11 best eyebrow gels to keep your brow hairs in place, tried & tested
When it comes to eyebrow gels, I genuinely think they’re one of the most underrated makeup staples. They’re the final touch that pulls everything together - a quick brush-up and suddenly my whole face looks more lifted and polished (even on days when I’ve done the bare minimum). Whether I’m doing a full glam look or just slicking my hair back and calling it a day, brow gel is the product I’ll always reach for.
That said, I’ve tested enough formulas to know how hit or miss they can be. Some flake, some disappear halfway through the day, and some set so hard they feel like PVA glue. Getting that balance between flexible hold and all-day staying power can be tricky - which is why I turned to Laurretta Power, National Brow Artist and Head of Artistry at Benefit Cosmetics, for advice. “I like to use a setting gel first to place and lock my hairs in place, then fill in any gaps with a pencil or pomade,” she told Glamour.
Power also swears by using tinted gels with fibres to add volume (brushing backwards first to catch every tiny hair), and clear gels for lifting and feathering - pushing the hairs up at the front and out towards the temples for a more open, lifted look.
If your brows are on the sparse side, pairing your gel with one of the best eyebrow pencils can help fill in any gaps, while the best eyebrow growth serums can help encourage new growth and strengthen the hairs you already have. Personally, I like a strong-hold clear gel for everyday wear, then switch to something tinted when I want a bit more definition.
And with Black Friday beauty deals officially rolling in, it’s the perfect excuse to stock up - because let’s be real, your brow gel is probably running out anyway.
Best Black Friday eyebrow gels deals so far:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel - Now £9.75 (was £13).
- UKLASH Brow Gel Sculpt - Now £10.50 (was £15).
- benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel - Now £10.88 (was £14.50).
- NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Instant Styler - Now £6.74 (was £8.99).
- bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Brow Gel - Now £15.20 (was £19).
- got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges - Now £4.68 (was £5.85).
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze - Now £9.75 (was £13).
How we test brow gels & why you can trust us:
I’ve been a beauty journalist for over six years, and brow gel is one of those products I reach for every single day - which means I’m pretty picky about what actually earns a place in my routine. When I test a new formula, it’s never a “one swipe and done” situation. I wear it for weeks to see how it holds up in real life: long work days, sweaty commutes, makeup layered on top… even the odd after-work gym session, just to really put it through its paces.
Because everyone’s brows behave differently, I also roped in the wider GLAMOUR team to test each gel on a mix of brow types - fluffy, sparse, thick, thin, and everything in between. It gives us a proper feel for which formulas are genuinely reliable across different brows, not just mine.
I spoke to dermatologists, makeup artists and brand founders too, to properly understand what’s inside each formula and whether it’s actually good for your brows. The things that matter most to me when judging a brow gel? How long it lasts, whether it flakes, how comfortable it feels, and if the hold - flexible or strong - does actually deliver.
Every brow gel in this guide has been tested thoroughly and genuinely impressed us over time. If it’s made the cut, it’s because it truly deserves a spot in your makeup bag.
Discover our edit of the best eyebrow gels that earned the GLAMOUR stamp of approval…
Best overall: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
- Hold: Strong.
- Shades: Clear.
- Cruelty-free: Yes.
Why we love it: We can't talk about eyebrows and not mention the iconic brow-dominating brand Anastasia Beverly Hills. Our favourite formula has to be the Brow Freeze Gel, which is a clear formula that's flexible enough to use regardless of your preferences – be it for a sleek “laminated” look or a natural feathery result. It's non-sticky, offers an insanely strong hold and doesn't result in any flakiness whatsoever.
Best for a “laminated” look: REFY Brow Sculpt
- Tester: Lian Brooks, GLAMOUR's Senior Audience Development Manager.
- Hold: Flexible.
- Shades: Clear.
- Cruelty-free: Yes.
Why we love it: Are you after a brow gel that will make your brows look like you just stepped out of a lamination appointment? Look no further, because this product does exactly that. It features a unique formula that combines consistency of a wax and a gel, making it super easy to apply too. You'll also get a double-ended brush, allowing you to comb, brush and shape your brow hairs in the most precise way. It's a best-seller for a reason.
Best for tinted brow gel: Glossier Boy Brow
- Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
- Hold: Flexible.
- Shades: Seven.
- Cruelty-free: Yes.
Why we love it: The Glossier Boy Brow is perfect for brow minimalists since it adds a little tint and definition without feeling OTT, all the while ensuring that your brow hairs stay locked in place with a volume-boosting effect. The small brush applicator works great for precise application – a must for beautifully groomed arches.
Best clear gel: Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Eyebrow Gel
- Tester: Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Hold: Flexible.
- Shades: Clear.
- Cruelty-free: Yes.
