I've always approached eyebrow makeup, be it pomades or brow tints with hesitation. My brows are on the thicker side to begin with (I thank my lucky stars for threading), so a clear eyebrow gel is typically my go-to. It wasn't until recently that I realized the best eyebrow pencils are the key to creating defined arches, filling in sparse areas (yes, I still have some), and adding dimension without looking too bold.
While the beauty product may seem like an uncomplicated purchase, a pencil’s tip shape, formula, pigment, and lasting power, all play a role in delivering my ideal eyebrow look. Brow pencils come in all different shapes and sizes: ultra-fine, fiber-filled, waterproof, dual-action, and so on. With so many variations on the menu, choosing the perfect match can be tricky. “You just have to make sure that the formula and tip shape wears well on you,” says celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo. You can pair a micro pencil with soap brows for a precise, feathered look, or color in sparse spaces with a thick, waterproof pencil for bold brows that last—the options are excitingly endless. “Just have fun with it!” Oquendo says.
Regardless if you’re looking for a natural fill or statement brows, I’ve got you covered with a list of the 12 best eyebrow pencils on the market. I’ve tested my personal favorites and tapped Oquendo, along with celebrity makeup artists Sarah Tanno and Natalie Dresher, to reveal the specific brow pencils they keep in their kits.
The Best Eyebrow Pencils
- Best Brow Pencil Overall: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
- Best Brow Pencil for Long-Lasting Lines: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil
- Best Brow Pencil for Bold Brows: Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Eyebrow Pencil
- Best Brow Pencil for No-Makeup Makeup: Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Eyebrow Pencil
- Best Brow Pencil for Defined Arches: LAWLESS Shape Up Soft Fill Eyebrow Pencil
If you're not sure what you're looking for in a brow pencil, start with Anastasia Beverly Hills' Brow Wiz. It comes in a dozen shades, can provide light or heavy coverage (depending on how much you use), and looks super natural—like your existing brows, but better.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 12
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Smooth; Pigmentation; Ultra-fine tip; Very natural strokes
What I Don’t: Not waterproof, so less long lasting
Review for MC: "My Brow Wiz pencil has carried me all the way through my makeup journey—yes, it even survived the 2016 block brows. The mechanical pencil is so thin, yet never breaks while I'm using it. The wax formula feels incredibly smooth and is perfectly pigmented, making it almost impossible to tell the difference between the pencil marks and my real hair. Even my thick brows get random sparse areas, and this pencil allows me to fill in every single one within seconds. After swiping on hair-like strokes, I give my brows a quick brush through with the included spoolie and I'm all set!" — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
I tend to touch my eyebrows throughout the day, and few things are worse than finding a brown line smudged across my forehead. Enter Benefit's Precisely, My Brow Pencil, which is waterproof and super durable, so I don't accidentally smear it while touching my expertly filled-in eyebrows.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 12
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: No
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: 12-hour wear; Ultra-fine tip; Waterproof
What I Don’t: Some reviewers say the pencil dries out quickly
Review for MC: "This brow pencil is SUPER pigmented (which I love), but unless you're looking for a bold brow, I recommend using a light hand at first. The tip is extremely thin, allowing me to be precise and create hyper-realistic hair-like strokes. Plus, it truly lasts so long. Whether you're going for a swim or taking a heated yoga class, Benefit's Precisely, My Brow Pencil will make sure your brows stay perfectly filled in and fluffy." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil
Sometimes, a bigger, bolder brow, a lá Cara Delevingne, is the best way to top off your makeup look. Create a more defined shape by lining the bottom of your brow with the slanted pencil, then brush the hairs upward for bold bushiness. The pencil is also great for anyone looking to amp up their thin and sparse eyebrows.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 10
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Slanted pencil tip; Easy to blend
What I Don’t: Dry texture upon applying
Review for MC: "The Kosas brow pencil is my go-to when I'm awaiting my next threading appointment and in dire need of some shaping. The pencil is thicker with a slanted edge, making it perfect for lining the base of the brow and adding an arch to the top. On the other hand, the very tip of the pencil creates thin strokes to match my hair texture. While the wax formula requires a little pressure to reach its full pigment potential, once it's on the skin, it blends out beautifully." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Eyebrow Pencil
