For those of us who weren’t blessed with naturally thick and voluminous eyebrows—or perhaps you tragically partook in the ultra-thin brow fad of the early 2000s—investing in the best eyebrow pencils is a game changer. Well-maintained brows are essential in creating a polished makeup look, enhancing your visage even when your eyeliner is impeccably sharp and your mascara has your lashes looking extraordinary. In fact, properly groomed brows frame your face, giving you that fresh look even on no-makeup days. Just ask beauty icons like Hailey Bieber, who told Vogue that her brow grooming routine remains a priority, even when she’s pressed for time.
I must confess: I often dream of brows so lush that I could easily be mistaken for an Oasis band member. But whether it’s due to genetics or autoimmune issues, reality sometimes has different plans. Thankfully, with a high-quality brow gel and a well-selected pencil, I can easily fill in my sparse areas and achieve that coveted “are they real?” bushy effect—proving my friends’ praises of, “You have the best brows!” right. After 13 years of experimenting following my first alopecia bout in high school, I’m now your go-to brow-pencil expert.
Vogue’s Top Picks for Eyebrow Pencils
Highlights in this Article
Key Sections
- What to Look for in an Eyebrow Pencil
- How to Fill in Sparse Eyebrows
- How to Achieve a Natural Look with Eyebrow Pencil
- Choosing the Right Color for Your Eyebrows
- Should You Apply Eyebrow Pencil at the Beginning or End of Your Makeup Routine?
- Can You Pair an Eyebrow Pencil with Brow Gel?
- Meet the Experts
Not all eyebrow pencils are created equal. Depending on the look you wish to achieve, your choice of pencil will vary. Whether you’re after a soft, natural finish or bold brows defined with flicks resembling real hair, today’s market has a plethora of options. From ultra-fine micro-tips to angled designs, these pencils come in every size, texture, and formula imaginable, including clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ones. Plus, most formulations are waterproof, ensuring your makeup stays intact even through heat and humidity. Think of eyebrow pencils as a buffet with something for every palate.
To save you from endless scrolling, we’ve compiled a list of top eyebrow pencils, each recommended by professional makeup artists and Vogue editors. Even better, these experts share their insider tips on selecting the perfect pencil, achieving your ideal shade, and the importance of brow gel in your routine.
Best Waterproof: MAC Cosmetics Pro Brow Definer Brow Pencil
MAC Cosmetics
Pro Brow Definer Brow Pencil
- Why We Love It: After navigating through the pomade-driven boxy brows of 2016 and the terrifying powdered ombré phase, I finally discovered my holy grail: strokes that mimic real brow hairs without looking overdone. The MAC Pro Brow Definer delivers just that with its ultra-fine pencil tip, allowing for effortless filling in of sparse patches—just a flick or two and you’ll achieve stunning, smudge-proof, and water-resistant brows that withstand everything from sweltering commutes to poolside fun. Not to mention, it boasts 10 shades to ensure you find your perfect match for a seamless blend with your hair—complete with a lasting power of up to 24 hours.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, carnauba wax
- Shades: Available in 10 shades
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