Why we love it: On the lookout for a lightweight clear brow gel that will keep your brows in place all day? Say no more. This water-based formula from Rare Beauty offers a buildable hold, meaning you can easily work your way up to “laminated” arches with the help of a few strokes at a time. It also won't result in that dreaded “crisp” feel, offering comfortable wear for hours on end. Wear it on its own or layer it on top of your go-to brow pencil, this brow gel will last just as long regardless.
Why we love it: "I’ve been using this for a few weeks now, and it’s officially replaced my usual Got2b brow gel - which says a lot. The UKBrow Brow Sculpt keeps my brows in place all day without that stiff, crunchy feel, and the clear formula dries down super quickly for a natural, lifted look. What I love most about UKBrow as a brand is that their products actually do something for your brows long-term too - this one’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like carnauba wax and silicones that help condition while holding everything in place. The dual-ended brush is a nice touch too, making it easy to shape and define without overdoing it." - Shani Cohen, Glamour’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Tester: Shani Cohen
- Hold: Strong
- Shades: Clear
- Cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it: If you're after a non-sticky eyebrow gel to achieve a natural-looking result, let us introduce you to the NYX Brow Glue. This lightweight formula comes in both clear and tinted iterations, delivering an impressive level of hold without feeling too glue-like.
- Hold: Flexible
- Shades: Five
- Cruelty-free: Yes
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Why we love it: Easy to apply, quick to dry and a buildable formula that makes it easy to shape even the most stubborn of brow hairs? Yes, please. This eyebrow gel comes with a dual-side brush with both long and short bristles for flexible and precise application, delivering a natural look and impressive hold.
- Hold: Flexible
- Shades: Six
- Cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it: There aren't many brow gels out there that score just as highly as the Milk Makeup Kush Fiber Brow Gel. Not only is it vegan, but this formula is also quick-setting, volumising and flexible, making it ideal for an everyday look. None of that unwanted stiffness or flakiness either.
- Hold: Flexible
- Shades: Eight
- Cruelty-free: Yes
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Why we love it: This 2-in-1 eyebrow gel is affordable and has an incredibly strong hold that will keep your brows and edges in check for hours to follow. It's quick to dry and easy to apply too, on top of being vegan, dermatologically tested, silicon-free and alcohol-free. Perfect for styling your brows on-the-go.
- Hold: Strong
- Shades: Clear
- Cruelty-free: Yes
Enjoy savings when you shop for the best brow gels using our Superdrug discount codes.
Why we love it: This product needs no introduction, as it's an absolute favourite among brow enthusiasts and beauty editors alike (and deservedly so). It's one of the most long-lasting clear eyebrow gels out there, with a formula that's designed to keep your brows on fleek and without a white and flaky coating. “Thanks to this formula, there were times when the rest of my makeup melted away but the brows still remained intact,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
- Hold: Flexible
- Shades: Clear
- Cruelty-free: No
Enjoy savings when shopping for the best brow gels with these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: One of the brand's most recent launches, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Volumizing Tinted Brow Gel makes a great option for those of us after a 2-in-1 brow product that cuts down our morning routine, offering both an impressive hold and a hint of colour. It also delivers a volume-boosting effect for an effortless fluffed-up look.
- Hold: Flexible
- Shades: Nine
- Cruelty-free: Yes
What is the best way to apply brow gels?
Depending on the brow gel, you'll have to use different application techniques in order to achieve the best results. Classic brow gels don't need much instructions, as all you need to do is simply brush your brows in the direction that you want them to stay.
We spoke to Laurretta Power, National Brow Artist and Head of Artistry at Benefit Cosmetics, to get a few tips. “I like to use a setting gel to place and lock my hairs in place, I love to do this first then fill in any gaps with a pencil or pomade,” she shared.
"Volumising gels are usually shaded, with fibres, I use these backwards first ensuring a root to tip blend, instantly adding volume and catching the smallest of hairs. I then place the hairs exactly where I want them to be. Clear gels are best used to lift and feather brows. Top tip, push the gel serum upwards at the front, then towards the temple from the arch, this adds lift and gives more
lid space."
How do I pick the right brow gel?
As is the case with pretty much any makeup product, it all comes down to your personal needs and preferences. “For volumising you will want a gel with fibres, setting gels, look for a flexible, flake-free formula,” Laurretta added.
Make sure to also take a look at reviews and reference images to make sure that the product actually works the way you want it to. If you're after a classic sleek brow type of look, we recommend checking out the Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel. Our other firm favourites include the REFY Brow Sculpt for lamination-like results and the Glossier Boy Brow for a more natural look.
What’s the difference between a brow gel and brow pencil?
A brow gel and a brow pencil do pretty different things, but they work best as a team. A brow pencil adds the detail - those little hair-like strokes that fill gaps, define the shape and sharpen the tail. A brow gel is what keeps everything in place, lifting and holding the hairs so your brows look fuller and more groomed without any faff. And if you want something that does a bit of both, tinted brow gels are a great in-between: they add colour and fullness and set the hairs in one go.
