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If genetics didn’t bestow you with thick, fluffy arches—or you had plenty to work with but succumbed to the Y2K skinny-brow trend in a past life—the best eyebrow pencils can help you fake it ’til you make it. Well-groomed brows are a crucial part of ensuring your makeup looks polished—even if your eyeliner is razor-sharp and your mascara has your lashes standing at attention—however, they frame your features when you’re fresh-faced, too. Take it from It girls like Hailey Bieber, who shared in her Vogue beauty secrets that grooming her brows is always a part of her routine, even when she needs to run out of the house ASAP.
I’ll admit it: I dream of brows so full I could pass as the lost Gallagher sibling from Oasis. But between inherited traits and autoimmune, reality had other plans. Luckily, that’s nothing a good brow gel and a carefully chosen pencil can’t fix. With the right tools, I can not only fill in sparse patches but exaggerate them just enough for that slightly bushy, “are they real?” effect—and so far, I’ve got everyone fooled. “You have the best brows!” friends and coworkers insist. After a quick moment to pat myself on the back, I divulge all my favorite products. After 13 years of trial and error since my first spot-alopecia episode (in high school, because, of course), I can safely say: Consider me your resident brow-pencil expert.
Vogue’s Favorite Eyebrow Pencils
Featured in this article
In This Story
- What to look for in an eyebrow pencil
- How do you fill in sparse eyebrows?
- How do you get the most natural look with an eyebrow pencil?
- How to choose the right color for you?
- Should you use an eyebrow pencil at the beginning or at the end of a makeup routine?
- Can you use an eyebrow pencil with a brow gel?
- Meet the Experts
Of course, not all brow pencils are wielded the same. The look you’re going for dictates which pencil you reach for on any given day. Want a soft, natural finish? Or bold, statement brows with a few flicks of faux hair? There’s options for both. From ultra-fine micro-tips to angled designs, today’s pencils come in every size, texture, and formula imaginable—including clean, vegan, and cruelty-free options. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your eyebrow makeup smudging away the second you start sweating—most formulas are waterproof to ensure long-lasting results. The brow pencil world is basically a buffet, and the good news is there’s a perfect pick for every taste.
To save you hours of scrolling, we’ve rounded up the best eyebrow pencils—each vetted by MUAs and Vogue editors alike. Even better, the pros spill their secrets, offering a dossier of tips on what to look for in a pencil, how to nail your perfect shade, and whether brow gel really deserves a spot in your routine.
Best Waterproof: MAC Cosmetics Pro Brow Definer Brow Pencil
- Why We Love It: After surviving the pomade block-brow era of 2016 and the powdered ombré phase (scary, I know!), I finally found what I was really after: realistic, brow hair-like strokes that add just the right amount of oomph. Enter MAC’s ultra-fine brow pencil. With its precise tip, it makes filling in sparse areas almost effortless—just a few quick flicks and you’ve got smudge-proof, water-resistant strokes that hold up through sweaty commutes or even a poolside dip. The best part? It comes in 10 shades, so you’re guaranteed to find a natural match that blends seamlessly with your hair—with a staying power of up to 24 hours.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, carnauba wax
- Shades: 10 shades
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Super-fine pencil for detailing | Not ideal for filling in larger sparse areas |
| Waterproof and extra long-wear |
Best Undertones: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Mechanical Brow Pencil
- Why We Love It: “The ABH Brow Wiz is my absolute favorite eyebrow pencil, and it’s a staple in my makeup kit because of its ultra-slim tip, which allows me to create thin strokes for a natural look,” pro makeup artist Maria Ortega tells Vogue. Beyond its precision, the pencil is cruelty-free and comes in an range of shades that seamlessly match hair’s natural undertones, spanning from taupe and auburn to ebony and dark brown. “ABH Brow Wiz also offers a variety of undertones, including shades like Strawburn, which is perfect for people with strawberry blonde to light red hair,” she adds.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, wax pigments
- Shades: 9 shades
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Fine-tipped pencil is ideal for detailing | Not ideal for filling in larger sparse areas |
| Shade range offers natural undertones for a realistic finish | Some find this product tugs a bit and snaps easily when applied with too much pressure |
Best For Shaping: Chanel Crayon Sourcils Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil
- Why We Love It: When it comes to brow products that feel just as polished as they look, Chanel’s Crayon Sourcils is the epitome of a luxury staple. Ortega praises its classic pencil format, which makes shaping and filling sparse areas effortless. “It’s long-wearing and contains wax, which allows for a smooth application,” she adds. A high-end upgrade to your everyday brow routine, this is the kind of pencil that feels as chic in your makeup bag as it does applied.
