Deciding to remove the hair on your face—or anywhere else on your body—is a personal preference. But, if you do choose to opt into the world of facial hair removal, the humble tweezer reigns supreme. Whether you’ve been using the same tweezers since high school or are looking for your first set, finding the best tweezers for hair removal can feel daunting—not because there are so many different options, but because the differences between them are marginal.
"I buy tweezers wherever I go," says Pilar DeMann, the owner of at least ten pairs of tweezers (we've seen photo evidence). "But like a favorite burner on the cooktop or knife in the butcher block, I do have favorites."
And so do we! Ahead, Marie Claire chats with a several brow and eyelash artists who utilize the best tweezers in the market regularly. Great brows are in your future, so grab your new favorite tweezers and your best eyebrow pencil and get to work.
The Best Tweezers
- The Best Tweezers Overall: Tweezerman Ultra Precision Slant Tweezer
- The Best Tweezers for Short Brow Hairs: Anastasia Beverly Hills Tweezers
- The Best Affordable Tweezers: Equate Beauty Duo Pack Tweezers
- The Best Eyelash Extension Tweezers: M LASH Diamond Grip Eyelash Extensions Tweezers
- The Best Tweezers for Ingrown Hairs: Rubis Needlenose Tweezers
Stevi Christine, a celebrity brow artist and owner of Naturally By has had her very favorite tweezers—Tweezerman's hand-filed gold Ultra Precision Slant Tweezer—for years at this point. "I love these tweezers for a few reasons," she says. "They are easy to use as a consumer or a professional eyebrow artist. They don't pinch the skin, and they grab each individual hair from the root, which ensures for a proper tweezing, leaving no unwanted hair behind." The artist also uses her pair to apply falsies, whether she's tackling individual lashes or a full strip.
Tip: Slanted
Material: Stainless steel, Titanium
Warranty: Tweezerman has a free sharpening program
Pros: Precise; Easy to use; Doesn't pinch the skin; Can be used for lashes; Expert-approved
Cons: More expensive than other options
These stainless steel tweezers from iconic brow brand Anastasia Beverly Hills never need to be sharpened and have a custom-shaped head for ultimate precision, which is key when removing pesky out-of-place hairs. Legions of glowing reviews say that these are also great for coarse brow hairs and for nabbing tiny brow hairs as they pop up. "These are the best tweezers I have ever used," noted one fan. "They have a good edge and take a long time to get dull."
Tip: Slanted
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: None
Pros: Never need to be sharpened; Good for short brow hairs
Cons: More expensive than other options
Yes, you read that price correctly—and that's the cost of two pairs of tweezers. "My favorite pair of Tweezers are the duo pack from Walmart by Equate. They are durable and get even the tiniest hairs out of the way!" says makeup artist Taylar B. When it comes to selecting a pair of tweezers, the artist notes that expensive does not necessarily mean better. "I find that the wider tweezers look sturdier, but they hurt like heck when plucking eyebrows. They are also sharper and leave marks on skin if you're not careful," she says.
Tip: Slanted and square
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: None
Pros: Affordable; Includes two different tweezers; Textured grip for added control; Expert-approved
Cons: Some reviewers find them a bit small
Choosing tweezers for your lash extensions is a little more complicated than picking something for a simple pluck. "My favorite tweezers for doing lash extensions truly depend on the technique and style of lash we are creating," says celebrity brow and lash artist Melina Cespedes, founder of Lash Society Miami. "For classic lashes, I use old-school tweezers with a slant tip. But when I do volume lashes, I switch between L-shaped tweezers and a C-shaped tweezer. My isolating tweezer (left hand) stays the same—slim, straight, and lightweight!"
With that being said, this highly-rated set has all of the above—but there is one more thing to remember. "It's the skill of the lash artist that matters more than the type of tweezer used," says Cespedes.
Tip: Variety
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: None
Pros: Contains multiple types of tweezers; Highly rated; Multiple color options
Cons: More expensive than other options
"Pointed tweezers are best for ingrown hairs," says Christine, who also notes that you might want to seek professional help for your ingrown woes—these babies can be sharp. If you do choose to DIY, she suggests warming the brow area with a warm towel to open the follicles, which would make the epilation easier and could prevent injuring the brow area.
