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The 17 Best Eyebrow Pencils to Fake Fuller Brows in Minutes

Our top picks for sparse brows in need.

Headshot of Harper's Bazaar StaffBy Harper's Bazaar Staff
best eyebrow pencils in 2022
Caroline Tompkins/Getty Images//Getty Images

With so many options available, it can be tricky to narrow down which of the best eyebrow pencils is actually worth adding to your rotation. Some pencils are designed with ultra-slim shapes that make it easy to mimic natural brow hairs, while others feature slanted edges for enhanced customization. "It's all about big, fluffy brows without harsh edges," celebrity makeup artist Katrina Klein tells BAZAAR.com of beauty's most recent eyebrow trend.

  • Brow Wiz

    Best All-Around Brow Pencil

    Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

    $11 at Sephora
    Read more
  • Brow Stylist Definer

    Best Waterproof Brow Pencil

    L'Oreal Brow Stylist Definer

    Read more
  • Micro Brow Pencil

    Best Drugstore Brow Pencil

    NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil

    Read more
  • Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel

    Best Celebrity-Approved Brow Pencil

    Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel

    Read more
  • Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer

    Best Brow Pencil for Hair-Like Strokes

    Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer

    Read more

Using one of these makeup essentials—and the help of its handy spoolie brush to keep hairs in place—is one of the quickest ways to add a boost of volume and definition to sparse areas, or generally thin brows. From tried-and-true brands like Dior, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Benefit Cosmetics, and more, we've pulled together 17 staples that shoppers, makeup artists, and editors alike swear by. Read on for our short list of the very best eyebrow pencils to shop now.


Best All-Around Brow Pencil

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Brow Wiz
Best All-Around Brow Pencil

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

$11 at Sephora
Credit: Sephora
Pros
  • Smudge-proof formula
Cons

    This artist and editor-beloved brow pencil has a cult following for a reason. Associate beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson explains, "I've tested and reviewed a number of eyebrow pencils, and I keep coming back to this one from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Not only is it practically foolproof, but its formula and pigmentation is definitely one of the best."

    Number of shades:12
    One satisfied customer writes:"After all these years and trying other products, I always come back to this one. Love the applicator, color offering, the spoolie on opposite end, and the staying power. Great for very natural looking brows." —claygriff218
    Best Waterproof Brow Pencil

    L'Oreal Brow Stylist Definer

    On Sale
    Brow Stylist Definer
    Best Waterproof Brow Pencil

    L'Oreal Brow Stylist Definer

    Now 11% Off
    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Self-sharpening
    Cons

      This best-selling eyebrow pencil from L'Oréal retails for under $10, and has a super-fine tip that makes it easy to create thin, hair-like strokes.

      Number of shades:10
      One satisfied customer writes:"This is a great little pencil! I love the micro pencil size and the spoolie on the end. Highly recommend if you want a cheap option to the $20 and up pencils out there. This one works just as fabulously as the pricey ones!" —Crazypretty
      Best Drugstore Brow Pencil

      NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil

      On Sale
      Micro Brow Pencil
      Best Drugstore Brow Pencil

      NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil

      Now 15% Off
      Credit: Amazon
      Pros
      • Ultra-fine tip for hair-like strokes
      Cons

        This budget-friendly pencil features a long-wear formula and teeny tiny tip that makes it difficult to go overboard when filling in your brows.

        Number of shades:12
        One satisfied customer writes:"I used to use a much more expensive pencil but once I switched to this one, I've never looked back! The lines are fine, the coverage is great, lasts all day and looks great!" —Liz B.
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        Best Celebrity-Approved Brow Pencil

        Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel

        Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel
        Best Celebrity-Approved Brow Pencil

        Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel

        Now 50% Off
        Credit: Sephora
        Pros
        • Vegan
        Cons

          Another of our favorite dual-ended products, this pencil from Selena Gomez's brand Rare Beauty provides soft, blendable lines that look natural when brushed through. It also nicely features a tinted brow gel that can be used alone or with its accompanying pencil.

          Number of shades:8
          One satisfied customer writes:"Yes! Everything about this eyebrow pencil is good. I love that it has a dual application technique, so my brows can go on as heavy or light as I want." —rlbrown1501
          Best Brow Pencil for Hair-Like Strokes

          Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer

          Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer
          Best Brow Pencil for Hair-Like Strokes

          Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer

          Credit: Sephora
          Pros
          • Long-wearing
          Cons

            One of the top-selling pencils at both Ulta and Sephora, this ultra-precise pencil from Benefit is best for faking natural-looking hairs. Use it on areas where you're sparse, then soften the lines with the attached spoolie. The best part? This tiny pencil is sturdy, so you don't have to worry about it breaking off.

