into a flexible sleeve around every single lash. Your lashes look longer, because the tube extends a little past the tip, and they stay nicely separated.
Because that layer dries hard and smooth, it can't smear. That's where the biggest benefit comes from: no black smudges under your eyes at the end of the day, even if your eyes water easily or your lids get oily. That's why Catrice calls its version panda-proof. The Catrice Tubing Stay In Place Volume Mascara is a good first introduction, with a deep black colour and a brush that builds a bit of volume too.
How is it different from regular and waterproof mascara?
Tubing mascara often gets mentioned in the same breath as waterproof mascara, but the two work in opposite ways. Waterproof mascara keeps water out with wax and oily ingredients, which is why you need an oil or a bi-phase remover to get it off. Tubing mascara holds up against tears and sweat, but comes loose with warm water.
| Regular mascara | Waterproof mascara | Tubing mascara | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Wax and pigment on your lashes | Water-repellent wax and oily ingredients | A polymer tube around every lash |
| Best at | Volume and an intense black | Rain, swimming, workouts | Length and separation, no smudging |
| Smudges under your eyes | Can happen | Rarely | Hardly ever |
| Removing | Micellar water or cleanser | Oil or bi-phase remover | Warm water and light pressure |
| Holding a curl | So-so | Good | Good, the tube keeps its shape |
Going swimming or standing in the rain? Then waterproof mascara is still the safest choice, because tubing mascara softens in water over time too. For a normal workday, a night out or a long day in contact lenses, tubing is often more comfortable.
Who is tubing mascara for?
If you keep getting smudges under your eyes, this is the first thing to try. That goes especially for oily lids, eyes that water in the cold and lower lashes that always leave a shadow. It also helps if your lashes are naturally straight: the tube dries firm and holds the curl from your lash curler better than a soft formula.
If you want really thick, full volume, tubing alone may leave you wanting more. Pair it with a primer underneath, or go for a volume mascara on nights when it can be dramatic. The Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara is made for that long, separated look that reminds you of extensions.
How do you apply tubing mascara?
Tubing mascara dries faster than you're used to, and that's where the technique comes in. This is how you get the best result:
- Curl your lashes first, with a clean eyelash curler. Curling after the mascara breaks the tube.
- Start at the lash line and wiggle the brush back and forth for a moment before pulling it up.
- Work quickly. Want a second coat? Apply it within half a minute, while the first one isn't fully dry yet. A coat on top of a dried coat will clump or flake.
- Do your lower lashes with the tip of the brush. That's where you'll notice the difference fastest, because that's where a regular mascara smudges first.
A brown tubing mascara is a softer choice for daytime or if you have light lashes. The Revolution Wrap Lash Tubing Mascara in Brown gives length without the hard contrast of black.
Wondering whether a primer under your mascara is for you? Read which mascara primer suits your lashes.
How do you get tubing mascara off?
This is the part that surprises everyone at first. Wet a cotton pad or your fingertips with warm water, about the temperature of a warm shower, and press it gently against your lashes for half a minute. Then slide down with light pressure and the tubes come off in little black strands. Those aren't lashes, it's the mascara.
Don't pull or rub, because then your own lashes come with it. If it won't budge, the water wasn't warm enough or you didn't wait long enough. You don't need an oil or a makeup remover, although it does no harm if you're also wearing eyeliner or eyeshadow. The Heimish Dailism Smudge Stop Mascara comes off with warm water and has a small curved brush that catches your lower lashes well too.
Which tubing mascara should you choose?
Start with what bothers you most. If your mascara smudges, go for the formula with the most hold and a black shade. If you mainly want length, choose a slim brush. For a more natural result, look at brown. And if you first want to find out whether tubing suits you, the W7 Tube It Mascara is an easy way to start.
Fancy something more festive for once? Then also read how to apply and remove glitter mascara.
Frequently asked questions about tubing mascara
Is tubing mascara waterproof?
No. It holds up against tears, sweat and humidity, but comes off with warm water. For swimming, waterproof mascara is the better pick.
Why does tubing mascara come off in strands?
Because the polymer forms a tube around every lash. Warm water loosens that tube and it slides off in one piece. Those aren't lashes falling out.
Can you wear tubing mascara over regular mascara?
You can, but you lose the easy removal, because the bottom layer still needs a remover. Ideally, wear it on clean, bare lashes.
Is tubing mascara good if you wear contact lenses?
Many lens wearers like it because no flakes or smudges end up in their eyes. It's no guarantee it won't irritate, so try it first on a day when you can easily take your lenses out.
How long does tubing mascara last?
All day, until you remove it with warm water. If you rub your eyes a lot, a few strands may come loose by the end of the day.