Tip: Pointed
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: Manufacturing warranty returns accepted three days after receipt
Pros: Extremely sharp
Cons: More expensive than other options; Best used by a professional
Additional Tweezers We Recommend
Over 42,000 five-star reviews can't lie. This tweezer from Tweezer Guru is the best-selling option on Amazon for a few really good reasons. Some users claim that it's great for plucking pesky chin hair, while others swear by it for removing stray eyebrow hairs because the head of the tool is so petite and sharp. One glowing review even claimed that they were the "best tweezers on a budget I’ve found."
Tip: Slanted
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: None
Pros: Top-rated on Amazon; Good for chin hair; Good for smaller hairs on the face
Cons: Some reviewers say this tweezer doesn't grip the hairs as well as it could
Celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips says that this rose-gold pick from Tweezerman “is such a superior quality tweezer that allows me to tweeze any unwanted hairs and apply false lashes with precision and control. I also just love the color and how sharp and reliable they are.” Available in a multitude of colors (and even limited-edition options), they're also designed to be a bit more precise and sharp than other choices on the market.
Tip: Slanted
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: Tweezerman has a free sharpening program
Pros: Expert-approved; Designed to rest against the brow bone as you work
Cons: More expensive than other options
This cute set of three micro-sized tweezers from Tweezerman is great to keep in your travel bag—plus they come in a coordinating faux-leather pouch. The set contains the Mini Slant Tweezers, Mini Point Tweezers, and the Mini Flat Tweezers, so that you can tackle all of your hair removal needs on the go. The Mini Slant Tweezers, in particular, are designed with a specialized 25-degree angled tip for extra precision, allowing you to nab short and long hairs alike.
Tip: Slanted, pointed, and flat
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: Tweezerman has a free sharpening program
Pros: Good for traveling; Comes in a travel pouch; Good for short hairs
Cons: Some reviewers say that they're too small
The mini version of our best classic tweezers pick is a best-seller for a reason: it has calibrated tension to make grabbing the finest of hairs in a second oh so easy. This top-reviewed tweezer has been hailed as "always good," and "definitely the best tweezers out there," so you know your brows are in good hands. "These are the only tweezers I'll use for at-home eyebrow maintenance," says Marie Claire Beauty Editor Samantha Holender. "They're perfect for grabbing baby rogue hairs."
Tip: Slanted
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: Tweezerman has a free sharpening program
Pros: Editor-approved; Top-rated; Stays sharp for a while
Cons: Some reviewers say the grip area is too small
These are the tweezers that Marie Claire E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla swears by to manage her brows. They have a big ergonomic grip, they stay sharp, it’s medical-grade stainless steel, and it’re good for the pro and the novice alike. If you look very closely at the inside of the tweezers, you can see a little bit of texture, so when they close, they really grip and the hair doesn’t break or slip.
Tip: Slanted
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: None
Pros: Editor-approved; Expert-approved; Has an ergonomic grip
Cons: More expensive than other options
Joey Healy, brow expert and founder of Joey Healey Brow Studio, recommends this tweezer from Rubis because "it’s high-quality with an interesting kind of wedge shape that some people really succeed with." With the benefits of both a point and a slanted tip, you can get hard-to-reach hairs—but once again, be careful not to cut your skin.
Tip: Wedge
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: Manufacturing warranty returns accepted three days after receipt
Pros: Dual-purpose tip; Expert-approved
Cons: More expensive than other options
If you like to play with face gems or nail stickers or anything of the sort, these are the tweezers for you. Half Magic was founded by Euphoria makeup artist Donni Davy, who is an absolute expert at intricate makeup designs. This pair was "specifically designed to grip face gems, face pearls, and face studs for easy and safe application around the eyes."
Tip: Curved
Material: Unknown
Warranty: None
Pros: Features curved tips for easy, poke-free application; Designed for eye safety
Cons: Probably won't pluck your eyebrow hair
Having been to quite a few Targets in my day, I can picture the Revlon tweezers sitting in their little plastic box on the shelf perfectly. There's a reason they've been around so long—"they are thicker with a slanted tip and not too sharp," says eyebrow expert Pilar DeMann. "Lately, I have been loving my Revlon tweezers for coarser or longer hair that I am trying to remove," she says.
