For anyone whose eyelashes are shorter than they’d like, we know that solutions exist, like finicky “falsies” and pricey salon-installed extensions. But, according to shoppers who have purchased the E.l.f. Lash Xtndr tubing mascara “more times than I can count,” the $7 formula lengthens their modest lashes to a false-eyelash degree and performs better than similar mascaras that cost three times more.
Tubing mascaras, if you’re unfamiliar, differ from traditional formulas in that they are typically made up of polymers rather than pigmented oils or waxes. True to their name, the polymers individually envelop lashes to build and extend beyond the natural lash length.
The E.l.f. Lash Xtnder does the same by wrapping each lash in a lightweight “tube” of product to create the look of noticeably longer and more defined eyelashes, using a tapered silicone brush that reviewers say “is easy to work with and grabs even the tiny lashes in the corners.”
Available in three shades (pitch black, soft black, and deep brown), the Lash Xtnder is enriched with nourishing ingredients like 5% jojoba oil to condition lashes with each swipe.
“It really does that ‘lash extension’ look without clumping or feeling heavy. I did two coats, and my lashes looked longer, separated, and lifted without getting spidery,” that same reviewer wrote.
When tubing mascaras first began trending, formulas like Tarte’s Tartlette mascara and Thrive Causmetics Liquid Lash Extensions were at the forefront of the virality — and while they offer an innovative formula and visible results, cost $28 and $26 a tube, respectively. But based on an overwhelming number of reviews, E.l.f.’s version has rivaled these more expensive originators with notable success.
“I am completely amazed at this tubing mascara. I have purchased the BIG name brands in the past that claim their tubing mascara is the BEST, so I tried several,” one Amazon shopper wrote in a review. “[The E.l.f. Lash Xtnder] not only extends my lashes just as the $28 tubing mascara I bought last year, but the brown color I bought (and is hard to find) looks great.”
Another benefit of most tubing formulas is that they tend to be especially long-wearing and resistant to smudging, sweat, and flaking due to their very cohesive properties. The Lash Xtndr appears to be no different, as many say that once applied, this mascara lasts all day without flaking or smudging.
People with sensitive eyes and skin may also find these mascaras favorable because removal doesn’t require painful tugging or rubbing on the delicate eye area. Instead, the tubes come off in satisfying little cones, leaving lashes completely intact and makeup-free.
“I used to lose lashes sometimes when removing mascara, but this fixed it, so easy to remove just with water,” one reviewer claimed.
The fanfare for this drugstore mascara is overwhelming — you can see from the promising reviews below — and $7 is all it costs to try a tube yourself.
Promising reviews:
“Luxury Results Without the Luxury Price. The Best Budget Tubing Mascara. I have repurchased this mascara more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. It’s an incredible affordable alternative to high-end tubing mascaras that cost three times as much. It delivers the same smudge-free, flake-free performance without the premium price tag. There’s no fallout throughout the day, and it removes effortlessly with warm water, making it as convenient as it is effective. I’ve recommended this mascara to everyone I know because I honestly haven’t found anything that performs this well at this price point. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tubing mascara that rivals luxury brands, this is the one!” — Bre
“I am completely amazed at this tubing mascara. I have purchased the BIG name brands in the past that claim their tubing mascara is the BEST, so I tried several. One worked really well, but at $28. - $32.00 for me, I cannot justify the price for the small amount of time before it runs out. I tried e.l.f because of reviews and the PRICE point. I didn’t expect much. It arrived yesterday and I applied it this morning. It not only extends my lashes just as the $28.00 tubing mascara I bought last year, but the brown color I bought (and is hard to find) looks great. No clumping, no smearing, each lash looks like it’s protected and looks fuller. You have a new customer with me.” — Lori Wright
“I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I do, but the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR mascara really impressed me. The first thing I noticed was how much length it gave my lashes—it really does that ‘lash extension’ look without clumping or feeling heavy. The formula goes on smoothly and builds nicely if you want a more dramatic look. I did two coats and my lashes looked longer, separated, and lifted without getting spidery. The brush is easy to work with and grabs even the tiny lashes in the corners. Another big plus for me is that it lasts all day without flaking or smudging, but still comes off easily at night without tugging or needing harsh remover. That’s a huge win. For the price, this mascara performs like something much higher-end. If you’re looking for length, definition, and an everyday mascara that doesn’t disappoint, this one is definitely worth trying!” — Katrina
“i have short lashes, like i wear faux lashes daily type of short. but this is the longest my lashes have ever looked!!! very build able without getting clumpy.
I used to lose lashes sometimes when removing mascara but this fixed it, so easy to remove just with water!
My new staple go to mascara, and its under $10??? amazing for the price. can’t believe this works better than my other one, costs less, is more easily removed, and is made with safer ingredients? i’ve been trying to put all my friends onto this
10/10 this is the one. you don’t need to keep trying expensive mascaras.” — sputnik sweetheart
If you want to shop for more tubing mascaras, take a look at the upcoming options from previous HuffPost coverage:
Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes! smudge-proof mascara
You may already be familiar with the Essence Lash Princess formula that enjoys social media fame thanks to its lash-defining performance and affordable price. The brand's Bye Bye Panda Eyes tubing mascara gained a similar following due to its truly smudge-proof capabilities and lengthening effect. And despite its long-wear promise, it gently washes off with warm water and won't damage lashes or skin in the process.
L'Oréal Double Extend Beauty Tubes mascara
This two-step mascara from L'Oréal features a nourishing primer infused with ceramides and panthenol that helps to build lash length, plus a tubing mascara that creates an extension-like effect for lashes.
Tarte Tartlette tubing mascara
This 24-hour flake-free mascara by Tarte claims to achieve all your lash wants: volume, length and curl. The inclusion of carnauba wax makes it effortless to glide the product onto lashes and, once dried, leaves behind smudge-proof micro-tubes that dramatically enhance the appearance of lashes. The mascara also offers moisturizing and conditioning benefits from the addition of castor oil and shea butter.