👉Quick Verdict
In short? Our testers wore e.l.f Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara for 10 hours straight — lashes stayed clean, lifted, zero panda smudge on oily lids, and it slid off with just warm water. No fuss, no drama.”
Okay, so here’s the deal: if you’ve been doom-scrolling TikTok lately, you’ve definitely seen the e.l.f lash XTNDR tubing mascara pop up. And since our readers keep asking for honest elf tubing mascara reviews, we had to stop, test it, and spill the truth. Everyone’s calling the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR the “Thrive dupe under ten bucks.” And honestly? We needed to see if that’s hype or reality.
e.l.f. Promises this mascara does it all like Thrive — no smudge, no flakes, no panda eyes, and easy removal with just warm water. So, you don’t need any removers, no tugging, no tears.
Sounds too good for a drugstore tube, right?
However, the real question is, did it actually hold up in our wear tests, or is it just another TikTok hype flop?
We tested literally everything — from the wand, formula, all-day wear, lower lashes, and of course, the removal. And here you have the truth that you should know. So, keep scrolling before you make a decision.
Spoiler: The formula really is a legit tubing formula. It’s got the film-forming polymers that hug each lash, plus a touch of jojoba oil so lashes don’t dry out. And the biggest bonus is e.l.f Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara is vegan and cruelty-free.
👉 By the way,
Before jumping into the review, if you are completely new to tubing, we recommend that you –
- Peek at our Tubing mascara explainer for the simple translation of all the sciency things in English? → What Is Tubing Mascara?
- Want the best options side-by-side? → Best Tubing Mascara 2025.
- Need application tips (esp. bottom lashes)? → How to Use Tubing Mascara.
💄 Inside This Guide
Quick Breakdown & Unboxing: elf tubing mascara reviews
Packaging & Wand: First Impressions
Okay, so first, let’s talk about the tube.
When we first got the delivery, the tube was giving minimal chic. It was matte black in color, slim, and that clean white text? Honestly, you’d never guess it’s a budget find.
The tube had no clunky cap and no gimmicky design whatsoever — just sleek and simple.
Toss it in your bag, and it will give you zero stress, and it kinda feels more high-end than drugstore.
About the wand — this is exactly where e.l.f. Absolutely nailed it. It comes with a tapered silicone brush with the bristles spaced just right. Think lash comb vibes: it lifts, separates, and keeps you far, far away from clump city.
The narrow tip of e.l.f lash XTNDR tubing mascara is also a lifesaver for lower lashes. It will give you no smudge streaks under your eyes, which… we all love.
Real-life feel?
Super lightweight, beginner-friendly, and honestly so much easier to use than those fat, gloopy brushes that end up painting your eyelids instead of your lashes.
Formula & Ingredients: Play Before It Sets
Here’s the fun part — the formula. If you’ve ever tried Thrive tubing or Tarte tubing before, this one feels a little thicker, but trust us when we say this, in a good way. You’ve got about 20–30 seconds to play around before it locks down.
Translation: you can layer slowly, build that length, and not panic that it’s drying mid-swipe.
And ingredient check? No fragrance (yay for sensitive eyes). We tested it on watery, allergy-prone eyes — zero sting.
Plus, there’s a touch of jojoba oil (about 5%) that keeps lashes feeling soft, not crunchy. And yes, it’s vegan + cruelty-free. So, major win for sure.
Price, Shades & Where to Buy
Here’s the kicker: it’s under $10. Sometimes, it’s even cheaper if you catch it at Target or Ulta. Honestly, for an actual tubing mascara with super performance, that’s kind of wild.
By the Way, the shade lineup is solid but straightforward:
✅ Pitch Black → your bold, dramatic lash moment.
✅ Deep Brown → softer contrast if you want natural-ish vibes.
🌸 Psst…
Some links in this post are affiliate. If you shop through them, we may earn a small commission (no extra cost to you!). Think of it as buying us a coffee while we keep testing beauty favorites for you.💄
Wear Test – How It Actually Played Out: elf tubing mascara reviews
Okay, so let’s make one thing very clear here: we didn’t just do one of those cute little hand swatches and then call this e.l.f lash XTNDR tubing mascara “tested.” Nope.
