Quick Verdict – Clean, lifted lashes with true tubing removal and all-day curl hold. Light on volume but smudge-proof through work, humidity, and even a Zoom cry. Best for everyday wear, short/straight lashes, and sensitive eyes.
Okay, so let’s just get straight into it — if you’ve been Googling for a Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara review, the chances are you’ve already seen the hype.
Between the TikTok beauty circles, those minimalist YouTubers, and that one friend who won’t stop raving about it, the Tartelette™ tubing mascara has basically built itself a little fan club.
And honestly? We totally get why people are so curious about this tubing mascara.
Because here’s the deal: at $28 a tube, it promises a lot. Smudge-proof wear, easy warm-water removal, and a natural lift without any clumps, and most importantly, zero irritation whatsoever. All that wrapped up in this soft lilac tube that looks very pretty on our vanity.
It’s even constantly name-dropped next to the big cult favorites like Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions and Blinc’s OG tubing mascara — which, let’s be real, are definitely no small names in the tubing world.
But here’s the thing we all want to know…
Is it really worth the price? Or is it just another “TikTok made me buy it” tube riding the viral wave?
That’s precisely what we’re about to unpack together. We’ll literally walk you through everything — from the unboxing, the wand it comes with, how it actually wears after 8+ hours in humid conditions, and of course, the most important, where it shines (and where it doesn’t).
One Spoiler though: It survived crying on Zoom… but nope, it’s not perfect either.
Related Reads (because we know you’re curious):
- What Is Tubing Mascara? Beginner’s Guide
- Best Tubing Mascara 2025 by Lash Type
- How to use Tubing Mascara the right way
Table of Contents
Specs at a Glance
- Type: Tubing mascara (film-forming)
- Key film-formers: Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer; VP/Eicosene Copolymer
- Conditioning ingredients: Shea butter, castor oil, carnauba
- Wand: Slim, tapered silicone bristles (great for small/hooded eyes + lower lashes)
- Claims: 24-hour curl hold; smudge-proof; sweat + humidity resistant; removes with warm water/micellar
- Net wt: 0.24 fl oz / 7 mL
- Good for: Sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, anyone needing all-day curl + smudge resistance
- Not for: Volume lovers, heavy multi-coat users, waterproof mascara die-hards
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Review – First Impressions of Unboxing
Packaging That Feels as Luxe as It Looks
Okay, so first up, here is the packaging. The Tartelette™ tubing mascara comes in a very soft matte lilac tube with just a hint of metallic detail.
It for sure feels kind of elegant but still pretty playful — not overly fancy, but at the same time, not drugstore-cheap either. The type you will actually love pulling out of your bag.
Brush Design: Slim, Smart, and Actually Eye-Friendly
The brush of this tubing mascara is slim and flexible, and it is just tapered the right amount. It can precisely glide right into the corners without smudging the lids, and even hugs those stubborn little lower lashes.
Especially if you’ve got small or hooded eyes. In that case, you’ll know the struggle for sure — and this brush definitely feels like it was designed with us in mind.
💡BTW, if you want to see which tubing formulas have effective mascara brushes, check our guide to the 10 Best Tubing Mascaras of 2025 article.
Formula Texture: Smooth & Balanced
About the formula, the very first swipe with this tubing mascara will hit that Goldilocks zone — it’s neither too wet, nor too dry. So, one quick coat can give you an instant lift, and the second coat can add that desired clean definition.
Just make sure you layer before the first coat dries; it is the classic tubing formula rule.
If you’re unsure about the application technique, here’s our quick How to Use Tubing Mascara Correctly guide.
Fragrance-Free = Lash-Safe Heaven
Oh well. This one is for sure good news for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. Tarte Tartelette™ Tubing mascara has no weird perfume smell, nor does it sting.
The formula of this tubing mascara feels super clean and feels like it’s barely there. So, whether you’re with sensitive eyes or wear Contact lenses, you’re safe.
💡BTW, Tarte even notes that it’s ophthalmologist-tested and lens-friendly.
Grip & Feel: Designed for Real Life
The tube of this tubing mascara itself feels pretty light but balanced for sure. It’s very easy to hold when you’re sitting at your vanity… but also not a pain when you’re literally rushing through a 5-minute morning routine.
