Eyebrow Pencil: Everything You Need to Know

By Your Beauty Plug
December 18, 2023

Eyebrows are one of the most important features of your face. They frame your eyes, express your emotions, and enhance your beauty. But not everyone is blessed with perfect brows. Some people have sparse, thin, or uneven eyebrows that need some extra help. That’s where eyebrow pencils come in handy.

Eyebrow pencils are makeup products that are used to fill in, shape, and define your brows. They come in different colors, textures, and forms. They can help you create natural-looking or dramatic brows, depending on your preference. But how do you choose the right eyebrow pencil for you? And how do you use it correctly? In this blog post, we will answer all your questions about eyebrow pencils and give you some tips and tricks to achieve your best brows ever.

What are the benefits of using eyebrow pencils?

Eyebrow pencils have many advantages over other brow products, such as powders, gels, or pomades. Here are some of them:

They are easy to use. You don’t need any special skills or tools to apply eyebrow pencils. You just need to follow the natural shape of your brows and fill in any gaps or sparse areas with light strokes. You can also use the spoolie brush that usually comes with the pencil to blend the product and groom your brows.
They are precise. Eyebrow pencils have a fine tip that allows you to create hair-like strokes and mimic the natural texture of your brows. You can also use them to outline your brows and create a sharp arch or tail. You have more control over the shape and intensity of your brows with a pencil than with a powder or a gel.
They are long-lasting. Eyebrow pencils are usually waterproof and smudge-proof, which means they can withstand sweat, humidity, and rain. They can last for hours without fading or transferring. You don’t have to worry about your brows disappearing or smearing throughout the day.
They are versatile. Eyebrow pencils can suit any brow style, from natural to bold. You can choose from a variety of colors and finishes, from matte to shimmer. You can also mix and match different shades to create a custom color that matches your hair and skin tone.

How to choose the right eyebrow pencil for you?

There are many factors to consider when picking an eyebrow pencil, such as your brow color, your skin tone, your hair color, and your desired look. Here are some general guidelines to help you find your perfect match:

Choose a color that is one or two shades lighter than your natural brow color. This will help you create a more realistic and flattering look. If you go too dark, you might end up with harsh or unnatural brows that overpower your face. If you go too light, you might not see any difference or definition. You can also use a lighter shade for the front of your brows and a darker shade for the arch and tail to create a gradient effect and add dimension.
Choose a color that complements your skin tone and hair color. If you have warm undertones, opt for warm or neutral shades, such as taupe, caramel, or chocolate. If you have cool undertones, go for cool or ash shades, such as gray, charcoal, or ebony. If you have red or auburn hair, you can also try reddish or coppery shades, such as auburn, chestnut, or mahogany.
Choose a texture that suits your brow type and preference. Eyebrow pencils can have different textures, from creamy to waxy to powdery. Creamy pencils are easy to glide and blend, but they can also smudge or melt easily. Waxy pencils are more resistant and durable, but they can also be stiff or hard to apply. Powdery pencils are soft and smooth, but they can also be messy or fall out. You can also find hybrid pencils that combine the best of both worlds, such as gel or micro pencils. Gel pencils have a gel-like formula that is waterproof and long-wearing, but also creamy and pigmented. Micro pencils have a very fine tip that is ideal for creating hair-like strokes and precise details, but also powdery and blendable.

How to use eyebrow pencils correctly?

Using eyebrow pencils is not rocket science, but it does require some practice and patience. Here are some steps to follow to achieve flawless brows with a pencil:

