15 Tubing Mascaras That Won't Smudge, Clump, or Flake

I've tried a lot of mascaras, and I mean a lot, and nothing holds a candle to Thrive's version. It's innovative formula wraps each lash in lightweight ‘tubes’ that lengthen and create a fluttery effect with long-lasting hold, while the wand precisely defines and separates the hairs for a natural finish. My favorite shade is the brown—it's less harsh and makes it look like I'm not wearing mascara in the first place.

O'Leary agrees, adding: "What I love about this formula is that it is really black, separates the lashes really well, stays on long, and is easier to remove than my other mascaras. It also comes in several shades for any occasion or preference."

One reviewer raves: "Best I’ve ever tried! I have oily lids and often end up with speckles, even from waterproof. This doesn’t flake, doesn’t smudge, but washed easily with water. Very black and provides both length and volume. I’ve thrown out everything else I had and will use this as long as it’s available!"

Key Ingredients: Orchid Stem Cell Complex™, shea butter, castor seed oil

Shades: 6

Humidity, sweat, tears, workouts (you name it!) don't stand a chance against Hourglass's budge-proof formula that brings the drama by delivering maximum length, lift, and curl—without a clump or flake in sight.

One shopper says: "I love this mascara! I have never worn lash extension type mascara but I love this! It does. not. budge! And the volume and length it provides is great. You can go very minimal for a super natural look or thicker for more volume."

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, castor seed oil

Shades: 1

Using micro-tubing technology, this high-performance formula deposits a lightweight coat, creating a your-lashes-but-better look. It also contains a blend of shea butter, castor oil, and carnauba wax, which work together to condition, curl, and volumize.

One shopper raves: "Applies without clumping, my lashes are lengthened and separated. It doesn't flake off during a long work day and does not run when it gets wet. Removal is so easy, I just wet my lashes with water and wait a minute, then just rinse it away. It does not smudge or smear under your eyes at all."

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, castor oil, carnauba wax

Shades: 1

When you want the look of falsies without falsies, Kevyn Aucoin is the one to turn to. Infused with bold pigments and volume-boosting fibers, a few wiggles of this aptly named mascara creates a dramatic, clump-free look that stays put no matter what. I'm talking, even if you rub your eyes or finish a big sweat sesh.

One shopper says: "I love this mascara, from initial application to finish. It glides onto lashes without clumping while lengthening to the extreme, really making your eyes pop (in a good way). I get many compliments on how long they look. This mascara does not disappoint."

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, carnauba wax

Shades: 1

T&C Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director Roxanne Adamiyatt is a fan of 19/99's version because of how well it separates each individual lash with the super-fine spoolie, creating a fanned-out look. The end result is natural, fluttery lashes that don't look like you just coated them with an intense, jet-black formula.

One shopper says: "I’ve been wishing for a mascara like this forever! It separates and defines the lashes without clumping- so natural. Lovely on brows too- so light weight"

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, carnauba wax, avocado oil

Shades: 3

Perfect for everyday, Glossier's Lash Slick gets top marks because its low-drama formula is so weightless, you might just forget you're wearing anything in the first place.

One shopper writes: "This is my go-to mascara when I do not want to wear a lot of makeup. It's light and natural. Just a bit of mascara and blush go a long way!!"

Key Ingredients: Japanese fiber technology, vegan biotin, natural shine polymers

Shades: 2

For those with sparse lashes, MAC's tubing mascara is no joke. A slim spoolie latches onto the teeniest of tiniest hairs, while the saturated black formula promises maximum length with high color payoff.

One shopper says: "To me, this is the best mascara for my lashes. Goes on easily, does not clump, and my lashes look so long. Doesn't even flake off wearing it all day!"

Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax

Shades: 1

You'll never have to worry about raccoon eyes with Trish McEvoy's tubing mascara, which keeps lashes looking fresh, fabulous, and full for hours on end.

One shopper says: "This has been my only mascara for the past 15 years. I love the tubular mascara. It stays on without smudging or flaking and is so easy to remove with a little warm water."

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, carnauba wax

Shades: 3

New to the beauty space, Sarah Creal Beauty is a luxury makeup line geared towards women over 40. The Back of the Cab mascara is described as a "one-coat wonder" that delivers wow-worthy lashes that rival the look of extensions.

Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax, shea butter, castor seed oil

Shades: 1

Another great everyday option, Merit's smudge-proof mascara perfectly defines, separates, and lengthens lashes while keeping them soft and conditioned (and never stiff!) with nourishing fatty acids and olive oil esters.

One shopper says: "Love this mascara! It never clumps and it doesn't smudge under my eyes even after a long day or sweating."

Key Ingredients: Proprietary tubing film-formers, plant-derived rice bran wax, fatty acids and olive oil esters

Shades: 1

Also new to the market, Milk Makeup's Kush High Roll alcohol-free tube is chockfull of safe-for-eyes ingredients (hello, hemp seed oil!) that nourish lashes while adding va-va-voom volume.

One shopper raves: "If you want length & staying power — BUY THIS MASCARA. It is FANTASTIC. Separates, lengthens, and stayed on with no flaking all day! I was also impressed it was easy to remove when I washed my face at the end of the day."

Key Ingredients: High roll tubing technology, hemp seed oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, carnauba wax, jojoba wax

Shades: 1

Not even a hardcore workout or 90+ degree weather in New York City will affect the longevity of KVD's mascara smudge, smear, or flake. Warm water and a gentle rub will, however, wash it away no problem.

One shopper raves: "This mascara provided amazing volume and was long lasting… like va va voom coverage with no smudging yet very easy to wash off with water and facial cleanser."

Key Ingredients: Acacia senegal gum, berry wax

Shades: 1

Is this really a best tubing mascara roundup without the OG tubing mascara? Blinc's version is powered by tiny water-resistant "tubes" that wrap around lashes and deliver a full, fanned-out look.

One shopper says: "I have super oily lids and this is the ONLY mascara that doesn’t give me raccoon eyes. It’s the only brand I’ve used since I discovered it 14 years ago- nothing else compares."

Key Ingredients: Acrylates copolymer

Shades: 2

Like lash extensions in a tube, Caliray's highly-volumizing mascara creates a dramatic eye look with a unique baby teddy bear brush and defined tip. Plus, you'll never have to deal with undesirable crunchy lashes (the worst!) since it's formulated with 2 percent argan oil.

One shopper writes: "Immediately, YES. gorgeous, high impact application that does in fact stay put perfectly while swimming. It does come off nicely with oil based remover."

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, triple-wax mix and film-forming agents, next-generation tubing technology

Shades: 1

With Beauty Pie's version, you get luscious, glossy black lashes with sky-high length and zero chances of smudging. What more do you need?

One shopper says: "I love this mascara. It enhances the lashes while still looking natural. It stays in place all day but comes off easily with cleanser unlike many waterproof mascaras. I sometimes get watery eyes and this doesn't budge, even if I have a full on cry!"

Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax, shea butter, castor seed oil

Shades: 1