The 7 Best Eyebrow Pencils, Tested by Real Women

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Tamara Staples

People / Tamara Staples

Experts SayCelebrity eyebrow specialistJoey Healytells PEOPLE, “There are three looks that pencils are really good for.” The first is “a slick architectural look,” he says. The next is a trendy “faux feathery look,” and the last is an “ombré brow that gets darker as you get further up to the tail.”

Experts Say

Celebrity eyebrow specialistJoey Healytells PEOPLE, “There are three looks that pencils are really good for.” The first is “a slick architectural look,” he says. The next is a trendy “faux feathery look,” and the last is an “ombré brow that gets darker as you get further up to the tail.”

We tested 38 eyebrow pencils from the most popular makeup brands to compare the texture, usability, pigment, and performance of each. After fluffing, tinting, and prepping our brows using these beauty products, we created a list of the best eyebrow pencils for enviable brows and beautiful arches.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner-Up:Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewBest Budget:e.l.f. Brow Pencil at Amazon$3Jump to ReviewBest for Thin Brows:Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil at Nordstrom$25Jump to ReviewBest for Thick Brows:SALENYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade at Amazon$13$10Jump to ReviewBest for a Natural Look:Kylie Cosmetics Kybrow Pencil at Amazon$21Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil at Nordstrom$33Jump to ReviewBest Foundation Brush:Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush at Nordstrom$55Jump to ReviewBest Face Wash:SALECeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser at Amazon$18$15Jump to ReviewBest Makeup for Older Women:Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation at Sephora$43Jump to Review

Best Overall:Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil at Amazon$45Jump to ReviewBest Overall, Runner-Up:Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer at Amazon$26Jump to ReviewBest Budget:e.l.f. Brow Pencil at Amazon$3Jump to ReviewBest for Thin Brows:Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil at Nordstrom$25Jump to ReviewBest for Thick Brows:SALENYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade at Amazon$13$10Jump to ReviewBest for a Natural Look:Kylie Cosmetics Kybrow Pencil at Amazon$21Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil at Nordstrom$33Jump to ReviewBest Foundation Brush:Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush at Nordstrom$55Jump to ReviewBest Face Wash:SALECeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser at Amazon$18$15Jump to ReviewBest Makeup for Older Women:Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation at Sephora$43Jump to Review

Best Overall:Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil at Amazon$45Jump to Review

Best Overall:Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil at Amazon$45

Best Overall:

Best Overall, Runner-Up:Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer at Amazon$26Jump to Review

Best Overall, Runner-Up:Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer at Amazon$26

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Best Budget:e.l.f. Brow Pencil at Amazon$3Jump to Review

Best Budget:e.l.f. Brow Pencil at Amazon$3

Best Budget:

Best for Thin Brows:Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil at Nordstrom$25Jump to Review

Best for Thin Brows:Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil at Nordstrom$25

Best for Thin Brows:

Best for Thick Brows:SALENYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade at Amazon$13$10Jump to Review

Best for Thick Brows:SALENYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade at Amazon$13$10

Best for Thick Brows:

SALE

Best for a Natural Look:Kylie Cosmetics Kybrow Pencil at Amazon$21Jump to Review

Best for a Natural Look:Kylie Cosmetics Kybrow Pencil at Amazon$21

Best for a Natural Look:

Best Splurge:Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil at Nordstrom$33Jump to Review

Best Splurge:Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil at Nordstrom$33

Best Splurge:

Best Foundation Brush:Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush at Nordstrom$55Jump to Review

Best Foundation Brush:Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush at Nordstrom$55

Best Foundation Brush:

Best Face Wash:SALECeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser at Amazon$18$15Jump to Review

Best Face Wash:SALECeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser at Amazon$18$15

Best Face Wash:

Best Makeup for Older Women:Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation at Sephora$43Jump to Review

Best Makeup for Older Women:Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation at Sephora$43

Best Makeup for Older Women:

