Just because you might already have one of the best brow pencils in your makeup bag doesn’t mean a brow pen won’t work better for certain brows, or that they can’t be used together for the perfect look. Each has its strengths, and sometimes, a brow pen is the key to achieving a more precise, natural finish. The difference between the two is subtle, but it’s important to remember that brows can completely transform your facial symmetry. Celebrity makeup artist James Kaliardos puts it best: “Brows can look wack and out of proportion, or they can add power, strength, and a chic, groomed look to your face.”
Like classroom pens and pencils, some people simply prefer one over the other (I’m a Muji 0.5 Gel Pen loyalist) and find brow pens easier to maneuver, especially since many have ultra-fine tips, perfect for filling in sparse areas or creating realistic strokes. “The pen is about precision. It’s the tool to create fine hair-like lines, give the illusion of hair, or finish the tail super precisely. But the pen requires patience and takes a little more time to apply,” says Kaliardos.
Our Top Picks:
Below, we’ve rounded up 8 of our favorite brow pens, including multi-use, waterproof, and drugstore options, with input from celebrity makeup artists. We also asked them what to look for in a brow pen and how to best wield it for natural-looking brows. Read on to discover more.
In This Story:
Best Overall: Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen
- Why We Love It: For those looking for something multipurpose, this 2-in-1 pen and pencil combo gives you both options in one—no decision paralysis here. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibell explains, “The pencil side is perfect for filling in and thickening the brows, while the pen side is great for adding detail, like defining the outer edges and base.” Celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta is also a fan, adding, “The formula is smooth, doesn’t skip, and gives you a flawless, layered finish.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, soybean oil, synthetic Japan wax
- Shades: 9
Best Waterproof: Benefit Cosmetics Mighty Fine Waterproof Brow Pen
- Why We Love It: When you want your brows to last all day—through sweat, humidity, a rainy day, or a hot New York summer—this is the pen every MUA recommends. Celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz says, “I use this on my celeb clients for red carpet or press days because the waterproof formula doesn’t budge.” It features a three-pronged tip that makes drawing on brows a breeze. She adds, “The tip is super precise, which makes it easy to define and extend the brow, especially at the tail.” If you’re feeling wary, Kaliardos suggests using a light hand and drawing your brows on paper first to get a feel for the shape you want before applying it to your brows.
- Key Ingredients: Butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ammonium styrene/acrylates copolymer
- Shades: 8
Best Multi-Use: Maybelline Build-A-Brow 2-in-1 Brow Pen
- Why We Love It: A self-proclaimed “favorite” of Mehta, this product combines both a brow pen and clear gel, allowing you to fill and set your brows with just one tool. Although there are only six shades, Mehta notes that the range is still great since “the undertones run cooler than a lot of other brow pens.” She adds, “The formula is lightweight and buildable, making it ideal for quick and easy brows!” Kaliardos suggests, “Draw on the hairs first, then brush up the brow hairs, sealing them in shape with the gel.”
- Key Ingredients: Butylene glycol, VP/VA copolymer
- Shades: 6
Best Splurge: Valentino Beauty Brow Trio Eyebrow Liner
- Why We Love It: Why settle for a two-in-one when you can opt for a three-in-one? Though it’s a bit of a splurge, Mehta says it’s “definitely worth it” as the powder allows you to shade in sparse areas before drawing on hairs, making it ideal for those with thin brows or gaps. She adds, “The ink formula glides on smoothly, and the built-in spoolie ensures everything blends seamlessly. It’s super versatile, great for creating either natural or bold brows.” If you’re unsure how to use it, Kaliardos suggests: “Draw the shape, perfect the hair detail and tail with the ink pen, then seal it all up with the comb.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, soybean oil, synthetic Japan wax
- Shades: 3
Best for Detailing: Glossier Brow Flick Microfine Detailing Eyebrow Pen
- Why We Love It: As is to be expected from most of Glossier’s products, Loiz says, “It gives the most natural, barely-there look, perfect for makeup minimalists,” adding, “This one’s my favorite.” Mehta agrees, saying, “The sheer formula is perfect for creating soft, natural-looking brows and filling in sparse areas without going overboard.” The fine tip allows you to easily draw delicate strokes, making it virtually foolproof for both beginners and pros.
- Key Ingredients: Copolymers, superfine pigments
- Shades: 3
Best Buildable: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen
- Why We Love It: With summer on the horizon, we’re bracing for humid days and, hopefully, some time spent by the pool or ocean. This waterproof pen is perfect for those days, staying in place no matter what, especially when paired with the brand’s clear brow gel. Loiz recommends it, saying, “This one’s for the girls who love a defined brow.” She explains that the ultra-fine tip makes it easy to create realistic, hair-like strokes. “It’s buildable and gives a finish that reminds me of a micro-bladed brow.” And if that wasn’t enough, it can also be used on the face to create faux freckles.