Tip: Slanted
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: None
Pros: Affordable; Not too sharp; Nice color variety
Cons: Some customers say the grip lessens over time
DeMann is also a fan of Trim's slant tweezers, which she once picked up at a gas station—you can find them everywhere. Extremely affordable (they cost less than a dollar), this is the pair of tweezers that's been in your parents bathroom forever and always does the trick if you spot a rogue hair. One thing we don't love, however? They're made with aluminum, not stainless steel.
Tip: Slanted
Material: Aluminum
Warranty: None
Pros: Affordable; Long-lasting; Easy to clean; Textured grips for greater control
Cons: Made with aluminum instead of stainless steel
If you're looking for tweezers that will do more than just pluck your eyebrows, Benefit Cosmetics has you covered. This slanted pair features a brow brush on the other side to help style your brows—or brush them all in one direction while plucking to see where you need to focus.
Tip: Slanted
Material: Unknown
Warranty: None
Pros: Contains a brow brush; Diamond dust coating for easy grip
Cons: Material is unknown
"Rounded tweezers are multipurpose and can also catch the most stubborn hairs," explains Taylar. This ring shape in particular lets you see the hair you're grabbing while also stopping you from poking yourself.
Tip: Rounded
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: None
Pros: Rounded tip makes it easy to catch stubborn hairs; Won't poke you
Cons: More expensive than other options
As you can tell, Rubis is another brand that has the tweezer game down to a science. This "crab-tipped" pair was designed to help you get your hands on hard-to-grab hairs (especially short ones). And not only do they grab—they hold.
Tip: Angled
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: Manufacturing warranty returns accepted 3 days after receipt
Pros: Great for hard-to-reach and short hairs
Cons: More expensive than other options
Once upon a time, in January 2018 to be specific, F.A.R.A.H.'s Z-Tweeze Dual Ended Tweezers were featured in Ipsy glam bags and the world was never the same again. With one pointed end and one flat end, you have everything you need for coarse hairs, hard to grab hairs, and everything in between. Just be careful not to pinch your fingers with the other end when you begin using them.
Tip: Flat and pointed
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: None
Pros: Dual-sided; Innovative design; Precision Tips
Cons: There's a learning curve when it comes to holding them
What to Look For in Tweezers
- Metal
Phillips says that stainless steel tweezers are best. They're non-allergenic and don't irritate the skin. “[They're] also super durable and easy to maintain hygiene with," she adds.
- Grip
The material that a pair of tweezers is made from is important, but so too is a slightly unexpected detail: the grip. "The grasp and tension of a tweezer is a very important feature," Phillips adds.
You want to trust the way your chosen pair of tweezers fits in your hand and know that it has the right amount of tension to do its job.
- Personal Preference
In the end, the best tweezers for you are the tweezers you're most comfortable holding.
"I do think tweezers are very personal," says Christine. "One of my brow artists who works at the brow boutique prefers a stronger pressure grip to her tweezers. I prefer not so much pressure and not too sharp."
Pro tip: brush your brows up before plucking.
- Tip
While slant tweezers are the most commonly seen type of tweezer, these handy little gadgets are available with a number of tip designs. Pointed, flat or square, and rounded tweezers are also available.
"If you are a new brow tweezer user I would start with slanted tweezers," notes DeMann.
How to Use Tweezers
If you've never used tweezers before, you know the first rule is to be careful—any sharp edge near your eyes is something to be wary of. "Less is more, meaning start slow and work your way up. Perhaps visit a professional to ensure you are holding the tweezers properly which will prevent you from getting ingrown hairs and cutting or pinching the skin," says Christine.
DeMann adds that if you choose to do your own brows, it's important to take your time, use great light, really look at what you’re doing and take the process one hair at a time, as one hair will affect five others.
How to Sharpen Tweezers
"Tweezers don't expire," says Taylar. "However, sharpening them is needed every so often because they lose their ability to grip hair." Be sure to sharpen them with an emery board after cleaning with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol.
Naomi Campbell once took it upon herself to pluck Andy Cohen's eyebrows during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. You never know when you'll need your tweezer.