Best OverallCharlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow PencilPHOTO: Sephora$45 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at SephoraStar QualitiesRich pigment means filling in brows is a breezeDouble-sided tip and spoolie for precise applicationComfortable to hold and maneuverRed FlagsShade range could be betterThe body of this pencil was comfortable to grip and maneuvered easily along the brow bone, and the angled tip createdprecision with each stroke. The pencil also felt quite sturdy — it didn’t drag at all or seem like it would break with extended use. You only have to apply each stroke once fora natural look, filling in gaps between hairs. But you can also layer it to create a fully structured brow.This pencil has amatte finish, so it doesn’t distract from the rest of your makeup. And we love that it comes with a spoolie on the end to brush brows into place before applying the tint.The only drawback is that there are only eight shades available — from light blonde to natural black — and it would be more inclusive to have lighter shades available as well as gray and red tones. The price is consistent with other brow pencils, and considering the quality of this option (near-perfect score in testing!), it’s an ideal eyebrow pencil to add to your makeup routine.Shades:8 |Pigment:Rich |Finish:Matte |Uses:Shaping, filling |Best For:Thick or thin brows, structured brows |Refillable:YesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best OverallCharlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow PencilPHOTO: Sephora$45 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Sephora

Best OverallCharlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil

Best Overall

Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil

PHOTO: Sephora

$45 at Amazon$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Sephora

Star QualitiesRich pigment means filling in brows is a breezeDouble-sided tip and spoolie for precise applicationComfortable to hold and maneuverRed FlagsShade range could be better

Star QualitiesRich pigment means filling in brows is a breezeDouble-sided tip and spoolie for precise applicationComfortable to hold and maneuver

Rich pigment means filling in brows is a breeze

Double-sided tip and spoolie for precise application

Comfortable to hold and maneuver

Red FlagsShade range could be better

Shade range could be better

The body of this pencil was comfortable to grip and maneuvered easily along the brow bone, and the angled tip createdprecision with each stroke. The pencil also felt quite sturdy — it didn’t drag at all or seem like it would break with extended use. You only have to apply each stroke once fora natural look, filling in gaps between hairs. But you can also layer it to create a fully structured brow.

This pencil has amatte finish, so it doesn’t distract from the rest of your makeup. And we love that it comes with a spoolie on the end to brush brows into place before applying the tint.

The only drawback is that there are only eight shades available — from light blonde to natural black — and it would be more inclusive to have lighter shades available as well as gray and red tones. The price is consistent with other brow pencils, and considering the quality of this option (near-perfect score in testing!), it’s an ideal eyebrow pencil to add to your makeup routine.

Shades:8 |Pigment:Rich |Finish:Matte |Uses:Shaping, filling |Best For:Thick or thin brows, structured brows |Refillable:Yes

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best Overall, Runner-UpAnastasia Beverly Hills Brow DefinerPHOTO: Amazon$26 at Amazon$13 at Nordstrom$13 at Nordstrom

Best Overall, Runner-UpAnastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

PHOTO: Amazon

$26 at Amazon$13 at Nordstrom$13 at Nordstrom

Star QualitiesRich and creamy formula stays putAngled, self-sharpening applicator12 different shades for a custom lookRed FlagsDoesn’t include a soft black option

Star QualitiesRich and creamy formula stays putAngled, self-sharpening applicator12 different shades for a custom look

Rich and creamy formula stays put

Angled, self-sharpening applicator

12 different shades for a custom look

Red FlagsDoesn’t include a soft black option

Doesn’t include a soft black option

We loved the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer Triangular Brow Pencil for itshighly pigmented and creamy formula. It comes in 12 different shades, including a couple of options for red hair as well as a taupe hue for gray hair. It’s designed specifically for outlining and filling in thin, sparse eyebrows, but its included spoolie brush makes it possible to build and blend color for any eyebrow type.

The shade range is the most impressive on our list. However, our testers found that this line didn’tquitehit the mark when it comes to a soft black formula, as there isn’t anything in between the Ebony and Granite tones.