Instead, we wore the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR tubing mascara through full-on chaos — 10-hour workdays, freezing office AC, sweaty 35 °C walks, and even allergy season (aka nonstop sneezing). So yeah, we’ve got some honest tea here to share.
Smudge Resistance
Most of our team has oily lids — and honestly, this tubing mascara surprised us. The Lash XTNDR stayed put for over 10 hours.
- Hour 3 → still spotless.
- Hour 6 → clean, no smudge.
- Hour 10 → one teeny tiny fleck.
Gave us absolutely no panda eyes. No weird transfer creeping under the lashes. You can literally run errands, sit through long meetings, or sneeze your face off… and still look fine.
Now, if we’re talking extreme scenarios — think sweaty spin class, hot yoga, or swimming laps — that’s where tubing mascaras in general tap out. It’s not really an e.l.f. Thing,
Instead, it’s just how tubing formulas are built. They’ll handle long days, humidity, and even light tears like champs, but once you’re in full-on sweat or splash mode, you’ll want to switch to a true waterproof mascara.
👉 Need something that actually survives workouts and pool days? Check out our guide to the Best Waterproof Mascara 2025.
Curl Hold + Separation
Curl power of e.l.f lash XTNDR tubing mascara? It’s solid 8–9 hours — as long as you curl first. (trust us when we say this, don’t skip curling!!) And if your lashes are naturally wavy, then they’ll stay lifted all day.
Separation is where this wand shines. The brush fans everything out evenly: no clumps, no spider legs, just clean, wide-awake lashes.
✨ Quick tip: curl first, then go in with two fast coats back-to-back before the first dries. That’s the sweet spot. If curling lashes is tricky for you, check our explainer: How to curl your eyelashes without damage.
Removal (aka the Best Part)
This is where tubing mascaras always win, no matter what. Removal is totally no-drama.
With the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR tubing mascara, all you need at night is some lukewarm water and the gentle pressure of your finger, and that’s it. Think warm shower — around 36–38 °C. Press for 15–20 seconds, and boom: the tubes slide off in soft little strings.
So you need no remover, no tugging, and most importantly, no lashes are sacrificed within the process. It just melts away with ease.
In fact, our tester, Dr Rabeya, summed it up perfectly:
“This is my late-night savior. I hop in the shower and it’s gone. Zero effort.”
💡Curious about the step-by-step? Check our guide: How to Remove Tubing Mascara.
Is e.l.f. Lash XTNDR Right for You?
Okay, here’s the thing — not every mascara is built for every lash mood. Some days we just want clean, everyday lashes that go on fast, come off even quicker, and don’t smudge halfway through a workday.
Other days? We want full-on drama. Red carpet, concert-night, thunderstorm-surviving drama.
Here, the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR definitely leans to the everyday side. Think “body vibes” not “cement hold.”
So to make your purchase decision crystal clear, here’s the cheat sheet:
| ✅ Great For | 🚫 Not Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Everyday, clean “my-lashes-but-better” (soft lift + length, no clumps). | Big-night drama (you want thick, bold volume). |
| Oily lids / long office days (we saw ~8–10h no smudge). | Spin class, hot yoga, swimming → that’s waterproof territory. |
| Sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers (no fragrance, zero sting in tests). | Want jet-black, in-your-face pigment every day. |
| Quick, remover-free nights (slides off with warm water). | Need bulletproof hold (reach for waterproof instead). |
| Length + separation in 1–2 coats. | Pushing 3+ coats for volume (can look spiky). |
So yeah, if you want an affordable, under $10 tubing mascara for everyday use, the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR tubing mascara will definitely keep you happy.
Now, if we’re talking extreme scenarios — sweaty gym sessions, hot yoga, swimming — that’s where tubing mascaras (all of them, not just e.l.f.) eventually tap out.