Sensory Vibe Check
To be very honest with you guys, from the soft matte finish to how it feels in the hand, it gives off that little “yes, I made a good purchase” vibe for sure — even before you put it on your lashes.
How Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Performs (Wear Test Review)
Okay, so keeping packaging aside, let’s just get straight to the fact that actually matters the most. Because, at the end of the day, a mascara can only earn its keep when it can effectively survive real-life scenarios.
We wore the Tarte Tartelette™ Tubing Mascara through a full 10-hour workday, crazy humidity of Dubai, and yep… even an ugly-cry on Zoom.
And honestly? Here’s the tea for you:
Curl Hold That Defies Gravity
The curl holding capability of this tubing mascara was the biggest shocker for us. Usually, the short, straight lashes tend to collapse the minute you finish curling them. But with this one? It held the curl all day.
Gave us no stiffness, no crunchy “helmet lashes.” Just the soft, upward curls that literally stayed put from that first morning coffee to the late-night phone scroll.
💡 And here’s a little secret for you: tubing mascaras always work best if you curl your lashes first. If you’ve ever struggled with droopy curls. In that case, we must recommend that you check our How to Curl Eyelashes the Right Way enough.
Trust us when we say this: the right curl trick + this tubing mascara formula = eyelashes that actually stay lifted.
Wanting a bonus? If your lashes point downward or you’ve got hooded/Asian eyes. In that case, this stuff will literally make you feel like it was made for you. It supports curl without weighing lashes down.
Volume + Definition (Without the Drama)
Now, if you’re hoping for those amazing, bold, dramatic lashes for your next red carpet. In that case, this tubing mascara probably isn’t going to be your holy grail.
But if you want that “clean but polished” look? The Tartelette will nail it.
- One coat → will give you soft, tint-like lift
- Two coats → will provide you with light Volume without any clumps
🕒 Just make sure you’re not dawdling with it — get that second coat on before the first one dries, or else it won’t layer clean.
📎 If you’re looking for mascaras that can give you amazing, bold, and dramatic lashes, then you must check our list of the top volumizing mascaras of 2025 roundup
Smudge-Tested: 10-Hour Days, Tears & Humidity
This is where your tubing mascara is really going to show off. We wore it through:
- a sweaty grocery run
- a full-blown Zoom cry (mascara vs. tears, round one)
- an office day stacked on top of eye cream + concealer
Guess the Result? Neither flakes nor panda eyes. Not even on our oily lower lids.
📎 BTW, if you want the same no-smudge promise but under just $15? → You must check our thorough Milani Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara Review.
Removal = Gentle & Clean
Finally, the removal, and yes, this is the biggest reason why tubing formulas have such a cult following: they’re just ridiculously easy to remove.
- Brand says: Use micellar water on a cotton pad.
- Real-world hack: soak lashes with warm water for about 30 seconds, and the tubes just slide off like soft little threads.
✨ Either way, this tubing mascara is the alternate name of zero drama. Literally no tugging, no stinging, and most importantly, no lashes sacrificed in the process.
📎 If you’re picky about aftercare, don’t skip our Post-Mascara Lash Care Guide.
Bonus: What Makes Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Work?
So why does Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara perform like this? The Tartelette formula uses film-forming polymers that basically wrap each lash in a flexible little tube.
That’s how you get:
- Fantastic curl hold without crunch
- smudge-free wear without waterproof remover drama
- clean removal without damage
Ingredient highlights:
- Acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer + VP/eicosene copolymer → form the tubes
- Shea butter, castor oil, carnauba → add conditioning + glide
📎 By the way, if you’re curious about the nerdy science behind it, our What Is Tubing Mascara? The guide explains it all in plain English.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Review – Is it Right for You?
Alright, so let’s be honest with you guys — no mascara in this world is going to be everyone’s holy grail. The same goes for this one as well.
Tartelette has its strengths, but it also has that sweet spot where it just won’t cut it. To make it easier for you to judge, here’s the quick breakdown of who it’s for that our reviewers created.
| ✅ Great For | 🚫 Not Ideal For |
| Working professionals & students who want clean, polished lashes | People chasing thick, bold volume |
| Short, straight lashes needing curl support | Anyone applying 4+ coats (sets fast) |
| Sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, allergy-prone users | Users in extreme humidity needing waterproof formulas |
| Fans of smudge-proof, easy-to-remove mascara | Buyers wanting dramatic curl/mega volume |
| Natural, non-clumpy, everyday definition | Users in extreme humidity need waterproof formulas |
So yeah — if you’re someone who prioritizes clean, dependable lashes that have the capacity to survive the whole workday without any drama whatsoever, Tartelette’s is your safe bet.
