Eyebrow makeup
If eyes are the windows to the soul, eyebrows are the window frames. A natural-looking, well-sculpted brow can rescue even the most subpar of makeup looks. With more focus on brows in the makeup community than ever before, it has become increasingly challenging to determine the best brow makeup due to the wide variety of products available.
What to consider when looking for eyebrow makeup
Product type
Gone are the days of the simple eyebrow pencil. They still exist but now accompany a vast arsenal of other brow makeup products, like brow pomades, brow gels (tinted or clear), brow powders and more. A good eyebrow pencil, pomade or powder effectively fills in sparse areas, perfects shape and creates a fuller-looking brow. Tinted brow gels add definition to brow hairs, while clear brow gels provide a laminate effect that holds brows in place throughout daily wear.
Brush/pencil shape
Once you select the type of makeup product, you should consider the shape or thickness of your pencil tip or brush. A thin-tipped pencil or a thin brush tip are better for precision, while a wide, flat or oval pencil tip and a wider brush tip are typically faster options for a quick brow touch up.
Shade
With brows, you have to be mindful of the undertone of your brow hair color just as you would with your regular hair color. Blondes and redheads tend to have a more difficult time finding an exact match for their brow coloring than brunettes, so it’s best to test a product in person or look for reviews specifically from other users with your same brow hair color.
Eyebrow makeup cost
Most eyebrow makeup products cost $2-$52. Eyebrow makeup products from affordable brands range from $2-$10, while mid-range brands ask for $10-$25 and high-end, luxury brands typically ask for $25-$52.
The best eyebrow makeup of 2021
Best eyebrow makeup kit
Anastasia Beverly Hills Best Brows Ever Kit: available at Amazon and Ulta
Our take: From a famous makeup brand known for its effective brow products, this three-piece brow kit creates shapely and natural-looking brows.
What we like: Travel-size set features three of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ best-selling brow products, including DIPBROW gel, Brow Wiz pencil and Clear Brow Gel. Available in four shades.
What we dislike: Some users with blonde hair felt the lightest option was still a bit dark.
Best bang for your buck eyebrow makeup kit
Morphe Arch Obsessions 5-Piece Brow Kit: available at Ulta
Our take: From a reliable makeup brand, this well-rounded, five-piece brow kit offers the most product and color variety of any affordably priced brow kit.
What we like: This five-piece set includes the Micro Brow Pencil, Brow Setting Gel in Translucent, Brow Cream, M158 Angle Liner/Spoolie Brush and Highlight Stick in Oh Brow Baby.
What we dislike: Some found the brow pencil didn’t last through daily wear on its own.
Best eyebrow pencil
Too Faced Sugar Fine Brow Detailer Pencil: available at Sephora and Ulta
Our take: This highly rated, precision brow pencil allows users to finely detail and create fuller, well-formed eyebrows.
What we like: Brow pencil feels creamy on skin and nourishes brows with Too Faced’s waterproof, smudge-proof vitamin-E formula. Available in eight shades.
What we dislike: Some felt it wasn’t worth the high price when compared to drugstore brands.
Best bang for your buck eyebrow pencil
NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil: available at Amazon, Macy’s and Ulta
Our take: Affordable and regularly accessible at many drugstores, this brow pencil is an effective tool for creating a relaxed-looking brow.
What we like: The super slender tip allows for extremely precise fill-ins. Dual-ended and includes an eyebrow tint on the bottom end to enhance thickness and texture if desired.
What we dislike: Some report the blonde shade has too much orange pigmentation and is, therefore, unflattering on those with cool/ash tones.
Best eyebrow pomade
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade: available at Amazon, Macy’s, Sephora and Ulta
Our take: A fan-favorite, this pomade is smudge-free, waterproof and lasts through daily wear.
What we like: Creamy pomade easily blends into skin and brow hair. It is recommended for those with oily skin. Many users with thin brows love it. Available in 11 shades.
What we dislike: It doesn’t come in with an applicator, so you have to use or purchase your own (Anastasia Beverly Hills recommends their Brush #12).
Best bang for your buck eyebrow pomade
Milani Stay Put Brow Color: available at Amazon and Ulta
Our take: This smudge and water-resistant brow pomade delivers a matte finish for a reasonable price.
What we like: Brow pomade dries quickly and lasts for several hours, and it includes a felt-tip applicator brush. Available in eight shades.
What we dislike: Some find it difficult to blend.
Best eyebrow brow gel
REFY Brow Sculpt Shape and Hold Gel with Lamination Effect: available at Sephora
Our take: This clear brow gel locks hairs into place for a clean-cut, sculpted brow look.
What we like: Included brush helps smooth back brow hair while waxy, gel-like formula tightly holds hairs in place. Effective for those looking for a temporary lamination effect without looking to get their eyebrows professionally laminated.
What we dislike: Some users reported a temporary white residue immediately after application.
Best bang for your buck eyebrow tinted brow gel
Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara: available at Amazon and Ulta
Our take: Inexpensive and effective, this tinted eyebrow gel mascara adds fullness and definition to brow hairs.
What we like: Mascara wand is small enough to reach hard-to-reach places without being too small, and you can’t beat the price. Available in five shades.
What we dislike: Some users with sparse brows found the product can occasionally smudge or clump.
Sydney Poe is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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