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If you have ever spent a meticulously careful 10 minutes applying the perfect coat of makeup in the morning, only to look in the mirror by mid-afternoon and see dreaded dark smudges under your eyes, you are far from alone. For decades, the standard solution to this universal beauty woe was to reach for a heavy-duty waterproof formula. While waterproof mascaras certainly lock pigment in place through sweat, tears and humidity, they also introduce a frustrating new set of problems. They are notoriously stubborn to remove, often requiring harsh, oil-based makeup removers, aggressive scrubbing and the tragic sacrifice of a few natural eyelashes in the process.
Enter the beauty industry’s clever, chemistry-driven alternative: tubing mascara. Though the technology has been quietly circulating in the makeup world for years—pioneered by niche brands before making its way to mainstream drugstore aisles—it has recently experienced a massive resurgence on social media platforms like TikTok. But despite the viral buzz, many makeup enthusiasts are still left wondering what exactly sets this formula apart from the dozens of waxy, volumizing tubes lining the beauty counter.
Tubing mascara represents an entirely different category of lash enhancement. It requires a slightly different application technique, boasts a completely unique removal process and caters to a very specific set of cosmetic needs. It is not necessarily a universal replacement for your current favorite wand, but rather a specialized tool. Here is everything you need to know about what tubing mascara actually is, how the unique formula works and whether or not it deserves a permanent spot in your daily beauty rotation.
Related: 11 Best Mascaras for Older Women To Lengthen Thinning, Aging Lashes, Tested by Makeup Artists
How Does Tubing Mascara Work?
To understand tubing mascara, it helps to understand what it is not. Traditional mascaras are generally formulated with a blend of oils, waxes and dark pigments. When you swipe them on, you are essentially painting layers of this dyed wax onto your lashes.
Tubing mascaras, on the other hand, rely on a completely different chemical makeup.
“Tubing mascara is a unique formula that uses polymers to wrap each individual lash in water-resistant tubes, rather than just coating them in wax and pigment like most mascaras,” Jenepher Reynolds, founder of the Jenn of Arch beauty brand, previously told Parade in a roundup of the best tubing mascaras.
She added that the formula is engineered to help prevent smudging or flaking, and it’s designed to easily slide off when you apply warm water to remove your makeup.
Blinc, widely recognized as the original pioneer of tubing mascara, defines their proprietary technology as forming tiny, water-resistant “binders” rather than painting the lash. Because the formula acts like a flexible shrink-wrap rather than a sticky paste, the tubes cannot smudge, run or flake off throughout the day, even if you have oily eyelids or live in a highly humid climate.
Related: 11 Best Natural, Clean Mascaras, Tested by Professional Makeup Artists
The Pros and Cons of Tubing Formulas
While tubing mascara is a holy grail product for many, it is important to note that it is not universally superior to traditional wax-based formulas. Your preference will depend entirely on the final look you want to achieve.
The Pros: The biggest advantage of tubing mascara is its unparalleled staying power. If you struggle with “raccoon eyes,” a tubing formula will almost certainly solve your problem. It is incredibly resistant to sweat, tears and the natural oils produced by your skin. Popular modern options, like the cult-favorite Liquid Lash Extensions from Thrive Causemetics, are also praised for delivering distinct, fluttery length and deep definition without clumping. Furthermore, because it removes so easily (more on that below), it is highly recommended for people with sensitive eyes.
The Cons: Because polymer tubes are heavier and more flexible than stiff waxes, tubing mascaras are notoriously bad at holding a curl. If you have stick-straight lashes and rely on a waterproof wax formula to keep them lifted all day, a tubing mascara may cause your lashes to fall flat. Additionally, while tubing formulas excel at lengthening and separating, they struggle to build the massive, thick, dramatic volume that traditional volumizing mascaras can achieve.
Related: 13 Best Eyelash Curlers, Tested by Celebrity Makeup Artists
How To Apply and Remove Tubing Mascara
Application is relatively standard: Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and sweep upward. However, because the polymers begin forming tubes immediately, you must apply all your coats while the formula is still wet. If you wait for it to dry before adding a second layer, you risk creating a spidery, tangled mess.
The removal process is where tubing mascara truly stands alone. You do not need—and in fact, should not use—traditional oil-based makeup removers. Oils will not break down the polymers. Instead, simply splash your face with plenty of warm water and apply gentle downward pressure to your lashes with your fingertips or a wet washcloth. The water swells the polymers, loosening their grip, and the tiny tubes will slide right off your lashes into the sink.
Do not panic when you look at your washcloth; it will look like you have just pulled out dozens of your own eyelashes. Rest assured, those are just the empty black polymer tubes washing away, leaving your natural lashes perfectly intact.
Adapted from Parade’s “9 Best Tubing Mascaras, Tested by Celebrity Makeup Artists” by Martha Sorren
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Jenepher Reynolds, founder of the Jenn of Arch beauty brandHence then, the article about what is tubing mascara here s how it actually works was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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