These Long-Lasting Tubing Mascaras Survive Sweat, Tears, and Long Days

I’ve always been particular about mascara. I need a formula that lengthens my lashes to the heavens, won’t flake or smudge, and stays locked in place from morning to night. After years of testing and reviewing mascaras as a beauty editor, I’ve found that there is only one type of formula that manages to do it all: tubing mascaras.The best tubing mascaras are in a league of their own. Instead of simply coating lashes with pigment, they wrap each individual lash in tiny, water-resistant polymers that form a flexible “tube” around the hair. The result? A mascara that won’t smear, flake, or run throughout the day, yet slides off effortlessly with warm water when it’s time to take it off.A sneak peek at our favorite tubing mascaras:It almost sounds too good to be true, right? The best tubing mascaras do feel like magic—team Cosmo would know. We’ve tried every tubing mascara out there, and somehow we narrowed our favorites down to this list of seven foolproof (and smudge-proof) formulas, below.ProsUniversally loved by editors and makeup artistsImpeccable staying powerComes in eight huesConsTBH, we don't have a single complaint about this mascaraBenefitsDefines, lengthens, and liftsShadesRich black, brown-black, charcoal grey, classic blue, deep purple, deep navy, deep green, berry brownWhy we love it: Ask any beauty editor or makeup artist what their favorite tubing mascara is, and most will mention this magic formula. “Liquid Lash Extensions is the tried-and-true, the pioneer of tubing mascaras,” says professional makeup artist Brittany Whitfield. “It’s my absolute favorite for length.” This takes natural lashes to new heights and won’t smudge—even in high heat—yet it still easily washes off at the end of the day. Plus, the formula comes in eight hues, ranging from black to ivy green for plenty of makeup experimentation.One Cosmo editor says: “I’m a bit of a mascara snob, and I always find myself coming back to this formula. This is completely flake and smudge-free and keeps my lashes looking full and long until I wash my makeup off at the end of the night. It’s a top three mascara of all time in my book.” — MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITORProsLasts 12+ hoursHas a very natural effectClean formulaConsIf you're looking for falsie-level results, you won't get that with thisBenefitsLengthens and liftsShadesBlack, brownWhy we love it: For those who want more natural-looking fringe that still appears fresh after 12+ hours, Merit’s clean formula is ultra-reliable. This imparts a soft black tint and ever so slightly lengthens lashes to achieve the no-makeup makeup look in just a few swipes.One Cosmo editor says: “Clean Volume is the perfect name for this surprisingly un-clumpy volumizing mascara. The formula coats every lash, making my eyelashes look thicker and more fanned out, but it doesn't give them a spidery or clumped together look at all. The wand really helps separate every lash, and it even helps hold a curl for quite a few hours.”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORProsCoats every tiny lash thanks to the small spoolieGreat for curling and lifting the lashesConsWe wish it came in a brown versionBenefitsCurling, volumizing, lengthening ShadesBlackWhy we love it: Don’t let the mini wand on this mascara deceive you—this mascara packs a lot of punch into just a few swipes, and helps you get into all the crevices of your eye to coat every last lash. And it easily comes off with a cleansing balm or some micellar water, without pulling out any of your precious hairs.One Cosmo editor says: “This tiny mascara should be considered sorcery first, a beauty product second. Upon first impression, I saw the short, stubby spoolie and couldn’t fathom liking the applicator. In just about five swipes, it completely lifted my lashes (no curler in sight) and lengthened them beautifully. It clings to and elongates tiny hairs I didn’t even know existed, completely opening up my eyes in the process.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORProsClean formula is great for sensitive eyesLifts straight lashes to the heavensConsMascara needs to fully dry in between coats for the best effectBenefitsVolumizing, curling, and lengtheningShadesBlack, espresso brownWhy we love it: Clean mascaras often claim to be flake-free, but this one from Caliray is one of the only formulas that actually delivers. This creates a gorgeous falsie effect in just a few swipes, and stays locked in place. Not even high humidity can make this budge. Come hell or high water, it truly has your back.One Cosmo editor says: "I love the idea of tubing mascara, but often get annoyed by the flakes throughout the day. But Caliray's is above that, offering lots of length and lift without chunks of mascara falling on my face. And the dark-brown shade basically looks black on my lashes, just ever-so-slightly softer."