The problem with mascara reviews is that the perfect mascara is subjective. One person may favour a new mascara’s ability to lengthen, while another prefers an option that plumps up the volume of lashes, or adds lift and curl.
What’s fairly universal however? We all want one that won’t smudge. Sometimes despite trying all the mascara tricks in the book, keeping the pigment off skin can be near-impossible.
If you love the staying power of water-proof formulations but find them too dry and gluggy and a real faff to remove at the end of the day, we can relate. Short lashes and a penchant for dewy foundation means sooty smears beneath our eyes have been a problem in the past.
However fear not, the solution can be found in a next-level mascara formulation – tubing mascara.
What is tubing mascara?
Yes, all mascaras come IN tubes, but here it refers to the way the unique micro-fibre or polymer formula wraps around each lash to form a water-resistant ‘tube’ instead of just wiping pigment on to one side, like traditional wax and oil mascaras do.
The pigment dries to a flexible coating, that won’t transfer to the skin at all, yet is easy to remove with just water.
The end result is long, beautifully-defined lashes that last all day without flaking, smudging or getting dry and crusty. They’re perfect for hot and humid environments where regular versions tend to migrate all over your cheeks or lids.
How do you apply it?
The easy bit is that you put it on just the same as any other mascara, swiping from the base to the tip of lashes, and wiggling a little bit as you go to make sure you get good coverage.
It’s been known to happen that you might even purchase a mascara and not know about its formula, because for some reason, brands prefer not to label tubing formulas as such.
Instead you might see labels like ‘smudge-proof’ or ‘washable’, which can be annoying trying to decipher, as is the case for some of the most popular versions, including Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara and Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula.
Try these excellent tubing mascara formulas. L-R: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara; Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara; Clinique Lash Power Mascara; MCoBeauty XtendLash Mascara; Blinc Mascara Amplified
How do you remove it?
The ‘tube’ label makes even more sense when you come to remove your makeup, which is where it gets really fun. That’s because even though they will last all day without smudging, you can forget about pulling out the eye makeup remover and stacks of cotton pads, losing a few lashes as you go.
Despite being resistant to water and sweat when you’re wearing throughout the day, when you apply a decent amount of warm water you’ll find they are easy to remove.
Simply rinse your face with warm water, making sure you completely wet your lashes. It will ‘relax’ the formula, allowing it to let go of the lashes. Close your eyes and slide or gently pull the pigment off with your index finger and thumb. You’ll be left with a gooey black tube in your fingers and absolutely nothing left on lashes. It’s oddly satisfying – trust us!
It should slide off easily so never tug, but the upside is that tubing mascaras are kinder on the delicate skin around your eyes because you don’t need extra cleanser, or to rub.
Best tubing mascaras
While it seems to good to be true, there are some limitations to tubing mascaras. In general, they’re really great for adding length, but traditional formulas are better for creating volume. That being said, formulas are evolving all the time and these days there are some pretty great all-rounder options to try in all price brackets. It’s also virtually impossible to find a version in a brown mascara.
For an affordable fave, MCoBeauty XtendLash Mascara can’t be beat. Want a more luxe experience? Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is the one to try. For the originator that created the tubing category years ago? Seek out the original Blinc mascara, or its volumising counterpart, Blinc Mascara Amplified.