            Number of shades:12
            One satisfied customer writes:"Benefit knocks it out of the park with this pencil. It has been my go-to for a few years now. There are many brands that make the micro-tipped pencils but this ones formula glides on and stays put. I also appreciate the cool grey as I have a dark ash brown root and most brown shades are too warm for me." —Dawnie83
            Best Brow Pencil with Benefits

            KIMIKO Fine Eyebrow Pencil Automatique

            Fine Eyebrow Pencil Automatique
            Best Brow Pencil with Benefits

            KIMIKO Fine Eyebrow Pencil Automatique

            Credit: Amazon
            Pros
            • Self-sharpening
            Cons

              Here's an Amazon's Choice recipient and editor-favorite pencil that's made in Japan, and contains a blend of moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, and jojoba for a smooth application.

              Number of shades:3
              One satisfied customer writes:"LITERALLY A GODSEND. I've never been more satisfied with an eyebrow pencil. I'll get random compliments on how good my brows look, and people are shocked when I tell them I use pencil. And then they want it. As they should. It is unreal how real it looks." —Chavie L.
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              Best Chubby Brow Pencil

              Jones Road The Brow Pencil

              The Brow Pencil
              Best Chubby Brow Pencil

              Jones Road The Brow Pencil

              Credit: Jones Road
              Pros
              • Waterproof
              Cons

                Created by makeup legend Bobbi Brown, this eyebrow pencil is completely waterproof, which means it's especially ideal to wear to the pool or the beach.

                Number of shades:5
                One satisfied customer writes:"My kids have literally sucked the life right out of me. Including the color from my brows. This pencil really matches my natural color and fills in the gaps easily. Stays on all day!" —Heather H.
                Best Artist-Level Brow Pencil

                Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil

                Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil
                Best Artist-Level Brow Pencil

                Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil

                Credit: Dior
                Pros
                • Ultra-fine tip for hair-like strokes
                Cons

                  Dior customers agree: this retractable brow pencil is a must-buy for natural, yet polished runway-ready brows. The ultra-fine tip is sturdy, so it won't snap off the second you press it against your skin.

                  Number of shades:6
                  One satisfied customer writes:"Love this brow pencil. Have tried others and always come back to it. Precision and ability to stay put is amazing." —Mary
                  Best Eco-Conscious Brow Pencil

                  Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift Eyebrow Pencil

                  Brow Lift Eyebrow Pencil
                  Best Eco-Conscious Brow Pencil

                  Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift Eyebrow Pencil

                  Credit: Sephora
                  Pros
                  • Long-wearing
                  Cons

                    In addition to being smudge- and humidty-proof, this eyebrow pencil is vegan, waterproof, and refillable, which plays a small role in cutting back on beauty waste.

                    Number of shades:8
                    One satisfied customer writes:"My favorite eyebrow pencil of all-time. The Charlotte Tilbury pencil is durable, and the color comes off pretty easy without having to use much pressure. I'm a huge fan." —amandamarie37
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                    Best Brow Pencil Brush

                    Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler

                    On Sale
                    Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler
                    Best Brow Pencil Brush

                    Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler

                    Now 30% Off
                    Credit: Fenty Beauty
                    Pros
                    • Waterproof
                    Cons

                      With a bevy of shade options for blondes, brunettes, and redheads, you're practically guaranteed to find a perfect match in this ultra-fine pencil from Fenty Beauty.

                      Number of shades:14
                      One satisfied customer says:"Perfect shade, easy application. Goes on smoothly and is easy to blend. Fine tip allows for precise shaping. Only complaint would be that I felt like I went through it so quickly but that’s probably a personal problem, so this still absolutely deserves five-stars." —Raye S.
                      Best Customizable Brow Pencil

                      Estée Lauder The Brow Multi-Tasker

                      The Brow Multi-Tasker
                      Best Customizable Brow Pencil

                      Estée Lauder The Brow Multi-Tasker

                      Credit: Ulta
                      Pros
                      • Includes brow powder
                      Cons

                        Another multitasker, this beloved 3-in-1 pencil includes an angled tip that creates both thin and thick lines, plus, hidden brow powder to further define and fill-in sparse areas. Use its built-in spoolie to brush through and soften your work.

