It’s amazing how even the smallest change in eyebrow shape can affect the look of your face. Whether you’ve got thin or thick brows, everyone can benefit from an eyebrow brush. It’s the easiest way to achieve the eyebrow look you want and maintain it throughout the day.
Eyebrow brushes come with a variety of features. Some are double-sided, and some are not. Our top pick, The BrowGal Eyebrow Brush and Applicator, has a spoolie on one side and a firm angled brush on the other. It’s perfect for creating the latest eyebrow trends or a subtler look on makeup-free days.
What to know before you buy an eyebrow brush
Material
Eyebrow brushes made of real hair are great for applying powders. They pick up product easily, last a long time and are a breeze to clean. Eyebrow brushes made of synthetic bristles are ideal for applying cream or gel products.
One big consideration is price. In general, real-hair eyebrow brushes are considerably more expensive than synthetic options. If budget is a concern, synthetic is definitely the way to go.
Design
Consider the look and feel of the eyebrow brush you want. A simple black or white brush may suffice. However, if you love to display makeup brushes on your vanity, you may want an option with more visual impact. Many brands make beautiful brushes in metallic tones, neon colors and other attention-grabbing patterns that will liven up your routine and look great on your counter.
Brush size is also an important factor. Think about where you’ll be using the brush most often. If it’s on the go, consider a smaller brush that will fit in your bag or purse.
Your routine
Finding the perfect eyebrow brush is about knowing your routine just as much as the individual features of the actual brush. There’s a difference between shaping your brows for a full glam look and just taming them on the way out the door.
Think about the brow products you use every day and the brow products you’ve always wanted to try. Do you want something that’s quick and easy for your everyday life or something with enough features to recreate the latest social media eyebrow trends?
Eyebrow brush features
Spoolie
A spoolie looks like the end of a mascara wand. It’s meant to be used as a comb to work product through your brows and give them a natural shape. If you wake up to crazy brows with flyaways galore every morning, using a spoolie is the first and most important step.
Nearly every double-sided eyebrow brush will have a spoolie. You can also buy disposable spoolies in bulk to fix problems on the go.
Brushes and combs
Many eyebrow brushes come with an angled brush for applying waxes and pomades or just for creating shape. The 45-degree angle of these brushes makes them easy to work with to get the look you desire.
Some eyebrow brushes come with a square brush that’s great for outlining, while others are equipped with a fine-point brush for filling in brows and mimicking the look of tiny hairs.
Finally, some eyebrow brushes have a miniature comb with large bristles, superfine bristles or sometimes both. These comb-style brushes are perfect for anyone with big, thick brows.
Pencil
Looking to put one eyebrow product in your bag instead of two? Some eyebrow brushes contain a spoolie or a brush on one end and an eyebrow pencil on the other. This is an ideal choice for people with thin brows who want to fill in certain areas.
Be sure to buy the correct shade for your eyebrow color. Some brands have a color matcher on their website where you can input a competitor’s product you already know matches your brow color, and find the best shade for you in their line of products.
Eyebrow brush cost
A drugstore eyebrow brush is going to cost around $5. A luxury brand eyebrow brush will run you anywhere from $20 to $40, depending on the name and reputation of the manufacturer.
Eyebrow brush FAQ
How do I clean my eyebrow brushes?
A. You can find brush cleaners at any makeup or drugstore. A silicone brush cleaning mat will also make things easier. After washing, leave your brushes hanging over the side of a counter or table, and let them dry overnight. A simple fluff the next morning should return them to their normal shape.
What if I buy the wrong brush?
A. It can be difficult to select the correct brush online. Most major retailers (Sephora, Ulta, Target, etc.) allow returns on opened cosmetics products, including eyebrow brushes. Just be sure to keep your receipt and all of the original components that came with the brush.
Which eyebrow brush should I get?
Best of the best eyebrow brush
The BrowGal Eyebrow Brush and Applicator: available at Amazon
Our take: A durable, user-friendly brush from one of the most trusted names in eyebrow products.
What we like: With a spoolie on one side and an angled brush on the other, this option is all you need to achieve simple or complex brow looks.
What we dislike: If you prefer a stiffer bristle, this soft brush may not be the right choice.
Best bang for your buck eyebrow brush
Eyebeautiful Mascara Brush Eyebrow Brush: available at Amazon
Our take: This is an economical choice if all you need is a comb.
What we like: A sturdy brush that’s ready to tackle the thickest of brows.
What we dislike: It’s one-sided, and there isn’t anything to help with makeup application.
Honorable mention eyebrow brush
Anastasia Beverly Hills #7B Dual-Ended Angled Brush: available at Amazon
Our take: Anastasia Beverly Hills makes many of the best-selling eyebrow products on the market, and their accompanying brushes have rave reviews.
What we like: Not too big, not too small. It’s versatile and has an elegant design.
What we dislike: Some users report bristle fallout after extended use.
Frank Paiva 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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