Shades:12 |Pigment:Rich |Finish:Matte |Uses:Outlining, filling |Best For:Thin brows |Refillable:No

Best Budgete.l.f. Brow PencilPHOTO: Ulta$3 at Amazon$3 at Target$3 at WalmartStar QualitiesCreamy texture makes it easier to fill in gapsRich but natural-looking pigmentMarker-like tip works wellRed FlagsOnly five shades to choose fromDesigned witha marker-like tip, this eyebrow pencil is perfect for filling in your brows. The heavier texture of this pencil applied asmooth, pigmented colorin between each hair, which is especiallygreat for those with thick brow hairs. The saturated pigment of this pencil makes it a great tool for the ombré-style brow.We had no trouble gripping the pencil and maneuvering it across our brows and appreciated that it left no gaps. Though the small shade range (just five colors) makes it difficult to get a perfect shade match, it’s not a deal-breaker. It earned a high score on all of our tests, and we think this is a solid eyebrow pencil for someone on a budget.Shades:5 |Pigment:Medium |Finish:Natural |Uses:Filling in gaps, creating definition |Best For:Thick brows, ombré brows |Refillable:YesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best Budgete.l.f. Brow PencilPHOTO: Ulta$3 at Amazon$3 at Target$3 at Walmart

Best Budgete.l.f. Brow Pencil

Best Budget

e.l.f. Brow Pencil

PHOTO: Ulta

$3 at Amazon$3 at Target$3 at Walmart

Star QualitiesCreamy texture makes it easier to fill in gapsRich but natural-looking pigmentMarker-like tip works wellRed FlagsOnly five shades to choose from

Star QualitiesCreamy texture makes it easier to fill in gapsRich but natural-looking pigmentMarker-like tip works well

Creamy texture makes it easier to fill in gaps

Rich but natural-looking pigment

Marker-like tip works well

Red FlagsOnly five shades to choose from

Only five shades to choose from

Designed witha marker-like tip, this eyebrow pencil is perfect for filling in your brows. The heavier texture of this pencil applied asmooth, pigmented colorin between each hair, which is especiallygreat for those with thick brow hairs. The saturated pigment of this pencil makes it a great tool for the ombré-style brow.

We had no trouble gripping the pencil and maneuvering it across our brows and appreciated that it left no gaps. Though the small shade range (just five colors) makes it difficult to get a perfect shade match, it’s not a deal-breaker. It earned a high score on all of our tests, and we think this is a solid eyebrow pencil for someone on a budget.

Shades:5 |Pigment:Medium |Finish:Natural |Uses:Filling in gaps, creating definition |Best For:Thick brows, ombré brows |Refillable:Yes

Best for Thin BrowsToo Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow PencilPHOTO: Sephora$25 at Nordstrom$22 at WalmartView on Toofaced.comStar QualitiesAngled tip for controlEasy to blend the medium pigment into natural hairSpoolie brush helps separate and style brow hairsRed FlagsNot a lot of light options for blonde browsWe loved the “buttery feel” of the Too Faced eyebrow pencil. It’s smooth and silky on my skin, easy to use, and does not break at all during application. Themedium pigment makes this pencil light enough to look natural, but it’s buildable and creates a darker tone when layered.The design of this pencil made iteasy to apply, especially with the twist applicator. It also has a spoolie on the end to help brush hairs into place before applying the color. Though this product has eight different shades, we feel there could be more options for lighter eyebrows. We also noticed some smudging after brushing our fingers along the brow bone.Shades:8 |Pigment:Medium |Finish:Matte |Uses:Shaping, filling in with small strokes |Best For:Thin brows, feathered brows |Refillable:YesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for Thin BrowsToo Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow PencilPHOTO: Sephora$25 at Nordstrom$22 at WalmartView on Toofaced.com

Best for Thin BrowsToo Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil

Best for Thin Brows

Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil

$25 at Nordstrom$22 at WalmartView on Toofaced.com

Star QualitiesAngled tip for controlEasy to blend the medium pigment into natural hairSpoolie brush helps separate and style brow hairsRed FlagsNot a lot of light options for blonde brows

Star QualitiesAngled tip for controlEasy to blend the medium pigment into natural hairSpoolie brush helps separate and style brow hairs

Angled tip for control

Easy to blend the medium pigment into natural hair

Spoolie brush helps separate and style brow hairs

Red FlagsNot a lot of light options for blonde brows

Not a lot of light options for blonde brows

We loved the “buttery feel” of the Too Faced eyebrow pencil. It’s smooth and silky on my skin, easy to use, and does not break at all during application. Themedium pigment makes this pencil light enough to look natural, but it’s buildable and creates a darker tone when layered.

The design of this pencil made iteasy to apply, especially with the twist applicator. It also has a spoolie on the end to help brush hairs into place before applying the color. Though this product has eight different shades, we feel there could be more options for lighter eyebrows. We also noticed some smudging after brushing our fingers along the brow bone.

