Tubing mascara: The best buys for smudge-proof lashes
Say goodbye to panda eyes and hello to smudge-proof, durable formulas that will make your eyelashes flutter all day long
There are two types of mascara users: those who go all out, lacquering each lash in black liquid to brighten and widen their eyes, and then those who add just a feather-like touch to their lashes to round off a minimal makeup look. Regardless of what camp they’re in, they do in fact have a mutual dilemma: smudging.
It seems it doesn’t matter how much mascara you use, or even how you apply it, there is always the possibility of ending up with raccoon eyes, especially in the city – think London’s inclement weather, humid tube journeys, and accidental eye rubbing when spending too long at your computer (guilty). So when the need for a mascara that could withstand the latter and more was finally noticed, several big beauty brands obliged. The result? Tubing mascara.
What is a tubing mascara?
While tubing mascaras are still a relatively new concept in the UK, they’ve been popular in Japan for years. In short, tubing is a type of mascara technology that – instead of coating lashes in a layer of pigment and wax that isn’t water-resistant – wraps each individual lash in film-forming polymers that dry to create a flexible ‘tube’ that grips on, whatever the weather.
One thing to note is that you won’t need lashings of mascara to create your desired look with a tubing mascara, and the end result doesn’t tend to be lightweight and fluffy. Given the polymers cling to individual lashes, a couple of strokes will coat your lashes enough for a noticeable look.
How do you know if it’s a tubing mascara?
Look at the ingredients. Instead of the oils and waxes traditionally used in mascara, tubing formulas use polymers, known technically as polyvinylpyrrolidone. Other ingredients that would give a good indication of a tubing mascara are propanediol and glyceryl stearate.
Also pay close attention to how your mascara comes off. Unlike normal waterproof mascaras, that often require copious amounts of rubbing and tugging at your eyelashes, tubing formulas simply require warm water and a cloth to encourage the tubes to slide off. If you find miniscule black strands on your muslin when you cleanse, you can bet it’s a tubing mascara.
The best tubing mascaras to buy now
Beauty Pie Wrap Star mascara
A Korean favourite, this mascara from Beauty Pie is one of the best in the business. It’s definitely one for those who prefer a fuller lash look, as its smooth and glossy formula creates dramatically lengthening polymer tubes. Beauty Pie takes tubing mascara seriously, and has even created its own Absolutube Technology featuring a compact matrix structure which surrounds each lash with pliable polymers that refuse to budge (unless doused in warm water at the end of the day).
Ruby Hammer mascara and brow duo
For those who are sceptical of the tubing effects, and worry whether it could be too dramatic for everyday wear, I was actually completely unaware this was a tubing mascara until I looked at the ingredients through my newly-applied long lashes. What I noticed first and foremost was that it didn’t smudge during the day, and my lashes looked noticeably longer. A smooth, buildable formula, this is the tubing mascara for those who never go OTT on their eyes. Plus, it comes with a clear brow gel too – we love a multi-tasker.
Mac Extended Play mascara
Promising up to 16-hour wear thanks to its smudge-proof carbon polymers, Mac’s latest lightweight mascara coats your lashes in jet-black pigment while lifting and lengthening. The formula is both sweat- and humidity-proof – perfect for carrying you from the gym changing room to your morning commute – yet is easily removed with warm water thanks to thermal-sensitive technology. It’s a kind of magic.
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Fancy the false lash effect? The Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is for you. Ditch the wispy plastic for film-forming technology that coats every lash in lightweight fibres that lock in place for a high-impact, fanned-out finish. This is one way to make a statement.
Tarte tartelette XL tubing mascara
One of the original tubing mascaras, Tarte is a cult favourite. Its tubing peptide blend not only adds pigment and length, but also offers 24-hour flake-free properties alongside niacinamide, biotin and panthenol to nourish and condition lashes. Creamy in texture from application to removal, this is definitely the best all-rounder.
Clinique High Impact Zero Gravity Mascara
Perfect for sensitive eyes, this is the mascara for next-level lift without a pinch, pull or tug. The weightless gel formula keeps lashes feeling feathery while curling them upwards to make eyes appear bigger and brighter. It also resists rain, sweat, humidity, and tears, yet rinses off easily with warm water thanks to Clinique’s poly-thermal technology. Win, win.
Lancôme Lash Idôle Volumising Mascara
Clumps begone with Lancôme’s signature arch-curved elastomer brush that pushes up and fans out lashes for a wide-eye look. The gel-emulsion tubing technique doesn’t weigh on lashes either, leaving them feathery soft and flake-resistant for up to 24 hours.
Read more: The best new makeup and skincare to buy now
