Makeup • 06/03/2025
The Best Mascaras of 2025: Tubing, Waterproof and More
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Eyelashes are an underrated part of your features that complete the look, and adding some of the best mascaras to your routine can help it shine. That said, going through the market with all the different buzzwords nowadays can be overwhelming. Let’s break down the terms and go over the recommendations for 2025.
Different Kinds of Mascara
Every brand has a different type of mascara to cater to different people. Some appeal to those whose primary goal is to look for buildable and smudge-free, while others are looking for a more natural finish. Here’s the definition for different kinds of mascaras to help you figure out what you’re leaning toward.
Tubing
A tubing mascara is one of the most unique and coveted mascara formulas. It utilizes tiny polymers to build up a tube around each individual lash, giving a more pronounced and lengthened look. Most tubing mascaras are pretty wet, but they become smudge-free after drying down, making them more reliable for long wear and for busy days.
Waterproof
Whether you’re sweating, in tears, or getting rained on, your lashes will still hold up with waterproof mascara thanks to its water resistance. Many other products, like eyeliners, are also waterproof to help your whole makeup look stay on. Compared to tubing, waterproof mascara can be a little more stubborn to take off and will require more of an oil-based makeup remover.
Fiber
Fiber mascaras are another popular type that add extra filaments to the eyelashes to create a thicker look. Compared to tubing, fiber mascaras have a wetter formula and can have a more uneven distribution throughout the lash line. Due to that, they are slightly prone to smudging and flaking, especially when fresh from application. Make sure they dry well before anything else.
Lifting
A lifting mascara is one of the simplest mascaras. It fans out the lashes and curls them upward. Because of its light and subtle nature, it is perfect for natural makeup or no-makeup makeup looks. How long the lashes are lifted generally depends on your lash type and the effectiveness of the formula.
The Best Mascaras on the Market
Numerous eyelash-enhancing products are on the market, each with its own formulation and output. Here are the best mascara recommendations and what you can expect.
1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara is hailed as the best drugstore mascara. It’s a fiber mascara that volumizes, lengthens, defines, and curls all at once without flaking or smudging. It also has a lightweight formula, so you get all the goods without having heavy eyelids for the rest of the day.
2. Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
If you’re looking for the best mascaras for length and volume, the Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara is a great product to pick up. As far as tubing mascaras go, it’s undoubtedly on the wetter side thanks to the shea butter. Thus, some people enjoy it after a month or so when the mascara has dried up a little more.
3. Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
The regular Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara was already a cult classic, but the brand came out with the XL version that was simply better. Bigger lashes and even more pigmentation with just one swipe. It’s quite buildable as well, so you can add on as much as you’d like. If you’re ready to remove, just wash with warm water.
4. L’Oreal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara
The L’Oreal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara is an iconic product that had its moment on MakeupTok, and it’s easy to see why. It lifts, lengthens and separates the lashes to give the most natural yet elevated look. Paired with their eyelash primer, you can get even more volume and definition.
5. Clinique Lash Power Tubing Mascara
The Clinique Lash Power Tubing Mascara is another one of the best tubing mascaras. It promises 24-hour wear that can match the prowess of a waterproof mascara. Many also find that the thinner brush provides easy application without flaking or smudging. Use it for the top and bottom lashes!
6. Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
When it comes to the best waterproof mascaras, Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara should be added to the list. It can last through rain or storm and would not budge unless you’re intentionally removing it. People also love how long and dramatic the lashes can get with its intense and clump-free formula.
7. Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara
The Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara is just a cult classic for many beauty enthusiasts, even in 2025. It’s essentially a tubing mascara that coats each lash to be as full and defined as possible. It also locks the curls in the tube for extended wear. While it can be a little heavy, it’s worth the wear for a special night out.
8. IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
The IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara is also a must-try for eyelashes. Its Elastic Stretch Technology wraps the lashes in as much volume and lengthening as possible. Thanks to its conditioning benefits from the collagen, biotin, proteins and peptides, it’s also one of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes.
9. Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer
The Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer gives you bang for your buck– it combines a nice lengthening mascara with the primer. Plus, it’s a cruelty-free and clean formula packed with natural ingredients. Define your eyes without worrying about parabens, paraffins, synthetic fragrances and more.
10. Winky Lux ExtravaLash Mascara
The Winky Lux ExtravaLash Mascara has a unique wand featuring a silicone ball-tipped brush. It helps curl, lift, and lengthen individual lashes, ultimately leading to a fuller and more voluminous lash line. Once you get over the learning curve of applying it and letting it dry before moving on with your makeup, it’ll become one of your favorites.
Make Your Lashes Flawless
The best mascaras can help your lashes look full, voluminous and beautiful. Add makeup to complement their length and depth to complete the look. Share your favorite brands and which recommendations work best for you!
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Author
Cora Gold
Cora's passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, mindful life – by wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites - hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things.
