Tubing and waterproof mascara both promise lashes that last, but they get there in completely different ways and they come off very differently too. Pick the wrong one and you are either stuck scrubbing at your eyes or watching your mascara wash away mid-swim. Here is how the two really compare, and how to know which belongs in your make-up bag.
What is the difference?
Tubing mascara wraps each lash in a flexible polymer tube. It is water-resistant, so it holds through sweat, humidity and watery eyes, yet it releases and slides off the moment you soak it in warm water. No remover, no rubbing.
Waterproof mascara takes the opposite approach. It uses water-repellent, wax-based ingredients to create a barrier the water cannot penetrate, which is what keeps it intact even when you are fully submerged. The trade-off is removal: you will need an oil-based remover and a fair bit of rubbing to get it off at the end of the day.
| Tubing | Waterproof | |
|---|---|---|
| Hold | Excellent all day | Excellent, even underwater |
| Smudging | None | Minimal |
| Removal | Warm water only | Oil-based remover and rubbing |
| Sensitive eyes / contacts | Great choice | Can irritate |
| Swimming | Not designed for it | Ideal |
When should you choose tubing mascara?
Tubing is the one to reach for day to day. Choose it when you want long-lasting, smudge-free lashes you can take off in seconds, when you have sensitive or watery eyes, when you wear contact lenses, or when the weather is warm and humid. It gives you all the staying power you need for normal life without the heavy-duty removal routine.
When should you choose waterproof mascara?
Waterproof earns its keep when water is genuinely going to be involved. Reach for it when you are swimming, at a pool party, or anywhere your lashes will be fully submerged for a while. Just be ready to put in the work at the sink afterwards with an oil-based remover.
Our tubing mascaras
If tubing sounds like your match, we rate two in particular. The Pupa Vamp! Wash Off Mascara in Extra-Black gives an intense, vinyl-black finish, is ophthalmologically tested and suits sensitive eyes and lenses. The Artdeco Lash Hero Tubing Mascara in Deep Black offers a more natural, long-wearing everyday look. For the full story, read our complete guide to tubing mascara.
Frequently asked questions
Is tubing mascara as long-lasting as waterproof?
For everyday wear, yes. Tubing mascara holds beautifully through sweat, humidity and watery eyes with no smudging. Waterproof only has the edge when you are actually swimming or fully submerged in water.
Can I wear tubing mascara in the pool?
It is not designed for swimming. Tubing mascara is water-resistant for daily life, but prolonged submersion will loosen the tubes. If you are heading into the water, a true waterproof formula is the better choice.
