As we all know, brows set the tone for every makeup look. They frame your eyes and add dimension to your face, so using the right products can make or break your look. With this in mind, many people try microblading, which is one of those unique beauty treatments that's oddly polarizing. We'll always recognize it as an instant way to upgrade your brow game (albeit, at a steep price point), but there is a way to get the look for less—the brow pen.
Brow pens are a more affordable alternative to microblading and offer endless possibilities. Seeking full, feathery brows? Pull out your brow pen. Obsessed with office siren inspired sleek, skinny brows? That same brow pen will be your best friend. If you're not sure where to start your brow-pen hunt, you're in luck. We tapped Los Angeles based celebrity makeup artist Melissa Murdick, who's created looks for everyone from Selena Gomez and Billie Eilish to Rosalía and Ashley Park, for guidance on how to shop for your perfect brow pen.
Together, we compiled a list of expert-approved products that are sure to majorly level up your eyebrow game, delivering a gorgeous, "professionally microbladed" look. To see our top picks—from drugstore sleeper hits to cult classics from our favorite designer brands—and learn some tips and tricks, just keep scrolling.
The Best Eyebrow Pens
- Best Overall: Milani Weekend Brow Eyebrow Tint
- Best for Feather-Like Brows: Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo
- Best for Ultraprecise Strokes: L'Oréal Brow Stylist Micro Ink Pen
- Best Transfer-Proof Formula: Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Tint Pen
- Best Waterproof Formula: Nyx Professional Makeup Lift Snatch Brow Tint Pen
- Best for Adding Definition: Glossier Brow Flick Microfine Detailing Eyebrow Pen
- Best Multipurpose Brow Pen: MAC Shape + Shade Brow Tint
- Best Long-Wearing Formula: Anastasia Beverly Hills Superfine Micro-Stroking Detail Brow Pen
Associate beauty editor Maya Thomas shares three of her favorite brow pens from Milani, L'Oréal, and Maybelline.
The Best Brown Pens
Best Overall: Milani Weekend Brow Eyebrow Tint
The new version of Milani's best-selling eyebrow pen delivers epic definition and fullness using a featherlight brush tip and superfine, smudge-resistant pigments and polymers for long-lasting wear. It's easy to use and easy to fix if there's ever a stray stroke or out-of-place shading. It's been my favorite for years, and I can't imagine its absence or a time when I wouldn't look for it first in my makeup bag.
Pros: Crafted using sheer, smudge-resistant polymers for extended wear time
Cons: After the product dries, there is limited flexibility for adjustments
Size: 0.03-ounce eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip
Shades: Soft Brown, Medium Brown, Espresso
Thomas wearing the Milani Weekend Brow Eyebrow Tint in Espresso.
Best for Ultraprecise Strokes: L'Oréal Brow Stylist Micro Ink Pen
You'll want to snag this L'Oréal brow pen to create a precise, defined, and natural-looking finish. With up to 48 hours of wear, the Micro Ink Pen uses a waterproof, smudge-resistant formula that doesn't fade or transfer and a comb-tip applicator for effortless application. This is the pen that officially converted me to angled comb tips for a natural-looking finish.
Pros: Has a precise comb tip for smooth, fuss-free application
Cons: The product dries out quickly after opening the pen
Size: 0.01-ounce eyebrow pen with an angled comb tip
Shades: Dark Brunette, Brunette, Dark Blonde, Light Brunette
Thomas wearing the L'Oréal Micro Ink Pen in Dark Brunette.
Best for Feather-Like Brows: Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo
"My all-time fave brow pens are by Kevyn Aucoin. The shades are perfection, the amount of pigment looks soft and real, and they also come with a brow gel on the back end of the pen that has [an] amazing hold." — Murdick
Pros: Features an ultrafine brush tip for subtle, hairlike strokes
Cons: None
Size: 0.01-ounce dual-ended eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip and eyebrow-comb wand
Shades: Ash Blonde, Warm Brunette, Brunette, Dark Brunette
Best Shade Availability: Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen Waterproof Pencil
We can't forget about this dual-ended Urban Decay microblading eyebrow pen and waterproof pencil. In addition to it being stain-proof and waterproof, I love how it gives brows incredible definition, shape, and fullness using a comfortable, long-wearing vegan formula. Plus, it's available in nine natural-looking shades, so there's an option for everyone.
