How to Choose and Use an Eyebrow Pencil: A Complete Guide

Eyebrow pencils are one of the most popular and versatile makeup products for enhancing your brows. Whether you want to fill in sparse areas, create a defined shape, or add some color and drama, an eyebrow pencil can help you achieve your desired look. But with so many options available, how do you find the best eyebrow pencil for you? And how do you use it correctly to create natural and flattering brows? In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more, using the following topics:

• Eyebrow Pencil Tutorial: How to apply an eyebrow pencil step by step, with tips for beginners and advanced users.
• Eyebrow Pencil Review: The best eyebrow pencils of 2023, according to experts and users, with pros and cons of each product.
• Eyebrow Pencil Men: How men can use an eyebrow pencil to groom and shape their brows, with examples and recommendations.
• Eyebrow Pencil Best: How to choose the best eyebrow pencil for your brow type, color, and style, with a comparison chart and a quiz.
• Eyebrow Pencil Use: How to use an eyebrow pencil for different purposes, such as as an eyeliner, a lip liner, or a drawing tool.
• Eyebrow Pencil FAQ: The most frequently asked questions about eyebrow pencils, with answers and solutions.

Eyebrow Pencil Tutorial

An eyebrow pencil is a simple and effective way to fill in and shape your brows. Here are the basic steps to follow, along with some tips and tricks for beginners and advanced users.

What You Need

• An eyebrow pencil that matches your brow color or is slightly lighter or darker, depending on the look you want to achieve. You can use a sharpenable or retractable pencil, as long as it has a fine and precise tip.
• A spoolie brush or a brow brush to comb and blend your brows. Some eyebrow pencils come with a built-in spoolie or brush on the other end.
• A brow gel or wax to set your brows and keep them in place. You can use a clear or tinted formula, depending on your preference.

How to Apply

1. Brush your brows with a spoolie or a brow brush, following the direction of your hair growth. This will help you see the natural shape of your brows and the areas that need to be filled in.
2. Use the eyebrow pencil to draw short, light strokes along the bottom and top edges of your brows, following your natural arch. Start from the inner corner and work your way to the tail. Don’t draw too close to the front of your brows, as this can look unnatural.
3. Fill in any sparse or bald spots with the eyebrow pencil, using the same short, light strokes to mimic your natural hair. Don’t overdo it, as this can make your brows look too harsh or fake,
4. Use the spoolie or the brow brush to blend the pencil marks with your brow hair, creating a soft and seamless look. You can also use the brush to fluff up your brows for a more voluminous effect.
5. Apply a brow gel or wax to set your brows and keep them in place. Brush the gel or wax through your brows, following the direction of your hair growth. You can also use the gel or wax to shape your brows and create more definition.

Tips for Beginners

• If you are new to using an eyebrow pencil, start with a light hand and build up the intensity gradually. You can always add more color, but it’s harder to remove it.
• If you are unsure about your brow shape, use a brow compass or a pencil to measure and mark the key points of your brows, such as where they should start, arch, and end. You can use these marks as a guide for drawing your brows.
• If you make a mistake or apply too much product, use a cotton swab or a makeup remover to erase or soften the unwanted marks. You can also use a concealer to clean up and highlight the edges of your brows.

Tips for Advanced Users

• If you want to create a more dramatic or defined look, you can use a darker or warmer shade of eyebrow pencil to outline your brows, and a lighter or cooler shade to fill them in. This will create a contrast and a depth effect.
• If you want to create a more natural or fluffy look, you can use a micro brow pencil or a brow pen to draw fine, hair-like strokes on your brows, especially on the front and the tail. This will create a realistic and textured effect.
• If you want to create a more customized or creative look, you can use an eyebrow pencil as a base and layer other brow products on top, such as a powder, a pomade, or a tint. This will create a multidimensional and long-lasting effect.

Eyebrow Pencil Review

There are many eyebrow pencils on the market, each with its own features and benefits. To help you find the best eyebrow pencil for you, we have compiled a list of the best eyebrow pencils of 2023, based on expert and user reviews. Here are the top picks, with their pros and cons.