Brow trends are changing all the time: some days I want a full-brow look and others a barely-there, clean-girl aesthetic. Rare Beauty has given me the magic of the latter. The slanted edge can create thin strokes, and the pigment is never too intense, making it a staple for no-makeup makeup looks.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 6
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: Natural finish; Creamy formula; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: Not many shade options
Review for MC: "Selena Gomez has gifted me a pencil that provides the most natural-looking definition. I love using this pencil on days when I'm barely wearing any makeup, because it defines my brows without making them stand out against my otherwise bare face. It's impossible to go overboard and glides on SO smoothly." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Eyebrow Pencil
While this pencil may not be as precise as the previous one (the tip is a bit wider), its soft wax formula glides on too smoothly to exclude from my list. The oval tip is perfect for creating structured arches, and provides a silky texture and rich color payoff that lasts all day.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 5
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Unique shape; Long-lasting; Beginner-friendly
What I Don’t: A few reviewers say they received a moldy product
Review for MC: "While I never plucked or excessively waxed my eyebrows, they were never as full as I wanted them to be. I used to opt for precision pencils to neurotically fill them in with hairlike strokes until I switched to LAWLESS'S Shape Up Soft Fill Eyebrow Pencil. This pencil makes creating bold brows so easy, and it's great for beginners. I start by brushing out my eyebrows with the dual-ended applicator before switching sides to fill them in. The unique oval tip pencil makes it so simple to define and shape my brows in seconds." — Jamie Wilson, Freelance Writer and Editor
Jamie Wilson uses the LAWLESS Shape Up Soft Fill Eyebrow Pencil
Other Brow Pencils I Love
If you want to know what fool-proof, ultra-thin brow pencil celebrity makeup artists reach for to suit any and all hair colors, look to Kimiko. Our Beauty Director Hannah Baxter swears by this creamy formula for super fine hair-like strokes that truly replicate the look of your eyebrow hairs. The Japanese developed product has the perfect depth of color without ever looking too faux, and the low-oil formula helps the product withstand heat, sweat, and humidity. No one wants their brows to melt by midday!
Formula: Wax
Shades: 3
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: Ultra-thin tip; Long-wearing; Natural-looking pigments; Smooth formula; Hair-like finish
What I Don’t: Some reviewers find the color doesn't deposit as easily and requires more pressure
Customer Review: "I just purchased this the other day and used it for the first time today. I love that it's not too waxy, glides on easily, and after a full day of work and a yoga class my brows still look great. The 'Black Tea' color is a natural looking match for dark brows that doesn't look too dramatic. Just gives a natural fuller look." — The Detox Market
Hourglass' super-luxe Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil is made from a combination of powder and wax, so you don't need a lot of it—one sweep and you're good. "They have really amazing stuff," Oquendo says of the brand. "And I think they have the best colors, in my opinion, for Auburn clients. So if you are a strawberry blonde or a redhead, or if you like a warm brow," this pencil is for you.
Formula: Powder-wax
Shades: 6
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Powder-wax formula; Long-wearing; Intense pigments
What I Don’t: Some reviewers find the pencil shape too thick
Customer Review: "I have tried every brow pencil out there for there for years. ABH, Benefit, MAC, you name it. Every blonde brow product I try is too warm and every Taupe product I try is too grey. I've been using "natural brown" pencils just to get that neutral colour, but I didn't like how dark my brows looked. Finally, I found the Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in "Platinum Blonde" and it's now my holy grail product. It's a nice, natural shade that works for all blondes. It's not grey at all and it's not warm/yellow either. My hair is naturally light brown but I dye my hair blonde, and this pencil is perfect before and after my roots start to show. Hourglass, PLEASE don't ever stop making this product! You have a customer for life!" — Sephora
You know those babushka dolls that keep opening to a smaller little hand-painted grandma? Well, Valentino brought that same principle to an eyebrow liner. "I absolutely love the Valentino Brow Trio," says Dresher. "It’s a brow pencil, spoolie, and pen all in one, which is great for those who love drawing hair-like strokes and then using a pencil/spoolie combo after."
