Is The Milani Tubing Mascara The Thrive Mascara Dupe?
Pros
- No clumping, especially when working in thin layers
- Instant length and lift
- Builds and layers well
- Intense black pigment
- No flaking, smudging, or transfer
- Easy to remove – just warm water and a washcloth!
- Great for hot humid days
- Great for sports
Cons
- Wetter formula
Overview
Length and lift meets a smudge proof, flake proof, transfer proof wear. This Milani tubing mascara rivals the iconic Thrive Causemetics Mascara.
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Does a Thrive Causemetics Mascara Dupe finally exist?
For years, the Thrive Cauesmetics Mascara has been a cult favorite. It’s loved because of it lash extension effect, no budge wear, and easy removal. No one really made a true dupe until recently. And, if you think about it, it’s the mascara that sparked the tubing mascara revolution. Many have tried to be a dupe, but the Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara actually is. The Milani tubing mascara shares a similar formula, wand, and performance similar to Thrive. Milani is the true Thrive Mascara Dupe.
Quick Rating Rundown
So, What is Tubing Mascara?
At its core, tubing mascara is a revolutionary beauty innovation that stands distinct from its traditional counterparts. Instead of merely painting the lashes with color, this formulation works by wrapping each individual lash in flexible, tube-like polymers. As the mascara dries, these tubes cling to the lashes, ensuring they are enveloped in a smudge-proof and water-resistant sheath. Unlike other mascaras that layer pigment onto lashes, tubing mascara provides a 360-degree coat, giving each lash its protective capsule, a reason behind its long-wear and easy removal attributes.
Pro & Cons of Tubing Mascara
Tubing mascara undoubtedly brings with it a fresh allure. Its ability to repel water makes it a trusted ally during unforeseen downpours or emotionally charged episodes. The promise of no smudging or flaking resonates with those often on-the-go or attending lengthy affairs. Furthermore, the mascara’s distinct capacity to lengthen the lashes offers an enhanced visual appeal. An added bonus is its hassle-free removal process; a splash of warm water is all it takes.
Nevertheless, every product has its set of drawbacks. A common feedback loop highlights its somewhat dense consistency, which might not always be a perfect fit for individuals with finer lashes. Also, for those wanting that extra upward curl, the mascara might sometimes fall short in delivering the desired lift.

Promises vs. Performance: Milani tubing mascara gives the look of lash extensions.
Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions promises a false lash effect that lasts up to 16 hours. It’s powdered by Japanese-inspired lash extending tubing technology that wraps each lash with a tube-like polymer. This adds instant length and lift while defining lashes. Because it’s a tubing formula, there should be no flaking, no clumping, and no smudging – plus effortless removal with just warm water. The Milani mascara also nourishes lashes with the addition of shea butter and castor seed oil in the formula.
The tapered brush with short bristles of Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara makes it easy to apply. Like with most tubing mascaras, I find the Milani tubing mascara applies best in thin layers. This ensures no clumping and allows it to build easier for extra definition and pigment. I get instant length and lift, just as the name suggests!
And, true to a tubing formula, this Milani mascara wears with no flaking, smudging or transfer – even on the lower lash line and when under eye concealer isn’t set! The best part of tubing mascaras, in my opinion, is that they wear similar to that of a waterproof mascara, but the removal is über easy. Just take warm water and rub the eyes gently to remove!
How It Compares: The Milani tubing mascara is definitely a Thrive Causemetics Mascara dupe.
Guys, it finally exist – an actual Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara dupe. And, it’s from one of my favorite drugstore brands, Milani. Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara is a near exact dupe from the wand (tapered with tightly packed bristles), formula (wetter), and performance (absolutely no smudging, flaking, or transfer). And Obviously, you can see that the mascara tube looking almost identical. If you love the iconic Thrive mascara or looking for a dupe, definitely check out this Milani tubing mascara. It’s cheaper, and easier to find!
Is Tubing Mascara Your Next Beauty Staple?
For those with sensitive eyes, the answer might be a resounding ‘yes!’ Gone could be the days of enduring reddened eyes post strenuous makeup removal. The user-friendly removal associated with tubing mascara is undeniably a draw. Moreover, if you’re someone with naturally elongated or beautifully curled lashes, this mascara could potentially accentuate what nature has bestowed upon you, making your eyes truly pop.
Despite the numerous advantages of tubing mascara, it might not be the ideal choice for everyone. For individuals with straight lashes, especially those that are both straight and short, the formula’s density might feel more noticeable. This can sometimes hinder achieving the desired length and lift these lashes require (short lashes need that lift to be seen). Although there are select tubing formulas tailored for these specific needs, it’s worth noting that options like ‘Thrive Mascara’ and its dupe (Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions) might not be the most suitable fit. Nonetheless, a handful of tubing mascaras stand out for addressing such challenges.
Tubing Mascaras for Short Lashes
Best Volumizing Tubing Formula

:caliray Come Hell or High Water Mascara
Best Curling Tubing Formula

:MERIT Beauty Clean Lash Mascara
Drugstore Lengthening Tubing Mascara

:L’oreal Double Extend Mascara
Checkout the following article for more information on tubing formulas – link.
Comparison To Top Mascaras
Thrive Causemetics Mascara
Like many, I am not disappointed by the performance of Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. It gives me volume, length, definition, and curl all while lasting all day long. The wear is free of smudging, transfer, and flaking thanks to the tubing formula that wraps around lashes rather than just paints pigment on them. I also love the easy removal that just requires gentle pressure and warm water. No tugging or rubbing, or eye makeup remover required!
I got to admit it, Milani has outdone them selves with their Highly Rated Lash Extensions mascara. To call it a thrive mascara dupe is almost an insult, while Milani outperforms its counterpart. Outstanding job by Milani! There is saving grace for Causemetics Mascara, it is a much cleaner formula. If clean is at the top of your list Thrive tubing mascara is the right choice.
Best Drugstore Mascara / Industry Standard
Maybelline Lash Sensational is my holy grail drugstore mascara. This formula never lets me down, giving my lashes volume, length, definition, and lift. It’s long wearing, holding curl all day with virtually zero flaking, smudging, or transfer. If you want a false lash effect without the hassle of falsies, this one delivers. And, it’s a great dupe for the beloved Lancome Lash Idole.
Tubing mascaras like Milani Highly Rates Lash Extensions are different in the fact that they are water resistant. It’s one step down from water proof. With tubing formulas you get most of the benefits of the waterproof formula, yet it takes off with ease. If you are interested in comparing different types of mascara checkout this list of best mascaras on the market.
Best Clean Drugstore Mascara
Another favorite drugstore mascara of mine falls in the clean beauty category. It’s Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume, a volumizing and lengthening mascara. The applicator isn’t my fave (it can get clumpy!), but it adds volume and length while defining my lashes. It’s long wearing with minimal smudging, no flaking, and helps lashes stay lifted all day.
Clean category has being betting bigger and so much better. it is no different for mascaras. Clean mascara formulas are becoming some of my favorite makeup products. Even thought Thrive Causemetics is a cleaner brand their Liquid Lash Extensions mascara did not make it on our top list of clean mascaras.
Performance Rating Chart
Advertised Product Highlights
Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara
WAND TYPE: Tapered wand with tightly packed britsles
SHADE/COLOR: Black
LONGEVITY: Up to 16 hours
BENEFITS: Japanese-inspired Lash Extending tubing technology; Lengthening; Lifting; No flaking or clumping; Infused with shea butter & castor oil to nourish
CLEAN BEAUTY CLAIMS: Cruelty free; Vegan
Edited by Maddie