9 Best Tubing Mascaras, Tested by Celebrity Makeup Artists

Martha Sorren

Tue, February 10, 2026 at 11:10 PM UTC

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The technological advances in makeup mean we don't have to put on the same stuff we wore in high school and hope for the best. Tubing mascara is such a game-changer in the beauty space. Not only is it often easier to apply and easier to take off than traditional mascara, but it can actually be a more skin- and eye-friendly choice, according to celebrity makeup artists. Parade spoke with four of them about the best tubing mascaras, and how to apply and remove the product for the most optimal results.

Kasey Spickard is a celebrity makeup artist in New York City who's worked with stars like Summer House 's Ciara Miller. Jenepher Reynolds is the founder of the Jenn of Arch beauty brand and has worked with Norah Jones , among others. Natalia Malova is a New York makeup artist who's styled for fashion runways, Vogue covers and more. And as the co-founder of Glossed Finishing Studio and founder of The Bridal Beauty Team , Kate Johnson has worked with the Love Is Blind cast and more.

When it comes to tubing mascaras, all four of these makeup artists are big fans. Spickard notes how gentle the product can be for your lashes —especially on removal, since most formulas don't require a ton of scrubbing or harsh makeup removers .

If you want to make the switch from regular mascara to a tubing variety, these are the tried-and-tested brands to check out.

Related: 9 Best Cream Blushes, Tested by Celebrity Makeup Artists

What Is Tubing Mascara?

"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," says Reynolds. She adds 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.

Top Tubing Mascaras

Best Overall: Blinc Original Tubing Mascara
Best Lengthening: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
Best for Short Lashes: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara
Best Drugstore: L'Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Tubing Mascara
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique Lash Power Tubing Mascara
Best Smudge-Resistant: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
Best for Definition: Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara
Best Non-Clumping: Milk Makeup KUSH High Roll Tubing Mascara
Best Natural: MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara

How To Apply Tubing Mascara

Spickard says you can apply a tubing mascara the same way you would a traditional one—they both come with similar applicator wands.

"Start at the roots and gently wiggle the wand upward through the lashes," adds Malova. She says you should apply it in light layers to achieve your desired look, explaining, "Tubing mascaras work best when you build them slowly rather than piling on too much at once."

Related: The French-Inspired Eye Makeup Trend That’s Flattering at Any Age

Is Tubing Mascara Bad for Your Lashes?

According to Reynolds, tubing mascara can actually be "a better option" than traditional mascara, because there's less flaking or smudging that can irritate sensitive eyes. "It's also more gentle than waterproof mascara which can cause dryness and breakage of the lashes if used everyday," she adds.

She says you can even use tubing mascara on lash extensions because "it doesn’t break down the adhesive."

How To Remove Tubing Mascara

Reynolds says you can usually remove tubing mascara easily with just warm water.

"Splash your lashes or hold a warm, damp cloth over your eyes for a few seconds," she says, adding, "No rubbing or makeup remover needed."

9 Best Tubing Mascaras, Tested by Makeup Artists

1. Best Overall: Blinc Original Tubing Mascara , $26

Malova says this product "changed everything" when it was released. "It was one of the first true tubing formulas that makeup artists everywhere relied on because it didn't smudge, flake or transfer, and it removed cleanly with warm water."

Blinc introduced the product in 1995, according to New Beauty . "To this day, it’s still a reference point for what a proper tubing mascara should do," says Malova.

Related: 11 Best Eyeshadows for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

2. Best Lengthening: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara , $32

Both Reynolds and Spickard picked this mascara for its lengthening properties. "It's right in the name: Liquid Lash Extensions, because it does just that," says Spickard. Reynolds adds that it doesn't budge when worn and "gives noticeable length ... for everyday wear and special occasions."

3. Best for Short Lashes: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara , $34

"The slim brush gets right to the base of shorter lashes and grabs even the tiniest ones," says Reynolds, adding, "It creates length without heaviness."

4. Best Drugstore: L'Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Tubing Mascara , $15

This two-step formula is designed with a nourishing and strengthening base coat that you then top with the lengthening formula. Reynolds says she likes this drugstore option because it's affordable but "performs just as well as many high-end options."

5. Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique Lash Power Tubing Mascara , $27

Reynolds says this mascara is "a great option if your eyes are easily irritated." According to the product description, it's ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes and designed so even those with contact lenses can wear it.

6. Best Smudge-Resistant: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara , $28

Recommended by both Malova and Spickard, this mascara is designed to stay put. Spickard calls it "one of my favorites," adding, "It resists transfer and smudging all day."

7. Best for Definition: Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara , $32

Malova recommends this as a makeup artist favorite, saying, "It gives great definition and hold without looking heavy."

8. Best Non-Clumping: Milk Makeup KUSH High Roll Tubing Mascara , $29

Johnson loves the volume you can get from this mascara. "It delivers lush, dramatic lashes without clumps," she says. She especially loves how the hemp oil acts as a conditioner for your lashes as you wear it.

9. Best Natural: MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara , $26

Malova says this mascara is her go-to "for a softer, more natural look." Johnson also recommends this one, adding that it gives "clean, everyday length ... for that 'no makeup' makeup look that is so popular."

Up Next:

Sources:

Kasey Spickard, NYC celebrity makeup artist
Jenepher Reynolds, celebrity makeup artist and founder of the Jenn of Arch beauty brand
Natalia Malova, New York makeup artist who's styled for fashion runways, Vogue covers and more. Follow her on Instagram @nataliamalovamua .
Kate Johnson, co-founder of Glossed Finishing Studio and founder of The Bridal Beauty Team , which has worked with the Love Is Blind cast. Follow on Instagram @bridalartistryteam .

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Shopping, Deals & Freebies section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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