                        Number of shades:4
                        One satisfied customer writes:"I love having the sponge, liner and brush all together! The liner is angled allowing you to create thin or thicker strokes." —Kayla
                        Best Eyebrow Pencil for Brunettes

                        Ami Colé On Point Precision Brow Pencil

                        On Point Precision Brow Pencil
                        Best Eyebrow Pencil for Brunettes

                        Ami Colé On Point Precision Brow Pencil

                        Credit: Thirteen Lune
                        Pros
                        • Ultra-fine tip for hair-like strokes
                        Cons

                          Buzzy beauty brand Ami Colé knows a thing or two about creating cult-favorite products, and this pigmented, retractable eyebrow pencil—available exclusively in brown and black shades—is definitely one of them.

                          Number of shades:4
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                          Best Angeled Brow Pencil

                          Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil

                          Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
                          Best Angeled Brow Pencil

                          Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil

                          Credit: Nordstrom
                          Pros
                          • Angled tip for added definition
                          Cons

                            The angled pencil has the hold of a wax, precision of a pencil, and impact of a powder. Use the flat end to fill in larger areas in need and its pointy tip to create a few one-off strokes at the front of your brows.

                            Number of shades:9
                            One satisfied customer writes:"This product is amazing! I cannot tell you how many 'blonde' eyebrow pencils/powders/gels I have used that have turned me into Groucho Marx. They always seem to be too dark or otherwise unnatural looking. This pencil is very blendable! The angled brush makes your brows look very natural! Five-stars all the way!" —BBardot
                            Best Vegan Eyebrow Pencil

                            Westman Atelier Bonne Brow Eyebrow Pencil

                            Bonne Brow Eyebrow Pencil
                            Best Vegan Eyebrow Pencil

                            Westman Atelier Bonne Brow Eyebrow Pencil

                            Credit: Violet Grey
                            Pros
                            • Paraben-free
                            Cons

                              Makeup legend Gucci Westman developed this popular angled brow pencil that contains a naturally-derived formula along with a fluffy spoolie brush for easy blending.

                              Number of shades:4
                              Best Universally Flattering Brow Pencil

                              IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil

                              Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil
                              Best Universally Flattering Brow Pencil

                              IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil

                              Credit: IT Cosmetics
                              Pros
                              • Customizable
                              Cons

                                Here's a coveted pencil from It Cosmetics that comes in four universal shades suitable for a wide range of hair colors. Its formula is designed to not only mimic the look of natural eyebrow hair, but adjusts to its color based on the amount of pressure you use to fill them in with.

                                Number of shades:4
                                One satisfied customer writes:"Favorite brow pencil! It lasts for a long time and the universal taupe is the best color. For the quality and price, perfect!" —KJK8
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                                Best Luxe Brow Pencil

                                Valentino Brow Trio Eyebrow Liner

                                Brow Trio Eyebrow Liner
                                Best Luxe Brow Pencil

                                Valentino Brow Trio Eyebrow Liner

                                Credit: Sephora
                                Pros
                                • Includes both a brow pen and liner marker
                                Cons

                                  This is more than just a brow pencil—it's basically a transformer. On one end is a spoolie, and on the other is a brow marker that's ideal to sketch in a few flicks of "hair." And under the spoolie? A third product: an angled pencil, which is ideal for elongating shorter brows.

                                  Number of shades:3
                                  One satisfied customer writes:"The best high-end brow pencil! I hope it will never discontinue because I will be in trouble—I recommend this brow pen to everyone." —prettygirlas
                                  Best Long-Wearing Brow Pencil

                                  Patrick Ta Major Brow Defining Pencil

                                  Major Brow Defining Pencil
                                  Best Long-Wearing Brow Pencil

                                  Patrick Ta Major Brow Defining Pencil

                                  Credit: Sephora
                                  Pros
                                  • Top-rated
                                  Cons

                                    Sephora customers are raving about this nearly five-star-rated pencil from celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, which has a formula that not only lasts all day, but glides on like butter.

                                    Number of shades:5
                                    One satisfied customer writes:"I have been loving this pencil for my eyebrows! The color shade is a perfect match with my brows and it lasts all day and does not move around. I was concerned it wouldn’t work on my oily skin, but it is perfect for my skin type and texture! Will keep using this from now on." —kassikamal

                                    Meet the Expert

                                    best eyebrow pencils in 2023

                                    Katrina Klein is celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California, and has created looks for stars like Jessica Biel, Sophia Bush, Lucy Hale, and more.

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                                    Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?

                                    best eyebrow pencils in 2023

                                    For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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