But if you’re someone who is chasing mega volume or waterproof-level security. In that case, you’ll probably be happier looking at one of the volumizing mascaras we have tested.
Pros & Cons: The Honest Breakdown
Alright, so let’s cut the fluff. After wearing the Tarte Tartelette™ Tubing Mascara for about 8+ wear ourselves and scrolling through what other buyers are saying, here’s the real deal — the wins and the “ugh, not so great” moments.
✅ Pros (aka why we get the hype)
- It’s featherlight but still holds curl – Like, with this tubing mascara, lashes actually stay lifted all day long. And no crunchy helmet-lash vibes either, and they still feel incredibly soft.
- Smudge-proof for real – When we think of wearing it in sweaty commutes, humid weather, and random tears — trust us on this one, Tarte Tratelette tubing mascara doesn’t give in. No panda eyes whatsoever, literally zero.
- Sensitive-eye safe – It’s fragrance-free & ophthalmologist-tested, so even lens wearers said they got no sting, no irritation at all.
- The wand is smart – The wand this mascara comes with is very slim and flexible. Hence, it easily sneaks into the extreme corners and even your lower lashes without smudging everywhere. If you usually poke your lid with bulky brushes, this one will make you feel like you just won.
- Easy to take off – Tarte suggests using “micellar water,” however, let’s be real — just a warm-water soak for about 30 seconds, and that’s it, the tubes just slide right off (from our experience). We had no tugging, no oily mess, and most importantly, no lashes were sacrificed in the process.
- The finish is clean + polished – Not over the top, not bare either — Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara will help you have just the perfect everyday lift and definition your lashes deserve. Very similar to the type you keep reaching for when you don’t want the drama but still want to look put together.
❌ Cons (because no mascara is perfect)
- Volume seekers, look away – If you need big, bold, and dramatic lashes, this tubing mascara isn’t the one that can help you.
- It sets really fast – It’s so fast to explain, we can say just blink and your second coat window is gone. It’s that fast. So, you have to layer while it’s still wet, or your lashes are ready to say hello to clumps.
- That price tag – Like honestly, drugstore tubing mascara options like Milani or e.l.f. are some of its serious competition.
- Removal isn’t always the “tube peel” fantasy – Some people got flakes with this tubing mascara instead of full sleeves. It’s definitely not a dealbreaker, but worth noting for sure.
📎 Curious how it stacks up against the big names? Check out our individual review takes on Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions and Blinc Original Tubing Mascara. Those two are the benchmarks most people compare against anyway.
🛍️ Ready to Try It?
So here’s the bottom line: if you’re literally done dealing with raccoon eyes, random flakes, and scrubbing off your favorite waterproof mascaras at midnight, the Tarte Tartelette™ Tubing Mascara might just be your upgrade. It’s, of course, not dramatic, but it’s dependable any day. The kind of mascara that quietly shows up for you on workdays, gym days, and even that last-minute dinner.
🔗 Shop It:
- Buy at Tarte.com
- Find at Ulta Beauty
Bonus: Tartelette vs Thrive vs Milani – Quick Comparison
By the way, we have seen a lot of people are curious about how it stacks up against the other big names.
So, don’t worry; we have put them side by side here. Because let’s be honest with you guys, everyone always wants to know how Tarte’s Tartelette tubing mascara compares to Thrive’s cult-favorite or Milani’s budget dupe.”
| Feature | Tartelette | Thrive | Milani |
| Curl Hold | ✅ ✅ ✅ | ✅ ✅ | ✅ ✅ ✅ (less lasting) |
| Length | ✅ ✅ | ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ | ✅ ✅ ✅ |
| Best For | Sensitive, clean look | Bold, glam | Budget daily wear |
| Best For | Drugstore | ||
| Want To Read More? | Thrive Liquid Lash Extension Review | Milani Highly Rated Tubing Mascara Review |
So basically, Thrive is the name that can bring better drama; on the other hand, Milani can bring the budget-friendly everyday vibe, and Tarte’s Tartelette tubing mascara lands right somewhere in the middle with its quiet, polished reliability.
