I’ve always been particular about mascara. I need a formula that lengthens my lashes to the heavens, won’t flake or smudge, and stays locked in place from morning to night. After years of testing and reviewing mascaras as a beauty writer, I’ve found that there is only one type of formula that manages to do it all: tubing mascaras.
The best tubing mascaras are in a league of their own. Instead of simply coating lashes with pigment, they wrap each lash in tiny, water-resistant polymers that form a flexible “tube” around the hair. The result? A mascara that won’t smear, smudge, or run throughout the day, yet slides off effortlessly with warm water when it’s time to take it off.
A sneak peek at our favorite tubing mascaras:
It almost sounds too good to be true, right? The best tubing mascaras do feel like magic—team Cosmo would know. We’ve tried every tubing mascara out there, and somehow we narrowed our favorites down to this list of 10 foolproof formulas. Whether you lead an ultra busy life, are heading out on vacation, or just like dancing till sunrise, your lashes will always look perfect with our tried-and-true tubing mascara formulas, below.
Pros
Universally loved by editors and makeup artists
Impeccable staying power
Comes in eight hues
Cons
TBH, we don't have a single complaint about this mascara
| Benefits | Defines, lengthens, and lifts |
| Shades | Rich black, brown-black, charcoal grey, classic blue, deep purple, deep navy, deep green, berry brown |
Ask any beauty editor or makeup artist what their favorite tubing mascara is, and most will mention this magic formula. “Liquid Lash Extensions is the tried-and-true, the pioneer of tubing mascaras,” says professional makeup artist Brittany Whitfield. “It’s my absolute favorite for length.” This takes natural lashes to new heights and won’t smudge—even in high heat—yet it still easily washes off at the end of the day. Plus, the formula comes in eight hues, ranging from black to ivy green for plenty of makeup experimentation.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’m a bit of a mascara snob, and I always find myself coming back to this formula. This is completely flake and smudge-free and keeps my lashes looking full and long until I wash my makeup off at the end of the night. It’s a top three mascara of all time in my book.” — MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
Clean formula is great for sensitive eyes
Lifts straight lashes to the heavens
Cons
Mascara needs to fully dry in between coats for the best effect
| Benefits | Volumizing, curling, and lengthening |
| Shades | Black, espresso brown |
Clean mascaras often claim to be flake-free, but this one from Caliray is one of the only formulas that actually delivers. This creates a gorgeous falsie effect in just a few swipes, and stays locked in place. Not even high humidity can make this budge. Come hell or high water, it truly has your back.
One Cosmo editor says: "I love the idea of tubing mascara, but often get annoyed by the flakes throughout the day. But Caliray's is above that, offering lots of length and lift without chunks of mascara falling on my face. And the dark-brown shade basically looks black on my lashes, just ever-so-slightly softer."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
Creates a false lash effect
Made with conditioners to keep lashes healthy and strong
Cons
The colored options aren't extremely vibrant
| Benefits | Volumizes, lengthens, and curls |
| Shades | Black, brown, electric blue, magenta, emerald green, navy |
“Are you wearing falsies?” You’ll probably get this question when using the Tartelette Tubing Mascara. This formula uses micro-tubing polymers to wrap every individual lash in a conditioning, volumizing, and lengthening blanket. Beyond making lashes look incredible, it nourishes them so they can grow long and strong, too.
One Cosmo expert says: “Tarte Tartelette is my absolute favorite, can't live without mascara. My lashes look their best when I swipe this on, and it may be my imagination, but I feel like my lashes have grown since I started wearing it!” — BRITTANY WHITFIELD, PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST
Pros
Wand guarantees clump-free application
Withstands sweaty workouts
Cons
Doesn't produce the most dramatic effect (better for those who like a more natural look)
| Benefits | Defines, lengthens, and lifts |
| Shades | Brown, black, navy |
Time and time again, we’re amazed by how drugstore mascaras outperform luxury formulas. As far as tubing mascaras go, this one from CoverGirl takes the cake. Its longevity is totally unmatched—it lasts for 30 hours, making it the perfect party girl mascara—and beautifully separates each lash. Every coat creates even more definition sans-clumps for a fanned out, eye-opening effect.
One Cosmo editor says: “The brush is perfection, applying pigment evenly and smoothly with zero clumps. Unlike many tubing mascaras that feel wet or sticky on the lashes, this one hits the sweet spot—just the right texture for easy coverage. I was equally impressed by the staying power. I sweat profusely when I Peloton and am constantly wiping my face with a towel during my workout. This mascara didn't budge—nor did it irritate my sensitive eyes."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Pros
Primer helps lashes look even longer
Conditions to make lashes stronger too
2026 Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
Cons
The two-step application might not be best for those with busy schedules
| Benefits | Conditions, lengthens, and defines |
| Shades | Brown/black |
If you want seriously thick fringe—I’m talking so voluminous your lashes could be mistaken for extensions—a lash primer is a necessity. Luckily, this mascara comes with one built-in. On one side, you’ll find a conditioning primer that nourishes and lengthens, while the other end volumizes and deposits inky black pigment. The end result? Drama for days.
