15 best eyebrow pencils, tried and tested
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Let’s be real: no makeup bag is complete without one or two good eyebrow pencils. Having one of the best brow pencils to hand means you can easily shape, fill and define your arches – no makeup artist skills needed. It’s that one tool that instantly lifts your whole makeup routine (and yes, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one).
As Sherrille Riley – Meghan Markle’s go-to brow guru and founder of cult beauty brand Nails & Brows Mayfair – explains: “A great shape opens up the eyes, gives proportion to your cheekbones, lips and nose and brings modernity to the face.” Translation? Brows are basically the finishing touch that pulls everything together.
Anastasia Soare, aka Hollywood’s favourite brow boss, agrees: “The biggest brow myth I’d like to bust is that one brow fits all. I believe every eyebrow should be personalised according to your bone structure and natural eyebrow shape.”
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Whether you love a bold, brushed-up brow or prefer something softer and more natural, a precise brow pencil has you covered. From dual-ended tools with spoolies to shade ranges that actually match (yes, everything from blonde to black), these pencils give you the control to create brows exactly how you like them.
Below, you’ll find our tried-and-tested edit of the best brow pencils that really are worth the hype. And if you’re deep in brow world right now, don’t miss our guides to the best eyebrow growth serums and best eyebrow gels to keep your brows in place.
Your eyebrow questions answered:
How we tested the best eyebrow pencils
Over the years, the GLAMOUR beauty team has tested more brow pencils than we can count — from drugstore staples like e.l.f., NYX and Maybelline, to luxury icons from Hourglass, Benefit and Bobbi Brown, as well as cult favourites like REFY and Rare Beauty. We’ve tried them across different skin tones and brow colours, putting each one through its paces.
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When reviewing, we look at everything from formula and pigmentation to pencil shape, longevity and ease of use. Below, you’ll find the ones that truly impressed us. Find out more about how we test here.
Scroll for our full edit of the best eyebrow pencils on the market…
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
Shades: 9 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes | Tester: Shani Cohen
Why we love it: Hourglass rarely misses, and this brow pencil is proof. The formula is a clever blend of powder, pencil and wax, so it goes on soft yet lasts all day. With nine shades to suit a wide range of hair colours and skin tones, it’s a versatile pick that flatters almost everyone. The flat, angled tip is also a standout - perfect for mimicking natural strokes while still giving definition.
“I put this to the test myself and loved the shape it gave my brows. The slightly thicker pencil with its sculpted edge made application so much easier, and it felt sturdier than many pencils I’ve tried before - no fear of it snapping mid-use. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but the luxe feel and polished results make it worth the splurge." - Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Shades: 8 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes | Tester: Katie Leirey
Why we love it: When it comes to brows, REFY really does set the standard - just take a scroll through founder Jess Hunt’s Instagram for proof. This ultra-fine pencil is perfect for creating those soft, hair-like strokes that instantly give brows a fuller, fluffier look without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn swears by it as part of her signature routine: “I define my brows with Brow Sculpt first (my ride-or-die), then use this to fill in any sparse areas. Together, they give me the brows I’ve always wanted.” Basically, it’s the secret weapon behind the kind of brows that look naturally effortless, but seriously put together.
Shades: 3 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes | Tester: Sophie Donovan
Why we love it: This brow pencil is all about easy, natural definition. The ultra-fine tip lets you mimic real brow hairs in seconds, while the creamy formula means no tugging or harsh lines. It’s one of those pencils that just works - quick in the morning, reliable all day.
The built-in spoolie makes blending effortless, so your brows never look overdone, just polished and softly shaped. With three flattering shades to suit most brow tones, it’s the kind of product you’ll keep reaching for, whether you’re doing a five-minute face or a full glam moment.
e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil
Shades: 5 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Affordable, easy to use and surprisingly effective, this pencil has become a go-to for everyday brows. The fine tip makes it easy to sketch in natural strokes, while the spoolie on the other end blends everything together for a soft, seamless finish.
It comes in five shades and has a smooth, buildable texture that works just as well for quick touch-ups as it does for a more defined look. Proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get reliable, natural-looking brows.
Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat Natural Brown
Shades: 8 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes | Tester: Rebecca Fearn
Why we love it: If you're wary of investing in an eyebrow pencil, then start with Charlotte Tilbury's – it's literally impossible to be heavy-handed with this one, allowing you to achieve natural-looking brows. Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn says that “this is a great option for beginners,” and she also rates the shade options, with a range of browns (ash brown to medium brown to dark brown), along with hues for auburn and taupe brow hairs.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Shades: 12 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Few products deserve the “icon” label, but Brow Wiz really does. A long-time favourite of A-listers (yes, including the Kardashians and Jenners), it’s known for its ultra-slim tip that lets you sketch in believable, hair-like strokes with zero effort. The formula is pigmented but buildable, so you can keep it soft and natural or dial it up for full glam.
With 12 shades to choose from, there’s something for almost every brow tone, and the spoolie on the other end blends everything together seamlessly. It’s one of those products that’s earned cult status for a reason — dependable, flattering, and the kind of pencil you’ll repurchase again and again.
Patrick Ta Major Brow Defining Pencil
Shades: 5 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Patrick Ta knows a thing or two about brows (just look at his A-list clientele), and this pencil is basically the at-home version of his glam kit. The angled tip is teeny-tiny, which means you can draw in realistic, hair-like strokes and shape your brows without worrying about them looking too heavy.
It glides on easily, lasts all day, and the spoolie on the end keeps everything looking soft and natural. With five flattering shades to pick from, it’s a go-to if you want brows that are defined but still fluffy - the dream combo.