Pros: Product is a brow shaper, brow pencil, and brow tint in one
Cons: None
Size: 0.01-ounce dual-ended eyebrow pen with an ultrafine brush tip and soft eyebrow pencil
Shades: Blackout, Brown Sugar, Brunette Betty, Café Kitty, Cool Cookie, Dark Drapes, Gingersnap, Neutral Nana, Taupe Trap
Thomas wearing the Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen Waterproof Pencil in Blackout.
Best for the Laminated-Brow Look: Nabla Brow Ambition Micro-Stroking Brow Pen
If you haven't gotten your hands on this one yet, now's your chance. Nabla's Brow Ambition Eyebrow Pen has an ultrafine brush tip for precise, hairlike strokes. I found it easy to use and didn't experience any staining or transferring. My takeaway? It creates a hyperrealistic, full-brow look that lasts all day.
Pros: Creates a hyperrealistic, full-brow effect
Cons: Formula is somewhat runny when it makes contact with skin
Size: 0.02-ounce eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip
Shades: Ash Blonde, Warm Brown, Natural Brown, Black Brown
Best Transfer-Proof Formula: Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Tint Pen
Here's a classic Maybelline product everyone should have in their makeup bag. The Tattoo Studio Brow Tint Pen helps you achieve perfectly defined brows with a smudge- and transfer-proof formula and an exclusively designed multipronged tip that creates natural, hairlike strokes instantly.
Pros: Long-lasting formula that delivers up to 24 hours of wear
Cons: If you don't shake well before use, the color may change slightly
Size: 0.34-ounce eyebrow pen with an angled comb tip
Shades: Blonde, Soft Brown, Medium Brown, Deep Brown
Thomas wearing the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Brow Tint Pen in Deep Brown.
Best Waterproof Formula: Nyx Professional Makeup Lift Snatch Brow Tint Pen
If a lifted eyebrow look is what you're after, try this waterproof eyebrow pen by Nyx. Offering up to 16 hours of transfer-proof wear, it uses a flexible micro-brush tip pen to help you create smudge-proof and transfer-resistant strokes. It's been a must for helping me fill in the sparse areas at the tail of my brows.
Pros: Helps fill in sparse areas to give the brow a lifted look
Cons: None
Size: 0.03-ounce eyebrow pen with an ultra-fine brush tip
Shades: Auburn, Brunette, Blonde, Caramel, Taupe, Soft Brown, Ash Brown, Espresso, Black, Gray Black
Best for Beginners: e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Strokes Micro-Fine Brow Pen
Of the many ultra-effective brow pens offered by e.l.f. Cosmetics, the Holy Strokes Micro-Fine Brow Pen is the best by far. It has pronged tips to create a micro-bladed look by easily brushing and defining your natural brows with a simple flick of the wrist.
Pros: Uses a micro-fine bristle tip to create precise brow strokes
Cons: Requires reapplication for all-day wear
Size: 0.05-oz eyebrow pen with an micro-fine brush tip
Shades: Soft Brown, Blonde, Taupe, Auburn, Neutral Brown, Dark Brown, Espresso
Best for Creating Full Brows: Maybelline Build-a-Brow 2-in-1 Brow Pen and Sealing Eyebrow Gel
This thin-as-a-pin brush and brow gel are great for creating thick, textured arches by mimicking the texture and fullness of naturally bushy brows with light strokes. The pigmented eyebrow filler also makes it incredibly easy to create your dream makeup look in seconds without breaking the bank.
Pros: Helps fill in sparse areas for a full, bushy effect
Cons: None
Size: 0.05-ounce double-ended eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip and brow gel
Shades: Blonde, Ash Brown, Soft Brown, Medium Brown, Deep Brown, Black Brown
Best for Adding Definition: Glossier Brow Flick Microfine Detailing Eyebrow Pen
If you ask any beauty editor which eyebrow pens they'll never retire, there's a high chance Glossier's Brow Flick will make the list. Offered in three versatile shades, this liquid pen with a fine brush tip fills and defines the brows with featherlight strokes for smudge-resistant, full-looking brows that can last for up to eight hours. I reach for this whenever I'm short on time!