Formula: Wax pencil; Liquid liner
Shades: 3
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: No
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: 3-in-1; Waterproof; Expert-approved
What I Don’t: Pricey
Customer Review: "I’ve been using this product for about a year now and I haven’t found anything better! The marker side makes such realistic looking hair strokes and it’s so easy to use. Also I’ve been using the same one for a year and it hasn’t run out!" — Sephora
This one brings the pigment, the definition of individualized strokes, and the magic of a sweat-resistant formula that survived a sweaty subway ride. The rounded, thin tip provides more control than a typical square-shaped tip, making ulta-fine strokes beginner-friendly.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 3
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: High pigment; Ultra-fine tip; Sweat-resistant
What I Don’t: Small shade range
Customer Review: "Best brow pencil out there! Such a thin & precise staple! A tad pricey for a eyebrow pencil, but worth it." — Sephora
This micro pencil is all that you could want for your brows: it's waterproof, smudge-proof, and has an innovative brush on the other end. Instead of the traditional spoolie, it has a tiny paddle brush for a fully blended, natural-looking, bushy brow.
Formula: Creamy wax
Shades: 11
Spoolie: No
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: Creamy; Super-fine tip; Waterproof; Smudge-proof
What I Don’t: Some reviewers have trouble with the retractable packaging
Customer Review: "I was excited to try this and I love it. Most eyebrow products I’ve found are way too warm-toned for my complexion, but this one matches my hair color perfectly. The product sometimes slides out of the applicator, but it slides back in and then twists out fine. The little brush is a good texture and works better than a spoolie to comb through the hairs!" — Sephora
Tiny. Small. Micro. All words to describe this very thin brow pencil that is the master of a detailed brow stroke. Whether you have no brows and literally have to draw them on, one by one, in the morning or want a feather-like fill, Gaga's Haus Labs delivers. "It has the perfect detailed tip that adheres to the skin for the most sparse of eyebrows, and the shades are perfection," says Tanno.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 13
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Transfer-proof; 24-hour wear; Large shade range; Super precise
What I Don’t: Some reviewers say the product runs out quickly
Customer Review: "I am very pleased with this product as it’s easy to use and offers a variety of shades. The actual pencil tip is very slim and produces a precision application with believable hairlike strokes. I favor the Ash Brown which is neither too dark nor too light for me and is a great match with my hair and coloring without appearing overdone. Love it and intend to continue buying it here on Amazon!" — Amazon
Never doubt the drugstore. Maybelline's Express Brow Duo boasts a pencil and a powder all in one package. As Oquendo says, "It's really good if you have really sparse eyebrows, because it has fibers in it," which adhere to other hairs and create a fuller appearance. And for just $10? It's a no-brainer.
Formula: Wax pencil; Fiber-filled silica powder
Shades: 6
Spoolie: No
Cruelty Free: No
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Creamy pencil; Fibers; Easy blending
What I Don’t: Not very precise
Customer Review: "I’m absolutely obsessed with this eyebrow pencil and powder combination—it’s now my go-to! The application is smooth and precise, and the powder adds the perfect finishing touch. Just a note: the powder isn’t missing or defective; it’s actually in the lid. Such a smart design, and I’ll be sticking with this product from now on." — Target
What to Look For in a Brow Pencil
Oquendo, Tanno, and Dresher all agree that the brow pencil that's best for you comes down to personal preference. For natural-looking brows, "I prefer something with a finer tip or edge for definition," says Tanno. For those with oily skin, "you want to use a waterproof one," adds Oquendo. And for easy-to-blend, bushy brows, "a traditional sharpener pencil can be easier," says Dresher. The options are endless, so picking the perfect pencil will come easy once you decide what look you're going for.