—BGProsCreates a false lash effectMade with conditioners to keep lashes healthy and strongConsThe colored options aren't extremely vibrantBenefitsVolumizes, lengthens, and curlsShadesBlack, brown, electric blue, magenta, emerald green, navyWhy we love it: “Are you wearing falsies?” You’ll probably get this question when using the Tartelette Tubing Mascara. This formula uses micro-tubing polymers to wrap every individual lash in a conditioning, volumizing, and lengthening blanket. Beyond making lashes look incredible, it nourishes them so they can grow long and strong, too.One Cosmo expert says: “Tarte's tubing mascara is my default mascara for everyday wear. It doesn't smudge or give me raccoon eyes EVER. I use the black on my top lashes and brown on the bottom. And compared to other tubing mascaras it doesn't tube off mid-day and leave weird flecks under your eyes.”—SARAH MABERRY, COMMERCE EDITORProsWand guarantees clump-free applicationWithstands sweaty workoutsConsDoesn't produce the most dramatic effect (better for those who like a more natural look)BenefitsDefines, lengthens, and liftsShadesBrown, black, navyTime and time again, we’re amazed by how drugstore mascaras outperform luxury formulas. As far as tubing mascaras go, this one from CoverGirl takes the cake. Its longevity is totally unmatched—it lasts for 30 hours, making it the perfect party girl mascara—and beautifully separates each lash. Every coat creates even more definition sans-clumps for a fanned out, eye-opening effect.One Cosmo editor says: “The brush is perfection, applying pigment evenly and smoothly with zero clumps. Unlike many tubing mascaras that feel wet or sticky on the lashes, this one hits the sweet spot—just the right texture for easy coverage. I was equally impressed by the staying power. I sweat profusely when I Peloton and am constantly wiping my face with a towel during my workout. This mascara didn't budge—nor did it irritate my sensitive eyes."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTORProsPrimer helps lashes look even longerConditions to make lashes stronger too2026 Holy Grail Beauty Award winnerConsThe two-step application might not be best for those with busy schedulesBenefitsConditions, lengthens, and definesShadesBrown/blackWhy we love it: If you want seriously thick fringe—I’m talking so voluminous your lashes could be mistaken for extensions—a lash primer is a necessity. Luckily, this mascara comes with one built-in. On one side, you’ll find a conditioning primer that nourishes and lengthens, while the other end volumizes and deposits inky black pigment. The end result? Drama for days.One Cosmo editor says: “Out of all the mascaras I’ve tried lately, this gets me the most compliments. I love the brown primer—it truly helps prep my lashes for the mascara itself, and I love that it’s not white. My lashes definitely look much fuller and longer when I use them together.” —JAYNE LEMIRE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTFAQDoes tubing mascara damage lashes?Not at all. In fact, tubing mascara is less likely to damage lashes than regular mascara because of how easily it washes off—all you need is a bit of water, and the tubing particles slide right off without any rubbing or soap.How do I remove tubing mascara?Whitfield says that removing tubing mascaras feels like conducting Cinderella’s fairy godmother’s spell. “The second the clock strikes midnight, and you get in the shower or wash your face, the fibers literally crumble right off,” she says. “You’re not fighting against the current with waterproof pigment or oily eye makeup remover to get it off. The water rinses off the mascara with minimal effort and without damaging your lashes.”Meet the expert:Brittany Whitfield is a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician based in New York City.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and is very particular about mascara. For this story, she tested dozens of tubing mascaras and consulted with other Cosmo editors and a makeup artist to find the best formulas that elongate lashes and stay put until you wash your face at the end of the night.Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.