- Key Ingredients: Beeswax, citric acid, mineral oils, titanium dioxide, vitamin c, vitamin e
- Shade Range: 6 shades
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Smooth, tug-free application | Not ideal for detailing or creating faux hairs |
| Perfect for filling in large sparse areas and shaping | A pricier pick |
Best Budget: NYX Micro Brow Pencil
- Why We Love It: For a cruelty-free, affordable option, NYX is a great choice. Despite its lower price, it doesn’t compromise on quality. It glides smoothly across the brows without waxiness or tugging, delivering a natural look that s sure to earn endless compliments. Ortega praises it as an excellent brow pencil, noting, “They have a great color selection, and the pencil features a micro tip and a built-in spoolie.”
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, candelilla wax, microcrystalline wax, dimethicone, Vitamin E
- Shade Range: 12 shades
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point | Not fully waterproof but water resistant |
| Micro-fine tip for precision, with dual-ended spoolie brush |
Best Long-Wear: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultrafine Shape Define Pencil
- Why We Love It: This is one of my favorites because it’s a waterproof brow pencil and offers 12-hour long wear,” says Ortega. The thin pencil tip allows for precise, hair-like strokes, making it easy to achieve naturally thick-looking brows. The spoolie is also longer than most on the market, which is perfect for quickly brushing and making brows look extra fluffy.
- Key Ingredients: Stearic acid, hydrogenated castor oil, synthetic Japan wax, mica
- Shade Range: 12 shades
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ultra-precise brow pencil tip for detailing | Not ideal for filling in larger sparse areas |
| Waterproof eyebrow pencil formula |
Best with Skin-Care Benefits: Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Defining Pencil
- Why we love it: This long-wear eyebrow pencil is fantastic because of its triangular tip,” says Ortega. “The thicker side is perfect for filling in, while the thinner edge allows for precise strokes and shaping the tail of the brows.” Another perk is the built-in spoolie, which is great for combing hairs or fanning them out, plus nourishing skin-care ingredients ingredients in the pencil formula, like castor oil and panthenol that can help with hair growth—a two-in-one product we can fully support. Though, it’s worth noting this isn’t the longest-lasting option.
- AKey Ingredients: Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, hydrogenated castor oil, mica, panthenol, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E
- Shade Range: 10 shades
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Hydrating formula nourishes brow hairs | Not as long-wearing as other formulas |
| Works for detailing and filling in larger areas | |
| Provides a more diffused brow look |
Best for Grey Hair: Jones Road The Brow Pencil The Brow Pencil
- Why We Love It: No one caters to bombshells of all ages quite like Bobbi Brown—and Jones Road just so happens to have the perfect shade for those rocking their silver lengths. A crayon more than anything, what it lacks in added features (spoolie, retractable pnecil), it makes up for in ease of use and thickness. “It’s an unusual formula because it has teeny fibers in it that help make your brows look thicker,” Brown previously told British Vogue. “I always start by taking light, feathery strokes on the inside of the brow, moving straight up, then start following the brows along.”
- Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, candelilla wax, beeswax, mica, carnauba wax, shea butter, micro-fibers
- Shade Sange: 6 shades
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Smooth, controllable pencil formula | Requires serarate spoolie and sharpener |
| Pigmented micro-fibers add to the appearance of fuller brows | |
| Inclusive shades—even for grey hair |
Best Triangle Tip: Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
- Why We Love It: Pro makeup artist Dalila Bone praises Hourglass’s Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil for its smart, triangular shape and retractable design. The flat side is ideal for filling and defining, while the fine tip creates “the illusion of hair” for the illusion of fullness. And if you get a little heavy-handed? No stress—the built-in spoolie comes to the rescue. “The spoolie brush on the end is great for removing any extra product and softening what you have done if you think it is a little bit too much,” Bone tells Vogue. Plus, the formula itself is blendable yet long-wearing, striking that perfect balance between staying power and a natural finish.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated soybean oil, mica, microcrystalline wax, tocopherol acetate
- Shades: 9
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Triangular tip allows for shaping and detailing | A pricier pick |
| Dual-sided with spoolie brush |
Best Micro-Tip: Ilia In Full Micro-Tip Brow Pencil
- Why We Love It: Another favorite of Bone for its ultra-precise application, the micro tip makes it easy to mimic tiny hair-like strokes, perfect for filling in sparse areas without looking overdrawn. “If I want to make your brows look naturally more defined and a little bit fuller, you can go in with this fine-tipped pencil around the edges of the brows,” says Bone. The formula glides on smoothly and offers just the right amount of pigment, so you can build up definition gradually. Plus, it’s clean, vegan, and cruelty-free (hallmarks of Ilia’s ethos) making it a go-to for those who want both performance and ingredients they can feel good about.
