15 best eyebrow pencils for 2025, tried & tested by our Beauty Editor
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When it comes to the best eyebrow pencils, why should you care? Well, first off, our brows are key – not only do they frame our face but they help us convey our emotions.
And when it comes to the business of beauty, brows are just as important – with the global eyebrow makeup market valued at $6.5 billion in 2024. That’s a heck of a lot of brow grooming going on. So, what brow pencil is right for you, and how do you go about choosing?
What’s the best eyebrow pencil?
Brow pencils are quick and fuss-free to use. The nibs vary depending on the effect you're after: fine nibs can mimic hairs in any gaps you might have, thicker pencils can quickly add depth and shape if you want a fuller-looking brow, while angled nibs are great for an easy application.
So, if you're wondering what the best eyebrow pencil is for you, it totally depends on what look you’re after. Something like Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow, £21.50, will enable you to etch life-like hairs, whereas other waxy pencils can be used to create a darker, slightly more blocky brow.
Most brow pencils are dual-ended with a brush or a spoolie. This enables you to groom the hairs and, if you’re going for a fuller brow with depth, you can soften and blur the product so it looks less blocky and more realistic. Then there is the formula itself: some are like artist pencils and allow you to sketch lines that intensify the more pressure you use. Then, there are waxy pencils that don’t require any pressure to impart a full pigment onto the skin – these formulas are ideal for darker skin tones that need a strong colour payoff.
Is eyebrow pencil or eyebrow powder better?
This really depends on the result you want. Pencils, depending on the size of the nib, create real-looking hairs or shadow and depth. Powder creates a really soft, blurry effect and is handy for anyone with light blonde hair who doesn’t want a heavy-looking brow. Brow powders can also be used to quickly and easily fill in any sparse patches.
What is the best eyebrow pencil for very sparse brows?
With its fine, pen-like nib MAC Pro-Brow Definer eyebrow pencil can create very real-looking hairs and lasts for a 24 hours in situ. Alternatively, a powder and pencil combo like Shiseido Brow InkTrio enables you to create shadow as your base and then draw life-like hairs over the top.
Now you know about the best brow pencils, find your ideal eyebrow shape here.
How We Test
To find the best eyebrow pencil on the market, we examined various products from a number of brands we trust and rate.
We looked at price, formula, pigment pay off, how easy it was to use and how long it lasted.
We also examined shade range as well as any ingredients that would help to nourish and protect the brows.
Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra-fine brow defining pencil
If you fell victim to the 90s skinny brow trend and over-plucked your arches, this is for you. The tiny nib lets you create precise, hair-like strokes to fake the appearance of fuller brows. The pencil-meets-wax formula is ideal if you prefer something softer than pomade-style pencils. Plus, it’s completely budge-proof. It’s no surprise that this is the best-selling brow pencil in the UK.
£26.00 at benefitcosmetics.com
Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil
Anastasia is the brow Queen and this waxy, easy-glide pencil imparts colour and grooms brows to perfection. The spoolie brush allows you to blend in the formula and the finish has a slight shine, so brows don't look flat and heavy.
Charlotte Tilbury NEW! BROW CHEAT
This has over 400 5* reviews on the CT website. Users love it for the small and angular nib that helps to create neat brows and that it is totally transfer proof. I completely agree. Plus, the good-quality pigments equate to better definition, and added vitamin E helps to condition brow, hairs and skin.
£26.00 at charlottetilbury.com
e l f Instant Lift Waterproof Brow Pencil
For less than a fiver you can create long-lasting waterproof brows with precision. Extra points for the creamy finish that doesn't dry out or flake off in the heat. It also has over 3,000 5* reviews on Boots. Impressive stuff.
No7 Eyebrow Sculpting Pencil Brown brown
The slimline angled tip is great for those who want to focus on sculpting and the formula glides on with ease. The pigment pay off defies the under-£12 price tag.
Micro Brow Pencil
NYX doesn't just make great lashes; this brow pencil grooms brows with ease. Best for a softer brow look and creating definition to tails.
Brow 1990
The soft gel formula applies smoothly without tugging and gives great hold so you don't need to follow up with a setting or fixing gel. Sunflower oil provides lightweight moisture while added safflower extract softens hair.
The Brow Pencil
This chunky pencil from makeup maestro Bobbi Brow integrates tiny, hair-like fibres to add dimension and fullness. Think fluffy lifelike brows. It's also one of the only brands to offer a grey shade, which we love to see.
L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Brow Filling Triangular Pencil
Because its L'Oreal Paris, the shade range is wide, meaning there will definitely be a hue for you. The sharpest edge of the pencil allows you to create a clean finish once you've filled in sparse areas.
Boy Brow Arch
I never got along with Glossier Brow Flick, as the felt-tip pen always made my brows look like slugs. (To be fair, I blame my technique, as I generally love Glossier products.) This product, however, is nearly perfect. The angled nib gives me excellent control, making it easy to create fine, natural-looking strokes. It’s definitely one of my favourite brow products.
Pro Pencil
This is perfect for those who love to create a fuller brow. While the shape resembles a flat head screwdriver, it enables you to create very realistic hair strokes, blending in seamlessly with your natural hairs for an undetectable finish. The pencil lasts for ages too, making it a worthwhile spend.
Brow Pop Dual-Action Defining Pencil
This TikTok sensation has a triangular tip with a thick side to fill in sparse areas and a thin side to add precise, feathered strokes to shape and sculpt the brow. Added castor oil helps lashes to grow in real time.
In Full Micro-Tip Brow Pencil
This vegan-friendly formula from natural beauty brand Ilia is great for beginners and helps to create very natural looking brows. It glides on seamlessly and the provitamin B5 works to condition the hairs for soft arches.
Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler
With 14 waterproof shades, it's the best brow pencil for those who struggle to find their perfect shade match. The pencil is pigment-rich, while the triangle pencil shape is easy to grip.
Christian Louboutin Brow Definer
This long-lasting brow pencil makes your brows look as good as its chic gold and black packaging. The waxy formula is highly pigmented and can really go the distance. Best for luxe beauty lovers.
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