One Cosmo editor says: “Out of all the mascaras I’ve tried lately, this gets me the most compliments. I love the brown primer—it truly helps prep my lashes for the mascara itself, and I love that it’s not white. My lashes definitely look much fuller and longer when I use them together.” —JAYNE LEMIRE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Pros
Works as a lash conditioner to keep fringe long and strong
Makes lashes so long they look fake!
Cons
Boosts length but doesn't volumize much
| Benefits | Lengthens and nourishes |
| Shades | Blackest black, black |
Sure, tubing mascaras add some serious length to your fringe, but what if you want your naked lashes to look just as long? This primer-and-mascara duo can get you closer to enviable naked lashes thanks to the conditioning primer. Step one contains panthenol and ceramides to keep each hair long and strong, and with continued use, lashes will extend past your eyebrows when you swipe on the mascara.
One Cosmo editor says: "I thought I'd hate having to layer on two steps just to get long lashes, but I actually look forward to swiping this on. The primer is loaded with conditioning panthenol and ceramides to help moisturize my lashes and keep 'em strong and healthy. Then, I layer on the mascara, which is filled with tubes to add length and volume. Plus, because it's a tubing mascara, it's so damn easy to remove."—BG
Pros
Ridiculously affordable
Wand is ergonomic to make application a breeze
Cons
Not widely available
| Benefits | Lengthens |
| Shades | Black |
Do you know how much lash extensions cost? (TL;DR: A lot of money.) I broke up with my lash tech after trying this incredibly affordable tubing mascara. For just $5, it creates a similar dramatic effect, and in two coats to boot.
One Cosmo expert says: “My newfound go-to is the SheGlam's Tubing mascara. I am obsessed with the packaging, which is super ergonomic, and the wand easily combs through every single lash without clumping. — BW
Pros
All-in-one formula volumizes, lengthens, and lifts
Cons
Brush is a bit large and may smudge on hooded eyes
| Benefits | Volumizes, lengthens, and lifts |
| Shades | Black, brown |
Most tubing mascaras are designed to enhance length, and length alone. Not this formula from Milani. The all-in-one XL formula boosts length, volume, definition, and curl for a striking flutter that withstands sweat, tears, and virtually anything life throws at you.
One shopper says: “This mascara is amazing. I am obsessed. My lashes are super thin and just barely noticeable. I have tried many, many mascaras through the years, and this one has been by far the best. It makes my lashes long and the effect lasts all day too.”
Pros
Lasts 12+ hours
Has a very natural effect
Clean formula
Cons
If you're looking for falsie-level results, you won't get that with this
| Benefits | Lengthens and lifts |
| Shades | Black |
For those who want more natural-looking fringe that still appears fresh after 12+ hours, Merit’s clean formula is ultra-reliable. This imparts a soft black tint and ever so slightly lengthens lashes to achieve the no-makeup makeup look in just a few swipes.
One shopper says: “I have been using this mascara for years! It makes my lashes so long and full while still being gentle. Every person I introduce this product to becomes obsessed as well.”
Pros
Unique wand makes it easy to reach inner corner
Zero clumping
Cons
Can dry out fairly quickly
| Benefits | Volumizes and lengthens |
| Shades | Black |
Kulfi is here to make sure the baby lashes at your inner corners never get left in the dust. The expertly-designed wand features a tip with elongated bristles meant to latch onto the hardest-to-reach hairs. The end result looks even, extra long, and completely fanned out for enviable, fluttery fringe.
One shopper says: “This is the mascara that I've been looking for. I have hooded, downturned eyes, and EVERY SINGLE MASCARA transfers and looks a hot mess 10 minutes after application. This one is perfection! It is lengthening and thickening and completely smudge-proof. I'm about to order a 2nd tube for backup.”
FAQ
Does tubing mascara damage lashes?
Not at all. In fact, tubing mascara is less likely to damage lashes than regular mascara because of how easily it washes off—all you need is a bit of water, and the tubing particles slide right off without any rubbing or soap.
How do I remove tubing mascara?
Whitfield says that removing tubing mascaras feels like conducting Cinderella’s fairy godmother’s spell. “The second the clock strikes midnight, and you get in the shower or wash your face, the fibers literally crumble right off,” she says. “You're not fighting against the current with waterproof pigment or oily eye makeup remover to get it off. The water rinses off the mascara with minimal effort and without damaging your lashes.”
Meet the expert:
- Brittany Whitfield is a professional makeup artist and licensed aesthetician based in New York City.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including definitively ranking CeraVe vs. Cetaphil products and rounding up the most delectable gourmand perfumes. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and is very particular about mascara. For this story, she tested dozens of tubing mascaras and consulted with other Cosmo editors and a makeup artist to find the best formulas that elongate lashes and stay put until you wash your face at the end of the night.

Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.