What is Tubing Mascara and Does it Really Work?

Tubing is the latest buzzword for mascara, so I gave Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara a test run to see if it lived up to the hype. Read on to learn more about what tubing mascara is, and how well it worked.

The exact product I used is this one on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43rINpY It also comes in regular size, but I went with the travel size to test it out.

What is Tubing Mascara?

Tubing mascara has earned a loyal following among beauty lovers because it solves one of makeup’s oldest problems: smudging.

Instead of coating your lashes in traditional pigment made from waxes and oils, tubing formulas use lightweight polymers that form tiny “tubes” around each lash.

These flexible sleeves give lashes length, separation, and staying power, all without the dreaded midday raccoon eyes. For anyone with oily lids, watery eyes, or a schedule that doesn’t allow for touch-ups, tubing mascara may be the answer.

How Tubing Technology Works

As the mascara formula dries, the polymers clasp around each lash from root to tip, creating a smooth, sealed tube.

Because these tubes form a physical barrier rather than a creamy coating, they don’t smear when exposed to sweat, tears, or heat.

Lashes stay defined and lifted, even through long days, humid weather, or a workout. The result is clean, crisp definition that lasts as long as you need it to.

Why Tubing Mascara Doesn’t Smudge or Flake

Traditional mascaras often break down because their waxy base softens with warmth or moisture. Tubing mascara behaves differently.

Once the tubes set, they don’t dissolve or smear—they simply stay put. That means no flaking under the eyes, no black smudges creeping into your crease, and no need for constant mirror checks.

Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara Review

The Tarlette XL Tubing Mascara is my first try with this tubing trend. I liked the brush and felt that it went on easily.

Tarte describes Tartelette XL as “Lash Extensions in a Tube” and the mascara is fortified with peptides and vitamins E & B5. It promises extra length, volume, and long no-smudge wear.

I have short, sparse lashes, so they need a lot of help. You can’t even really see them without mascara.

I took before and after photos to compare with and without the Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara. You can see that it does make a difference!

The images below are with one application of the mascara and are unedited, no filter.

The mascara made them noticeably longer and more defined. I’m sure they would look even bigger with another coat.

And to put the no-smudge thing to the test, I wore it all day and then slept in it!

I woke up the next morning with no smudges at all. The mascara was still in place. Pretty impressive!

Honorable Mention: Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes

My friend gave tubing mascara a try as well, and she sent me the pic below of the one she was trying- Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes, which is only $5 on Amazon! Click here to see it on Amazon.

She said it worked as well as the more expensive mascaras she had tried. Her only complaint is that she found the brush a bit bulky.

How to Remove Tubing Mascara

One of tubing mascara’s biggest perks is how easily it washes away. I found that to be true, after my overnight test. The next morning, I washed my face and the mascara easily washed right off with warm water and face cleanser.

I did not need any additional eye makeup remover for it to totally wash off. No undereye smudges to wipe away.

They say the “tubes” are supposed to slip off your lashes in little lash-shaped strands, but I didn’t notice this happening. I’ll pay more attention next time I wash it off!

Overall, the removal is a gentle process, so your lashes will experience less tugging and breakage, making this great option for people with sensitive eyes or fragile lashes.

Update: The tubes do actually come off like described! I am still impressed with how easily this washes off, even with just warm water.

See the “tubes” below. I just used a little warm water on a piece of toilet paper and lightly wiped down, and they slipped off.

The Verdict: Tubing Mascara Works

Between my own test run and my friend’s, I feel tubing mascara does live up to the hype! It stayed on all day, no smudging, and washed off very easily.

If you are looking for a mascara with staying power, that is still gentle on your eyelashes, it’s definitely worth a try!

Update 10 Days Later

Tubing mascara is my new favorite thing! I totally love how it stays on, but easily it washes off! No more scrubbing my sensitive undereye area trying to get it all off.

I have only tried the brand in this review, so I’m not sure if all tubing mascaras are as good as this one. But the Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara is a game changer. I am more likely to wear mascara now that I know that it isn’t a pain to get all off.