Tubing Mascara vs. Normal Mascara: What’s the Difference (and Which One Won’t Betray You at 3pm)?

Mascara is the one makeup product that promises the world and then, without warning, leaves you looking like you lost a fight with your own tear ducts. Some formulas flake. Some smudge. Some migrate south for the winter. And then there’s tubing mascara, the quiet overachiever that just minds its business and does its job.

If you’ve ever wondered what the actual difference is between traditional mascara and tubing mascara (beyond one acting like a loyal friend and the other acting like your toxic ex), let’s break it down properly.

What Is “Normal” Mascara?

Traditional mascaras use waxes, oils, and pigments to coat your lashes. Think of them as tiny little paint layers. They look great at first… until your eyelids get oily, you absentmindedly rub your eyes, or the humidity hits 0.001% above normal.

Classic mascaras rely on oil based or emulsion based formulas. This means they’re great for volume, great for drama, but not always great for longevity unless you go waterproof (and waterproof is its own circle of hell to remove).

Pros of Traditional Mascaras:

There are more volumising options that are richer, and creamier in formula.

They're really easy to layer up for drama or keep to a subtle coat and lets face it, there are tons of variety at every price point from discount, to drugstore to high end.

Cons:

However, more often than not, they can smudge and flake, they often require oil based removers and the waterproof alternatives can be harsh on lashes

What Is Tubing Mascara?

Tubing mascara uses polymer technology, basically tiny elastic tubes that form around each lash like a little raincoat.

Instead of painting pigment onto the lash, tubing formulas wrap around the lash. This is why they slide off in those strangely satisfying “lash tubes” when you remove them with warm water.

They’re resistant to sweat, tears, humidity and face planting into a pillow after a night out (allegedly)

And they stay put without the mascara transferring into your under eye bags that leaves you looking like a racoon.

Pros of Tubing Mascara:

As above, smudge proof, flake proof, removes with warm water (no rubbing required, meaning no lash loss) They're great for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, just perfect for people who hate panda eyes in general.

Cons:

They're not always as volumising (though this is improving with every new innovation we see) Some formulas can feel drier and there is less flexibility for a “full glam” lash look

How to Tell If a Mascara Is Tubing (Because Brands Rarely Admit It)

Look for ingredients like, acrylates copolymer, polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)

Or read the instructions, if it says “remove with warm water only”, it’s probably a tubing formula.

How Should I Apply It?

Honestly, there's not much difference when it comes to application of a tubing mascara, even more so, maybe a benefit is that it rarely clumps, so you can apply a second coat if you're wanting a thicker, more 'lash extension', kind of look. Just take the wand to the base of your lashes and wiggle it to grip your lashes, then sweep the brush upwards towards the tip of your lashes slowly to ensure you're coating each lash.

So… Which One Should You Use?

Choose traditional mascara if, you want max volume, you love a thick, dramatic lash look and you don’t mind using a separate remover

Choose tubing mascara if, you get smudging no matter what, you have oily eyelids, you cry (or sweat) often, you wear contact lenses, you want the easiest makeup removal of your life

My Honest Verdict

Once you go tubing, normal mascara feels like going back to dial up internet. Traditional mascaras look amazing, no denying that, but tubing mascaras give you peace. And in this economy, peace is priceless.

Also, not that we need to remind anyone, but as great as tubing mascara's are, you still should not sleep with any kind of mascara on, seriously, I don't care if you're too drunk, too sad or just too tired, it can not only damage your lashes, but damage your eyes. Mascara will dry out over night, causing your lashes to stiffen up and become brittle, not only can you lashes just give up and snap off, but that hard brittle lash can scratch your cornea if it gets in there, no one wants to wake up with and eye irritation or infection. But nightmare warning over, if you’re tired of smudges, flakes, and mascara induced trust issues, tubing mascara might be your Roman Empire.

You guys know my favourite tubing mascara at the minute is the KAKE Don't Fake It Serum Mascara, this has to be one of the best ones I've tried so far, and reinforced my love for tubing mascaras. If you've tried any, or have any recommendations, I'd love to try them out, so let me know in the comments.

Hi, I'm Charlie.

UK based blogger, beauty therapist and skincare specialist of 16 years, award winning brand owner, and reluctant adult. This blog is where I share everything that doesn’t fit on the back of a palette, thoughts, routines, breakdowns, realness, recommendations, and reminders that you’re not alone in this. I’m not here to sell you perfection. I'm here to show you how beautiful imperfection can be.

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