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What Is Tubing Mascara? Meet the Smudge-Proof Answer to Defined Lashes

Over mascara that smudges and flakes? We've got the solve.

Everything is better in tube form. Tube tops are perfect in the summer heat, all tube-shaped pasta (looking at you, bucatini and rigatoni) just tastes better, and tubing mascara is that girl. 

Okay, those first two things are a matter of personal preference, but if you scroll through TikTok (and ask anyone on the Milk Makeup team), you’ll see that tubing mascara is having a major moment. New to tubing mascara or just need a refresher on what it is? We’ve got the lowdown on this game-changing formula.

What is a tubing mascara?

Simply put, a tubing mascara is a type of mascara with a formula that creates tiny “tubes” around your lashes for a water-resistant hold and the look of length. It works well with all lash types, especially shorter ones that need extra length. Tubing mascaras aren't aren’t anything new—they’ve been around since the mid ‘90s. But it’s time to take them to the next level.

We just launched two clean tubing formulas that do so much more than your average—and they both wear up to 24 hours. First, there’s our KUSH High Roll Mascara. It gives your lashes the length you expect from a tubing product, but this one is souped up to bring some serious definition + natural volume, too.

We also dropped the first ever tubing browproduct: KUSH High Roll Brow Tint. It’s got the magic of a tubing formula, upgraded with clean ingredients that bring definition + volume to your brows. KUSH High Roll comes in 8 shades that work for brow colors from light blonde to black—we’ve even got an auburn shade for redheads. 

How does tubing mascara work?

Tubing mascara formulas wrap around each individual lash for a smear-proof, smudge-proof, water-resistant look. The best tubing mascaras should coat your lashes without clumping together, becoming a flaky mess, or leaving inky residue once you try to take it off.

Our tubing mascara does all that, and as an added bonus, it won’t dry out your lashes. Many traditional tubing mascaras rely on alcohol to get mascara to dry faster—that tends to make your lashes feel dry and brittle. KUSH High Roll Mascara is alcohol-free. The formula uses creamy vegan waxes with a touch of hemp seed oil for a conditioning, sweat-proof finish.

roduct shot of Milk Makeup KUSH High Roll Mascara with tubes around it on a white background

What is the difference between tubing mascara and regular mascara?

In the mascara category, you’ll find a few types of formulas, some of which tend to flake or smear. For the most part, according to cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos, “Typical mascaras are wax-based emulsions that can smear and smudge.”

A tubing formulation is a little different. As Kelly confirms, “tubing mascaras start with the same wax base but also include specific polymers like polyurethane-35 acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer that form a solid tube around lashes that resists breakdown in oils or tears.”

Is tubing mascara better for your lashes?

Kelly shares that she hasn’t seen a “direct comparison on [tubing mascara] being ‘healthier’ for lashes than traditional mascara.” However, we could argue that one of the best parts of a tubing mascara is the effortless removal process. It eliminates the need for excessive rubbing and tugging at lashes, which, optometrists and lash extension techs both agree isn’t great for the health of your eyes and lashes. 

How do you remove tubing mascara?

Tubing mascaras are almost as fun to take off as they are to wear. Removal is easy and with most formulas, all you need to do is get your lashes wet enough, then wipe it all away. Same goes for KUSH High Roll. Soak your lashes in warm water (use a wet reusable cotton pad or face cloth) for 30 seconds, then gently massage your fingers over your lashes until the tubes roll off.


Tubing formulas come off with enough warm water because of the polymers in the sauce. “The polymers have just enough adhesion to the lashes to hold them in place until you wiggle the tubes free with gentle pressure. Water helps the process along by lubricating the lashes,” Kelly explains. 

Product shot of Milk Makeup KUSH High Roll Mascara + KUSH High Roll Brow Tint on a white background

Is tubing mascara waterproof?

Here’s the truth: no. Tubing mascara is made to be long-lasting and easily removed with just water. While it’s not a completely waterproof formula, it is water-resistant and can withstand sweat, tears, and rain—just don’t dunk your face in a bucket of water and you’ll be fine.

Think back to the removal process: If lashes are soaked with water, the polymer bonds loosen and make it easy for the product to slip and slide. However, the average sprinkling of water from everyday life won’t bother the formulas. Instead, they stick around up to 24 hours, until you’re ready to roll ’em off.

Meet the expert

Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist with expertise in skincare and personal care product formulation. She began her formulation career in the HI&I industry and later moved into the cosmetics industry. She is passionate about her career and recently completed the Masters of Pharmaceutical Science program with a concentration in Cosmetic Science at the University of Cincinnati.

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Alexis Gaskin is a freelance writer covering beauty, wellness, and fat fashion. Find her words in Allure, WWD, Elle, Marie Claire, and Glamour. She gets easily distracted by her curly hair, pop culture, and all things that sparkle.

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Alexis Gaskin is a freelance writer covering beauty, wellness, and fat fashion. Find her words in Allure, WWD, Elle, Marie Claire, and Glamour. She gets easily distracted by her curly hair, pop culture, and all things that sparkle.

All information is created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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