They’re definitely amazing for daily wear, humidity, even light tears… but if you need that bulletproof hold, you need to step into waterproof territory.
✨ If You’re Pushing the Limits…
- Need something that can power through sweat or pool days? → Best Waterproof Mascara 2025.
- Want sky-high drama instead of just staying power? → Best Volumizing Mascara 2025.
Pros & Cons of e.l.f. Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara
Okay, let’s get real for a sec — every mascara has its wins and weak spots. And there e.l.f Lash XTNDR tubing mascara is no different. Here’s the honest, no-fluff breakdown:
✅ Things We Loved
- Budget-friendly → Under $10 for real Tubing. Half of the time, it’s even cheaper at Ulta, Target, or Amazon. Basically, you’re getting a mascara that acts way fancier than its price tag.
- Vegan + cruelty-free → Has no parabens, no phthalates, no animal testing. Safe for sensitive eyes and contacts — we tested, and no burning or watery eyes here.
- Tubing = easy removal → Effortlessly comes off with just warm water + light pressure. No more tugging at your lashes or going in with oily removers at midnight.
- Clean, natural finish → soft lift, length, and that “my lashes but better” vibe. With Lash XTNDR, even lower lashes stayed smudge-free, which is rare for drugstore picks.
- Beginner-friendly → This tubing formula gives you a few seconds to play before it sets. So even if Tubing feels new or intimidating, this one is super forgiving.
❌ Where It Falls Short
- Not a volume queen → 1–2 coats look great, but by coat 3, it can get spiky. So if you’re after thick, bold lashes, this won’t quite deliver.
- Curl hold is average → Straight lashes need a curler first. Without curling, it’s more of a soft lift than a real hold.
- Pigment is softer → more natural definition than bold jet-black. It’s just perfect for everyday, but not the “nightclub/redcarpet drama” lash look.
- Shelf life is short → by week 5–6 it thickens faster than pricier tubes (like Thrive or Tartelette). It still works; it just feels less smooth going on.
👉 Bottom Line
e.l.f Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara is a smudge-proof, budget-friendly tubing mascara that nails wear every day. It’s easy, fuss-free, and perfect for daily lashes — just don’t expect it to double as your bold, night-out tube.
✨ By the way…
If the ELF Lash XTNDR tubing mascara feels a bit too natural, or you’re curious about other tubing (or non-tubing) picks, we’ve tested a few more worth your time:
- 👉Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara review — prestige tubing pick that adds more curl + definition
- 👉 Milani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara review — luxe tubing vibes without the luxe price tag.
- 👉 Best Volumizing Mascara 2025 — when bigger, bolder lashes are the goal.
Bonus: e.l.f. vs Essence vs Thrive (Side-by-Side)
Alright, so by now we know e.l.f Lash XTNDR Tubing mascara is solid — but how does it actually stack up against other budget heroes (like Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes) or prestige icons (Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions)? Instead of guessing, here’s the side-by-side:
So yeah — Lash XTNDR is your everyday affordable buddy, Essence is the sneaky under-$10 sensitive-eye pick, and Thrive? That’s your prestige drama queen when you want lashes that could win an Oscar.
💡Still can’t pick? → Check our Best Tubing Mascara 2025 buying guide — we lined up every tubing mascara side by side.
FAQs – What You’ll Wanna Know Before Buying
❓Is Lash XTNDR actually Tubing?
Yes — 100% tubing. e.l.f. ‘s own ingredient list confirms polymer-based film-formers that coat lashes in flexible tubes. That’s why it resists smudging/flaking and comes off clean with just warm water. No tugging, no remover required.
📎 Still fuzzy on how Tubing isn’t the same as waterproof? → What Is Tubing Mascara
❓Will it work on short, straight lashes?
Yes, absolutely. The slim, tapered brush grabs corner lashes that most wands miss. So, if your lashes are pin-straight, we recommend that you curl first for the best possible results.
Without curling, it’s not magic — but honestly, no mascara is.