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil

This eyebrow pencil from Charlotte Tilbury is a cult-favorite among celebrities and makeup artists. It features a thin, angled tip that allows you to create precise and realistic strokes, and a spoolie brush that helps you blend and groom your brows. The formula is creamy, pigmented, and long-lasting, and the pencil is refillable and eco-friendly.

Pros:

• High-quality and versatile
• Easy to use and maneuver
• Natural and flattering shades
• Refillable and eco-friendly

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited shade range

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

This eyebrow pencil from Anastasia Beverly Hills is another popular and reputable choice. It features a triangular tip that allows you to create thin, medium, or thick strokes, depending on the angle you use, and a spoolie brush that helps you blend and shape your brows. The formula is smooth, buildable, and smudge-proof, and the pencil is available in 12 shades.

Pros:

• Innovative and versatile
• Smooth and buildable
• Smudge-proof and long-lasting
• Wide shade range

Cons:

• Expensive
• Tip can break easily

Best Budget: e.l.f. Brow Pencil

This eyebrow pencil from e.l.f. is a great option for those on a budget. It features a fine tip that allows you to create hair-like strokes, and a spoolie brush that helps you comb and soften your brows. The formula is creamy, pigmented, and long-wearing, and the pencil is cruelty-free and vegan.

Pros:

• Affordable and accessible
• Fine and precise
• Creamy and pigmented
• Cruelty-free and vegan

Cons:

• Limited shade range
• Tip can break easily

Best Splurge: Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil

This eyebrow pencil from Gucci is a luxurious and high-end choice. It features a powder-like formula that glides on smoothly and blends easily, creating a soft and natural look. The pencil also comes with a sharpener and a spoolie brush, and is available in six shades.

Pros:

• Luxurious and high-end
• Powder-like and smooth
• Soft and natural
• Sharpener and spoolie included

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Powder-like formula may not suit everyone

Best Waterproof: HUDA BEAUTY Brow Pencil

This eyebrow pencil from HUDA BEAUTY is a waterproof and sweat-proof choice. It features a microfine tip that allows you to create ultra-thin and realistic strokes, and a spoolie brush that helps you blend and fluff your brows. The formula is creamy, pigmented, and long-lasting, and the pencil is available in eight shades.

Pros:

• Waterproof and sweat-proof
• Microfine and realistic
• Creamy and pigmented
• Long-lasting and smudge-proof

Cons:

• Expensive
• Tip can break easily

Best for Sparse Brows: Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil

This eyebrow pencil from Too Faced is a great choice for those with sparse or thin brows. It features a super fine tip that allows you to create hair-like strokes, and a spoolie brush that helps you blend and groom your brows. The formula is infused with avocado oil and vitamin E, which nourish and condition your brows, and is available in six shades.

Pros:

• Super fine and detailed
• Nourishing and conditioning
• Natural and flattering shades
• Spoolie brush included

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited shade range

Best Drugstore: NYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade

This eyebrow pomade from NYX Professional Makeup is a drugstore alternative to the popular Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade. It features a creamy and pigmented formula that allows you to create bold and defined brows, and a dual-ended brush

• that allows you to apply and blend the product with ease. The pomade is waterproof and smudge-proof, and is available in eight shades.

Pros:

• Affordable and accessible
• Creamy and pigmented
• Waterproof and smudge-proof
• Dual-ended brush included

Cons:

• Can dry out quickly
• Can look too harsh or unnatural if not blended well

Best for Full Brows: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil

This eyebrow pencil from Benefit Cosmetics is a great choice for those with full or thick brows. It features a ultra-fine tip that allows you to create hair-like strokes, and a spoolie brush that helps you blend and tame your brows. The formula is rich, blendable, and long-wearing, and the pencil is available in 12 shades.

Pros:

• Ultra-fine and precise
• Rich and blendable
• Long-wearing and waterproof
• Wide shade range

Cons:

• Expensive
• Tip can break easily

Eyebrow Pencil Men

Eyebrow pencils are not only for women, but also for men who want to groom and shape their brows. Eyebrow pencils can help men enhance their natural brow shape, fill in any gaps or scars, and balance their facial features. Here are some tips and examples for men who want to use an eyebrow pencil.