Shades:8 |Pigment:Medium |Finish:Matte |Uses:Shaping, filling in with small strokes |Best For:Thin brows, feathered brows |Refillable:Yes

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for Thick BrowsNYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow PomadePHOTO: Amazon$13$10 at Amazon$13 at Target$13 at WalmartStar QualitiesHighly pigmented and applies thickAllows for thick and thin strokesAvailable in a clear wax colorRed FlagsCreamier texture not ideal for shapingThose with thicker brows willlovethe NYX Professional Makeup Fill and Fluff Eyebrow Pencil Promade. As its name suggests, this formula is like a waxy styling formula for your brows, with a touch of rich, creamy pigment to finish things off.The budget-friendly formula ishighly pigmented, goes on thick, and makes filling in brows a breeze. The applicator has thick and thin sides, so you can customize your brow look a little easier, too. Since the formula is rich and creamy, we found that it’s not ideal for shaping the brow but rather just for color. And, although the eyebrow pencil comes in a clear wax color for styling without added tint, it’s not available in red or gray tones.Shades:9 |Pigment:Rich |Finish:Creamy |Uses:Lining, shading, filling |Best For:Filling in thin eyebrows |Refillable:NoPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for Thick BrowsNYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow PomadePHOTO: Amazon$13$10 at Amazon$13 at Target$13 at Walmart

Best for Thick BrowsNYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade

Best for Thick Brows

NYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade

$13$10 at Amazon$13 at Target$13 at Walmart

Star QualitiesHighly pigmented and applies thickAllows for thick and thin strokesAvailable in a clear wax colorRed FlagsCreamier texture not ideal for shaping

Star QualitiesHighly pigmented and applies thickAllows for thick and thin strokesAvailable in a clear wax color

Highly pigmented and applies thick

Allows for thick and thin strokes

Available in a clear wax color

Red FlagsCreamier texture not ideal for shaping

Creamier texture not ideal for shaping

Those with thicker brows willlovethe NYX Professional Makeup Fill and Fluff Eyebrow Pencil Promade. As its name suggests, this formula is like a waxy styling formula for your brows, with a touch of rich, creamy pigment to finish things off.

The budget-friendly formula ishighly pigmented, goes on thick, and makes filling in brows a breeze. The applicator has thick and thin sides, so you can customize your brow look a little easier, too. Since the formula is rich and creamy, we found that it’s not ideal for shaping the brow but rather just for color. And, although the eyebrow pencil comes in a clear wax color for styling without added tint, it’s not available in red or gray tones.

Shades:9 |Pigment:Rich |Finish:Creamy |Uses:Lining, shading, filling |Best For:Filling in thin eyebrows |Refillable:No

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best for a Natural LookKylie Cosmetics Kybrow PencilPHOTO: Ulta$21 at Amazon$17 at UltaView on Kyliecosmetics.com

Best for a Natural LookKylie Cosmetics Kybrow Pencil

Best for a Natural Look

Kylie Cosmetics Kybrow Pencil

$21 at Amazon$17 at UltaView on Kyliecosmetics.com

Star QualitiesAngled tip for precise applicationLightweight pigment for natural, buildable colorEasy to grip pencilRed FlagsShade range doesn’t have much variety

Star QualitiesAngled tip for precise applicationLightweight pigment for natural, buildable colorEasy to grip pencil

Angled tip for precise application

Lightweight pigment for natural, buildable color

Easy to grip pencil

Red FlagsShade range doesn’t have much variety

Shade range doesn’t have much variety

Operating like a standard pencil, this product was easy to grip and swipe across my brow, getting under the arch and along the tail. The texture was smooth, not overly creamy or grainy, and the pencil seemed sturdy.

Though there are only six shades, the low price and high quality make this eyebrow pencil a great value. Brush on a hint of this tint, and your brows will achieve the no-makeup makeup look with an effortlessly natural appearance.

