Whether you’re looking to elevate a successful makeup look or just trying to keep unruly brow hairs in check, a great eyebrow gel is the glue that holds it all together. Depending on your specific brow needs, a tinted gel can be a quick and easy way to minimize sparse areas while helping to add a little extra definition. If you’re new to the brow game, or prefer to use a different method to fill them in (we’re also big fans of pencils, pomades, and powders ), a clear gel can be ideal to seal off a brow look without going overboard on color. Since many eyebrow gels are designed with an spoolie-style applicator tip, fans of brow pencils will be able to appreciate an eyebrow gel’s familiarity when creating an even more polished result.
Eyebrow gels function similarly to a setting powder or even hairspray, as they’re made to keep the masterpiece you’ve created in place. Unlike other types of brow products, these gels are typically one of the final steps in a makeup routine and can also be used for a more natural-looking brow, since it adheres to the hairs you already have. It can sometimes be a challenge to figure out which eyebrow gels will actually get the job done, which is why we consulted professional makeup artists about some of their go-tos for defining brows and locking hair in place all day. Here, the holy grail eyebrow-gel picks, from brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills and Tarte, that beauty experts always keep at the ready. You might want to make some extra room in your makeup bag.
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Beautycounter Brilliant Eyebrow Gel
“I really like using Beautycounter’s eyebrow gel. It’s a clear gel that’s transparent, [unlike some from] other brands that can sometimes [leave] a white hue behind. Another big plus is that it doesn’t flake!” — Molly R. Stern , celebrity makeup artist
Laura Mercier Eyebrow Gel
“I always apply a brow gel to keep hairs in place, and my favorites [like this one] are clear.” — Robert Sesnek , celebrity makeup artist
Tarte Tinted Brow Gel in Taupe
“I love that the applicator wand [on this brow gel] is so thin! It’s a great option for someone who wants to spot treat or have a more natural look. This particular shade works well for those with a blond to medium brown hair color. It has a cool undertone, which can tint blond hair and disappear on darker hair. The gel is also great for redheads looking to tone down the warmth of their brows.” — Janessa Paré , professional makeup artist
Anastasia Eyebrow Gel
“Sometimes I like to set brows with just Anastasia Brow Gel, if no filler or definition is needed.” — R.S.
Glossier Boy Brow
“For brow gel, I’m super into Boy Brow by Glossier. It’s great on its own, but also when used as a final step after brow powder and pencil!” — Kirin Bhatty , celebrity makeup artist
“When you want that on-the-go, 15-second brow pick-me-up, Glossier’s Boy Brow will never fail. The gel is a two-in-one, being it’s a tinted brow gel. It’s also more on the waxy side, so it thickens brow hair while keeping them looking natural and full. Pro tip: I use brow gel as a base for eyebrows, then lightly fill in any sparse areas with a brow powder for the perfect undone effect.” — Tatiana Donaldson , professional makeup artist
“This gel does the job of keeping eyebrow hairs in place perfectly without leaving behind a hard texture. There’s no pilling effect with this gel, and it doesn’t turn white when reapplying or brushing through brows once they’re dry.” — J.P.
“To set the brows after using powder or a brow pen, I comb through and tame hairs with my holy grail Glossier Boy Brow, which has become a cult favorite. The tight spoolie is perfect for precisely applying wax and grooming unruly hair while also thickening and shaping the brow. It also comes in a travel-friendly size, which is a total lifesaver for an on-the-go makeup bag.” — Dominique Lerma , Moda Brush executive artist
Hourglass Arch Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel
“Hourglass also has great tinted brow gels that are highly pigmented and set brows in a beautiful way.” — K.B.
Benefit 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel
“The name says it all here: This brow gel sets for the long haul. I like to apply it with the applicator to each brow in order to fully [define] them before the gel sets, then go back with a spoolie to further coax the brows up. This process mimics the brow lamination trend that’s happening right now. Another great thing about this gel is that it actually gets better as it gets older. As opposed to drying out, it provides an even stronger hold.” — Ashleigh Ciucci , professional makeup artist
West Barn Co. Soap Brows
“For a brushed-up feathered brow , I use Soap Brows. My technique for fluffy brows is to spray a spoolie with setting mist, work it into the product, then brush it through the brows in an upward motion until the hairs and shape are as desired. Soap Brows is buildable and best applied in short flicks. Once brows are in place, it’s easy to fill in any sparse areas as needed.” — D.L.