Pros: Can be used to define the arch, extend the tail, and add definition
Cons: Limited shade availability
Size: 0.01-ounce eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip
Shades: Black, Brown, Blond
Thomas wearing the Glossier Brow Flick in Black.
Best for Shaping: Melt Cosmetics Perfectionist Brow Ultra-Fine Pen
This micro-tip brow pen by Melt Cosmetics makes it easy to create real-looking, hairlike strokes without having to schedule an expensive microblading or brow-lamination session. Try pairing it with the brand's Max Hold Eyebrow Gel ($13) to create your desired shape and keep your brows in place.
Pros: The pen can be held at any angle to create realistic-looking brow hairs
Cons: Limited shade availability
Size: 0.02-ounce eyebrow pen with an ultra-fine brush tip
Shade: Universal Brown
Best Long-Wearing Formula: Anastasia Beverly Hills Superfine Micro-Stroking Detail Brow Pen
The lightweight formula of this brow pen glides on effortlessly with a featherlight feel, and it mimics natural hair while its sharp yet flexible brush helps you build fullness with precision. It's also waterproof, meaning you can wear this one rain or shine without worrying about reapplication throughout the day.
Pros: Has a featherlight, waterproof formula that glides on smoothly
Cons: Product dries out quickly with frequent use
Size: A 0.02-ounce eyebrow pen with an ultra-fine brush tip
Shades: Blonde, Caramel, Taupe, Soft Brown, Chocolate, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Ebony, Granite
Thomas wearing the Anastasia Beverly Hills Superfine Micro-Stroking Detail Brow Pen in Granite.
Best Multipurpose Brow Pen: MAC Shape + Shade Brow Tint
Designed to define and set brows with ease by combining the power of liquid and powder, this dual-ended brow tool by MAC is sweat and humidity-resistant as well as smudge-proof. Simply apply along the brow hairline, use the liquid to fill and define, and use the powder to set the brows.
Pros: Includes wax-infused powder to provide smooth application and strong hold
Cons: Limited shade availability (offered in two black and two brown shades)
Size: 0.03-oz dual-sided eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip and setting powder contained in the cap
Shades: Stud, Taupe, Fling, Spiked
Shopping for a Brow Pen
According to Murdick, shopping for a high-performing eyebrow pencil comes down to its ability to create a natural-looking finish that enhances your brows rather than competing with them. "When I am shopping for a brow pen, the main thing I look out for is color," Murdick begins. "So many brands have very warm or red-based shades that will stand out against your real brow hairs. For most folks, ashy/cool-toned shades will look more natural." While microblading is definitely a tempting beauty fix, it's challenging to find a professional who can perfectly match the texture, shape, and shade of your natural brows without a hefty price tag.
Brow pens offer the same result, but you also have the ability to create the perfect eyebrow look on your own terms and make adjustments as needed. While there's a learning curve to using them (as is the case for most products meant to replicate your natural brow), it's the best temporary solution for someone wanting a quick and easy way to amp up thin, sparse brows.
Using a Brow Pen
Luckily, Murdick has some helpful tips to effortlessly create the perfect brows. In order to fill in sparse brows with lifelike strokes, the direction in which you move the pen's tip matters. "For natural-looking results, create small, hairlike strokes in the direction of hair growth for the part of the brow you are filling in. Usually, the front of the brow grows up, and the middle to tail of the brow can either go diagonally or downward," she explains. If you struggle with keeping your hand steady, place your elbow on an even surface for support, and be light-handed with your initial application.
Choosing the right color can also seem daunting, but it all comes down to the look you'd like to create. For your eyebrows to complement the natural shade of your hair, consider selecting a shade that perfectly matches your strands or a shade or two darker for added definition. If you're looking to extend the wear time of the brow look you've created, try following your brow pen with a few swipes of a gel to set the hairs in place for a clean, polished look that lasts.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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