There’s something funny about the idea that two floating strips of hair can make such a significant impact on someone’s appearance. Regardless, eyebrows are arguably the most important part of anyone’s life, we mean, makeup routine.
The good news is that thanks to tinted brow gels and treatments like brow laminations, or if you’re Chrissy Teigen, eyebrow transplants, we’re able to correct any overplucked, hairless patches and create full, fluffy eyebrows.
Despite all the brow-building tools we have at our disposal, the brow pencil still remains the most essential. However, due to all the different shapes, formulas and shades available, finding the right brow pencil for you can be just as complex as a wizard trying to find their perfect wand.
And while we can’t exactly yield you with Harry Potter-esque powers, we can arm you with a pencil that will deliver natural, feathered arches every time you pick it up – and what’s more magical than that?
Here are our picks for the best brow pencils in the biz.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
We say: You don’t need us to tell you that any Anastasia-backed brow product is nothing short of magic. But, we’re going to go ahead and let you know anyway. From red hair with warm undertones to black hair with cool undertones, there’s a shade tailored to seamlessly blend in with your arches.
$41 at Adore Beauty
Models Prefer Retractable Eyebrow Pencil
We say: For full brows that can withstand the conditions of the day, we can’t go past the Models Prefer smudge-proof, waterproof and bald patch-proof retractable pencil.
You say: “This brow pencil has never broken and is such a reliable product. Many retractable brow products are also the micro pencil style and whilst I understand the benefits of that style, I much prefer this slighter thicker style pencil as it works better for my brow shape and how I need to fill in my brows. I use the ash colour which is a nice cool dark brown, many other brands are too warm for my brows.” – Ms generic face
Want to know more? Read Models Prefer Retractable Eyebrow Pencil reviews here…
$18 at Priceline
Benefit Precisely, My Brow
We say: As far as beauty products with a stellar reputation go, this one sits out in front. Delivering precise definition, hair-like strokes and 12-hour wear, this makeup hall of famer is worth every penny.
$48 at Adore Beauty
IT Cosmetics Brow Power™ Universal Pencil
We say: Instead of selecting your shade, determine it with the pressure in which you apply the It Cosmetics universal pencil. For lighter hair, feather stroke, gently. In need of something a little darker? Put some muscle into it and watch as the colour adapts. It’s that simple.
You say: “Love that the spoolie is included so you can just flip the pen around and brush through your brows to even the product out. With these pen products, with experience i’ve found you need to have a light hand when applying to your brows so that you don’t make your brows too dark. less is more – its much easier to add than to take product away without looking crazy and uneven.” – Stinasbeauty
Want to know more? Read IT Cosmetics Brow Power™ Universal Pencil reviews here…
$48 at Adore Beauty
Natio Define Eye Brow Pencil
We say: Tame, shape and colour. Natio’s softly coloured pencil makes for a mistake-proof application.
You say: “The formula is really creamy and easy to apply ( with a sharp pencil) and the brush on the other side is really easy to use and move the product through the brows. I am platinum blonde with brown brows and find this colour perfect.” – NickiS
Want to know more? Read Natio Define Eye Brow Pencil reviews here…
$14.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Revlon Brow Fantasy™
We say: To be used individually or together, Revlon’s Brow Fantasy combines a blendable pencil on one end with a precise brush and gel on the other for a natural brushed-out brow.
You say: “I find it easy to use and it looks great. It’s a great DIY product, without the need for the salon. It’s also quite cheap which is great. I’ve put my friends into it to because they’ve been asking what I’m using. Definitely one to try!” – Jessie Newton
Want to know more? Read Revlon Brow Fantasy™ reviews here…
$13.99 at Chemist Warehouse
M·A·C Eye Brows
We say: Rated 4 out of 5 stars, the M*A*C Eye Brows pencil features a super-fine tip to mimic tiny flicks of hair for added colour, density and shape.
You say: “I love how buildable the product is. I can do simple natural brows for work and I am able to do dark bold brows for when I go out.” – Chen Mac
Want to know more? Read M·A·C Eye Brows reviews here…
$40 at Myer
MUD Brow Pencil
We say: With a precision tip for seamless feathering and blending, the MUD Brow Pencil is our top budget pick for eyebrow pencils.
You say: “It does go on easily and lasts especially if powdered over and reapplied. For the price it is worth keeping one in your handbag and car.” – Frenchy1
$5.50 at Woolworths
Maybelline New York Eye Studio Brow Precise
We say: If you’re looking for a drugstore banger, Maybelline’s precise tip will fill in hard-to-reach gaps with natural brushstrokes.
You say: “This product works just as good as the high end brow products I have tried. The pencil provides a smooth application and leaves the brows looking nice and natural.” – Midnightrose2929
Want to know more? Read Maybelline New York’s Eye Studio Brow Precise reviews here…
$9.99 at Chemist Warehouse
NYX Professional Makeup Precision Brow Pencil
We say: Another multi-tasking product, NYX’s precise pencil comes with a flat tip to outline eyebrow arches and to create depth with hair-like strokes. While the spoolie blends and softens, marrying your real eyebrows with the pencil.
