The 12 Best Eyebrow Gels for Bold and Beautiful Brows
Swipe left—and right.
Brow trends change ceaselessly from generation to generation. Thin brows dominated in the early 2000s; a decade later, beauty devotees turned to bushy eyebrows à la Cara Delevigne, causing volume-enhancing eyebrow pencils and eyebrow growth serums to fly off shelves. More recently, defined looks including soap brows, microblading, and brow tinting have taken the beauty world by storm. Through all these ever-changing trends, the best brow gels have reigned supreme because of their simplicity and versatility.
A great brow gel has long-lasting appeal in your beauty routine, celebrity makeup artist Samantha Lau tells Marie Claire: No matter which brow style is trending, “Eyebrow gels can shape and set your brows.” Tinted versions fill in sparse areas, volumizing formulas create a more full look, and some gels are even infused with ingredients promoting hair growth. From clean formulas by Merit and Charlotte Tilbury to Glossier’s cult-favorite gel, each of the best brow gels holds your preferred shape precisely in place—and keeps it there all day.
Whether you’re sticking with the same brow shape you’ve always had or you’re test-driving an eyebrow trend, the best brow gels are a great final flourish for any makeup routine. Shop 12 must-have versions ahead, each selected based on Lau’s recommendations, rigorous editor testing, and reviews from other well-groomed shoppers.
The Best Brow Gels
- Best Eyebrow Gel Overall: Glossier Boy Brow
- Best Natural Eyebrow Gel: Merit Brow 1980 Volumizing Eyebrow Pomade Gel
- Best Strong-Hold Eyebrow Gel: Urban Decay Big Bush Volumizing Tinted Brow Gel
- Best Eyebrow Gel for Brow Growth: Grandebrow 2-In-1 Tinted Brow Gel + Brow Enhancing Serum
- Best Clear Eyebrow Gel: Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Glossier's Boy Brow remains a cult- and editor-favorite for sculpted, full brows. The itty-bitty spoolie brushes on the perfect amount of buildable pigment and never stains the skin. Plus, it remains workable for a few full minutes, adds natural-looking volume, and never feels stiff. While the shade range isn't as vast as other brands, it covers all the foundational bases and has a clear option for natural shaping.
Pros: Buildable; Editor-approved; Natural finish; Range of colors; Long-lasting; Both clear and tinted options
Cons: Some users complain about the small bottle
Customer Review: "After trying a lot of brow gels, this is the only one I have liked. The tint is pigmented enough that it makes a difference, but looks natural. It holds my brows [for] up to eight hours of wear. But even when it starts to not hold as well, it still looks great!" -Sephora
If you're looking for an everyday brow gel or you prefer a natural finish to a glossy one, consider this option from Merit Beauty. It's lightweight with a light hold, and creates natural-looking volume. It's perfect for those who don't want to change their brow look too much, but who want to add just a hint of fullness here and there.
Pros: Clean; Vegan; Cruelty-free; Long-lasting
Cons: Limited shade range; Not strong hold
Customer Review: "I absolutely love this brow gel. It makes my brows look full, natural, and it lasts all day. I have tried so many different brands and this is by far the best. I am blonde and usually use taupe or blonde but tried this in-store and went with the brown. It is softer and more natural than other brown gels." -Sephora
If the forecast predicts rain or you're spending time near water, choose Urban Decay's long-lasting waterproof eyebrow gel. Its thin, precision-friendly spoolie styles brows to stay firmly in place all day—even in the face of rain, sweat, and humidity. It also comes in several shades, and customers note that it's surprisingly buildable.
Pros: Strong hold; Waterproof; Long-lasting
Cons: Higher price point
Customer Review: "The first time I used this gel was fine but not life-changing. Today, I used it as a base and went in with my mini pencil and I can honestly say I’ve never been happier. They look microbladed. Best brow product." -Sephora
I use this brow gel almost every single day. It has a medium hold that tames my brows while keeping them looking natural, and its thin spoolie allows for precision. Best of all, it doubles as a brow growth serum, so I can rest assured that I'm supporting natural growth while keeping up my makeup look. This product is highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way—just be aware that it's easy to over-apply.
Pros: Editor-approved; Supports brow growth; Matte/natural finish
Cons: Easy to over-apply
Customer Review: "Loved this product! Not sticky or waxy like some but still adds good control and really helps fill in sparse areas. Plus I’ve definitely noticed fuller brows over time." -Sephora
Anastasia Beverly Hills' clear brow gel is a staple in Lau's makeup kit and a go-to in editors' makeup bags (including my own). It's long-lasting, never flakes, and styles my brows easily and instantly. It's also easy to wash off and never runs, even on humid days.
Pros: Expert-approved; Editor-approved; Easy to use; Doesn't run
Cons: Some users find it too shiny
Customer Review: "This stuff works like glue, but in a good way. It's a little wet when you first apply it, but it keeps your brows in place all day long and without any flakiness that I have gotten from some other brow gels when they dry. " -Nordstrom
Also Recommended
With a tapered pencil shape and built-in brow gel at the end, Makeup Revolution's Fluffy Brow Filter Duo is a must-have for makeup experts like Lau. It comes in five different colors that range from light to dark brown, and the pencil is ultra-thin, making it easy to draw brow-like strokes for a fuller, thicker appearance.