Shades:6 |Pigment:Light |Finish:Natural |Uses:Filling in gaps with natural strokes |Best For:Thick or thin brows, feathered brows |Refillable:Yes

Best SplurgeGucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow PencilPHOTO: Sephora$33 at Nordstrom$33 at Sephora$27 at Selfridges.comStar QualitiesComes with a spoolie and a sharpenerUltra-rich pigment with a creamy finishFeels lightweight on the skinRed FlagsAchieving natural hair strokes is a bit challengingThis Gucci powder eyebrow pencil creates an enviable brow, perfect for afull-glam look. Its creamy texture glides across the brow andfeels lightweight on the skin. The pigment is dark, perfect for outlining and filling in gaps. We felt that the traditional pencil end was too wide to create natural-looking hair strokes, but the included sharpener can help create a finer point.This pencil tint locked in place, and even when we rubbed our brows repeatedly, there wasabsolutely no smudging. This is a premium pencil that can give you dramatic eyebrows for a price that’s nottoomuch higher than others on our list.Shades:6 |Pigment:Rich |Finish:Creamy |Uses:Shaping, filling in gaps |Best For:Thick brows, structured brows |Refillable:NoPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Tamara Staples

Best SplurgeGucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow PencilPHOTO: Sephora$33 at Nordstrom$33 at Sephora$27 at Selfridges.com

Best SplurgeGucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil

Best Splurge

Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil

$33 at Nordstrom$33 at Sephora$27 at Selfridges.com

Star QualitiesComes with a spoolie and a sharpenerUltra-rich pigment with a creamy finishFeels lightweight on the skinRed FlagsAchieving natural hair strokes is a bit challenging

Star QualitiesComes with a spoolie and a sharpenerUltra-rich pigment with a creamy finishFeels lightweight on the skin

Comes with a spoolie and a sharpener

Ultra-rich pigment with a creamy finish

Feels lightweight on the skin

Red FlagsAchieving natural hair strokes is a bit challenging

Achieving natural hair strokes is a bit challenging

This Gucci powder eyebrow pencil creates an enviable brow, perfect for afull-glam look. Its creamy texture glides across the brow andfeels lightweight on the skin. The pigment is dark, perfect for outlining and filling in gaps. We felt that the traditional pencil end was too wide to create natural-looking hair strokes, but the included sharpener can help create a finer point.

This pencil tint locked in place, and even when we rubbed our brows repeatedly, there wasabsolutely no smudging. This is a premium pencil that can give you dramatic eyebrows for a price that’s nottoomuch higher than others on our list.

Shades:6 |Pigment:Rich |Finish:Creamy |Uses:Shaping, filling in gaps |Best For:Thick brows, structured brows |Refillable:No

While you’re looking for eyebrow pencils, think about adding some of these other PEOPLE-Tested favorites to help you put your best face forward. They all underwent rigorous testing and impressed our editors and independent testers with their performance.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush$55 at NordstromView on Charlottetilbury.com$55 at Saks Fifth AvenueCeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser$18$15 at Amazon$13 at Target$14$13 at WalmartDior Backstage Face & Body Foundation$43 at SephoraView on Dior.comView on Harrods.comMary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover$24$21 at AmazonView on Marykay.com

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush$55 at NordstromView on Charlottetilbury.com$55 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush

$55 at NordstromView on Charlottetilbury.com$55 at Saks Fifth Avenue

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser$18$15 at Amazon$13 at Target$14$13 at Walmart

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$18$15 at Amazon$13 at Target$14$13 at Walmart

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation$43 at SephoraView on Dior.comView on Harrods.com

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

$43 at SephoraView on Dior.comView on Harrods.com

Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover$24$21 at AmazonView on Marykay.com

Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

$24$21 at AmazonView on Marykay.com

What to Know About Eyebrow Pencils

Materials

The first thing to consider is what’s in an eyebrow pencil. “All pencils have wax in them, and waxes are really what make the brow pencil form into a stick,” says Healy. “You want to look for high-quality waxes," such as carnauba wax. He says it’s an emulsifying agent, emollient thickener, and hypoallergenic, which basically means it’s high-quality and performs well. Another thing to watch for is claims of being “waterproof.” Healy explains that “water-resistant” is sufficient because “waterproof” can mean materials that make the color hard to remove, causing damage to your brow hairs.

