Mascara was the #1 non-branded beauty search in America this month, and the newest launches — including MERIT's first-ever tubing formula — are all one type: tubing. Here is the difference in plain terms, and which lash problems each type actually solves.
How they work
Regular mascara coats lashes in waxes and pigments — buildable volume, classic look, removed with cleanser or makeup remover. Tubing mascara wraps each lash in flexible polymer "tubes" that lock on until warm water and gentle pressure slide them off whole.
Choose tubing if…
- Your mascara smudges by 3pm — tubes cannot migrate, so under-eye shadows disappear.
- You have oily lids, watery eyes, or you cry at weddings. Tubing survives all three.
- You want zero-effort removal — warm water, no rubbing, no lost lashes.
- You wear lash extensions or clusters — most tubing formulas are safer on bonds than waterproof wax formulas.
Choose regular if…
- You want maximum drama and volume — waxes build thicker than tubes.
- You layer with heated curlers and lash primers for a full glam look.
- You prefer waterproof for swimming (true waterproof still beats tubing underwater).
The verdict
Everyday office/school wear: tubing wins. Event glam and photos: classic volumizing wins. Most makeup bags end up with one of each — a tubing daily driver and a volumizing showpiece.
Shop both camps in our eye makeup collection, browse lash clusters they pair with, or complete the look with cream blush. Free US shipping on everything.
FAQ
Does tubing mascara flake?
Far less than dried-out wax formulas — tubes hold together. If you see flaking, the coat was applied too thick or over oily primer.
Is tubing mascara waterproof?
Water-resistant, yes — it survives rain, sweat and tears. Sustained warm water plus friction removes it, which is exactly the design.