With temperatures on the rise and a seemingly more open world on the horizon, we're gearing up for a safe and relaxing summer spent outdoors with friends and loved ones. This season we're stocking up on the essentials: sunscreens, light concealers, and mascaras that will last through the summer hustle and bustle. We know what you're thinking: It's time to stock up on some waterproof mascara. Before you hit "add to cart" on your trusted waterproof formula, consider an alternative mascara for this upcoming summer season: a tubing mascara.
Tubing mascaras are fundamentally different from the traditional formulations that we've known and loved for years. Conventional mascaras (both waterproof and non-waterproof) use pigments in their formulations that coat the lashes to create volume, length, and structure. This means that every time you use a traditional mascara, you are essentially applying a goop of makeup that is prone to smudging, flaking, and transferring during the summer heat. Of course, you *can* opt for a waterproof formula, the same way we've been inclined to reach for waterproof mascaras in the past. Yet we've always treated these formulations with slight apprehension because although waterproof mascara is excellent for surviving the pool, the beach, excessive sweating, and even crying, most formulations are difficult to remove at the end of the day.
Tubing mascara, on the other hand, is unique in its formulation. It contains polymers that bind to one another during the application, creating a tube-like shape that coats the entirety of the lashes (hence the name tubing mascara). Since the final product of a tubing mascara means tubes on each individual lash (instead of pigment), these formulations are less prone to clumping, smudging, and flaking throughout the day. You can technically even rub your eyes while wearing these formulations and should experience little to no transfer onto your cheeks or under-eyes. Additionally, these mascaras add both volume and length with ease, making the final product look as if you just swiped on some lash extensions.
Removal of tubing mascara is quite simple but truthfully shocking the first time around. To remove a tubing mascara, simply use warm water and a cotton pad or your favorite makeup remover. Since tubing mascaras do not rely on pigment, but rather on the process of creating tubes that will coat your lashes, you will notice that instead of wiping off a black or brown smudge of mascara at the end of the day, you will see actual tubes of mascara come off onto your cotton pad. And no, you are not losing your lashes—these lash-like shapes are simply the tube-like polymers that have surrounded them for the entirety of the day. Consider it proof that even after wiping your lashes with a cotton pad, a tubing mascara still retains its shape.
If the world of tubing mascara has piqued your interest, consider adding some of the following mascaras to your smudge-, flake-, and transfer-proof makeup arsenal this summer.
The Volume Mascara
If you are looking for a volumizing formula to pair with your dramatic red lip this season, consider this tubing mascara by Kevyn Aucoin. The wand is perfect for getting between the roots of the lashes without ever transferring mascara to the lid area. This formula provides a glossy finish that will have most people wondering if those are your natural lashes.
Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
If you often struggle with finding the perfect lengthening mascara, consider giving this formula by Thrive Causemetics a whirl. This mascara contains a tubing technology that will coat your lashes with wispy length while also nourishing and strengthening them with a proprietary orchid stem-cell complex.
Pretty Big Deal Tubing Mascara & Peptide Lash Serum
If you are looking for a mascara that basically looks like a lash lift in a tube, consider this formula by Velour Lashes. This mascara will add volume and length to your lashes with its tubing technology while working to nourish and grow your natural lashes over time with a peptide serum added in.
Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Washable Mascara
If you are looking for a mascara that can do it all, opt for this tubing formula by L'Oréal. This mascara will add intense volume to the base of your lashes, while polymers will build a length that will make it look like you're wearing falsies. Plus, there's no reason not to try this formula that's just under nine dollars a tube.
Dinoplatz Twisty Tail Mascara
This formula by K-beauty brand Too Cool for School is an ideal match for those looking to add a wispy curl to their lashes. This wand hugs your lashes to create a perfect J-shaped curl while tubing polymers add dramatic volume.
Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula
If you are constantly on the hunt for a mascara that will give you long, come-hither lashes, this formula by Clinique will surely hit all your lengthening needs. The Lash Power mascara will survive through heat, rain, and sweat while adding intense length to the lashes.
Rock Out & Lash Out Lengthen Mascara
We love this formula for several reasons, but here are a few of the ones we think reign supreme: Its wand shape is ideal for creating lashes that fan out with volume, its formula retains the shape of our curls for most of the day, and it never flakes off throughout the day, no matter which strenuous warm-weather activities we decide to do. Plus, the squeeze-tube packaging ensures that the formula will stay moist until the last drop.
UltraVolume Tubing Mascara
If you are in the market for a mascara that makes it look as if you have been using a lash-growth serum for years, get your hands on this formula. Not only will it survive the heat of summer, but it will also coat your lashes with a natural-looking length and volume that never clumps.