Start with clean and groomed brows. Make sure your brows are free of any makeup, dirt, or oil. You can also use a brow gel or a clear mascara to set your brows in place and make them easier to fill in. You can also pluck, wax, or thread any stray hairs that are outside your desired shape, but don’t overdo it. You want to keep your brows as natural and full as possible.
Find your ideal brow shape. You can use a pencil or a brush to measure your brows and find where they should start, arch, and end. To find the start of your brows, align the pencil with the side of your nose and the inner corner of your eye. To find the arch of your brows, align the pencil with the side of your nose and the center of your iris. To find the end of your brows, align the pencil with the side of your nose and the outer corner of your eye. You can also mark these points with a dot or a line to guide you later.
Outline your brows with light strokes. Using the pencil, trace the outline of your brows following the natural shape and the points you marked earlier. Start from the bottom and work your way up to the top. Don’t press too hard or draw too thick or too straight lines. You want to create a soft and subtle outline that will serve as a base for your brows.
Fill in your brows with short and feathery strokes. Using the same pencil, fill in any gaps or sparse areas within your brows with light and hair-like strokes. Follow the direction and the length of your natural hairs and mimic their texture. Don’t fill in the entire brow with a solid color or a blocky shape. You want to create a natural and realistic look that blends with your own brows.
Blend and soften your brows with a spoolie brush. Using the spoolie brush that usually comes with the pencil, comb through your brows to blend the product and distribute it evenly. You can also use the brush to soften any harsh lines or edges and create a more seamless and smooth look. You can also use the brush to fluff up your brows and add some volume and lift.
Define and highlight your brows with a concealer or a highlighter. Using a concealer or a highlighter that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone, trace the outline of your brows with a small and angled brush. This will help you clean up any mistakes and create a sharper and more defined look. It will also highlight your brow bone and make your eyes pop. Blend the product with your finger or a sponge to avoid any harsh lines or contrast.

What are some of the best eyebrow pencils on the market?

There are many eyebrow pencils available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some of them are more pigmented, more blendable, more long-lasting, or more affordable than others. Here are some of the best eyebrow pencils that you can find on Amazon, according to customer reviews and ratings:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. This is one of the most popular and iconic eyebrow pencils in the world. It has a micro tip that allows you to create precise and hair-like strokes. It also has a creamy and pigmented formula that glides smoothly and lasts all day. It comes in 12 shades that suit any hair and skin color. It also has a spoolie brush that helps you blend and groom your brows. It costs $23 and has over 18,000 ratings and 4.6 stars on Amazon.
NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil. This is a great dupe for the Anastasia Brow Wiz, but at a fraction of the price. It has a similar micro tip and a creamy and pigmented formula that creates natural and realistic brows. It comes in 8 shades that range from blonde to black. It also has a spoolie brush that helps you blend and groom your brows. It costs $7.50 and has over 35,000 ratings and 4.5 stars on Amazon.
Maybelline Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil. This is a unique eyebrow pencil that has a teardrop-shaped tip that allows you to create thin or thick strokes. It also has a soft and powdery formula that fills in your brows with a matte and natural finish. It comes in 4 shades that suit light to dark hair colors. It also has a spoolie brush that helps you blend and groom your brows. It costs $5.97 and has over 28,000 ratings and 4.5 stars on Amazon.
L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer. This is another great eyebrow pencil that has a micro tip and a creamy and pigmented formula that creates precise and hair-like strokes. It comes in 7 shades that suit any hair and skin color. It also has a spoolie brush that helps you blend and groom your brows. It costs $6.74 and has over 21,000 ratings and 4.6 stars on Amazon.

Revlon ColorStay Brow Pencil. This is a versatile eyebrow pencil that has a dual-ended design. It has a fine tip that allows you to create precise and hair-like strokes. It also has an angled tip that allows you to create thicker and bolder strokes. It has a soft and waxy formula that is waterproof and long-wearing. It comes in 5 shades that suit light to dark hair colors. It also has a spoolie brush that helps you blend and groom your brows. It costs $5.97 and has over 11,000 ratings and 4.5 stars on Amazon.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using eyebrow pencils?

Eyebrow pencils can help you achieve beautiful and defined brows, but they can also ruin your look if you use them incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using eyebrow pencils:

Using the wrong color. As we mentioned before, you should choose a color that is one or two shades lighter than your natural brow color and that matches your skin tone and hair color. If you use a color that is too dark, too light, or too warm or cool, you will end up with unnatural and unflattering brows that clash with your features.
Using too much pressure. You should apply eyebrow pencils with a light and gentle hand. If you press too hard, you will create harsh and thick lines that look fake and drawn-on. You will also damage your natural hairs and cause them to fall out. You should use light and feathery strokes to create a soft and natural look that blends with your own brows.
Overdrawing your brows. You should follow the natural shape and size of your brows and avoid extending them too much. If you draw your brows too long, too high, or too low, you will alter the balance and proportion of your face and create a surprised, angry, or sad expression. You should use a pencil or a brush to measure your brows and find where they should start, arch, and end, as we explained before.
Not blending your brows. You should always use a spoolie brush to blend your brows after applying the pencil. This will help you distribute the product evenly and create a smooth and seamless look. It will also help you soften any harsh lines or edges and create a more realistic and natural look. You should comb through your brows with the brush in the direction of your hair growth and fluff them up slightly.

