If you’re looking for a way to tame, shape, and define your brows without breaking the bank, you might want to consider a drugstore brow gel. Brow gels are a quick and easy way to enhance your natural brows, add some color and volume, and keep them in place all day long. Plus, they’re super affordable and easy to find at your local drugstore or online.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll share with you the 7 best drugstore brow gels of 2024, based on their formula, applicator, shade range, and performance. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about brow gels, and give you some tips on how to use them for the best results.
So, whether you have sparse, thick, light, or dark brows, there’s a drugstore brow gel for you. Read on to find out more!
What is a brow gel and why do you need one?
A brow gel is a type of makeup product that is applied to the eyebrows with a spoolie brush or a wand. It can have different functions, depending on the type of brow gel you choose. Some brow gels are clear and only provide hold, while others are tinted and can also add color, volume, and definition to your brows.
A brow gel can help you achieve different brow looks, from natural and fluffy to bold and sculpted. It can also help you fill in any gaps or sparse areas in your brows, and make them look more even and symmetrical. A brow gel can also help you set your brows in place, so they don’t move or smudge throughout the day.
A brow gel is especially useful if you have unruly, curly, or coarse brow hairs that tend to go in different directions. A brow gel can help you tame them and make them look more groomed and polished. A brow gel can also help you enhance your natural brow shape and arch, and make your eyes look more lifted and awake.
A brow gel is a versatile and convenient product that can be used on its own or in combination with other brow products, such as pencils, powders, or pomades. It can also be used as a finishing touch to seal in your brow makeup and make it last longer.
How to choose the best drugstore brow gel for you?
When it comes to choosing the best drugstore brow gel for you, there are a few factors that you should consider, such as:
- Formula: The formula of the brow gel can affect its texture, finish, and performance. Some brow gels have a thin and watery formula that is easy to apply and gives a natural finish, while others have a thick and creamy formula that provides more coverage and gives a more dramatic finish. Some brow gels also have fibers or microfibers that can add more volume and thickness to your brows, while others have a smooth and glossy formula that can make your brows look more shiny and healthy. You should choose a formula that suits your preference and your brow needs.
- Applicator: The applicator of the brow gel can affect its precision, distribution, and ease of use. Some brow gels have a small and thin spoolie brush that can help you reach every hair and create fine strokes, while others have a large and fluffy spoolie brush that can help you coat your brows quickly and evenly. Some brow gels also have a tapered or angled spoolie brush that can help you define your brow shape and arch, while others have a flat or round spoolie brush that can help you blend your brow color and create a soft and natural look. You should choose an applicator that matches your brow size and shape, and that allows you to achieve your desired brow look.
- Shade range: The shade range of the brow gel can affect its compatibility, intensity, and versatility. Some brow gels have a limited shade range that only caters to certain brow colors, while others have a wide shade range that can accommodate different brow colors and undertones. Some brow gels also have a clear shade that can work for anyone, while others have a universal shade that can adapt to your brow color. Some brow gels also have a pigmented and opaque shade that can change your brow color and make it more noticeable, while others have a sheer and translucent shade that can enhance your natural brow color and make it more subtle. You should choose a shade that matches your brow color and your hair color, and that gives you the amount of color payoff that you want.
The 7 best drugstore brow gels of 2024
Now that you know what to look for in a drugstore brow gel, let’s take a look at the 7 best drugstore brow gels of 2024, based on their formula, applicator, shade range, and performance. These are the brow gels that have received rave reviews from customers, experts, and influencers, and that have proven to be effective, reliable, and affordable. Here they are, in no particular order:
1. NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue
The Brow Glue by NYX Professional Makeup is one of the most popular and highly rated drugstore brow gels on the market. It has a clear and glue-like formula that can hold your brows in place for up to 16 hours, without flaking, fading, or feeling sticky. It also has a small and thin spoolie brush that can help you create any brow look, from natural and fluffy to bold and laminated. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and only costs $9.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel
Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel by Anastasia Beverly Hills is another clear and long-lasting drugstore brow gel that can keep your brows in place all day long. It has a lightweight and non-sticky formula that can set your brows without making them stiff or crunchy. It also has a large and fluffy spoolie brush that can help you coat your brows evenly and smoothly. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and only costs $22.
3. L’Oreal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Eye Brow Gel Tint
Unbelievabrow Longwear Eye Brow Gel Tint by L’Oreal Paris is a tinted and volumizing drugstore brow gel that can give you fuller and bolder brows in minutes. It has a pigmented and waterproof formula that can fill in your brows, add color and dimension, and resist sweat, water, and smudging for up to 48 hours. It also has a dual-ended applicator that consists of a doe-foot wand that can help you apply the gel, and an angled brush that can help you shape and define your brows. It comes in eight inclusive shades that can suit different brow colors and undertones. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and only costs $17.
4. Glossier Boy Brow
Boy Brow by Glossier is a cult-favorite and award-winning drugstore brow gel that can give you natural and fluffy brows in seconds. It has a creamy and waxy formula that can thicken, shape, and groom your brows, without stiffening or flaking. It also has a small and tapered spoolie brush that can help you create fine and precise strokes. It comes in four shades: clear, blonde, brown, and black. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and only costs $16.
