Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Wary of raccoon eyes? The best tubing mascaras will put your mind at ease. Unlike traditional mascaras that can transfer, smudge, and flake throughout the day, “tubing mascaras are known for their excellent long-wearing formulas and ability to resist flaking and smudging that can occur due to oily sebum on the eyelids or watery eyes ,” says Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos . How? They contain film-forming polymers, which Dobos says act like a protective sleeve around each lash, resulting in higher resistance to the elements and increased durability. And we’ve saved the best part for last: Despite their staying power, tubing mascaras are refreshingly easy to remove: With a wash of warm water and gentle pressure, these mascaras slide off in soft, tube-like pieces—no cleansing oil or micellar water needed.
How is tubing mascara different from regular mascara? How should I choose a tubing mascara? Are there any downsides to tubing mascara? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Read on for the best tubing mascaras for creating doe-eyed, wispy, and dramatic looks alike, as selected by Allure editors and makeup experts.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Maybelline New York
Allure social media director Kassidy Silva applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara
Why it’s worth it: Maybelline New York’s Lash Sensation Sky Tubes sets a high standard (pun intended) with its name—one that it easily meets, delivering the kind of dramatic length that looks like it could have come right off a 1960s magazine cover. The brush on this Best of Beauty winner features pyramid-shaped bristles with broader bases and pointed tips, designed to grip and coat each lash. Meanwhile, the round ball on the end grabs onto the tiny lashes on the inner and outer corners so that even the babiest of lashes get a major boost. The formula is infused with shea butter and castor oil (a top-tier conditioning duo if there ever was one) and dries down fast to a flake-free finish. When up against cold water (like rain), it’s waterproof , but when you want to take it off, it’ll melt right away with a little warm water.
Silva after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
“There is no category that I cycle through testers as quickly as mascaras. Hate the brush shape, product is a little clumpy, not long lasting, ugly tube, you name it, and I’m nitpicking it from top to bottom. I have big hooded eyes with average-length lashes, so I’m looking for something that lengthens to help them stand out, doesn’t smudge since I refuse to reapply during the day, and is at a low price point since it needs to be replaced often. The Maybelline Sky High Tubing Mascara is the fifth mascara I’ve liked out of the three to four dozen I’ve tested in two years that checks all my boxes. I apply two coats of the mascara, working it through my lashes after curling with the Shu Uemera lash curler. After applying to the top lash, I’ll get the corner, which is easy with the tip of the brush to reach the inner corner and outer edge. I don’t apply it to my bottom lashes regularly but haven’t had issues o…