The 10 Best Eyebrow Pencils for Defined Arches and Full Brows, According to Picky Beauty Editors
Who needs microblading?
I've always approached eyebrow makeup, be it pomades or brow tints, with hesitation. My brows are on the thicker side to begin with (I thank my Italian genes), so a clear eyebrow gel is typically my go-to. It wasn't until recently that I realized the best eyebrow pencils are the key to creating defined arches, filling in sparse areas (the tails are much thinner), and adding dimension without looking too bold.
While the beauty product may seem like an uncomplicated purchase, a pencil’s tip shape, formula, pigment, and lasting power all play a role in delivering my ideal eyebrow look. Brow pencils come in all different shapes and sizes: ultra-fine, fiber-filled, waterproof, dual-action, and so on. With so many variations on the menu, choosing the perfect match can be tricky. “You just have to make sure that the formula and tip shape wear well on you,” says celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo. You can pair a micro pencil with soap brows for a precise, feathered look, or color in sparse spaces with a thick, waterproof pencil for bold brows that last—the options are excitingly endless. “Just have fun with it!” Oquendo says.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a natural fill or statement brows, I’ve got you covered with a list of the 12 best eyebrow pencils on the market. I’ve tested my personal favorites and tapped Oquendo, along with celebrity makeup artists Sarah Tanno and Natalie Dresher, to reveal the specific brow pencils they keep in their kits.
The Best Eyebrow Pencils
- Best Brow Pencil Overall: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
- Best Eyebrow Pencil for Full Brows: KS & Co. Backcombing Texture Stick
- Best Long-Lasting Brow Pencil: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil
- Best Brow Pencil for Bold Brows: Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Eyebrow Pencil
- Best Brow Pencil for No-Makeup Makeup: Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Eyebrow Pencil
Best Brow Pencil Overall
If you're not sure what you're looking for in a brow pencil, start with Anastasia Beverly Hills' Brow Wiz. It comes in a dozen shades, can provide light or heavy coverage (depending on how much you use), and looks super natural—like your existing brows, but better.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 12
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Smooth; Pigmentation; Ultra-fine tip; Very natural strokes
What I Don’t: Not waterproof, so less long lasting
Review for MC: "My Brow Wiz pencil has carried me all the way through my makeup journey—yes, it even survived the 2016 block brows. The mechanical pencil is so thin, yet never breaks while I'm using it. The wax formula feels incredibly smooth and is perfectly pigmented, making it almost impossible to tell the difference between the pencil marks and my real hair. Even my thick brows get random sparse areas, and this pencil allows me to fill in every single one within seconds. After swiping on hair-like strokes, I give my brows a quick brush through with the included spoolie and I'm all set!" — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Best Eyebrow Pencil for Full Brows
Review for MC: "I've tried hundreds of brow pencils, pens, and pommades over the years and I've never enjoyed the final finish of one as much as I do with the Backcombing Texture Stick. The subtle wash of color is the perfect tint of pigment without looking like you drew on your brows with a chubby crayon (which, given the thickness of the tip, wouldn't be an unreasonable fear). I've yet to struggle with the application, and after a quick clean up around the edges of my brows with a cotton bud, they look as if I just left the salon post-tinting and shaping." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Best Long-Lasting Brow Pencil
I tend to touch my eyebrows throughout the day, and few things are worse than finding a brown line smudged across my forehead. Enter Benefit's Precisely, My Brow Pencil, which is waterproof and super durable, so I don't accidentally smear it while touching my expertly filled-in eyebrows.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 12
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: No
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: 12-hour wear; Ultra-fine tip; Waterproof
What I Don’t: Some reviewers say the pencil dries out quickly
Review for MC: "This brow pencil is SUPER pigmented (which I love), but unless you're looking for a bold brow, I recommend using a light hand at first. The tip is extremely thin, allowing me to be precise and create hyper-realistic hair-like strokes. Plus, it truly lasts so long. Whether you're going for a swim or taking a heated yoga class, Benefit's Precisely, My Brow Pencil will make sure your brows stay perfectly filled in and fluffy." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil
Best Brow Pencil for Bold Brows
Sometimes, a bigger, bolder brow, a lá Cara Delevingne, is the best way to top off your makeup look. Create a more defined shape by lining the bottom of your brow with the slanted pencil, then brush the hairs upward for bold bushiness. The pencil is also great for anyone looking to amp up their thin and sparse eyebrows.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 10
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Slanted pencil tip; Easy to blend
What I Don’t: Dry texture upon applying
Review for MC: "The Kosas brow pencil is my go-to when I'm awaiting my next threading appointment and in dire need of some shaping. The pencil is thicker with a slanted edge, making it perfect for lining the base of the brow and adding an arch to the top. On the other hand, the very tip of the pencil creates thin strokes to match my hair texture. While the wax formula requires a little pressure to reach its full pigment potential, once it's on the skin, it blends out beautifully." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Eyebrow Pencil