Tips for Men

• Choose an eyebrow pencil that matches your brow color or is slightly lighter, as this will create a more natural and subtle look. Avoid using a pencil that is too dark or warm, as this can look unnatural or harsh.
• Use a light hand and short, light strokes to fill in your brows, following the direction of your hair growth. Don’t overdo it, as this can make your brows look too thick or fake.
• Use a spoolie brush to blend and soften the pencil marks, creating a seamless and realistic look. You can also use the brush to groom and shape your brows, following your natural arch.
• Use a brow gel or wax to set your brows and keep them in place. You can use a clear or tinted formula, depending on your preference.

Examples for Men

• [Chris Hemsworth]: The actor uses an eyebrow pencil to fill in his brows, creating a fuller and more defined look. He chooses a shade that matches his brow color, and blends it well with his brow hair.
• [Zayn Malik]: The singer uses an eyebrow pencil to shape his brows, creating a sharp and angular look. He chooses a shade that is slightly darker than his brow color, and creates a contrast with his skin tone.
• [David Beckham]: The soccer star uses an eyebrow pencil to enhance his brows, creating a natural and balanced look. He chooses a shade that is slightly lighter than his brow color, and mimics his natural hair.

Eyebrow Pencil Best

Finding the best eyebrow pencil for you depends on several factors, such as your brow type, color, and style. Here are some tips and tools to help you choose the best eyebrow pencil for you.

Tips to Choose

• Consider your brow type: Do you have sparse, full, thin, or thick brows? Depending on your brow type, you may need a different type of eyebrow pencil. For example, if you have sparse or thin brows, you may want to use a fine or micro brow pencil that can create hair-like strokes. If you have full or thick brows, you may want to use a triangular or angled brow pencil that can create thin, medium, or thick strokes.
• Consider your brow color: Do you have light, dark, warm, or cool brows? Depending on your brow color, you may need a different shade of eyebrow pencil. For example, if you have light or blonde brows, you may want to use a shade that is slightly darker or warmer than your brow color, to add some definition and contrast. If you have dark or brunette brows, you may want to use a shade that matches your brow color or is slightly lighter or cooler, to create a natural and soft look.
• Consider your brow style: Do you prefer natural, dramatic, defined, or fluffy brows? Depending on your brow style, you may need a different technique or product to achieve your desired look. For example, if you prefer natural or fluffy brows, you may want to use a light hand and a spoolie brush to create a soft and textured look. If you prefer dramatic or defined brows, you may want to use a darker or warmer shade and a brow gel or wax to create a bold and sharp look.

Comparison Chart

To help you compare and contrast different types of eyebrow pencils, here is a comparison chart that shows the features and benefits of each type.

Table

Quiz

To help you find the best eyebrow pencil for you, here is a quiz that asks you some questions about your brow preferences and recommends you a product based on your answers.

• What is your brow type?
  • Sparse or thin
  • Full or thick
  • Normal or average
• What is your brow color?
  • Light or blonde
  • Dark or brunette
  • Medium or brown
• What is your brow style?
  • Natural or fluffy
  • Dramatic or defined
  • Balanced or versatile

If you answered:

