The 9 Best Tubing Mascaras For A Flake-Free Wink

Immaculately-applied mascara is a boost of confidence to the naked eye but to say all formulas were made equal would be lying… Fun fact: they are not.

And although mascara choices tend to be quite personal—from preference of wand shape, formula, to natural or falsie effects—we all have one thing in common. No matter the season, we all want to bat our lashes without smudging or flaking.

This is where tubing mascaras enter the chat. In comparison to its wax-based traditional counterparts, tubing mascara is comprised of “tube-like polymers which wrap each individual lash in no-mess, long-wearing tubes that set quickly, amplify lashes and stay in place all day,” explains Brisbane-based make-up artist, Penny Antuar.

While many have long opted to use waterproof mascara due to longevity and staying power, the removal is not as fun as the swipe-on. They require a lot of gentle scrubbing and often take with them many fallen lashes. Occasionally they also don’t stand up to the sweat, weather, oily skin test. This is where a tubing formula could be beneficial as the transfer is less than with a traditional or waterproof formula. Antuar says: “It makes them a comfortable and low-maintenance option that won’t smudge on application or budge from humidity, sweat or natural oils.”

 If you’re a veteran user, you’d also be familiar with the end of day cleanse. For those who have never tried one, do not fear the odd yet satisfying shedding of the tubes as they encounter warm water. It might feel a little grainy, and the visual is stringy, but this innovative technology slides right off with no harm done.

 Here, we roundup nine of the best tubing mascaras for your essential assets.

An OG! The M.A.C Extended Play Gigablack Lash mascara has long been a favourite of some of our favourite influencers (think Desi Perkins). Developed to last, this unique waterproof tubing mascara naturally defines, lifts and lengthens the lash. If you don’t like the heaviness of a mascara, this formula feels weightless and separates lashes with its slimline spoolie leaving behind a fluttery effect.

SHOP NOW: M.A.C Extended Play Gigablack Lash, $44 from M.A.C Cosmetics

The Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is sleek, chic and luxurious. It’s a vegan formula built for drama that gets better with age (it’s quite watery when fresh). Composed of film-forming technology you’ll find the instant definition will have your closest friends asking whether you had a lash lift.

SHOP NOW: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, $57.42 from Cult Beauty

For lush lashes that resemble exclamation points, and shout icon status…look no further. Kevyn Aucoin’s The Volume Mascara packs a volume punch for even the most stubborn of lashes. It’s also the perfect formula for watery or oily eyelids and has frequented the vanities of Aussie influencers such as Sarah Ellen.

SHOP NOW: Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara Rich Pitch Black, $43.56 from Cult Beauty

This one is Penny Antuar’s favourite. She says it better herself: “I love a tubing formula! My current favourite is MCo Beauty XtendLash Mascara as it has a great brush, beautiful product texture and the best part is it retails for $24 and you can often get it for less on sale!”

SHOP NOW: MCoBeauty XtendLash Mascara, $16.69 from Chemist Warehouse

L’Oréal Paris Makeup Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara is a two-step formula that primes and conditions on one end and adds up to 80 per cent more volume with an inky mascara on the other end. The brush is full and fluffy, and great for those who like a more robust applicator.

SHOP NOW: L’Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara Blackest Black, $27.97 from iHerb

Lengthening lashes without irritation this Clinique Lash Power Mascara is great for sensitive eyes. Known for its long wearing staying power, the tubes will wrap, set and last even through the sweatiest of sessions. Think smudge-free balmy summer nights.

SHOP NOW: Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula, $42 from Clinique

A clean formula containing plant-based polymers, Victoria Beckham’s Future Lash Mascara is a unique offering. It not only provides the best of what a tubing mascara has to offer, but it conditions and protects the lashes as it utilises a proprietary C2 Complex that combines niacinamide, shea butter and pro-vitamin B5. Say hello to silky lashes!

SHOP NOW: Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara, $46 from the Skincare Edit

It’s the no-makeup-makeup brand we can’t go past—IYKYK! Glossier’s Lash Slick Mascara gives natural, low-key lashes that feel weightless, and the tapered bristle brush makes coating from root tip effortless. The formula is also infused with Vitamin B5 (which conditions), is fragrance-free and perfect for that slick, clean girl look.

SHOP NOW: Glossier Lash Slick Mascara, USD $18 from Glossier

A tubing mascara that is budget-friendly, adds clean volume and wipes off with ease! It’s no wonder the Maybelline Snapscara Washable Mascara has glided straight into drugstore cult-favourite status.

SHOP NOW: Maybelline Snapscara Washable Mascara Black, $16.99 from Chemist Warehouse