Pros: Includes both a pencil and a clear gel; Expert-approved; Affordable
Cons: Slightly limited color range
Customer Review: "Loved that the pencil comes out and stays slanted and precise. It’s flat and sharp." -Target
Benefit's brow gel brings noticeable volume. When I over-plucked one of my eyebrows, this brow gel helped me do major damage control—easily covering up the gap until it thankfully grew back. Whether you're dealing with a brow-emergency or not, it doesn't leave a sticky residue and last all day while washing off easily before bed.
Pros: Editor-approved; Comes in a wide array of colors
Cons: Higher price point
Customer Review: "Love it. My go-to for my eyebrows. Only thing is to make sure that your gel is dried before touching your face as sometimes I forget and put another gel over top and it smears everywhere." -Sephora
Looking for an affordable option that you can snag at your local drugstore? NYX's eyebrow gel is the answer. It's tinted and comes in four basic colors, from blonde to deep brown. Its soft hold makes brows look naturally thicker without creating a sticky residue.
Pros: Cruelty-free; Not sticky; Affordable; Creamy formula
Cons: Not a wide range of shades
Customer Review: "My absolute favorite brow product - and I've tried MANY. I've bought probably a dozen over the years and can't see myself stopping. Natural looking definition, applies evenly, and keeps my brows tame without looking fake. Quick and easy, and does well over a pencil if needed too." -Ulta
Hourglass's brow gel promises unmatched versatility. Whether you're going for an off-duty, no-makeup makeup brow, or a gorgeously groomed stand-out brow, the buildable coverage of this fiber gel can do it all. It glides on effortlessly and has more of a soft flexible hold, so feel free to create a perfectly imperfect, untamed brow.
Pros: Long-lasting; Versatile; Flexible hold
Cons: Not as strong of a hold as competitors
Customer Review: "Fabulous product. Gives your brows a nice look. Lightly fills in and keeps my brows in shape all day. This brow product makes my brows appear full and does not fade away. I don’t know why we don’t hear more about it. It really is that good. My brows have a few grays. This product covers them. I have dark brows and soft brunette is perfect for me." -Nordstrom
This eyebrow gel from Charlotte Tilbury is perfect for creating precise strokes that resemble individual hairs. Thank the long, skinny spoolie for its precise brushstrokes. The result? A natural look that will leave everyone thinking that you grew thick, voluminous natural brows overnight.
Pros: Great for precision; Free of parabens and sulfates; Cruelty-free
Cons: Limited range of shades
Customer Review: "The formula for this product is sublime. Starting at the base of brows and sweeping upwards imparts a nice gloss and definition to each hair. Eyebrows are held in place without being stiff and there’s no flaking. The brush has micro-fine bristles to catch each hair." -Nordstrom
I'm a huge fan of AAPI-owned brand Kulfi Beauty's clean, mindfully made makeup, including its brow gel. The formula glides on smooth and, because it's made with dark hair in mind, it never leaves even a hint of white residue or excess shine. Another bonus: It comes with a styling comb on one end that makes it easier than ever to get my brows exactly how I want them.
Pros: AAPI-owned brand; Editor-approved; No white residue; Clean; Cruelty-free; Natural finish
Cons: Not a strong hold
Customer Review: "I have super thick and wiry wizard brows and this actually fluffed them! I also like how it gives my brows a satin as opposed to glossy finish, unlike most brow gels." -Sephora
Milk Makeup's entire beauty line is naturally formulated and health-enhancing, including its Kush collection. This brow gel is infused with cannabis oil and beeswax to foster brow growth and follicular health while naturally filling in brows. With a conditioning effect, you can wear it day in and day out without worrying about drying out your brow hairs. It comes in a wide range of shades, too.
Pros: Conditioning; Supports brow health; Wide range of shades; Natural ingredients
Cons: Not super pigmented or strong-hold
Customer Review: "My favorite eyebrow gel to date. Not crazy looking while applying, perfect amount of product on the applicator. The only eyebrow gel I’ve finished and tried getting more out of." -Sephora
How to Find and Eyebrow Gel
All of the best brow gels add volume and tint, support brow growth, and simply keep brows in place. With so many formulas to achieve those effects, the brow gel suited to your beauty routine depends largely on personal preference. Lau mentions there are a few qualities that set high-quality brow gels apart.
“What I look for in an eyebrow gel is a product that locks the brow hair in place without flaking," she explains. "As a makeup artist, I need products to be malleable yet long-lasting. I tend to avoid any brow gels that are too heavy, in product and color.”
Meet the Expert
Samantha Lau is a celebrity makeup artist with an innovative approach to beauty inspired by her background in fine art. She has worked with brands like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Elie Saab, Balmain, Rochas, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and more. She is currently based in New York City.
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Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, politics, culture, and fashion at Marie Claire and at publications including The New York Times, HuffPost Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O'Bheal, and elsewhere. Her personal essay in The New York Times' Modern Love column kickstarted her professional writing career in 2018, and that piece has since been printed in the 2019 revised edition of the Modern Love book. Having studied history, international relations, and film, she has made films on politics and gender equity in addition to writing about cinema for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and on her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com. Before working with Marie Claire, Gabrielle worked in local government, higher education, and sales, and has resided in four countries and counting. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, and spent two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy.
Deeply political, she believes that skincare, haircare, and sexual wellness are central tenets to one's overall health and fights for them to be taken seriously, especially for people of color. She also loves studying makeup as a means of artistic expression, drawing on her experience as an artist in her analysis of beauty trends. She's based in New York City, where she can be found watching movies or running her art business when she isn't writing. Find her on Twitter at @GabrielleUlubay or on Instagram at @gabrielle.ulubay, or follow her art at @suburban.graffiti.art
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