📎Straight lashes ruining the look? → How to Curl Your Eyelashes the Right Way
📎Craving tubing + serious curl? → Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Review
📎Want top mascaras that won’t quit curl? → Best Mascara for Asian or Straight Lashes
❓Is e.l.f. cruelty-free and vegan?
Yes, 100%. e.l.f. is proudly cruelty-free and vegan. So, no parabens, no phthalates, no fragrance in this formula — which makes it safe for contact lens wearers or even for sensitive eyes.
📎If you’re curious how it stacks against other suitable for sensitive eye tubing mascaras, check our Best Tubing Mascaras 2025.
❓What shades does it come in?
There are mainly three options available — Soft Black, Pitch Black, and Deep Brown. And, honestly, it’s rare for drugstore tubing (most cheap ones = just “black”).
📎Check out the available shades at Amazon
❓ How does it compare to Thrive Causemetics?
Honestly? They sit in two different lanes. Thrive is very much a prestige buy — and yep, the price tag is almost 3x what you’ll pay for e.l.f.
Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions → more curl, more length, more drama.
e.l.f. Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara → budget-friendly little sister, perfect for everyday wear without the wallet tears.
👉 Want to see how it stacks up next to other budget tubes, too? Jump to our full side-by-side comparison of e.l.f. vs Essence vs Thrive.
👉 Curious about Thrive’s full wear test? Check out our complete Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions review.
❓ What’s the best tubing mascara under $10?
e.lf. Lash XTNDR is absolutely top tier. For clean length + separation, it’s a winner. But…
Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes → If your need is super budget, sensitive-eye friendly. Read our complete review | Check price on Amazon.
Milani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara → If your need is prestige feel on a drugstore tag. Read our complete review | Check price on Amazon.
L’Oréal Double Extend Beauty Tubes → If your need is a cult classic two-step system. Check price on Amazon.
❓Is tubing better than waterproof for sensitive eyes?
Honestly? It depends on the day.
For everyday lashes, tubing is the easy winner — it comes off with plain warm water, no stingy removers, no tugging, and it’s super kind if you wear contacts. Zero drama.
But waterproof? Don’t cancel her just yet. She’s the one you call when life gets sweaty, splashy, or teary — gym class, pool parties, weddings, or those full-on ugly cry moments. That’s when waterproof earns her crown.
📎 Want an everyday hero? → Best Tubing Mascara 2025.
📎 Need something bulletproof? → Best Waterproof Mascara 2025.
❓Does e.l.f. lash xtndr smudge on oily eyelids?
For most of us? Nope. It hangs on a good 8–10 hours without panda eyes. If your lids get super oily or you’re out on a sticky night, you might see the tiniest shadow by the end.
Quick fix → dust a little translucent powder under your eyes and you’re good. Bonus: give your lashes a curl first — tubing loves to lock in whatever lift you start with.
📎Need more tricks? → How to Use Tubing Mascara
Final Thoughts – Should You Try It?
Okay, here’s the deal: if you’ve been tubing-curious but not ready to cough up $25+ for Thrive or Tarte, this little under $10 tube is honestly the easiest entry point.
What it gives you:
- Clean, lengthened lashes (no clumps)
- Smudge-free wear for a full workday
- Removal that’s stupid-simple (warm water, done)
- Safe for sensitive eyes + contact lens wearers
What it doesn’t give you:
- Bold, high-drama volume
- Super-strong curl hold on stubborn straight lashes
So, bottom Line:
If your lash goals sound like… natural length, zero raccoon eyes, and a wand that’s easy even for beginners — the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR absolutely earns a spot in your routine.
Where to Head next:
- Pool/gym-proof picks → Best Waterproof Mascara 2025
- The full lineup → Best Mascaras 2025
- Sensitive-eye safe → Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes 2025
- LASH LENGTHENING MASCARA: Get lash extension hype in one swipe! This long-lasting, lengthening mascara creates the look of lash extensions using lightweight tubing technology to visibly extend the look of lashes beyond their natural length.
Last update on 2025-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