• Sparse or thin, light or blonde, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a super fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a nourishing and conditioning formula that can enhance your natural brow shape and color.
• Sparse or thin, light or blonde, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the HUDA BEAUTY Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a microfine tip that can create ultra-thin and realistic strokes, and a waterproof and smudge-proof formula that can create a bold and long-lasting look.
• Sparse or thin, light or blonde, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a ultra-fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a rich and blendable formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on how much you apply.
• Sparse or thin, dark or brunette, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the NYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade. This eyebrow pomade has a creamy and pigmented formula that can create hair-like strokes, and a dual-ended brush that can help you apply and blend the product with ease.
• Sparse or thin, dark or brunette, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer. This eyebrow pencil has a triangular tip that can create thin, medium, or thick strokes, depending on the angle you use, and a smudge-proof and long-lasting formula that can create a sharp and defined look.
• Sparse or thin, dark or brunette, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a thin, angled tip that can create precise and realistic strokes, and a creamy and long-lasting formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on the shade you choose.
• Sparse or thin, medium or brown, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a powder-like formula that glides on smoothly and blends easily, creating a soft and natural look.
• Sparse or thin, medium or brown, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the e.l.f. Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a creamy and pigmented formula that can create a bold and defined look.
• Sparse or thin, medium or brown, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a ultra-fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a rich and blendable formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on how much you apply.
• Full or thick, light or blonde, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the NYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a spoolie brush that can help you comb and soften your brows.
• Full or thick, light or blonde, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer. This eyebrow pencil has a triangular tip that can create thin, medium, or thick strokes, depending on the angle you use, and a smudge-proof and long-lasting formula that can create a bold and defined look.
• Full or thick, light or blonde, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a thin, angled tip that can create precise and realistic strokes, and a creamy and long-lasting formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on the shade you choose.
• Full or thick, dark or brunette, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the NYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade. This eyebrow pomade has a creamy and pigmented formula that can create hair-like strokes, and a dual-ended brush that can help you apply and blend the product with ease.
• Full or thick, dark or brunette, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the HUDA BEAUTY Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a microfine tip that can create ultra-thin and realistic strokes, and a waterproof and smudge-proof formula that can create a sharp and defined look.
• Full or thick, dark or brunette, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a ultra-fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a rich and blendable formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on how much you apply.
• Full or thick, medium or brown, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a powder-like formula that glides on smoothly and blends easily, creating a soft and natural look.
• Full or thick, medium or brown, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the e.l.f. Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a creamy and pigmented formula that can create a bold and defined look.
• Full or thick, medium or brown, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a thin, angled tip that can create precise and realistic strokes, and a creamy and long-lasting formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on the shade you choose.
• Normal or average, light or blonde, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a super fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a nourishing and conditioning formula that can enhance your natural brow shape and color.
• Normal or average, light or blonde, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the HUDA BEAUTY Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a microfine tip that can create ultra-thin and realistic strokes, and a waterproof and smudge-proof formula that can create a bold and long-lasting look.
• Normal or average, light or blonde, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a ultra-fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a rich and blendable formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on how much you apply.
• Normal or average, dark or brunette, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the NYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Pomade. This eyebrow pomade has a creamy and pigmented formula that can create hair-like strokes, and a dual-ended brush that can help you apply and blend the product with ease.
• Normal or average, dark or brunette, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer. This eyebrow pencil has a triangular tip that can create thin, medium, or thick strokes, depending on the angle you use, and a smudge-proof and long-lasting formula that can create a sharp and defined look.
• Normal or average, dark or brunette, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a thin, angled tip that can create precise and realistic strokes, and a creamy and long-lasting formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on the shade you choose.
• Normal or average, medium or brown, natural or fluffy: You may want to try the Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils Powder Eyebrow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a powder-like formula that glides on smoothly and blends easily, creating a soft and natural look.
• Normal or average, medium or brown, dramatic or defined: You may want to try the e.l.f. Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a creamy and pigmented formula that can create a bold and defined look.
• Normal or average, medium or brown, balanced or versatile: You may want to try the Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil. This eyebrow pencil has a ultra-fine tip that can create hair-like strokes, and a rich and blendable formula that can create a natural or dramatic look, depending on how much you apply.

Eyebrow Pencil Use

An eyebrow pencil is not only a brow product, but also a versatile makeup tool that can be used for different purposes. Here are some ways to use an eyebrow pencil for other than your brows.

As an Eyeliner

You can use an eyebrow pencil as an eyeliner to create a soft and smoky look. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose an eyebrow pencil that is close to your eye color or a shade darker, such as brown, black, or gray. Avoid using a pencil that is too light or warm, as this can look unnatural or harsh.
2. Sharpen your eyebrow pencil to a fine point, or use a retractable pencil with a fine tip. This will help you create a precise and smooth line.
3. Apply the eyebrow pencil along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and working your way to the outer corner. You can create a thin or thick line, depending on the look you want to achieve. You can also wing out the line slightly at the outer corner, if you want to create a cat-eye effect.
4. Apply the eyebrow pencil along your lower lash line, starting from the outer corner and working your way to the inner corner. You can create a full or partial line, depending on the look you want to achieve. You can also connect the line with the upper line at the outer corner, if you want to create a more defined look.
5. Use a smudge brush or a cotton swab to blend and soften the pencil marks, creating a smoky and sultry look. You can also use a highlighter or a light eyeshadow to brighten the inner corner of your eyes, if you want to create a more awake and fresh look.