Color Matching

When selecting a tint for your eyebrows, the general rule is to go either slightly lighter than your natural hair color or match the exact shade. Most makeup brands have between five and 10 shades to choose from (like classic blondes, browns, and blacks), so you may need to try more than one shade — or even layer two — to get an exact match. TheAnastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definercomes in 12 shades, so it’s easy to match your natural brow color.

Brow Type

Though a good eyebrow pencil can change the shape and fullness of your brows, you should still keep your brow type in mind when selecting the right pencil. Some are designed with thin angled tips to add volume with hairlike strokes in sparse brows, and others have a thicker tip to fill in gaps and create more of a shaded-in brow.

Applicator

Some applicators come with a spoolie on the end to brush and shape the hair before applying color to your brows. “Don’t ignore the spoolie side because it does help you control the color,” says Healy. “Sometimes I think of the two sides as ‘addition’ and ‘subtraction.’ Addition with the pencil lead and subtraction with the spoolie, which helps you soften and blend.”

One of our top picks, theGucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil, comes with a spoolie and a sharpener. Others have either traditional pencil tips (which need sharpening) or cream-based refillable tips. The refillable tips are usually narrow and better for shaping and creating precise lines, and the thicker pencil tips are better suited for filling in gaps and creating dimension. Our best overall pick, theCharlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil, includes a refillable tip.

Uses

You can do a lot with your brows if you just set your mind and your pencil to it. Whether you want your brows tight and arched or loose and feathery, the right pencil can help you achieve your desired look. Pro tip? “Less is more,” says Healy, adding that you only need a little color; blending out the pencil will help it last longer.

During a day of glam in our Manhattan lab, 10 beauty testers tried 38 of the best eyebrow pencils on the market. We tried themall, testing for texture and feel, pigment, shade range, and ease of application.

Frequently Asked QuestionsEyebrow pencils can last up to one year. If you tend to use your pencil every day, it will surely need to be replaced before then.First, afterapplying foundation, blush, highlighter, and bronzer, use an oil-absorbing face powder to prime the eyebrow area. Useyour favorite eyebrow gelor sealer as the final step.While eyebrow pencils can cause acne, they are not as likely as gels and pomades to block hair follicles and cause irritation. The best way to prevent acne from makeup products is toremove makeupanddeep clean your faceevery night.Allowing your brows time to grow, generally eating a nutritious diet, and paying a bit of extra attention to the area can help promote eyebrow hair growth. Massaging your eyebrow area daily can improve circulation, which helps with healthy growth; try adding a small amount of olive oil. There are alsoeyebrow serumsspecifically formulated to help with growth. Avoid overplucking eyebrows with tweezers. Eating a diet rich in biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins will help provide the nutrients and minerals your body needs to grow healthy hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eyebrow pencils can last up to one year. If you tend to use your pencil every day, it will surely need to be replaced before then.

First, afterapplying foundation, blush, highlighter, and bronzer, use an oil-absorbing face powder to prime the eyebrow area. Useyour favorite eyebrow gelor sealer as the final step.

While eyebrow pencils can cause acne, they are not as likely as gels and pomades to block hair follicles and cause irritation. The best way to prevent acne from makeup products is toremove makeupanddeep clean your faceevery night.

Allowing your brows time to grow, generally eating a nutritious diet, and paying a bit of extra attention to the area can help promote eyebrow hair growth. Massaging your eyebrow area daily can improve circulation, which helps with healthy growth; try adding a small amount of olive oil. There are alsoeyebrow serumsspecifically formulated to help with growth. Avoid overplucking eyebrows with tweezers. Eating a diet rich in biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins will help provide the nutrients and minerals your body needs to grow healthy hair.

Madison Yaugeris a PEOPLE editor covering beauty, home, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Health, and more. To choose the top eyebrow pencils, she compared texture, feel, pigment, shade range, ease of application, and our testers' insights (she was one!). We also consulted influential eyebrow specialist Joey Healy on the best way to use a brow pencil.Jessie Quinnlater updated this article with two more eyebrow pencil picks and additional insights.

Meet Our ExpertJoey Healyis a celebrity eyebrow specialist and founder of Joey Healy Eyebrow Collection and Joey Healy Eyebrow Studio.

Meet Our Expert

Joey Healyis a celebrity eyebrow specialist and founder of Joey Healy Eyebrow Collection and Joey Healy Eyebrow Studio.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com