So, it really comes down to whether you want bold, affordable, or dependable lashes.
💡 Or explore our full Best Tubing Mascaras of 2025 list for editor-tested picks by lash type & wear style.
FAQs – Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Questions, Answered
So, if you’re still not sure if the Tartelette™ Tubing Mascara belongs in your makeup bag or not?
Let’s just talk through the stuff everybody always asks once in their lifetime. No brand fluff at all, rather just straight answers with a side of real-world experience.
❓ Is Tartelette really a tubing mascara?
Answer: Of course, yes, it actually is a tubing mascara. We’ve seen a lot of people side-eye it, and we get why. Since not every “tubing” mascara on shelves is the real deal.
But this one’s not among those because it’s built on film-forming polymers that wrap each lash in tiny flexible sleeves.
Now, the quick reality check: You shouldn’t expect one dramatic peel-off tube sliding off in one satisfying tug by the way. Because, in practice, most people see a mix of soft flakes and stringy tubes.
But it still counts, and it’s still a tubing mascara. It’s just not that movie-scene peel some folks imagine.
📎 Brand-new to tubing? Start with our What Is Tubing Mascara Guide.
❓ How do you actually remove it?
Answer: Here’s the thing — the brand Tarte itself suggests grabbing a micellar water and a cotton pad. Yes, for sure, that works. But in the real world?
Just warm water is sufficient. All you need to do is just splash warm water on a washcloth, and soak your lashes for about 20–30 seconds, and that’s it, those little tubes will start sliding right off your lashes like tiny threads.
And guess what? No tugging, no oily mess, no sting whatsoever, which is why tubing fans never want to go back to the regular ones.
📎 By the way, if you need the play-by-play? We broke it down into how to use the tubing mascara correctly.
📎 If you still want to buy makeup removers like micellar water or cold creams, you can also take a look at the roundup where we tested some of the safest Waterproof mascara removers, that work for tubing mascara as well.
❓ Will it hold a curl on stubborn straight lashes?
Of course, it can hold curls on straight or Asian lashes, too. In fact, this is actually its secret flex. We tested it through a 10-hour day in sticky, 35 °C humidity, and guess what? The lashes stayed lifted the whole time. No droop, no stiffness either.
💡 By the way, to get results like this, we have just one little warning: you must curl your lashes first. Because once tubing sets are used, you won’t be able to curl.
If curling has always been your battle, our How to Curl Eyelashes the Right Way guide will seriously save you.
❓ Is it safe for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers?
We get this question all the time — and absolutely it’s safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
And the biggest reason is –
Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara is not only fragrance-free & ophthalmologist-tested but also contact-lens friendly.
📎 If sensitivity & contact lens-friendly tubing mascara is your big concern, we’ve rounded up the absolute gentlest picks you can buy in our Best Tubing Mascaras 2025 article.
❓ Can we use it on bottom lashes?
You sure can use Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara on your bottom lashes. Because of the lightweight formula and the slim little wand, this tubing mascara was practically designed for tiny lower lashes.
So that it can coat the lashes without any mess, and once the tubes dry, it doesn’t smudge down into raccoon territory. Even after 8+ hours, you’re good.
If you’re confused about the application on the lower lashes, it’s a little trickier. In that case, you can check our How to use tubing mascara article, where we have shared the expert ways of applying the tubing mascara on both top & bottom lashes.
❓ Does it flake or smear if we sweat or cry?
Usually, it doesn’t flake or smear because it’s water-resistant, so it can handle humidity, workdays, and even a little cry session.
⚠️ However, if you’re rubbing your eyes a lot or your lids run oily, you might see the trace of tiny flakes after 5+ hours. It’s definitely Nothing major, though.
And hey—if you’re chasing extreme waterproof power (like for pool-day or maybe sweaty-workout level), you’ll have to go full waterproof instead.
In that case, check out our Best Mascara for Swimming & Sweaty Days guide — because we have tested a whole bunch and rounded up the ones that actually hold up when things get wet.