How to take care of your eyebrow pencils?

Eyebrow pencils are essential tools for your brow game, but they also need some care and maintenance to keep them in good shape and condition. Here are some tips to take care of your eyebrow pencils:

Keep them clean. You should wipe your eyebrow pencils with a tissue or a cotton pad after each use to remove any dirt, oil, or bacteria that might accumulate on them. This will help you prevent any infections or irritations on your skin and keep your pencils hygienic and safe to use.
Keep them sharp. You should sharpen your eyebrow pencils regularly to maintain their fine and precise tip. This will help you create accurate and hair-like strokes and avoid any clumps or chunks of product. You should use a sharpener that is designed for makeup pencils and not for regular pencils. You should also sharpen your pencils gently and avoid breaking or wasting the product.
Keep them capped. You should always put the cap back on your eyebrow pencils after each use to protect them from any damage or contamination. This will help you preserve their quality and longevity and prevent them from drying out or breaking. You should also store your pencils in a cool and dry place and avoid exposing them to heat or moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about eyebrow pencils and their answers:

What is the difference between eyebrow pencils and other brow products?

Eyebrow pencils are makeup products that are used to fill in, shape, and define your brows. They have a fine tip that allows you to create hair-like strokes and mimic the natural texture of your brows. They are easy to use, precise, long-lasting, and versatile. Other brow products include powders, gels, pomades, pens, and markers. Powders are loose or pressed pigments that are applied with a brush to create a soft and natural look. Gels are liquid or cream products that are applied with a wand or a brush to set, tint, and volumize your brows. Pomades are creamy or waxy products that are applied with an angled brush to create a bold and sculpted look. Pens and markers are liquid or ink products that have a fine or felt tip that create a tattoo-like effect on your brows.

How often should I use eyebrow pencils?

You can use eyebrow pencils as often as you like, depending on your preference and your brow needs. You can use them every day to enhance your natural brows or create a different look. You can also use them occasionally to spice up your makeup or for special occasions. You can also skip them if you are happy with your natural brows or if you want a more minimal and natural look.

Are eyebrow pencils bad for your brows?

Eyebrow pencils are not bad for your brows, as long as you use them correctly and take care of them. You should choose a color that matches your natural brow color and your skin tone and hair color. You should apply them with a light and gentle hand and avoid pressing too hard or overdrawing your brows. You should also blend them with a spoolie brush and create a natural and realistic look. You should also clean, sharpen, and cap your pencils regularly and store them in a cool and dry place. You should also remove your makeup at the end of the day and cleanse your skin and brows thoroughly. You should also moisturize your skin and brows and use a brow serum or oil to nourish and strengthen your natural hairs.

Can I use eyebrow pencils for other purposes?

Yes, you can use eyebrow pencils for other purposes, such as eyeliner, lip liner, or contour. You can use them to line your eyes and create a smoky or winged look. You can also use them to line your lips and create a fuller or more defined look. You can also use them to contour your nose, cheekbones, or jawline and create a more sculpted or slim look. However, you should make sure that the color and the texture of the pencil suit your skin tone and your desired look. You should also blend the product well and avoid any harsh lines or contrast.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about eyebrow pencils. Eyebrow pencils are amazing products that can help you transform your brows and your face. They are easy to use, precise, long-lasting, and versatile. They can help you create natural-looking or dramatic brows, depending on your preference. They can also suit any brow style, from natural to bold. You just need to choose the right color, texture, and shape for you and follow some simple steps to apply them correctly. You also need to take care of them and your brows to keep them in good shape and condition. Eyebrow pencils are essential tools for your brow game, so don’t hesitate to try them and see the difference they can make. Thank you for reading and happy brow-ing! 😊