- Key Ingredients: Butylene glycol, ethylhexyl acrylate crosspolymer, pentylene glycol
- Shades: 9
Best for All Day Wear: L’Oreal Paris Micro Ink Pen
- Why We Love It: While we hope you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, if the need arises, Kaliardos says this pen is “super long-wearing with up to 48 hours of wear time.” At under $15, it’s a great option if you’re looking to try out brow pens, and it doesn’t skimp on benefits: Waterproof, no color fade, smudge-resistant, and transfer-proof. What sets it apart is its comb-like applicator, which, as Kaliardos explains, allows you to “actually get multiple hair-like strokes in one glide,” and still achieve a defined and natural-looking brow.
- Key Ingredients: Crylate copolymer, propylene glycol
- Shades: 4
Best Drugstore: NYX Eyebrow Tint Pen
- Why We Love It: An affordable option that still delivers on pigment and precision, Mehta notes that the tip makes it easy to create defined, hair-like strokes, and the formula has excellent staying power. Even better, the pens comes in 10 shades, including some with warm tones, which she says makes for “a great choice for those with warm-toned hair or redheads looking for a natural match.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, PVP, triisopropanolamine
- Shades: 10
Everything You Need to Know
What’s the difference between an eyebrow pen and eyebrow pencil?
Loiz explains that eyebrow pens typically feature a fine, brush-like tip for hair-like strokes and precise, natural definition. Pencils, on the other hand, have a waxy tip, making them better for shading and shaping, though they tend to be less precise, unless using a micro pencil, which mimics hair strokes. Mehta says that the key difference lies in the formula: eyebrow pens have a liquid, watercolor-like consistency dispensed through a flexible tip, whereas pencils have a wax or cream-based formula with a stiff, pencil-like tip.
Depending on the finish you’re after, Scibell says both options are great. He adds, “A brow pen has a thinner, more pointed applicator, making it perfect for detail and long-wear. However, it can sometimes look flat, depending on how much natural brow hair you have to blend with the product.” Brow pencils, on the other hand, are excellent for achieving a fluffy, filled-in brow look and can be buildable and soft. Many brow pencils also come with a blending spoolie on the other end for extra blending and brushing.
What to Look for in an Eyebrow Pen
Mehta explains that there are a few key factors to consider when choosing an eyebrow pen like your shade’s undertone, the formula’s opacity, longevity, and the pen tip itself. Many brow pens tend to run warm (leaning red), so she suggests selecting a shade that complements your hair color for the most natural look. “I always go a shade or two lighter than my natural brows to avoid a harsh or overdrawn appearance. For opacity, I prefer a slightly sheer formula; letting your skin peek through helps mimic a natural brow and avoids looking like you used a Sharpie.”
Longevity is another deciding factor. Mehta recommends opting for waterproof or smudge-proof formulas, especially considering climate, humidity, and sweat to ensure your brows stay flawless all day.
Finally, there are various pen tips to choose from, such as felt tips, brush tips, or even ones with multiple prongs. Loiz suggests going for a pen with an ultra-fine, flexible tip, a quick-dry, smudge-resistant formula, and shades that match your natural brow color for ease and precision. Scibell adds that if you need minimal filling and prefer a pointed applicator to target specific areas, a traditional felt-tip point is ideal. For those looking to create a bolder brow or needing extra fullness, some pens feature a comb-like applicator, allowing multiple strokes in one pass for a fuller finish with fewer layers.
How to Apply a Brow Pen for Natural-Looking Brows
Mehta advises starting with clean, dry brows, free of oils and skincare. If needed, use a Q-tip or cotton pad with a bit of alcohol to clean the area. Then, brush your brows upward with a spoolie to reveal any sparse spots. Hold the pen downward and lightly draw individual strokes in the sparse areas, following the natural direction of your hair growth. Afterward, use a clean spoolie to soften harsh lines and blend everything together. Finish by setting your brows with a clear brow gel to lock everything in place.
For a more defined shape, Scibell recommends using a felt-tip pen and starting at the gaps, usually from the mid-arch to the tail of the brow. “This allows you to build your shape without overfilling,” he says. Apply the pen in quick, hair-like strokes in the direction of your natural hair growth, typically at a slight diagonal upwards.
- Renée Loiz is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Uzo Aduba, Sherry Cola, and Leah Sava’ Jeffries.
- Amrita Mehta is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist who’s worked with Aoki Lee Simmons and Sophia Culpo.
- Neil Scibelli is a New York-based makeup artist who works with celebrities and talent for TV interviews, press appointments, and more.
- James Kaliardos is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Miley Cyrus and Kerry Washington.