❓ Is Tartelette Tubing mascara waterproof?
Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara is not waterproof, but rather a tubing mascara.
You can think of it as sweat-proof, tear-proof, humidity-proof. But, surely not waterproof? So, please don’t take it swimming unless you want to test fate.
📎 For true pool-day proof, you can check out our Best Waterproof Mascaras of 2025. You will find a list of super waterproof powered mascaras for every need, whether you’re after curl, length, or volume.
❓ How long does the Tarte Tartelette tube last?
Usually, if you buy the full size and use it regularly, it can last up to 3–4 months if you’re good about capping it tightly.
However, the travel minis? Yeah, they can dry a bit quicker, but surely it helps when you need a small tube instead of the full size.
📦 Pro tip: You must keep it upright in a cool place and try to use it regularly once you’ve cracked the mascara open.
Here’s the authentic Mini Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara, just in case you need it for your next travel –
❓ Can we use it with lash serums or primers?
You can definitely use it with lash serums or primers, however. Just make sure you are avoiding the oil-based ones during the day, since oils will break down your tubing formulas.
So, is the easy system for you to remember? Lash serums at night and tubing mascara on your clean lashes in the morning.
❓ Can we build it up for drama?
Well, sort of, but voluminous lashes are what make you interested.
Tarte’s Tartelette won’t be your thing.
Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara. One fast second coat adds extra lift and depth. But you can’t wait too long, because it clumps — it doesn’t like slow layering by the way.
📎 If you want tubing mascaras that build more easily than Tarte Tartelette tubing mascara? Then, check out our reviews of Milani Lash Extensions and Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions.
But if you want the extreme volumizing power, you must buy a volumizing mascara. You can check out our best volumizing waterproof mascara 2025 roundup, where we have listed the industry’s best for volumizing reputations.
❓ Tartelette vs Tartelette XL — what’s the difference?
So a friend of mine once asked me this question: Guess what? I didn’t even know Tarte Tartelette XL existed.
Just like me, I am pretty sure a lot of you might not have heard about this. For you guys –
Yes, Tarte actually has two versions that are floating around, and it can get pretty confusing fast.
👉 Tarte Tartelette (the one we’re reviewing here) → This tubing mascara focuses on not only length but also the cleanest definition. The removal can usually be done with a micellar or gentle remover.
👉 Tarte Tartelette XL → Has the same tubing magic but with a bit of lash-care glow-up. It has got the TLC complex (niacinamide, biotin, panthenol), which can provide extra conditioning. And the biggest bonus is that this one can be removed easily with just warm water.
Both of them are premium options. Both of them are vegan & cruelty-free and look pretty identical with their lilac tube. Btw.
So think of it this way:
👉 Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara = Your reliable everyday tubing mascara. and,
👉 Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing mascara = Has the same exact vibe, but with added lash-care perks & even easier removal.
Final Verdict – Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Review
So to sum up, after sweaty errands, your early morning commutes, stressful long office days, and yep, of course… a couple of emotional Zoom calls, here’s where we landed with the Tartelette™ Tubing Mascara:
This mascara isn’t trying to be loud for sure. It’s also not the one that’s going to give you full-on drama lashes or a full-on glam transformation. And honestly? That’s fine.
Because what it does give you is way more valuable for everyday life: very dependable, well-defined, and totally smudge-free lashes that can actually hold a curl from morning till late night. No flakes, no raccoon eyes, and of course, no midnight scrubbing session at the sink. Just lashes that behave.
🧠 And here’s the thing — this is the type of mascara that quietly becomes a regular habit. Definitely, not the one you reach out for on a runway night. But for sure, the one you grab for work, errands, gym days, or crying through your favorite Netflix show. This is the quiet achiever. And sometimes, that’s precisely what we need.
Still on the fence?
- See how Tarte Tartelette Tubing mascara compares to other favorites in our Best Tubing Mascaras of 2025 Roundup.
- Or make sure you’re applying it like a pro with our How to Use Tubing Mascara Correctly Guide.
💡 Oh, and if the premium price tag feels a little extra for a daily driver? Don’t worry — we have also tested some of the budget tubing dupes. for example –
- Milani tubing mascara review
- e.l.f. lash xtndr tubing mascara review
The above two seriously hold their ground for sure.
