Why I Finally Gave Tubing Mascara a Second Chance
My “Tubing Mascara” Horror Story (and Why I Came Back)
Years ago, when Thrive Tubing Mascara first hit the scene, I got completely swept up in the hype. Everyone was talking about it, so of course, I had to try it! Well, let me tell you, it did not go well. At the time, I was wearing contacts, and that mascara flaked on me all day long. Getting those tiny fibers stuck behind a contact lens is a special kind of misery I wouldn’t wish on anyone!
I was so over it that I refused to touch a tubing formula for years. I just assumed they were all “flake-fests” waiting to happen.
But finally, after resisting for what felt like forever, I worked up the nerve to try the Tarte Tubing Mascara… and I was hooked. It was so good that I even went back and gave Thrive another shot. I’ll admit, I held my breath when I put it on, but I didn’t have a thing to worry about. It was fabulous! Now, I use both of these (and a few others) all the time.
If your eyes water, itch, or get irritated by lunch, you aren’t alone. As we get older, our eyes get more sensitive, and the mascara we’ve used for decades suddenly feels like an enemy. That is why tubing formulas are such a game-changer; they wrap each lash in a tiny tube that doesn’t smudge, doesn’t flake, and, best of all, comes off with just warm water. No rubbing required!
The Heavy Hitters: Tubing Mascaras That Actually Perform
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Thrive’s Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is the one that started it all. I’ve tried it in Whitney (charcoal grey), Brynn (black), and Crystal (brown black). It gives you that “falsie” look without the glue or the clumps.
This mascara uses a tubing formula, which coats each lash individually instead of just painting them. The result is length and definition without clumps.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
This Tarte mascara is the one that changed my mind! It does a beautiful job of lengthening and lifting. It also has conditioning ingredients, so your lashes don’t feel dry or brittle at the end of the day. If you want a polished look that stays comfortable for hours, this is my top pick.
True Tubing Mascaras That Stay Put (But Come Off Easily)
Clinique Lash Power Mascara
If you deal with watery eyes, this Clinique mascara is your lifesaver. It’s one of the most trusted names in tubing mascara for a reason; it truly stays put until you decide to take it off with warm water. It gives a very clean, defined look that never looks “spider-y.”
Clean & Gentle Formulas That Still Perform
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
ILIA lash mascara is a favorite in the clean beauty world. It’s perfect if you want a lighter, “weightless” feel. It uses nourishing ingredients to keep your lashes healthy while giving you great separation and lift.
100% PURE Ultra Lengthening Mascara
This mascara from 100% PURE is a really nice option if you are looking for something truly natural. This uses fruit pigments instead of synthetic dyes. It’s very gentle and focuses on definition. It’s a great option for those days when you want a “no-makeup” makeup look.
Gentle Drugstore Finds (Budget-Friendly!)
CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara
This CoverGirl mascara is a great budget-friendly tubing mascara that still performs. It gives you that same “wrapped lash” effect without the higher price tag. It’s lightweight, doesn’t flake, and is designed to be gentle on sensitive eyes. This is a really easy, everyday option.
Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
This Neutrogena mascara is all about conditioning your lashes while you wear it. Ingredients like vitamin E help keep lashes soft and flexible. It gives you a clean, natural length without flaking or irritation. Perfect for everyday wear when you want something simple.
Don’t Give Up on Your Lashes!
Gurls, if mascara has started bothering your eyes, don’t just throw in the towel. The right formula makes all the difference. Tubing mascaras allow us to have the length and definition we want without the smudging and irritation we hate.
Look for formulas that:
- come off easily
- feel lightweight
- are made for sensitive eyes
Once you find the right one, you’ll actually enjoy wearing mascara again… and that’s the goal.
Wait, before you head out! Now that your eyes are sorted, what about your hair? If you’re looking for a way to save time in the morning, check out my tips on How to Refresh Second-Day Hair Without Starting Over.
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Verse Of The Day
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

😊. Tania, I want to start off by saying I love your hair! It’s so cute ☺️! I want to try the Neutrogena mascara, I was at our Walmart this morning but they didn’t have it. I suppose I could order from Amazon. The baby is growing and he’s so cute!
I love the Tarte tubing mascara . I bought the set from HSN. Question though I have chronic ezcema on my eyelids and my eyes itch constantly . What would you recommend besides the Tarte one ? Thanks
I’m not sure, but the Clinique one looks promising.
the mascara looked great on your lashes on your pic 🙂
🙂 I’ve been a tubing convert for years. I like Thrive but have switched to Alleyoop both are online. The Alleyoop seems to stay fresher longer that is it clumps less. I find they all clump after a few weeks of use.
Your little guy is just a doll.
😊Love seeing pictures of that adorable little boy! Guess it’s time for me to try tubing mascara again!
I loved using the Thrive brand but it got clumpy. I tried a couple other brands. but decided to back to Thrive. I have been very satisfied.
I love the Tarte tubing mascara. It is so easy to remove. I miss those baby days.
thanks for the information and product suggestions. As I’ve aged, my lashes have thinned and are sparce with gaps. I’ve never had luck putting on false eyelashes. I tried lash extensions for a few months. I liked the look of them and having fuller looking lash. Big but here… I was allergic to the glue. I wish I had lashes like yours!
I’m sure there’s no solution, but would love to hear from others if they have found something that helps.
I use a lash serum that helps with thin and sparse lashes. There are a lot on the market and online.
😊. Are you gonna try to sneak your grandson in the car with you to your trip to visit your parents? That way you won’t be going through baby withdrawals.
I’m a fan of Tarte mascara. I’ve used the Illa mascara as well.
I thought of that, but his mom already said she had an ankle monitor on him. Lol!
I’ve been using Essence Lash without Limits tubing mascara and really like it. No flakes in my contacts and no smudging under my eyes. It’s a clean brand and the price is the best!