Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
If you’re someone who constantly ends the day with mascara smudges under your eyes (despite applying it perfectly that morning), allow me to introduce you to tubing mascara.
Unlike traditional mascaras, which coat lashes with pigment and waxes, tubing formulas create tiny polymer ‘tubes’ around each individual lash. Once dry, those tubes stay put until you remove them, making them a game-changer for anyone prone to smudging, flaking or transferring.
There are plenty of reasons why tubing mascaras have amassed such a loyal following. They’re particularly great for oily eyelids, watery eyes and humid weather, and they tend to feel lighter on the lashes than some traditional formulas.
The biggest selling point, however, is their staying power. Every mascara in this edit passed my ultimate wear test – a sweaty SoulCycle class – and emerged completely intact. Not one smudged, flaked or transferred throughout the day.
I’ve spent months testing different tubing mascaras – these five formulas earned a permanent place in my makeup bag
That said, tubing mascaras do come with a small trade-off. Most formulas focus on length, definition and separation rather than delivering the ultra-volumised effect of some traditional mascaras.
Personally, that’s a compromise I’m more than happy to make, especially given how easy they are to remove. A little lukewarm water and a microfibre makeup remover pad is all I need. Rather than dissolving into black streaks, the mascara slides off in tiny lash-shaped pieces.
I’ve spent months testing different tubing mascaras, and while they all excelled in the longevity department, each delivered a slightly different finish. Below are the five formulas that earned a permanent place in my makeup bag.
Urban Decay’s Tube Job Mascara delivers everything I want from a tubing formula
Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara
If I could only recommend one tubing mascara, it would be this. Urban Decay’s Tube Job Mascara delivers everything I want from a formula: impressive length, excellent curl retention and all-day wear without a hint of smudging.
The curved brush is what really sets it apart. It hugs the lash line beautifully and helps lift lashes from the root, creating a fanned-out effect that looks polished but never overdone. As someone with naturally long but very straight lashes, curl retention is always my biggest mascara challenge, and this is one of the few formulas I’ve tried that genuinely keeps my lashes lifted from morning until night. The result is long, fluttery lashes that look fresh and separated rather than clumpy.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes
If your goal is maximum length without spending a fortune, this is the tubing mascara I’d point you towards. Inspired by the success of the brand’s bestselling Sky High mascara, Sky Tubes creates that same stretched-out, lash-extension effect while offering the benefits of a tubing formula.
The flexible silicone brush grabs every lash, even the tiny ones in the corners, and coats them evenly for impressive separation. It gives a noticeably longer look than many other tubing mascaras I’ve tested, while still feeling lightweight on the lashes. For under £15, it’s one of the most impressive high-street formulas I’ve tried.
Makeup Revolution Wrap Lash Tubing Mascara
For an affordable everyday option, Makeup Revolution’s Wrap Lash Tubing Mascara is hard to fault. It delivers exactly what I want from a low-maintenance daytime mascara: natural-looking length, definition and reliable wear.
The slim precision brush makes application incredibly easy, helping to separate lashes without depositing too much product. The finish is more subtle than some of the other mascaras in this roundup, making it ideal if you prefer a softer makeup look. I also love that it’s available in a brown shade, which can be surprisingly difficult to find in tubing formulas.
MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara
This has long been a favourite among beauty editors, and after testing it properly, I completely understand why. MAC’s Extended Play Lash Mascara is all about precision.
Its ultra-skinny brush makes it one of the easiest mascaras I’ve ever used on lower lashes, allowing you to coat every tiny lash without making a mess. It also works brilliantly on shorter upper lashes thanks to the level of control it offers. The finish is naturally defined and separated rather than dramatic, making it perfect for everyday wear. Like the Makeup Revolution formula, it’s also available in brown.
Clinique Lash Power Mascara
Few tubing mascaras have achieved cult status quite like Clinique Lash Power, and for good reason. It’s one of the most dependable formulas I’ve ever used.
The slim brush creates beautifully defined lashes with a natural-to-medium level of length, making it ideal for those who want enhancement rather than obvious drama. What really makes it stand out, however, is how comfortable it is to wear. If you have sensitive eyes, wear contact lenses or simply struggle with mascaras that irritate the eye area, this is an excellent option. It stays put all day but still removes effortlessly with warm water at the end of the night – a combination that’s surprisingly difficult to find.
