Eyebrows are the frame to your face. So whether you have thick, sparse, or even bleached brows, using an eyebrow pencil to shape your arches, fill in sparse areas, and add dimension can seriously up your makeup game. 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 your ideal eyebrows.
I only recently started implementing an eyebrow pencil as a staple step in my daily makeup routine, and now I can’t imagine going without it. The added definition and symmetry really is game-changing, especially when my brows are grown out and due for a shaping. Don’t get me wrong, my eyebrows are definitely still sisters rather than twins. But swiping on some hair-like strokes and defining my arches can get me closer to the look of fraternal twins at the very least.
Brow pencils come in all different shapes and sizes: ultra-fine, fiber-filled, waterproof, dual-action, and the list goes on. With so many variations on the menu, choosing your 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 11 best eyebrow pencils on the market. And to make your quest a little easier, I’ve tested out some of the hottest products in the industry and tapped celebrity makeup artists Oquendo, Sarah Tanno, and Natalie Dresher to reveal the specific pencils they can’t keep out of 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 nearly 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 hairs. Even my thick brows get random sparse areas, and this pencil allows me to cover up every single one of them 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 you won't accidentally smear it while touching your (newly gorgeous!) 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, which allows me to be very 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 la 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 them upwards for some 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 for 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 across the bottom of the brow and adding an arch to the top. On the other hand, the very tip of the pencil works wonders at creating thin strokes to match my hairs. While the wax formula requires a little pressure to reach it's 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 you want a full-brow look, and others you might want no one to realize you've meticulously colored in your eyebrows. Rare Beauty has given us the magic of the latter. The slanted edge can create thin or thick 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 done it again! She has gifted us an eyebrow 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. Without intense pigmentation, the product doesn't let me accidentally go overboard while shading in my sparse areas. It also glides on SO smoothly and has a thinner spoolie that I appreciate." — 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, it's soft wax formula glides on too smoothly to exclude. The custom oval tip is perfect for creating structured arches, and provides a silky color delivery and rich 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 I wanted them to be. I used to opt for precision pencils so I could neurotically fill them in with hairlike strokes until I switched to LAWLESS'S Shape Up Soft Fill Eyebrow Pencil and never looked back. 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 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
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 if 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 and I think did a better job. "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 very sweaty ride on the 6 train. The rounded thin tip differs from the square shape to provide more control in whatever brow design you’re doing.
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 in the morning, or just want a feather-like fill, Gaga did us right by this pencil. "It has the perfect detailed tip that adheres to the skin for the most sparse of eyebrows, and the shades are perfection," says Tanno—the singer's makeup artist.
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 work to boost your brow's fluff and volume. And for just $10? What a steal!
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
Oquendo, Tanno, and Dresher (and myself!) 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," says Oquendo. And for easy-to-blend bushy brows, "a traditional sharpener pencil can be easier to blend out." says Dresher. The options are endless, so once you decide what look you're going for, picking the perfect pencil will come easily.
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 should begin and continue 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 some extra definition, you can line underneath the brow with a concealer and set your hairs 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, "when you're creating a statement brow, you can go one shade deeper," he says.
Tanno actually uses two different shades for ultimate eyebrow dimension. "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 in some hair-like strokes, I usually go for a taupe or medium brown" that's 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 hard to get the color out," then the product is most likely expired.
Do I Use My Eyebrow Pencil Before Eyebrow Gel?
Yes! A brow gel seals everything into place, so using it first can make it hard for the pencil to draw onto the skin. However, if you're setting your brows with a wax or testing out soap brows, you should let the product set until it's dry to the touch before filling in the sparse areas with a pencil.
Why Trust Us
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.
While the best eyebrow pencil for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list!
How We 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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