Among the many eyebrow products available on the market, brow gels have recently become a popular must-have for many people. Not only do they help achieve fuller and thicker brows, but they can help shape your eyebrows to your liking. Whether you like a brushed-up look or you want to just set a few stray hairs into place, eyebrow gel is the way to go.
In this article, we've compiled the 10 best eyebrow gels available online. At the top of our list was Elizabeth Mott's Queen of the Fill Eyebrow Gel for its waterproof, smudge-proof, and sweat-resistant abilities as well as its lightweight and hydrating properties that can cover even gray hairs. To help figure out which eyebrow gel is right for you, we also included a handy Buying Guide reviewed by a professional make-up artist.
Quick List - Top Eyebrow Gels
Elizabeth Mott
Best Versatile, Lightweight and Hydrating Gel That Can Cover Gray Hairs
Maybelline New York
Best Highly Pigmented Eyebrow Gel for Bold, Full Brows
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
When deciding on the right eyebrow gel for you, consider factors such as your hair color, the type of brush the product has, the texture of the gel, and the ingredients included in the formula.
Most eyebrow gels will come either tinted or clear. If you want to give your eyebrows the appearance of a bit more volume, fullness, or color, opt for a tinted option. To figure out the right shade for you, we recommend narrowing down a few colors that match your hair shade. Then, select the color that’s the lightest among them all.
Using an eyebrow gel shade that's much darker than your natural hair or as dark as your hair color is one reason your brows might look unnatural. If you prefer a darker tint, go with a color that’s one shade darker than your natural hair color. Those with naturally thicker eyebrows may benefit from using a clear gel over a tinted one.
However, note that any tinted or colored eyebrow gel needs careful application. Any excess tint on the brush needs to be absorbed using a makeup tissue. Otherwise, you might end up with a set of brows that's too full and blocky.
Fuller brows do not need extra pigment, and you can groom any stubborn hairs without tinting them. Clear options are also great for those who simply want to brush their eyebrow hairs up or set them in place.
By using an untinted option for these tasks, not only does it give you the freedom to shape and color your eyebrows with a pencil or pen beforehand, but also to opt out of using any tint at all, if you prefer not to color in your eyebrows.
Some brows may be naturally light and difficult to see if a tinted brow gel isn't applied. The color you choose for your brow should be based on what your natural brow color is. With blonde brows, it is important to fill them in because a light brow does not read well on camera. Light natural brows do not need to be dark, but they need to be dark enough to be seen.
Eyebrows that are naturally dark may not even need to be filled in unless there are gaps in the hairs or they're not the shape you are trying to achieve. If there are gaps in the brow hairs, it is easy to see skin and can be noticeable. A brow gel can enhance the shape of the brow and can add dimension, giving it a finished natural look.
Similar to how the hold of a hair gel or hairspray affects the longevity of hairstyles, an eyebrow gel needs to have a good hold to keep your brows looking the way you want them. A strong hold formula can keep your brows in place and make them look naturally full and well-defined and are great for both thin and thick brows.
For thin brows, a strong-hold formula can help define and thicken the brows, whereas, for thicker ones, they can help tame and shape the brows. This type can also be helpful when you're trying to grow out or work with over-tweezed or thin brows, as they can help coat and define brow hairs.
A soft-based gel is great for those who want a light and flexible hold or a natural touch-up. These can also be used for less thick brows and are preferred for those who don't need to rely on a strong hold to keep their eyebrow shape in place.
You may want to consider waterproof eyebrow gels as well. A good waterproof gel can retain the shade, shape, and shine of your eyebrows for hours, even if they're exposed to water or sweat. These formulas reduce the need for re-application and can be great for higher energy days where you may be breaking a sweat or attending long events.
The amount of product will depend on you and the color and shape you want to achieve. Eyebrow shapes are customized to fit each face. For a bushy brow, you want a strong holding gel that will not move on you throughout the day. If you have any hairs missing in spots, sometimes you can brush the brow gel in a certain direction to hide that missing spot where the skin peeks through.
If you naturally have thick brows, you want to run a brow gel through them to tame them and have a natural perfectly shaped brow. Otherwise, a natural bushy, thick brow can lay in funny directions and give you an overly-filled brow look.
Eyebrow gels come with a variety of different brush types. Most feature thin, wand-like brushes or cone shapes for precision. A small brush or spoolie would be ideal if you want to give more definition and shape to your brows. It can also fill up any sparse patches that your brows might have.
