Beauty Gizmos That Really Work

Tubing Mascara?

Lengthening, extending, volumizing, thickening...tubing? There's a fresh term in the mascara-hype lexicon. More and more mascaras claim to enhance lashes by forming tiny tubes around every lash. The concept sounded to us like a bit of magical thinking, but according to independent cosmetic chemist Yoram Fishman, there really is something different about "tubing" mascaras. "Most mascaras are oil- or wax-based; they're essentially paints. These formulas are water-based and contain polymers that form a solid film around each lash once the product dries," he said. When we tried them (a whole bunch of them: Blinc, L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Technology, VMV Hypoallergenics Ooh-La-Lash, Too Faced Lash Injection, Prestige Lash Matrix, Stila Convertible Mascara), we discovered the appeal. Tubing mascaras refuse to smear, smudge, or flake. The formulas dissolve in warm water; just a few splashes and those little tubes slip right off—no remover, rubbing, or raccoon circles of residue.

— Jenny Bailly