The Best Brow Pens for Drawing Precise, Natural-Looking Hairs

Just because you might already have one of the best brow pencils in your makeup bag doesn’t mean a brow pen won’t work better for certain brows, or that they can’t be used together for the perfect look. Each has its strengths, and sometimes, a brow pen is the key to achieving a more precise, natural finish. The difference between the two is subtle, but it’s important to remember that brows can completely transform your facial symmetry. Celebrity makeup artist James Kaliardos puts it best: “Brows can look wack and out of proportion, or they can add power, strength, and a chic, groomed look to your face.”

Like classroom pens and pencils, some people simply prefer one over the other (I’m a Muji 0.5 Gel Pen loyalist) and find brow pens easier to maneuver, especially since many have ultra-fine tips, perfect for filling in sparse areas or creating realistic strokes. “The pen is about precision. It’s the tool to create fine hair-like lines, give the illusion of hair, or finish the tail super precisely. But the pen requires patience and takes a little more time to apply,” says Kaliardos.

Vogue’s Favorite Brow Pens:

Best Overall: Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-Eyebrow Pen, $28

Best Buildable: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen, $26

Best Waterproof: Benefit Cosmetics Mighty Fine Waterproof Brow Pen, $28

Best Multi Use: Maybelline Build-A-Brow 2-in-1 Brow Pen, $15

Best Splurge: Valentino Beauty Brow Trio Eyebrow Liner, $40

Best for Detailing: Glossier Brow Flick Microfine Detailing Eyebrow Pen, $18

Best for All Day Wear: L’Oreal Paris Micro Ink Pen, $12

Best Drugstore: NYX Eyebrow Tint Pen, $13

Below, we’ve rounded up 8 of our favorite brow pens, including multi-use, waterproof, and drugstore options, with input from celebrity makeup artists. We also asked them what to look for in a brow pen and how to best wield it for natural-looking brows. Read on to discover more.

Best Overall: Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen

Image may contain: Pen

Urban Decay

Why We Love It: For those looking for something multipurpose, this 2-in-1 pen and pencil combo gives you both options in one—no decision paralysis here. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibell explains, “The pencil side is perfect for filling in and thickening the brows, while the pen side is great for adding detail, like defining the outer edges and base.” Celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta is also a fan, adding, “The formula is smooth, doesn’t skip, and gives you a flawless, layered finish.”

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, soybean oil, synthetic Japan wax

Shades: 9

Best Waterproof: Benefit Cosmetics Mighty Fine Waterproof Brow Pen

Why We Love It: When you want your brows to last all day—through sweat, humidity, a rainy day, or a hot New York summer—this is the pen every MUA recommends. Celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz says, “I use this on my celeb clients for red carpet or press days because the waterproof formula doesn’t budge.” It features a three-pronged tip that makes drawing on brows a breeze. She adds, “The tip is super precise, which makes it easy to define and extend the brow, especially at the tail.” If you’re feeling wary, Kaliardos suggests using a light hand and drawing your brows on paper first to get a feel for the shape you want before applying it to your brows.

Key Ingredients: Butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ammonium styrene/acrylates copolymer

Shades: 8

Best Multi-Use: Maybelline Build-A-Brow 2-in-1 Brow Pen

Why We Love It: A self-proclaimed “favorite” of Mehta, this product combines both a brow pen and clear gel, allowing you to fill and set your brows with just one tool. Although there are only six shades, Mehta notes that the range is still great since “the undertones run cooler than a lot of other brow pens.” She adds, “The formula is lightweight and buildable, making it ideal for quick and easy brows!” Kaliardos suggests, “Draw on the hairs first, then brush up the brow hairs, sealing them in shape with the gel.”

Key Ingredients: Butylene glycol, VP/VA copolymer

Shades: 6

Best Splurge: Valentino Beauty Brow Trio Eyebrow Liner

Why We Love It: Why settle for a two-in-one when you can opt for a three-in-one? Though it’s a bit of a splurge, Mehta says it’s “definitely worth it” as the powder allows you to shade in sparse areas before drawing on hairs, making it ideal for those with thin brows or gaps. She adds, “The ink formula glides on smoothly, and the built-in spoolie ensures everything blends seamlessly. It’s super versatile, great for creating either natural or bold brows.” If you’re unsure how to use it, Kaliardos suggests: “Draw the shape, perfect the hair detail and tail with the ink pen, then seal it all up with the comb.”

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, soybean oil, synthetic Japan wax

Shades: 3

Best for Detailing: Glossier Brow Flick Microfine Detailing Eyebrow Pen

Why We Love It: As is to be expected from most of Glossier’s products, Loiz says, “It gives the most natural, barely-there look, perfect for makeup minimalists,” adding, “This one’s my favorite.” Mehta agrees, saying, “The sheer formula is perfect for creating soft, natural-looking brows and filling in sparse areas without going overboard.” The fine tip allows you to easily draw delicate strokes, making it virtually foolproof for both beginners and pros.

Key Ingredients: Copolymers, superfine pigments

Shades: 3

Best Buildable: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen

Why We Love It: With summer on the horizon, we’re bracing for humid days and, hopefully, some time spent by the pool or ocean. This waterproof pen is perfect for those days, staying in place no matter what, especially when paired with the brand’s clear brow gel. Loiz recommends it, saying, “This one’s for the girls who love a defined brow.” She explains that the ultra-fine tip makes it easy to create realistic, hair-like strokes. “It’s buildable and gives a finish that reminds me of a micro-bladed brow.” And if that wasn’t enough, it can also be used on the face to create faux freckles.

Key Ingredients: Butylene glycol, ethylhexyl acrylate crosspolymer, pentylene glycol

Shades: 9

Best for All Day Wear: L’Oreal Paris Micro Ink Pen

Why We Love It: While we hope you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, if the need arises, Kaliardos says this pen is “super long-wearing with up to 48 hours of wear time.” At under $15, it’s a great option if you’re looking to try out brow pens, and it doesn’t skimp on benefits: Waterproof, no color fade, smudge-resistant, and transfer-proof. What sets it apart is its comb-like applicator, which, as Kaliardos explains, allows you to “actually get multiple hair-like strokes in one glide,” and still achieve a defined and natural-looking brow.

Key Ingredients: Crylate copolymer, propylene glycol

Shades: 4

Best Drugstore: NYX Eyebrow Tint Pen

Why We Love It: An affordable option that still delivers on pigment and precision, Mehta notes that the tip makes it easy to create defined, hair-like strokes, and the formula has excellent staying power. Even better, the pens comes in 10 shades, including some with warm tones, which she says makes for “a great choice for those with warm-toned hair or redheads looking for a natural match.”

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, PVP, triisopropanolamine

Shades: 10

Article and pic taken from Vogue

Article written by Iman Balagam