Some eyebrow gels may come with multiple applicators, such as brushes, spoolies, and sponges. A sponge tip applicator can fill in eyebrow gaps and draw lines. Some angled brushes and spoolies can help to separate hairs and coat them individually. Thicker brushes are useful for thicker brows, and can cover and coat down the full length of the hairs.
Some commonly used hydrating ingredients in eyebrow gels are glycerin, coconut extract, and green tea. These ingredients help your brows appear fuller and softer. Oleic acid, lecithin, and soluble collagen are examples of ingredients used for brow care and brow-enhancing.
Those with dry skin around their eyebrows can try gels with hydrating ingredients such as the ones mentioned above, or jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil. The use of botanical conditioners, essential oils, and hydrating oils may suit you as well.
Products that contain no parabens, sulfates, or other synthetic elements may reduce breakouts and inflammation. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from alcohol, fragrances, and synthetic dyes or pigments. It's always a good idea to do a patch test before you use any product.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Elizabeth Mott Queen of the Fill | ![]() | Best Versatile, Lightweight and Hydrating Gel That Can Cover Gray Hairs | |
2 | Benefit Cosmetics Akmuse Brow Gel | ![]() | Best Natural Eyebrow Gel With Microfibers That Mimic Natural Hair | |
3 | Maybelline New York TattooStudio Waterproof Eyebrow Gel | ![]() | Best Highly Pigmented Eyebrow Gel for Bold, Full Brows | |
4 | Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil and Gel | ![]() | Best 2-In-1 Pencil and Brow Gel With Sheer Gel Formula | |
5 | Wunder2 Wunderbrow Long-Lasting Eyebrow Gel | ![]() | Best Waterproof Eyebrow Gel With 3e Brushes | |
6 | NYX Professional Makeup Eyebrow Gel | ![]() | Best for Filling in Sparse Brows | |
7 | L'Oreal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Tinted Brow Gel | ![]() | Best Volumizing Gel With Sponge, Brush, and Spoolie | |
8 | Jane Iredale PureBrow Gel | ![]() | Best Eyebrow Plumping Gel With Many Natural Ingredients | |
9 | Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel | ![]() | Best Vegan Eyebrow Gel With Shimmer | |
10 | NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel | ![]() | Best Non-Sticky Clear Gel for a No-Makeup Makeup Look |
Pros:
Cons:
This gel has a formula for a lighter hold. It eliminates reapplication as the larger tapered brush makes for quicker and easier application. Not only that, but it also covers gray hairs and is waterproof and smudge-proof.
Some reviewers with very light brows found it didn't fill in enough. However, the majority of users loved the long-lasting coverage this product provided. Some also loved how the spoolie allowed them not only to fill in sparse spots but also to draw in a bit of their eyebrow as well.
Pros:
Cons:
This product has small microfibers that cling onto the skin and brows to mimic real hairs and create a naturally fuller brow. The applicator is also a smaller spoolie to provide better control and freedom over how and where to fill your brows. The formula is water-resistant and long-lasting while still being hydrating, with glycerin as an ingredient.
A couple of users said the product didn't do enough to change the look of their brows. However, the rest of the customers said this item is a staple in their makeup routine because of how easy it is to apply and how well it holds the brows to their desired shape.
Pros:
Cons:
This gel is for those looking for fuller, thicker, and pigmented eyebrows with high resistance to water and smudging. Use the applicator tip to fill, shape, and define your brows, and the spoolie to volumize the hairs. It includes glycerin to keep the formula hydrating while still offering a strong hold.
The boldness of the formula did not impress some users, as they felt it was too thick and sticky and overly enhanced their brows. They suggested wiping down the sponge before use to get rid of excess product. Many other users with visibly sparse areas in their brows loved the product and found it held its fullness and boldness.
Pros:
Cons:
This dual-sided product comes with a pencil to shape the brow and a sheer tinted gel to fill and enhance. Its two-in-one design is great for on the go and travel, and the formula is ophthalmologist-tested to be safe for contact lens wearers. As it's from Revlon's Colorstay range of products, you can expect effects to last for 24 hours.
Some users were disappointed at how the formula was too sheer to coat the eyebrow hairs to their liking. They've noted that you can expect a lightly polished look with this product. However, many more users loved the small spoolie, as it collected the perfect amount of gel and coated the brows without staining the area around them.
Pros:
Cons:
Wunderbrow eyebrow gel can fill, thicken, and define your brows and boasts an ability to be waterproof, smudge-proof and transfer-proof for up to three days. Its hair-like fibers fill your brows and sculpt them for a naturally fuller appearance.