How to Clean Tweezers
"I would recommend wiping your tweezers with alcohol prior and after usage," says Christine.
When to replace your tweezers depends on how much you use them and how well they've been taken care of and stored. "Be sure to be aware that if you drop them on a hard surface, the tweezers can become out of alignment, which will not provide the same outcome as before," she adds.
Meet the Experts
Mary Phillips is a renowned celebrity makeup artist whose clients include some of the most famous models and Hollywood stars. Known for creating the most flattering, dewy, and flawless complexions, Mary takes a less is more approach to makeup, letting each woman’s natural beauty shine through both in-person and in photos. Mary’s fresh, breathable makeup application has resonated with a loyal audience on social media that trusts her for her innovative yet attainable beauty tips.
Stevi Christine is an award-winning celebrity brow and make up artist with over 15 years of experience perfecting her iconic natural-looking, effortlessly chic brows, coining the term "the un done, done brow."
Stevi started her career as a freelance artist working for Laura Mercier where her recognized talent soon took her to working high-profile, film, music and red-carpet events for celebrity clients. In 2008, she was appointed the resident makeup artist at LA's prestigious Warren Tricomi Salon. Spending time with each client to find their unique shape, she became not only a trusted makeup artist, but beloved expert brow artist. Stevi moved on to become the resident brow stylist at Kate Sommerville where she is known as the "eyebrow fairy." She is also the founder of Naturally by Stevi Christine.
LA born Pilar DeMann is no stranger to the Hollywood life. Deemed the Eyebrow Queen of Litchfield County, Pilar knows that if the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the eyebrows are the frame. It was this notion that led Pilar to conceive a simple routine anchored in brows done right, for her clients. Coined as BLLaC, an easy to remember acronym so women know to focus on their Brows, Lashes, Lips and Cheeks. Whether she is teaching a client how to apply makeup, glamming them up for a party or a walk down the aisle, Pilar always starts with these key features, which has become a simple routine that takes less than five minutes.
Known for his trendsetting vision and amazing technical skill, Joey Healy is one of the most influential and sought-after eyebrow specialists in the industry. With his skill for crafting the ideal arch, Healy launched his eyebrow empire in 2010 with his signature product line, Joey Healy Eyebrow Collection, following in 2011. In 2012 Healy opened his flagship Fifth Avenue Joey Healy Eyebrow Studio, an eyebrow sanctuary for his unisex clientele. With his popularity rapidly growing, Healy expanded with a new team of brow proteges to a larger NYC location in 2015.
Taylar B. is a dynamic Gen Z entrepreneur who has made a significant mark in both the beauty and academic worlds. Graduating high school as valedictorian amidst the challenges of the pandemic in 2021, she exemplifies resilience and adaptability. Currently pursuing her passion for makeup artistry alongside her studies in Political Science at Louisiana State University, Taylar embodies the modern blend of creativity and intellect.
With a keen eye for detail and an innate flair for aesthetics, Taylar has established herself as a sought-after makeup artist, catering to a diverse clientele. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to stay ahead of trends have earned her recognition within the beauty industry.
Simultaneously, Taylar is committed to academic excellence, exploring the complexities of Political Science at one of the nation's leading institutions. Her academic pursuits reflect her curiosity about the world and her desire to make a difference in society.
As a rising talent in both the beauty and academic spheres, Taylar B. brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of talent to everything she does. Her story of perseverance, passion, and ambition serves as an inspiration to her peers and those who aspire to pursue their dreams against all odds.
After completing her degree at Florida State University, Melina Cespedes ventured off to Los Angeles to further her experiences in the beauty industry. She realized that her passion did not lie in the realm of traditional spas, she went to a lashing seminar, and fell in love. She got married and came back to Miami five years ago and was looking for a lash studio to get her own lashes done and realized Miami did not have any reputable studios. She went back to LA, got retrained and then came back to Miami to launch her company, Lash Society Miami.
“It became my therapy. You know how some people paint and some people run and workout? Well, lashing, to me, is my therapy,” said Cespedes. “It’s an art, and I make sure my aestheticians have lashing as one of their passions. Together, we believe in the art behind it.”
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