## The Best Eyebrow Pencils for Every Brow Goal: Expert Picks & Tips
If naturally thick, fluffy, and shaped brows aren’t in the cards for you (thanks, genetics), don’t worry! The best eyebrow pencil can help you achieve your desired look. Not all brow pencils are created equal; everything depends on the style you’re aiming for. Whether you’re after a natural finish or bold, full brows in one go, there’s a pencil for every preference.
Brands offer a wide range of options, from micro-tip to angled designs, with varying thicknesses and features like green, clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas. The brow pencil world is like a buffet—there’s something for everyone.
We’ve compiled a list of our top eyebrow pencils, tapped experts for their favorites, and gathered insights on what to look for in an eyebrow pencil, how to select the right shade, and whether or not you need brow gel in your routine.
### Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Mechanical Brow Pencil ($25)Best Drugstore:
Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil ($9)Best Formula:
Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Defining Pencil ($24)Best Waterproof:
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil ($26)Best Spoolie:
Merit Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil ($24)### What to Look for in an Eyebrow Pencil
While everyone has different preferences for an eyebrow pencil, makeup artist Maria Ortega emphasizes her must-haves: longevity, great color payoff, the right undertone, and ease of use. Other factors to consider include whether you want a waterproof formula, the type of pencil, the thickness, and whether you prefer a spoolie or brush attached.
Waterproof Formula:
If you live in a humid climate, sweat easily, or often deal with rain, Ortega recommends a waterproof formula. “These formulas are designed to adhere better to the skin and resist moisture,” she explains. Celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang adds that she always opts for a gel-based brow pencil because they’re usually waterproof.Pencil Type:
There are various types of pencils, including retractable ones and traditional ones that require sharpening. For beginners, Zhang suggests starting with a flat-tip brow pencil. “These are sometimes called 3D or triangular tips, and they’re great because they help you control the width and depth of your brows more easily. Even if your hand isn’t super steady, a flat tip makes it easier to fix small mistakes without ruining your entire look,” she says.Thickness:
Both Ortega and Zhang prefer thin-tipped pencils for their precision in drawing lines and shaping brows. “A thin tip is especially useful for creating natural-looking hair strokes, perfect for a more detailed look,” Zhang explains.Spoolie vs. Brush:
“Having a spoolie on the other end of your brow pencil is a must for me,” says Zhang. “If you accidentally draw a line that’s too harsh, the spoolie can soften and blend the color. Plus, a spoolie can be reused multiple times, making it cost-effective.” However, Ortega notes that a good brush is handy when she wants to lay down the hairs with a gel.### How Do You Fill in Sparse Eyebrows to Look Natural?
Ortega suggests the best way to fill in sparse brows is by brushing them up and into the desired shape. “Fill in gaps with hair-like strokes, and for areas with more noticeable gaps, use the brow pencil to apply product in brush-like strokes against the direction of hair growth,” she says. Afterward, use the spoolie to brush through your brows and soften the look. This technique helps maintain a natural appearance and allows you to add more strokes where needed. “Avoid filling in the front of the eyebrows too heavily, as this can make them look harsh or block-like,” she warns.
Zhang adds that her key advice is to take your time and gradually build up the color. “Treat your brows as a whole, not just individual parts, to ensure they compliment your face,” she says. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect on the first try—brows can be tricky! “If you make a mistake, you can easily fix it with a little concealer along the edges,” Zhang advises.
### How to Choose the Right Color for You?
“Your brow pencil should closely match your hair color,” says celebrity brow stylist and esthetician Sania Vucetaj. If you prefer a softer look, opt for a lighter shade; for more definition, go slightly darker. Your skin tone also plays a crucial role in finding the right brow color. “For those with deeper skin tones, avoid shades that are too light or have a reddish tint. Instead, deep brown or grey-black shades are ideal. If your skin tone is lighter, a light brown or subtle brown shade will beautifully enhance your features,” adds Zhang.
Zhang also notes that the size of your eyes is an important factor. If you have large, bright eyes, a bolder, deeper brow color can help balance proportions, and you might prefer a slightly thicker brow shape as well. On the other hand, if your eyes are smaller or have a softer appearance, a more muted brow color with a finer brow shape will complement them perfectly.
Microblading also plays a role in choosing your brow pencil. For those with semi-permanent makeup like microblading, it’s important to consider how your brows may have faded over time. Zhang advises that if your microblading has faded to a red undertone, you can neutralize it by using a smoky brow pencil to reduce the redness. Conversely, if it has faded to a blue undertone, use a brow pencil with a red to brown hue to balance the color.
### Should You Use an Eyebrow Pencil at the Beginning or at the End of a Makeup Routine?
“Always start with your brows,” says Vucetaj. Defining your eyebrows first gives you a better sense of how much makeup you really need. “A well-shaped brow can brighten your face, often reducing the need for additional makeup,” she explains. Brow pencils also last longer when applied to bare skin rather than on top of other products. Additionally, starting with your brows helps keep products like foundation, which can damage the brow follicle, away from that area.
### Can You Use an Eyebrow Pencil with a Brow Gel?
Yes! “You can set your brows by using a gel after filling them in,” says Ortega. This is a great option for those who need to shape their brows more and fill in the gaps. For those with already well-shaped brows, you can use an eyebrow gel to set them first and then fill in any gaps with a pencil—this approach is perfect for achieving a laminated eyebrow look.
For a fluffy, full brow, Zhang recommends starting with a brow gel or tint. “I’m particularly fond of gels that include brow fibers—they work wonders in building up your brows to their fullest potential,” she says. When choosing a brow gel, Zhang suggests opting for one that’s a shade lighter than your natural hair color. “This helps create a softer, more refined look.”
### Meet The Experts
*
Kelly Zhang
is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles and NYC.*
Maria Ortega
is a makeup artist based in NYC.*
