What is a tubing mascara? And which should you buy...

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EYNTK about the product for smudge-proof, super defined lashes...

You might have started hearing a lot about tubing mascaras recently, or maybe you have seen them cropping up during your beauty browsing IRL and URL. If you don't know exactly what that means, there's no need to feel shy, we're here to explain everything you need to know about the buzzy mascara type, what the benefits are, and which ones are worth your coin. XXL, smudge-proof lashes here you come...

Suzie Gee, makeup artist and LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Pro, tells Cosmopolitan UK in the simplest terms:

"A tubing mascara is a mascara formula where polymers create little tubes by sealing themselves around each individual lash - hence the name 'tubing' mascara. The best way to explain this is to imagine a little sock which sits on each individual eyelash," she says.

As well as a really natural finish, tubing mascaras have a reputation for being smudge-proof, something that will appeal to all who battle panda eyes and smudgy lower lashes.

Suzie explains why tubing mascaras behave differently from classic mascaras when it comes to running or smudging: "Fibre mascaras can react with the oils on your skin and break down, causing smudging – especially if you are an oilier skin type. Tubing mascaras, however, can only be removed with warm water – so they are much less likely to smudge and typically last a lot longer and keep their shape."

A tubing mascara may not be easily spotted, they don't all shout about it in product name or description.

"The main way to tell if a mascara is a tubing mascara is to take a look at the ingredients," says Suzie. "They have one special ingredient that fibre mascara doesn't: polymers. If they mention polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone), then you have yourself a mascara that will tube!"

Polymer ingredients to look out for include propanediol, 10 dimethicone, polysilicon-11, cera alba, or glyceryl stearate.

If you aren't sure if a mascara you're using is a tubing mascara Suzie has some more insight. "One of the distinctive characteristics is their unique removal process. Tubing mascaras can be removed by gently massaging the lashes with warm water."

If your mascara slips off in little socks, you can be sure it's a tubing mascara.

If you're a short bristle fan (messy girls I'm looking at you), you'll get on great with Hourglass' Unlocked mascara. It reaches every single hair from the root, applying an even film over the lashes with a defined and fanned finish.

This baby from the enduring fave Boots' brand doesn't smudge or flake all day, come rain, shine or tears.

Tarte's tubing offering promises the same lash extension effect and staying power of its peers, but is also infused with lash-conditioning shea butter, castor oil and carnauba wax. Plus, it's vegan.

This baby will cost you as little as £1.75 in store at Wilko. It does cost a little more to buy online at Amazon, but it's still undeniably an absolute bargain for a tubing mascara from the brand that brought us the beloved viral Lash Princess Mascara. Clump free, smudge-proof, vegan mascara, and change from a tenner? No one can argue with that.

For the innovation junkies, this baby uses a memory hold that the brand call 'Aquaflex' technology, to deliver lengthening, curling and defining that lasts – that still looks natural. It also has a unique "Triple-Wave Wand" made of three flexible suspended bands. The inner band or 'wave' builds up volume, while the longer bristled bands lengthen and define lashes.

I mean... do I even need to begin singing this viral sensations praises? That use of sensation wasn't even deliberate which shows it's true. #SkyHighMascara has 1.2B views on TikTok. It's loved by all for a reason and will give even the stumpiest of lashes (mine) some fluttering length.

With a spiralling wand, this treat from Beauty Pie delivers tubes with the smoothest, glossiest finish, and a lasting hold for your curl.

Lash slick is the ultimate 'no makeup makeup' mascara. It's not that it doesn't dress up and elongate your lashes, it just looks sooo natural when doing so.

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