A Very Definitive Guide to Choosing the Right Eyebrow Shaping Products

Best for: Changing your brow's shape, beefing up brows after overzealous plucking, or correcting a bald patch or two.

Pro Tips: "Brow pencils are great for sharpening up an arch, extending the brow's tail, or covering an obvious gap or scar," says eyebrow expert Joey Healy, who opts for double-ended pencils with brushes or spoolies. After sketching your shape, brush over the eyebrows to give the look of hair.

Best for: Setting your brow shape, adding just the tiniest hint of hue, or managing longer, unruly brows.

Pro Tips: "Gel requires no artistry, but keeps you looking young and fresh," Healy said. What you need to keep an eye out for: A water-resistant formula that won't flake or dry too shiny or crispy. For tinted brow gels, the formula should color the individual hairs without staining the skin below—a feat best accomplished by a wand that isolates each hair perfectly. And for both clear and tinted types, "the gel shouldn't disturb your powder or pencil underneath," Healy added. "To achieve natural lift, sweep the gel through your eyebrows in an upward motion. This grooming technique will showcase your arches and really work to best frame your eyes," Healy said.

Best for: "Brow powders are best for people who just want to add a bit of plushness to their brows, but who don't suffer from major brow issues," says makeup artist Ramy.

Pro Tips: "These give more uniform density [than brow pencils] to an already well-shaped brow that feels sparse. While pencils can be considered more corrective, powder 'turns up the volume' on your shape," Ramy said. With brow powder, ultra-precision is not a factor (for example, drawing in thin hairs); it's more about applying overall, uniform color. "In my opinion, working with a powder is easier for a novice because, with a light hand, you can gradually build up the color," Healy said. "Color selection is very important," Ramy added. "Find the color that matches your hair color exactly; then choose a brow product hue that's two shades lighter than your perfect match."