You say: “The pigment is just right, enough to add colour but doesn’t make you look like you pasted your brows on. The spoolie is handy for brushing eyebrow hairs that are a bit out of place.” – Jupiter
Want to know more? Read NYX Professional Makeup Precision Brow Pencil reviews here…
$19.95 at Priceline
Main image credit: @shaninamshaik
Which eyebrow pencil do you use? Have you tried any of these?
I’m don’t use a brow pencil. I’m currently loving e.l.f’s Wow Brow. It’s quick and easy and makes my brows look darker and fuller.
I am thinking of getting my brows tattooed though
Ooh that would be interesting
Interesting reading and some items I’d think about trying.
I’m not using brow pencil.
Pencils are not for me. I did like fluffing with that benefit tiny thing (mascara looking, mini). Kept my brows in place and cool looking all day.
I like the look of these and would like to give Maybelline a try.
Maybelline are always a reliable product and not too expensive.
I haven’t used a brow pencil for yonks – I far prefer mascara-like brow gels.
I have reasonable thick well shaped brows however I have had some lightening over the years and have often used my mascara wand to touch up but with RR I got Eylure DyBrow and it is excellent
I don’t use one, my eyebrows are usually covered by my long fringe.
That makes life easy. LOL
I looked at my brows this morning & have noticed they are looking more & more sparse. I normally use a Revlon pencil that I bought decades ago which needs to be replaced along with a clear gel to make my brows stand up because they seem to look a little sad ATM. I’m going to research some brow growing medium.
I’ve used brow pencils before but no matter how gentle I am it manages to make some of my eyebrow hairs fall out
I don’t use brow pencils but my brows could do with some help though
5 types of eyebrow pencils with many different uses. It is an indispensable tool to have a beautiful eyebrow. Thanks for sharing
coloring pages
I am an older woman whose eyebrows are almost non existent after various medical treatments almost twenty years ago.
I have had my brows tattooed twice, and I am now thinking of doing this again.
In the meantime however, I have become a fan of the brow powders that are now available. I find that with my arthritic fingers, a powder is sometimes easier to apply than a pencil.
The only problem at the moment is that my hair is grey and I just cannot find any grey powders to suit.
Any assistance here, much appreciated.
Some fantastic Eyebrow Pencils so many good brands will have to buy some Revlon Brow Fantasy™ to try out. ☺️
I use benefit eyebrow pencil. But i definitely need a new one. I will definitely try one of these.
I’m okay with no eyebrow pencil.
I prefer a product with a tiny brush or mascara-type wand, although I sometimes use a pencil.
yes I often use my mascara after I have dome my eyelashes so not too much product on and this works well.
I love Mirenesse too, the brow prncil is awesome, both for the colour and the way it spreads on
I do so little these days so the rows get no attention.
I currently use an ABH brow pencil, but I’d love to get a tinted gel at some stage for the sake of convenience. Only problem is so many of them have big wands for such a tiny area of your face.
My fave is benefits goof proof eyebrow pencil
Interesting… Couldn’t we just do this with a finger???
I like the Revolution Soap Styler for taming my brows, I’ve never used a pencil for it but I have a decent sized brow and don’t feel the need to thicken or darken them.
I use brow pencil.So convenient to use.
The Revlon one looks good
Yes and the price is good too.
Good timing, I need a brow pencil.
It’s good to know these things exist if you need brow help
I keep trying different brow pencils. I’ve just gone back to using one by Anastasia which I haven’t used in a long time.
yes I have several brow pencils and struggle to find one that works well.
I use my benefit brow gel religiously, but seeing these products makes me think I might need to change it up!
I prefer to use a brow gel. I really like the ones from Benefit and MCoBeauty.
I can never get the hang of brow pencils, they always look too hard on me. I like using a brow gel.
I haven’t used any of these but I do like the look and price of the Revlon one
I don’t really use eyebrow pencils, mostly powder or pomade
I’d love to try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. Heard so many good things about it.
I really love the NYX brow glue in ash brown, it really gives that soft feathery look to the brows!
ooh a great list of good ones! Thanks bh!
Another item I never use. I like the little brush that help taming the eyebrows, it’s a quick fix every morning.
Fantastic ones here to try, thanks.
I have used a powder which I think gives a more natural look, but rarely use it since I started tinting my brows.
My brows are fine.
I want the most natural look from a brow product. I’m not sure what to use, pencils don’t look natural on my brows, perhaps I need to try a gel or tattoo
The Mud pencil for $5.50 is worth a try.
I’d try the Benefit one. Looks good to me.
I love the affordable options that are included
Do not use brow goodies. If wore full face of makeup, perhaps. To look more balanced
I don’t use a brow pencil but this seems really useful for those who do
What nice options