5. Benefit Gimme Brow + Volumizing Fiber Gel
Gimme Brow + Volumizing Fiber Gel by Benefit is a tinted and volumizing drugstore brow gel that can give you fuller and more defined brows in a snap. It has a buildable and water-resistant formula that contains tiny microfibers that can adhere to your brow hairs and skin, creating a natural-looking fullness and shape. It also has a small and tapered spoolie brush that can help you blend the gel and create a seamless look. It comes in 10 shades that can match different brow colors and undertones. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and only costs $24.
6. Wunderbrow Brow Gel
Wunderbrow Brow Gel by Wunder2 is a tinted and long-wearing drugstore brow gel that can give you perfect and lasting brows in minutes. It has a unique and patented formula that contains hair-like fibers and pigments that can fill in your brows, add color and texture, and stay put for up to three days, even after showering or swimming. It also has a dual-ended applicator that consists of a spoolie brush that can help you apply the gel, and a fine brush that can help you create detailed strokes. It comes in five shades: blonde, brunette, black/brown, auburn, and jet black. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and only costs $22.
7. Maybelline New York Eyestudio Brow Drama Tinted Gel Mousse
Eyestudio Brow Drama Tinted Gel Mousse by Maybelline New York is a tinted and sculpting drugstore brow gel that can give you fuller and more defined brows in one easy step. It has a mousse-like and clump-free formula that can tint, tame, and set your brows, without making them stiff or sticky. It also has a round and ball-shaped spoolie brush that can help you create a smooth and even application. It comes in four shades: transparent, soft brown, deep brown, and medium brown. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and only costs $8.
Frequently asked questions about brow gels
Here are some of the most common questions that people have about brow gels, and their answers:
- How do I use a brow gel? The way you use a brow gel depends on the type of brow gel you choose, and the brow look you want to achieve. But in general, you can follow these steps:
- Start with clean and dry brows. If you have any excess oil or makeup on your brows, you can use a cotton pad or a tissue to gently wipe it off.
- If you want to use other brow products, such as pencils, powders, or pomades, you can apply them before the brow gel. This can help you create a more defined and precise brow shape, and fill in any gaps or sparse areas in your brows.
- Use the spoolie brush or the wand to apply the brow gel to your brows. Start from the inner corner of your brow, and work your way to the outer corner, following the direction of your natural brow hairs. Use short and light strokes, and avoid applying too much product at once. You can always add more layers if you want more color or hold.
- Use the spoolie brush or the wand to comb through your brows and blend the gel. You can also use it to shape and groom your brows, and create your desired brow look. For example, you can brush your brows upwards for a more natural and fluffy look, or brush them sideways for a more sleek and polished look.
- Let the brow gel dry completely before touching your brows or applying any other makeup products. This can help you prevent any smudging or transferring of the gel.
- Enjoy your beautiful and long-lasting brows!
- How do I remove a brow gel? The way you remove a brow gel depends on the formula of the brow gel you choose. Some brow gels are easy to remove with just water and soap, while others are more resistant and require a makeup remover or an oil-based cleanser. You can follow these steps to remove a brow gel:
- Wet a cotton pad or a cloth with warm water and your preferred makeup remover or cleanser. You can also use a micellar water, a cleansing oil, or a cleansing balm.
- Gently press the cotton pad or the cloth against your brows, and hold it for a few seconds. This can help you dissolve and loosen the brow gel from your brow hairs and skin.
- Gently wipe the cotton pad or the cloth across your brows, from the inner corner to the outer corner, following the direction of your natural brow hairs. Repeat this step until you remove all the traces of the brow gel from your brows.
- Rinse your face with water and pat it dry with a towel. You can also use a toner, a moisturizer, or any other skincare products that you normally use.
- How do I choose the right shade of brow gel for me? The right shade of brow gel for you depends on your brow color and your hair color. You can follow these tips to choose the right shade of brow gel for you:
- If you have light or blonde brows, you can choose a brow gel that is one or two shades darker than your natural brow color. This can help you add some contrast and definition to your brows, and make them more visible and noticeable.
- If you have dark or brunette brows, you can choose a brow gel that is the same shade or one shade lighter than your natural brow color. This can help you enhance your natural brow color, and make them more soft and natural.
- If you have red or auburn brows, you can choose a brow gel that has a warm or reddish undertone. This can help you match your brow color to your hair color, and create a more harmonious and flattering look.
- If you have gray or silver brows, you can choose a brow gel that has a cool or ashy undertone. This can help you neutralize any yellow or brassy tones in your brows, and make them more fresh and modern.
- If you have black or jet-black brows, you can choose a brow gel that has a dark brown or a soft black shade. This can help you avoid making your brows look too harsh or unnatural, and make them more smooth and elegant.
Conclusion
Brow gels are a great way to enhance your natural brows, add some color and volume, and keep them in place all day long. Plus, they’re super affordable and easy to find at your local drugstore or online.
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about brow gels, and how to choose and use the best one for you. We’ve also shared with you the 7 best drugstore brow gels of 2024, based on their formula, applicator, shade range, and performance.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite brow gel and get ready to rock your brows!