Best Brow Pencil for No-Makeup Makeup
Brow trends are changing all the time: some days I want a full-brow look and others a barely-there, clean-girl aesthetic. Rare Beauty has given me the magic of the latter. The slanted edge can create thin strokes, and the pigment is never too intense, making it a staple for no-makeup makeup looks.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 6
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: Natural finish; Creamy formula; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: Not many shade options
Review for MC: "Selena Gomez has gifted me a pencil that provides the most natural-looking definition. I love using this pencil on days when I'm barely wearing any makeup, because it defines my brows without making them stand out against my otherwise bare face. It's impossible to go overboard and glides on SO smoothly." — Emma Aerin Becker, Freelance Beauty Writer
Emma Aerin Becker uses Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Eyebrow Pencil
Best Brow Pencil for Defined Arches
While this pencil may not be as precise as the previous one (the tip is a bit wider), its soft wax formula glides on too smoothly to exclude it from my list. The oval tip is perfect for creating structured arches and provides a silky texture and rich color payoff that lasts all day.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 5
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Unique shape; Long-lasting; Beginner-friendly
What I Don’t: A few reviewers say they received a moldy product
Review for MC: "While I never plucked or excessively waxed my eyebrows, they were never as full as I wanted them to be. I used to opt for precision pencils to neurotically fill them in with hairlike strokes until I switched to LAWLESS'S Shape Up Soft Fill Eyebrow Pencil. This pencil makes creating bold brows so easy, and it's great for beginners. I start by brushing out my eyebrows with the dual-ended applicator before switching sides to fill them in. The unique oval tip pencil makes it so simple to define and shape my brows in seconds." — Jamie Wilson, Freelance Writer and Editor
Jamie Wilson uses the LAWLESS Shape Up Soft Fill Eyebrow Pencil
Best Eyebrow Pencil for Hair-Like Strokes
If you want to know what fool-proof, ultra-thin brow pencil celebrity makeup artists reach for to suit any and all hair colors, look to Kimiko. Our Beauty Director, Hannah Baxter, swears by this creamy formula for super-fine hair-like strokes that truly replicate the look of your eyebrow hairs. The Japanese-developed product has the perfect depth of color without ever looking too fake, and the low-oil formula helps it withstand heat, sweat, and humidity. No one wants their brows to melt by midday!
Formula: Wax
Shades: 3
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: Yes
What I Love: Ultra-thin tip; Long-wearing; Natural-looking pigments; Smooth formula; Hair-like finish
What I Don’t: Some reviewers find the color doesn't deposit as easily and requires more pressure
Customer Review: "I just purchased this the other day and used it for the first time today. I love that it's not too waxy, glides on easily, and after a full day of work and a yoga class my brows still look great. The 'Black Tea' color is a natural-looking match for dark brows that doesn't look too dramatic. Just gives a natural, fuller look." — The Detox Market
Best Brow Pencil for Auburn Hues
Hourglass' super-luxe Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil is made from a combination of powder and wax, so you don't need a lot of it—one sweep and you're good. "They have really amazing stuff," Oquendo says of the brand. "And I think they have the best colors, in my opinion, for Auburn clients. So if you are a strawberry blonde or a redhead, or if you like a warm brow," this pencil is for you.
Formula: Powder-wax
Shades: 6
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Powder-wax formula; Long-wearing; Intense pigments
What I Don’t: Some reviewers find the pencil shape too thick
Customer Review: "I have tried every brow pencil out there for there for years. ABH, Benefit, MAC, you name it. Every blonde brow product I try is too warm and every Taupe product I try is too grey. I've been using "natural brown" pencils just to get that neutral colour, but I didn't like how dark my brows looked. Finally, I found the Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in "Platinum Blonde" and it's now my holy grail product. It's a nice, natural shade that works for all blondes. It's not grey at all and it's not warm/yellow either. My hair is naturally light brown but I dye my hair blonde, and this pencil is perfect before and after my roots start to show. Hourglass, PLEASE don't ever stop making this product! You have a customer for life!" — Sephora
Best Water-Resistant Eyebrow Pencil
This one brings the pigment, the definition of individualized strokes, and the magic of a sweat-resistant formula that survived a sweaty subway ride. The rounded, thin tip provides more control than a typical square-shaped tip, making ulta-fine strokes beginner-friendly.
Formula: Wax
Shades: 3
Spoolie: Yes
Cruelty Free: Yes
Waterproof: No
What I Love: High pigment; Ultra-fine tip; Sweat-resistant
What I Don’t: Small shade range
Customer Review: "Best brow pencil out there! Such a thin & precise staple! A tad pricey for a eyebrow pencil, but worth it." — Sephora
Best Eyebrow Pencil for High-Volume Fluff
Never doubt the drugstore. Maybelline's Express Brow Duo boasts a pencil and a powder all in one package. As Oquendo says, "It's really good if you have really sparse eyebrows, because it has fibers in it," which adhere to other hairs and create a fuller appearance. And for just $10? It's a no-brainer.
