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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To GOD Goes The Glory!
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.

I’ve used the tart and agree that it’s great. I’m going to have to try the Thrive. I also like a MAC mascara that is a blue and black tube. The and and bristles are thin, so you can really get those small lashes!
😊I will have to try one of these
😊 I haven’t worn mascara for years due to contacts… wonder if one of these would be good with contact wear
The one’s I’ve used seem like they would work fine. They didn’t years ago, but I think the formulas have gotten better.
😀 These are great choices for tubing mascara. I also like the Essence tubing mascara. It really is amazing how easy these mascaras are to remove, no tugging.
Hmm, I didn’t know Essence now had a tubing mascara. I’ll have to give it a try.
🙂 I am wanting to try some of these suggestions! Thanks.
Another great drugstore brand of tubing mascara is by Elf. It never smudges ( even in humid TX) and it’s so easy to take off. I really love it!
Your Grandson is so cute. Thanks for the tips on dry shampoos. Was about to buy some and could not make up my mind which to order. I have used Not Your Daughter’s in the past and had forgotten how well it works. I will be ordering it.
🙂 I haven’t worn mascara for years but maybe I need to try it again
Oh, my. I never leave home without mascara.