Tubing Mascara: 11 Application and Removal Tips for Beginners

What is the best cosmetic product to make your eyes look bold, bright, and gorgeous? Mascara, of course! The history of this must-have cosmetic stretches back to Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. However, the modern mascara formulation began to take shape in 1915, thanks to an entrepreneurial French chemist who invented the first commercial mascara — a significant breakthrough, to say the least! However, over the years, there have been several reformulations, including tubing mascaras, an innovative mascara that possesses several lash-friendly benefits. If you have yet to try one, we’ve got you covered with 11 application and removal tips so you can apply it with confidence!

What is Tubing Mascara?

Tubing mascara is a type of mascara designed to form tiny “tubes” around each lash. Instead of just coating the lashes with pigment, tubing mascara creates a flexible, water-resistant coating that adheres to the lashes. The best mascara is resistant to smudging, flaking, and running, making it ideal for long-lasting wear. It also tends to be easier to remove, which can be gentler on your lashes compared to some other mascaras that require vigorous rubbing or makeup removers. This is particularly important as some studies have found that some traditional mascaras can cause eyelash loss.

How to Spot a Quality Tubing Mascara

To spot a quality tubing mascara, look for the key features and benefits that distinguish it from regular mascaras.

• Formulation: Tubing mascaras typically have a unique formula that creates tiny “tubes” around each lash rather than simply coating them. Check the ingredient list for polymers or other film-forming agents that help form these tubes.
• Water Resistance: Tubing mascaras are generally water-resistant and are less apt to cause smudging and flaking.
• Removal: One of the key features of tubing mascaras is that they come off easily with warm water and gentle pressure, often without needing makeup remover. Look for claims about easy removal in the product description.
• Volume and Length: Quality tubing mascaras should substantially boost volume and length. Check for reviews or swatches to see how well the mascara performs in these areas.

Application

Tubing mascara stands out for its unique formulation and application process. Unlike traditional mascaras that rely on waxes and oils, tubing mascaras use a different technology to deliver long-lasting, smudge-proof results.

Pre-Application Prep

1. Clean Your Eyelids and Lashes: Make sure your eyelids and lashes are clean and free of oils or residues. This critical step helps the mascara adhere better and prevent smudging.
2. Curl Your Lashes: Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to enhance the effect of tubing mascara.

Using the Mascara Wand Effectively

3. Wipe Off Excess: Remove any excess mascara from the wand by wiping it on the edge of the tube. Tubing mascaras can be on the thicker side, so this helps prevent clumping.
4. Apply the Mascara: Beginning at the base of your lashes, gently guide the wand from root to tip to define and lengthen every lash. Layer additional coats while lashes are still wet to seal in all-day flake-free wear!
5. Use a Zigzag Motion: To improve separation and definition, zig-zag the wand back and forth on your lashes as you drag up and out for a doe-eyed effect. This technique also helps avoid clumps and ensures even coverage.
6. Let it Dry: Allow the mascara to dry completely before touching or blinking too much. Tubing mascaras form a flexible “tube” around each lash as they dry, so give them a few minutes to set.

How to Layer Product

7. Choose the Right Formula: If you’re layering with another mascara, choose a formula that complements the tubing mascara. For instance, if your tubing mascara adds length, you might want to use a tubing mascara for added length.

8. Apply Carefully: When mixing mascaras, be sure to apply the volume mascara first on areas where you want to add extra definition. Then, follow with a tubing formula to lock it in place! Allow each layer to dry before applying the next one to avoid clumping.

9. Comb Through Your Lashes: While your tubing mascara is still wet, use a clean lash comb or spoolie to separate and define your lashes, remove any clumps, and provide a more polished look.

Removal

One of the best features of tubing mascara is how easy it is to remove!

How to Remove Mascara Without a Mess

7. Warm Water and a Gentle Touch: To remove, simply rinse off with warm water and a washcloth using a gentle downward-sweeping motion. The unique tubing formula will rinse off each lash, leaving no mascara streaks behind or black stains on your towels!

Additional Tips for Long-Lasting Wear

8. Avoid Over-Wiggling the Brush: Tube mascaras often work best with a simple sweeping or zig-zag motion rather than an aggressive wiggle, which can disrupt the tubing process.

9. Don’t Pump the Wand: Pumping the wand in the tube can introduce air and dry out the formula, leading to clumps. Instead, twist the wand gently to get more product.

10. Keep It Dry: Avoid getting your mascara wet. Tubing mascaras are designed to be water-resistant while still being easy to remove with just warm water, but excessive moisture during wear can sometimes affect their performance.

11. Store Properly: Keep the mascara in a cool, dry place, and make sure the cap is tightly closed to prevent it from drying out. Knowing when to throw out makeup like your tubing mascara is also essential.

Why Tubing Mascara is Great for Beginners

Tubing mascara can be an excellent choice for beginners because it’s easy to remove, smudge-proof, and long-lasting. It also allows for buildable coverage while being gentle on your lashes. Overall, tubing mascara’s forgiving nature and ease of use make it a practical choice for those new to makeup!