ICONIC London Triple Precision Brow Definer
Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes | Tester: Rebecca Fearn
Why we love it: Formulated with a blend of waxes, this 3-in-1 product comes with a precision micro brow pencil, a fine-tipped pen and a built-in spoolie brush. Smudge-proof and lasts for up to 12 hours.
Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn says she loves the inclusion of a ‘pen’ style product: “I find that these felt tip nibs make natural brows even easier, and I love the fact with Iconic's product you can switch it up between the three, depending on whether you want a matte look or something more natural.”
benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Mini
Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Benefit basically wrote the rulebook on brows, and this mini version of their best-selling pencil proves why. The tiny twist-up nib is perfect for faking those little hair-like strokes, so patchy brows suddenly look full and defined without going OTT.
It’s handbag-sized (ideal for travel or nights out), comes in six flattering shades, and you don’t need to faff with a sharpener. Just swipe, blend, and you’re good to go - polished brows in under a minute.
Urban Decay Brow Blade Ink Stain & Waterproof Pencil
Shades: 9 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Urban Decay’s double-ended wonder really gives you the best of both worlds. On one side, you’ve got a creamy, waterproof pencil to define your shape and fill in sparse spots. Flip it over, and there’s an inky felt tip that creates ultra-fine, hair-like strokes for that microbladed effect.
It’s smudge-proof, sweat-proof and lasts all day, so once your brows are on, they’re not going anywhere. With nine versatile shades to choose from, it’s a dream for anyone who wants precision, staying power and varied brow looks - from natural to dramatic.
Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler
Shades: 14 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Leave it to Rhi Rhi to give us one of the most inclusive brow ranges out there. With 14 shades covering everything from soft blonde to jet black (and those tricky auburns and greys in between), there’s genuinely a match for everyone.
The pencil itself is ultra-fine, which means you can flick on believable, hair-like strokes in seconds. On the flip side, the built-in paddle brush blends everything down to a natural, soft finish - so your brows look polished but never pencilled-in. Long-wearing and smudge-resistant, it’s the kind of everyday staple you’ll end up repurchasing on repeat.
Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Defining Pencil
Shades: 10 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Kosas' formula features a range of nourishing ingredients including panthenol provitamin B5 and castor oil, both of which are effective at encouraging hair growth. The vegan, cruelty-free pencil (which is also free from artificial fragrance, silicone, mineral oil or microplastics) is a bit of a 2-in-1 for defining brows and also helping them look their best long term.
IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil
Shades: 4 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: This cult-favourite from IT Cosmetics does it all (so it’s no wonder they call it a 5-in-1). The dual-ended design gives you a creamy, oval-tipped pencil on one side and a spoolie on the other, so you can fill, shape and blend without balancing two tools in your hand. The oval tip is especially handy - use the flat edge for shading larger areas and the point for mimicking fine, hair-like strokes.
The formula is enriched with biotin, saw palmetto and antioxidants, meaning it cares for your brows while you wear it. Available in four adaptable shades, it’s perfect for adding fullness, covering greys, and giving brows that softly defined, fluffy finish.
NUDESTIX Eyebrow Stylus Pencil and Gel
Shades: 10 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: This two-in-one pencil and gel combo is basically your whole brow routine in one stick. The angled pencil shapes and defines, while the clear gel (complete with spoolie) sets everything in place for that natural, “your brows but better” finish.
It comes in 10 versatile shades and the formula is fragrance-free and gluten-free, making it a great shout for sensitive skin. If you like a low-maintenance product that still delivers polished results, this is the one you’ll keep in your makeup bag.
Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Pencil
Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Rare Beauty’s take on a brow pencil is all about precision without the faff. The angled tip lets you flick on realistic, hair-like strokes while also filling and shaping quickly - so you’ll get that definition without overdoing it.
The built-in spoolie is perfect for softening the look, leaving brows that feel natural but groomed. With a smooth, long-wear formula and six flattering shades, it’s the kind of pencil that makes everyday brow work simple, reliable and even enjoyable.
Which eyebrow shape is the best?
"A great shape opens up the eyes, gives proportion to your cheekbones, lips and nose and brings modernity to the face," says Sherrille. "It adds that last bit of polish to your makeup, too."
However, it's important to find exactly what works best for you and which brow look you prefer. “The biggest brow myth I'd like to bust is that one brow fits all. I believe every eyebrow should be personalised according to your bone structure and natural eyebrow shape." says Hollywood's favourite brow boss, Anastasia Soare.
Permanent and semi-permanent techniques have been finessed – powder brows, mist brows, ombre brows and feathered brows have gained momentum. Plus, there are more and more gels, powders, waxes, pomades re-formulated and released every single day.
And yet, the humble brow pencil remains one of the quickest and most effective ways to add ‘oomph’ to arches, give sparse patches the attention they need and coax stragglers into shape. Provided you have your technique down, of course. The key is to draw in short, hair-like strokes (rather than shading in one block of colour) and flick the pencil upwards, rather than scribbling in horizontal motions.
An expert's top brow shaping tips
Here, Sherrille shares her expert tips for filling in brows with an eyebrow pencil, particularly if you have sparse brows or thin brows you want to define:
- When filling in your brows, always follow your natural brow structure.
- Use a sharp eyebrow pencil and lightly add strokes to emulate individual hairs and follow the natural direction of your eyebrow hairs.
- Whether you’re filling in your brows with a pencil, pomade or powder, always spend time brushing the product through your brows for even distribution and a softer, more natural look.
- It's a simple tip but use a pencil inside the brows, not outside. This helps keep brows natural-looking and avoids harsh lines.
Now that you've got the pro tips, browse our edit of the best eyebrow pencils below... And make sure to check out our eyebrow mapping guide if you're not sure where to start. It's a lifesaver.
