Mascara might seem like one of those “basic” beauty products, but oh, let me tell you—it’s anything but basic, especially when you’re older and dealing with lashes that aren’t quite as bold and bountiful as they used to be.
That’s why I wanted to have a showdown with tubing mascara vs regular mascara. Is there really a difference?
Quote of the day: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” Vince Lombardi
After talking about blushes, powder foundation and lipstick lately, I wanted to tackle mascara. One reason I always use it is because for a long time, I used eyelash serums to make my lashes longer, so then I figured I might as well show them off.
I recently quit my eyelash serum usage, but I still feel that mascara helps define my eyes since I wear eyeglasses.
Insider tip: If there’s only ONE makeup product I would consider as a game changer for my appearance, it would be lipstick. All-day lipstick to be exact. It brightens my face and adds definition and stays that way all day.
For the longest time, I felt like all mascaras were the same. Until I read an article about tubing mascaras. I wasn’t sure if all the claims were true, so I tried one myself (even though it was more money than I usually spend on mascara), and had to admit that it is a game changer.
Insider tip: I won some regular mascara in a giveaway last year. I’d been using tubing mascara for so long that I forgot why I switched. It’s one of the reasons I have both options to show you in the photos, and what made me think to write this article.
Let me break it down so you can see what might work best for you if you use mascara.
What Is Tubing Mascara?
Tubing mascara is different from your traditional (aka regular) mascara because of how it works and how it comes off. Instead of coating your lashes with pigment that smudges or flakes as the day goes on, tubing mascaras create tiny “tubes” around each lash.
Sounds like science fiction, right? Then again, isn’t that like many of the things we use nowadays? I think about the Jetsons and realize how far we’ve come.
The cool part is this: those tubes stay put all day long—through sweat, heat, even some tears (not that I cry when I watch that Old Yeller movie). Then, when it’s time to remove it, you don’t need any special makeup removers. Just use warm water and a gentle pull, and those tubes slide right off like little sleeves.
As much as I love my site, Jodie’s Touch of Style, I really enjoy putting together my daily emails. I consider my emails an extension of my blog that is chocked full of positive inspiration that one friend calls a “Variety Show.”
I include articles, videos, and posts that strike my fancy, and since I have no siblings to share with, I share with you.
Tubing Mascara vs Regular: What’s the Real Difference?
You wouldn’t think that there would be much of a difference, but here’s what I found.
1. Application
- Regular mascara tends to go on thicker and wetter. Depending on the formula, it can be more volumizing right off the bat, but it also means you need to be careful about clumps and spider lashes. If your lashes are really long, you also have to be careful about looking up after applying because it puts mascara spots on your eyelids.
- Tubing mascara feels a little drier during application and might take an extra coat or two to get the volume you want. But because each lash gets its own little jacket, I feel you get better definition.
Insider tip: I have an old mascara wand that I keep around to help separate lashes. I really don’t use it with the tubing mascara, but I did need it all the time with regular mascara.
2. Wearability
- Regular mascara can smudge, flake, or run, especially if your eyes water or you live in a hot climate (hello, Arizona!). You’ve heard the term “raccoon eyes?”
- Tubing mascara stays in place all day. Period. No flakes under the eyes. No raccoon look after an afternoon nap.
Insider tip: And yes, I’ve tested them side by side (tubing mascara on one eye and regular mascara on the other) to make sure that the environmental factors were the same.
3. Removal
- Regular mascara usually requires an eye makeup remover—sometimes an oily one—which can be irritating, messy, or just an extra product needed.
- Tubing mascara comes off with warm water and a gentle touch. You’ll literally see the tubes slide off, which looks like little spiders, but they’re not. I use these reusable cotton pads.
Insider tip: As I’ve gotten older, I appreciate a more streamlined routine with less steps and products. As discussed with my skincare.
Is Tubing Mascara Better for Mature Eyes?
In my opinion—yes! And here’s why:
As we age, our lashes can get sparser, and our skin becomes more delicate. Plus, mascara smudges are more noticeable on mature skin, and the last thing you want is to look bedraggled.
Tubing mascara feels lighter, doesn’t smear, and doesn’t tug at the skin during removal. If you’re dealing with sensitive eyes, watery eyes, or just want something lower maintenance, it’s absolutely worth trying.
Does Price Make a Difference?
You can find tubing mascara from budget price points all the way to luxury price points. Is it worth it to spend more? I have the inside scoop. And these are all brands I’ve personally tried.
1. PrimeLash
I know about this brand because I created content for them. It’s at the top of my budget for mascara, which is why I have tried other brands to compare.
2. Budget- Essence Lash Princess
I found this option on Amazon, and it fits right into my budget-oriented lifestyle. I can’t tell you the difference between the higher-priced ones and this one, so I have ordered it more than once.
3. No Parabens- Catrice
I’ve also been trying to concentrate on cleaner beauty, which is how I found this option. It worked just as good as my other tubing mascaras.
How Do You Know It’s Tubing Mascara
You would think the mascara would say it in the descriptions or on the box. But not everyone knows the lingo, so sometimes you have to be Nancy Drew to figure out if it’s tubing mascara vs regular. And no, tubing mascara is not just waterproof mascara marketed differently.
Insider detail: Tubing mascara was first launched in the early 2000s with Blinc mascara. It was the first tubing mascara I tried, and I fell in love with the concept. Now the formulation is mainstream, and you can find it everywhere.
I discovered there are 2 easy ways to figure out if it’s tubing mascara vs regular.
- Check for keywords like:
- “Tubing technology”
- “Smudge-proof”
- “Warm water removal”
- “No flakes” or “no raccoon eyes”
Tubing mascaras usually market their easy removal and long-lasting, smudge-free wear.
2. Check the removal instructions
Tubing mascaras come off with warm water and gentle pressure—no need for makeup remover. If the label says something like “remove with warm water,” that’s a good clue.
Final Thoughts: Tubing Mascara vs Regular
If you’re tired of mascara ending up under your eyes, or if your lashes are thinning and you want a gentle but effective formula, tubing mascara is absolutely worth a try.
I thought I’d write about this because I was using the same mascara as I did in my 20s for the longest time. We don’t always realize there could be a newer and better version available until our friends tell us.
In the end, we all want our beauty routines to enhance what we already have—and as older women, we know a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t.
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