A Very Definitive Guide to Choosing the Right Eyebrow Shaping Products
Pencils, gels, waxes, powders...you name it.
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Shaping your best brows eyebrows isn't simply about hair removal like plucking, waxing, or threading. It's also about styling: We're talking sculpting your brows with the right pencils, gels, powders, and waxes. Here, brow pros weigh in on the best products for every eyebrow goal. Remember your brows are cousins, not sisters.
The Pencils
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.
Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil
Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil
The thin—but mighty—pencil is ideal for filling in sparse brows. Plus, the smudge-proof formula will keep your brows in place all day.
Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil
Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil
This pencil features a retractable tip on one side for a precise line and a brush on the other side for blending and styling. The universal shade is perfect for all hair colors and skin tones.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
The formula mimics natural hair and can make even the sparsest brows look full. Available in an impressive nine shades, you’re bound to find a color match.
Amy Jean Brows Micro Stroke Pencil
Amy Jean Brows Micro Stroke Pencil
Amy Jean's brow pen provides micro strokes to achieve fuller and groomed arches. Its smooth formula goes on effortlessly to fill in sparse areas due to over-tweezing or hair that refuses to grow.
Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows
Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows
The ultrafine tip of this retractable pencil allows you to draw the smallest hairs possible with extreme precision.
YBF Beauty Automatic Eyebrow Pencil Duo Auto-Ship
YBF Beauty Automatic Eyebrow Pencil Duo Auto-Ship
The brush on this eyebrow wonder ensures that no matter how soft or dramatic you desire your arches to be, they'll look blended and natural. Plus, it's available in one shade, Taupe, that will match every brow hue depending on how much pressure you apply.
It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil
It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil
Say goodbye to gray. It Cosmetics created this brow pencil with silver foxes in mind. Plus, it’s packed with anti-aging ingredients, like nettle extract and green tea, to keep the not-yet-gray hair on your brows that way.
Tom Ford Brow Sculptor
Tom Ford Brow Sculptor
It's all about the calligraphy tip on one end of the tool and a brush on the other. Tailor-made strokes can create wide or thin lines for definitive brows. Bonus: Tom Ford's starter kit includes one refill with purchase.
The Gels
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.
Beauty Counter Brilliant Brow Gel
Brilliant Brow gel offers a natural tint with its light-hold formula that's made from all-natural ingredients. It won't flake and leaves your brows in tact for most of the day. The formula is also buildable to you can create the appearance of thicker, fuller browns. Cara Delevingne, is that you?
Urban Decay Brow Tamer
Urban Decay Brow Tamer
This will get even the most unruly brows on lock. The paraben-free formula provides a strong hold without becoming sticky.
Glossier Boy Brow
Glossier Boy Brow
Believe in the hype. This gel works wonders to shape, fill, and style your brows. A true triple threat in the mold of Jennifer Lopez. Try the clear for a more natural look or choose between blonde, brown, or black.
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
The tiny microfiber adheres to your skin and brows creating a lush, full brow look. It’s also waterproof so your dream brows won’t wash away.
Joey Healy Brow Structure Clear Set
Joey Healy Brow Structure Clear Set
This gel sets your brow style with no sticky residue, just a lightweight, pliable hold that will last all day without a hair out of place.
MAC Brow Set
MAC Brow Set
Never too shiny nor too matte, this industry favorite lends just the right amount of sheen to impart the look of healthy, beautiful brows. Plus, it grants lasting hold without any stiffness.
Ramy Cosmetics When Hairy Met Sealy Brow Gel
Ramy Cosmetics When Hairy Met Sealy Brow Gel
If your brows are going gray, this universally flattering, lightly tinted gel will cover them just enough to turn back the clock.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel
If you’ve had your brows recently colored, grab this for touch-ups in between dyes. It also has light-reflecting pearls that add a bit of shimmer to the brow.
Eyeko Brow Gel Shape & Define
Eyeko Brow Gel Shape & Define
The universal shade will work on any brow any time. The buildable coverage will fill sparse brows and also provide a long-lasting hold. The formula is packed with keratin, gingko biloba, and vitamins that will build healthier, fuller brows.
The Powders
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."
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