As a Lip Liner

You can use an eyebrow pencil as a lip liner to create a fuller and more defined look. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose an eyebrow pencil that matches your lip color or is slightly darker, such as nude, pink, or red. Avoid using a pencil that is too light or warm, as this can look unnatural or harsh.
2. Sharpen your eyebrow pencil to a fine point, or use a retractable pencil with a fine tip. This will help you create a precise and smooth line.
3. Apply the eyebrow pencil along your natural lip line, starting from the center of your upper lip and working your way to the corners. You can slightly overline your lips, if you want to create a fuller and plumper look.
4. Apply the eyebrow pencil along your natural lip line, starting from the center of your lower lip and working your way to the corners. You can slightly overline your lips, if you want to create a fuller and plumper look.
5. Use a lip brush or your finger to blend and soften the pencil marks, creating a seamless and natural look. You can also apply a lipstick or a gloss on top of the pencil, if you want to add some color and shine.

As a Drawing Tool

You can use an eyebrow pencil as a drawing tool to create some fun and creative designs on your skin. Here are some ideas to try:

• Draw some freckles on your nose and cheeks, using a light brown or taupe eyebrow pencil. This will create a cute and youthful look.
• Draw some stars, hearts, or flowers on your face, neck, or hands, using a black or colored eyebrow pencil. This will create a fun and festive look.
• Draw some fake tattoos on your arms, legs, or back, using a black or colored eyebrow pencil. This will create a cool and edgy look.

Eyebrow Pencil FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about eyebrow pencils, with answers and solutions.

How to Sharpen an Eyebrow Pencil?

To sharpen an eyebrow pencil, you can use a regular pencil sharpener or a special eyebrow pencil sharpener that is designed for makeup pencils. A regular pencil sharpener may work for some eyebrow pencils, but it may also cause them to break or crumble. A special eyebrow pencil sharpener may have a smaller or sharper blade, or a cleaning tool, that can help you sharpen your eyebrow pencil more smoothly and cleanly.

To sharpen your eyebrow pencil, you need to follow these steps:

• Make sure your eyebrow pencil is cold and firm, as this will prevent it from breaking or melting. You can put your eyebrow pencil in the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening it.
• Insert your eyebrow pencil into the sharpener, and twist it gently and slowly, until you get a fine and sharp point. Don’t twist it too hard or fast, as this may cause the tip to break or the wood to splinter.
• Remove your eyebrow pencil from the sharpener, and use a tissue or a cotton pad to wipe off any excess product or shavings. You can also use the cleaning tool, if your sharpener has one, to remove any product or shavings from the blade.
• Test your eyebrow pencil on the back of your hand, to make sure it is smooth and sharp, and not too harsh or scratchy. If it is not sharp enough, repeat the sharpening process until you get the desired point.

How to Fix a Broken Eyebrow Pencil?

If your eyebrow pencil breaks, you can try to fix it by following these steps:

• If the tip of your eyebrow pencil breaks off, you can try to reattach it by using a lighter or a match to melt the end of the pencil and the tip, and then press them together firmly. Be careful not to burn yourself or the pencil, and let it cool down completely before using it.
• If the whole body of your eyebrow pencil breaks in half, you can try to reattach it by using a glue gun or a super glue to glue the two pieces together. Be careful not to glue your fingers or the pencil tip, and let it dry completely before using it.
• If your eyebrow pencil is beyond repair, you can try to salvage the remaining product by using a toothpick or a bobby pin to scoop out the product from the broken pieces, and then transfer it to a small container or a palette. You can then use a brush or a sponge to apply the product to your brows.

How to Store an Eyebrow Pencil?

To store your eyebrow pencil properly, you need to follow these tips:

• Keep your eyebrow pencil in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture. This will prevent your eyebrow pencil from melting, drying out, or getting moldy.
• Keep your eyebrow pencil capped or retracted, when not in use. This will protect your eyebrow pencil from getting dirty, damaged, or contaminated.
• Keep your eyebrow pencil sharpened or cleaned, after each use. This will ensure your eyebrow pencil is ready and hygienic for the next use.

I hope this blog post helps you learn more about eyebrow pencils and how to use them. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading! 😊