- Key Ingredients: Synthetic wax, mica, tocopherol, panthenol
- Shades: 8
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fine tip perfect for detailing | Not the most pigmented, and some say it can fade |
| Clean formula |
Best Semi-Sheer: Merit Brow 1990 Sheer Gel Pencil
- Why We Love It: Another favorite of mine comes from Merit—the semi-sheer finish of this brow pencil is perfect if you’re afraid of an obviously drawn-on look. The gel-formula glides on with ease, never tugging on skin for a barely detectible finish. Plus, the pencil is dual-ended, featuring a soft-bristle spoolie for effortless blending and beautifully soft finish.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated vegetable oil, mica, sunflower seed oil, safflower extract, hibiscus extract
- Shades: 4 shades
- Notable Features: Dual-ended with a spoolie, microfine gel pencil
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Semi-sheer pigment ensures natural finish | Limited shade range |
| Clean formula |
Best Clean Beauty: Victoria Beckham BabyBlade Microfine Brow Pencil
- Why We Love It: If you like to shop according to your values, this is an excellent vegan, clean beauty option. The micro-fine tip makes it easy for all skill levels to create hair-like strokes, and it’s perfect for all-day wear. According to Ortega, it’s smudge-proof, so you can run around all day and still have perfectly drawn brows by nightfall.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated soybean oil, castor oil, callia japonica seed oil, rosa canina fruit oil
- Shades: 6 shades
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Smudge-proof, clean formula | Limited shade range |
| Dual-ended pencil and spoolie | A pricier pick |
| Fine tip for detailing |
Best Two-for-One: Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen
- Why We Love It: For those looking for something multipurpose, this 2-in-1 pen and pencil combo gives you both options in one—no decision paralysis here. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli explains, “The pencil side is perfect for filling in and thickening the brows, while the pen side is great for adding detail, like defining the outer edges and base.” Celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta is also a fan, adding, “The formula is smooth, doesn’t skip, and gives you a flawless, layered finish.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, soybean oil, synthetic Japan wax
- Shades: 9
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Dual sized eyebrow pen and pencil | No included spoolie |
| Smooth application | Formula is more pigmented than most |
| Works for both shaping and detailing |
Everything You Need to Know
What to look for in an eyebrow pencil
While everyone has different preferences for an eyebrow pencil, Ortega highlights 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. 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?
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 complement 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 do you get the most natural look with an eyebrow pencil?
If realism is the goal, Bone recommends going in with a light-touch with flicks of your pencil. “Create strokes wherever your brows have gaps, or very lightly at the beginning of your eyebrows.” “Our brows naturally are more sparse at the center of our face and become more full and defined form the arch to ends.
Pro makeup artist Kasey Spickard agrees. “I always grab a shade that is slightly lighter than my client’s natural brow hairs, focusing more so on the end of the brow and keeping it softer at the beginning,” Spickard previously told Vogue.
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
- Dalila Bone is a celebrity makeup artist based in London. Bone has worked with Naomi Campbell, Letitia Wright, Jourdan Dunn, Law Roach, Kitty Spencer, and more.
- Maria Ortega is a makeup artist based in New York City.
- Kasey Spickard is a professional makeup artist based in New York and Los Angeles with more than 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. Spickard has worked with clients such as Jenna Lyons, Kamie Crawford, and Brynn Whitfield.
- Sania Vucetaj is a celebrity brow stylist and licensed esthetician based in New York City.
- Kelly Zhang is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles and New York City.