How Do I Use an Eyebrow Pencil?
The simplest way to fill in your brows starts by brushing out the hair with a spoolie. First, lightly line under the entire brow with your pencil—emphasis on "lightly." Next, draw hair-like strokes by flicking the pencil upwards, starting where the brow begins and continuing until you hit the arch.
Then, you can define and fill in the arch to the shape and darkness of your desire. Finally, brush and blend it out with a few sweeps of a spoolie. "This technique has really changed my brow game on myself and within my artistry," says Dresher. For extra definition, you can line underneath the brow with one of the best concealers and set your hair with an eyebrow gel.
Should an Eyebrow Pencil Be Lighter or Darker Than My Eyebrows?
Once again, the answer depends on what look you're going for. For a natural look, "I think it's important to not go too dark with your brow pencil, as it can really make the face more harsh or age the face," says Dresher. "Finding a brow pencil one shade lighter, or just your hair shade is perfect." For a "brow novice," Oquendo also suggests going one shade lighter. "It's easier to manage, you're not going to lose control of it as quickly, and if things go wrong, there's a lot more wiggle room."
On the other hand, you can go a shade darker for added dimension and a bolder finish. Tanno actually uses two different shades. "I start with something two shades softer than my brow depth in a warm shade at the base of the brow," she explains. "Next, to add some hair-like strokes, I usually go for a taupe or medium brown closer to or slightly darker than the exact hair color."
Do Eyebrow Pencils Expire?
All cosmetics expire and always have a shelf life icon on the package. Usually, brow pencils are good for one year after opening. "The tell is, if it applies easily and it glides on, then it's still probably good," says Oquendo. "But if it's dry, waxy, has a funny smell, or it's hard to get the color out," then the product is most likely expired.
Do I Use My Eyebrow Pencil Before Eyebrow Gel?
Yes, use your pencil before your brow gel. A gel seals everything into place, so using it first can make it hard for the pencil to draw on the skin. However, if you're setting your brows with wax or testing out soap brows, let the product set until it's dry to the touch before filling in the sparse areas with a pencil.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Emma Aerin Becker is a beauty writer with rich experience writing about eyebrows, having written about threading and soap brows. She regularly contributes to Marie Claire, and has beauty trend experience with forecasting platform RealSelf.
Marie Claire is an authority on all things eyebrows, having written stories on the best brow gels, pens, tints, maintenance techniques, and more. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by professional makeup artists.
How I Tested
Marie Claire editors were quick to volunteer their favorite eyebrow pencils, which helped create a pool of products for review. After picking 11 MUA-approved pencils, our independent testers (plus a few Marie Claire staffers) tested them out. They individually reviewed their pencils based on formula, size, shade range, lasting ability, packaging, and results.
Meet the Experts
Vincent Oquendo is a globally recognized makeup artist, known for his bold aesthetic and creative vision. Vincent’s red carpet clients include Kiernan Shipka, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ariana DeBose, Nicole Richie, Jenna Ortega, Yara Shahidi, and Karla Sofía Gascón. Vincent emulates Old-Hollywood glamour with a dash of modern flare. In addition to the red carpet, Vincent works with photographers such as Alexei Hay, Cass Bird, Miguel Reveriego, and Ben Watts, and his work has been featured in Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, W, and more. Vincent is the Brand Ambassador for LUMIFY Eye Drops.
Natalie Dresher is a celebrity and bridal makeup artist in Miami and New York. With many years of experience in her field, Natalie has become a trusted name in the beauty community. Working with brands like Saie Beauty, Revlon, Maybelline and Dibs she has a lot of experience working with our favorites under her wing.
Sarah Tanno is a celebrity makeup artist from Los Angeles. In 2014, she became Lady Gaga's day-to-day makeup artist before joining Haus Laboratories as their Global Artistry Director in 2019.
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