Formula: Wax pencil; Fiber-filled silica powder
Shades: 6
Spoolie: No
Cruelty Free: No
Waterproof: No
What I Love: Creamy pencil; Fibers; Easy blending
What I Don’t: Not very precise
Customer Review: "I’m absolutely obsessed with this eyebrow pencil and powder combination—it’s now my go-to! The application is smooth and precise, and the powder adds the perfect finishing touch. Just a note: the powder isn’t missing or defective; it’s actually in the lid. Such a smart design, and I’ll be sticking with this product from now on." — Target
What Should I Look for in an Eyebrow Pencil?
Oquendo, Tanno, and Dresher all agree that the best brow pencil for you comes down to personal preference. For natural-looking brows, "I prefer something with a finer tip or edge for definition," says Tanno. For those with oily skin, "you want to use a waterproof one," adds Oquendo. And for easy-to-blend, bushy brows, "a traditional sharpener pencil can be easier," says Dresher. The options are endless, so picking the perfect pencil will come easy once you decide what look you're going for.
How Do I Use an Eyebrow Pencil?
The simplest way to fill in your brows starts by brushing out the hair with a spoolie. First, lightly line under the entire brow with your pencil—emphasis on "lightly." Next, draw hair-like strokes by flicking the pencil upwards, starting where the brow begins and continuing until you hit the arch.
Then, you can define and fill in the arch to the shape and darkness of your desire. Finally, brush and blend it out with a few sweeps of a spoolie. "This technique has really changed my brow game on myself and within my artistry," says Dresher. For extra definition, you can line underneath the brow with one of the best concealers and set your hair with an eyebrow gel.
Should an Eyebrow Pencil Be Lighter or Darker Than My Eyebrows?
Once again, the answer depends on what look you're going for. For a natural look, "I think it's important to not go too dark with your brow pencil, as it can really make the face more harsh or age the face," says Dresher. "Finding a brow pencil one shade lighter, or just your hair shade is perfect." For a "brow novice," Oquendo also suggests going one shade lighter. "It's easier to manage, you're not going to lose control of it as quickly, and if things go wrong, there's a lot more wiggle room."
On the other hand, you can go a shade darker for added dimension and a bolder finish. Tanno actually uses two different shades. "I start with something two shades softer than my brow depth in a warm shade at the base of the brow," she explains. "Next, to add some hair-like strokes, I usually go for a taupe or medium brown closer to or slightly darker than the exact hair color."
Do Eyebrow Pencils Expire?
All cosmetics expire and always have a shelf life icon on the package. Usually, brow pencils are good for one year after opening. "The tell is, if it applies easily and it glides on, then it's still probably good," says Oquendo. "But if it's dry, waxy, has a funny smell, or it's hard to get the color out," then the product is most likely expired.
Do I Use My Eyebrow Pencil Before Eyebrow Gel?
Yes, use your pencil before your brow gel. A gel seals everything into place, so using it first can make it hard for the pencil to draw on the skin. However, if you're setting your brows with wax or testing out soap brows, let the product set until it's dry to the touch before filling in the sparse areas with a pencil.
How I Tested
Marie Claire editors were quick to volunteer their favorite eyebrow pencils, which helped create a pool of products for review. After picking 11 MUA-approved pencils, our independent testers (plus a few Marie Claire staffers) tested them out. They individually reviewed their pencils based on formula, size, shade range, lasting ability, packaging, and results.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
Vincent Oquendo is a globally recognized makeup artist, known for his bold aesthetic and creative vision. Vincent’s red carpet clients include Kiernan Shipka, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ariana DeBose, Nicole Richie, Jenna Ortega, Yara Shahidi, and Karla Sofía Gascón. Vincent emulates Old-Hollywood glamour with a dash of modern flare. In addition to the red carpet, Vincent works with photographers such as Alexei Hay, Cass Bird, Miguel Reveriego, and Ben Watts, and his work has been featured in Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, W, and more. Vincent is the Brand Ambassador for LUMIFY Eye Drops.
Natalie Dresher is a celebrity and bridal makeup artist in Miami and New York. With many years of experience in her field, Natalie has become a trusted name in the beauty community. Working with brands like Saie Beauty, Revlon, Maybelline and Dibs she has a lot of experience working with our favorites under her wing.
Sarah Tanno is a celebrity makeup artist from Los Angeles. In 2014, she became Lady Gaga's day-to-day makeup artist before joining Haus Laboratories as their Global Artistry Director in 2019.
