I never thought I’d find a mascara that didn’t smudge, until I found the best tubing mascara

After trying a whole load of regular mascaras, and they all seemed to smudge above and under my eyes, I admit that I was sceptical when the No7 Pro Artist That’s A Wrap tubing mascara landed on my desk to test. Could a tubing mascara really be the solution to not ending up with my mascara all around my eyes in a matter of hours? And after testing it for the last couple of weeks, I can confirm, yes, yes, it could. The mascara wraps each lash in lightweight micro tubes that stay put all day long without flaking, smudging or smearing. I’ve worn it through a full day at the office (with my glasses on) and even powered through a sweaty gym session without a single panda-eye incident, so it’s got some serious staying power.

Application is super easy, with no clumping or mess, and removing it is just as satisfying, with the mascara sliding off when I’ve washed my face with my trusty Elemis Cleansing Balm and a bit of warm water (it doesn't even really need the cleanser as it just glides off). I personally love a jet-black lash look and found this formula not quite as dark as I’d like, but I do like the overall finish this mascara provides. You do need a couple of coats if you’re going for that super-defined, fluttery look, but if you prefer a more natural lash, one swipe will absolutely do the trick. It also comes in a brown colour as well as black, which is perfect if you’re after a mascara to use for a softer, everyday look.

If you’re after sky-high lashes without the sky-high price tag, consider the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. This mascara is a super popular choice with plenty of fans raving about it online, and for a good reason. It delivers fluttery, lengthened lashes with a flexible formula that won’t smudge. The formula may be infused with bamboo extract and fibres, but you won’t be experiencing panda eyes during the day when you wear it.

Reviewers love the lift and definition it gives, especially those who have short or straight lashes. While most found that the formula wasn’t flaky, some noted that it can become a bit flaky after a long day if they’ve put a couple of layers of it on. However, for a budget buy, customers are impressed with how the lightweight formula wraps each lash and builds on length.

For a mascara that will still look freshly applied from early mornings to late nights, the Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Mascara gets overwhelming praise from reviewers for its smudge-free longevity. It claims to be sweat and humidity resistant for 24 hours and promises no smudging, clumping or flaking in the same time period. The jet black formula forms an extended tube around your lashes to elongate them, while the Lash Extension brush is designed in a way to grab and coat every single eyelash.

Fans of this Too Faced Mascara appreciate how it separates lashes without clumping them together. While it’s loved for how long it lasts and lengthens lashes, some wish it gave a touch more volume. Still, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a mascara that will last without having to touch it by midday.

When it comes to serious length, the KVD Beauty Full Sleeve Long and Defined Tubing Mascara takes the crown. It's designed to stretch lashes and make them look longer without flaking, smudging or clumping. It has a unique wand designed with little hook-inspired grips to glide over each lash from root to tip, and its shape is also contoured to make the application precise and easy, even in the inner corner of your eyes.

The wand is something that really stands out to customers online, with reviewers loving how the flexible wand and the precision tip make it easy to reach every single lash. The formula is a little lightweight for some, as they wanted to achieve more voluminous looks, but for most, the long length more than makes up for it.

Looking for an alternative to black mascara? Why not try the Revolution Wrap Lash Tubing Mascara in burgundy? This rich, red-toned shade adds a subtle pop of colour that flatters green, hazel and brown eyes so you can elevate your everyday look without having to do full-on glam. As a tubing formula, it wraps each lash in a water-resistant tube that stays put through rain and sweat but easily comes off with gentle rubbing and warm water.

Many people who have tried this mascara say that they were impressed with how much longer and more defined their lashes looked. Though they did feel they needed a couple of coats to achieve that look. Still, if you’re after something a bit different that still works for daytime, this is a gorgeous choice. Burgundy not your thing? Don’t worry, this mascara comes in black and brown shades too.

Whether you're after a natural daytime look or full-on fluttery lashes for going out in the evening, the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR Mascara is really buildable, so you can layer it effortlessly to achieve your desired finish. The slim brush makes it super easy to apply to even the tiniest of lashes, and just like other e.l.f. cosmetic products, the formula of this tubing mascara is vegan and cruelty-free, so it's a big win if you like your beauty products to be eco-conscious.

Fans of this mascara love how lightweight and comfortable it feels to wear all day long. It stays put all day, too, although some with oilier lids mentioned it didn't hold up as well as they'd hoped. Overall, though, this mascara is a good all-rounder as it's easy to apply and kind to your lashes.

The Glossier Lash Slick Lift And Lengthening Mascara helps to create a natural but noticeable look. It will give your lashes lift and definition in just a few strokes. The formula of tubing mascara can make lashes feel heavy or crunchy when dry, but not this Glossier option. This one is ultra-lightweight and wraps each lash in flexible tubes, giving you lashes that look lifted and longer and perfect for everyday wear.

Many customers love how this mascara gives a 'your lashes but better' look as it gives lashes a nice little lift with zero clumping during application. For those who prefer their mascaras to add boldness and drama to their eyes, this may not be the one for you, as some reviewers thought the effects were a little too subtle for their tastes. However, if you're all about that naturally enhanced look rather than mega-volume, the Glossier Lash Slick Lift And Lengthening Mascara will give you just enough lift.

Designed with an innovative micro-tubing formula, Tarte’s Tartelette Tubing Mascara has some serious staying power, designed for up to 24 hours of flake-free, long-wear. It’ll give you length and lift that lasts throughout the day without smudging around your eyes. The formula is enriched with lash-conditioning shea butter, castor oil and carnauba wax that ensures the application is smooth while moisturising your lashes. This vegan formulation is also easy to remove, so you don’t need to rub or tug at your lashes to get it to come off at the end of the day.

Fans of this mascara love how it delivers fluttery, natural-looking length while feeling feather-light on the lashes. A few users wished this mascara added more dramatic volume and also found that it was more of a deep soft black than an intense jet black but if you’re looking for a mascara that is smudge-proof and great for everyday wear, the Tarte’s Tartelette Tubing Mascara will soon become a must-have in your makeup bag.

Last but by no means least on my list is the Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara. It will bring a touch of glamour to your everyday makeup and be the perfect finishing touch to any evening look. It coats each lash in glossy, lightweight tubes that add dramatic length, precision definition, and a true high-end finish that doesn’t clump together or make your lashes crunchy. Even the packaging feels indulgent! The slim, curved brush makes it easy to coat each lash from root to tip, too.

Reviewers find this mascara lasts effortlessly throughout long days without smudging or flaking, so it can take you from day to night without needing to top up. Some users wished it delivered a bit more volume, but if it’s length you’re after, this luxury tubing mascara will certainly add the va-va-voom.