Some said that the big spoolie can cause a mess if not carefully used, and others thought the formula was too goopy or dark. But the majority of buyers said that all it takes is a bit of practice to get used to the applicators and find the right one for you. On top of that, they loved how natural the shades were and how long-lasting the formula was.
Pros:
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This lightweight gel is can be used to create hair-like strokes for filling in, and when it dries it controls any unmanageable brow hairs. The cruelty-free formula comes with waterproof properties for sweat- and smudge-resistance. However, note that it doesn't come with an applicator sponge, brush, or spoolie, so you must purchase your own.
Some users had trouble squeezing out the gel and did not like the darker color payoff. Nevertheless, most others were very impressed by how well it addressed any sparse brow issues for a thicker and fuller brow.
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L'Oreal's waterproof brow gel fills any gaps and sparse areas. On top of the sponge applicator, you get a soft angled brush to outline your brows and a spoolie to polish. The formula creates a waterproof film around your brow hairs to last for up to 48 hours and is both transfer-proof and sweat-resistant.
Some found the included applicator hard to use, and others said if you make a mistake it's difficult to wash it off. That being said, most happy users said that careful application with the soft sponge gave the brows a great natural finish.
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This conditioning gel comes infused with sea minerals which hydrate and moisturize your brows while coating and shaping them. Depending on the shade you choose, you'll also get hydrating and conditioning benefits from wheat protein, jojoba oil, and other botanicals.
A few customers noted that this formula leaves eyebrows looking unnatural as the applicator dispenses too much product. Others thought that the formula was clumpy. That being said, more customers enjoyed how this product helped plump their brows, and blondes especially enjoyed this product's tint.
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Cons:
This lightweight gel gives a flexible hold for brows and comes in a clear option for people with naturally thick or full eyebrows. The formula uniquely includes a light shimmer to reflect light and add dimension to the brows. It also hydrates with glycerin as a moisturizing ingredient, so it might not suit those with oily skin around the brows.
Some didn't like the applicator, which has long bristles on one side and short on the other. That being said, there were many fans of the clear shade, which people said did a great job at holding their desired eyebrow shape. Those with lighter eyebrows also said the shades helped them define their brows well.
Pros:
Cons:
This non-sticky formula is made to enhance and tame eyebrow hairs with a clear shade. It works well on powder or pencil, and the formula clings to your brows all day long. It can also double as a clear mascara for those who want to enhance their eyelashes too.
Some users noted that it felt a bit stiff and became a bit flaky once dry. However, the rest of the customers were very impressed by how natural and lightweight the formula was. They appreciated how well it worked for when they didn't want to wear much makeup but just wanted to tame their brow hairs.
The Anastasia Brow Freeze has been a huge hit on social media and lived up to its hype. This brow gel has extreme hold and lifts the brow in place. It is truly the strongest brow hold I have tried yet. The bushy "laminated" brow trend has been seen all over, and this product will do the trick.
It is a wax that sets the brow in place that can grip the hair to the skin. It does not leave a flakey feel on the hair and is mess-free. I have been using this product on myself every day since I bought it. I do not use it on all of my clients; it depends on what look they want.
To get a bushy brow that will hold the hair in place for over five hours, this is what I reach for first. I like to apply this to thicker natural brows that do not need a fill, but just a nice lift to shape the brow. To apply, I grab a spooly and roll lightly in the jar of product, and then I lightly brush the hairs upwards.
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer some commonly-asked questions about eyebrow gels.
"A brow gel gives you definition and makes the brow look fuller, plus it helps the shape and color last all day," Natalya explains. "Using just a brow gel on natural makeup days can give you that 'no makeup' makeup look. It's like a hairspray for your brows that locks them in place to give you an effortless finish. It makes the brows appear fuller and thicker.
A brow gel is super easy to apply, and sometimes all you need in a day to day makeup look is a brow gel and mascara. It can tint and add dimension to the brow. A tinted brow gel is great for those who want a darker brow. Not only does it keep your brows in place, but if you were to touch or rub the brow, the right gel can keep your brow from moving."
Natalya says, "Load the spoolie with product, start at the inner brow line, and brush the spoolie upwards in the direction of the hair growth. Keep an even amount of pressure on the brush while brushing the product on the brow.
Once the arch has been reached, turn the brush so that the thicker end is closest to the arch and the tip of the spoolie is along the outer brow line. This creates a lighter hand when applying to the outer brow because there are fewer hairs, and it does not need as much product.
Using brow gel helps your brows stand up and lay in place. You can also go in with a smaller angled brow brush and create a shape before you go in with the gel to fill in the hairs. Think of it as a mascara for your brow. If using a tinted brow gel, match the color to your root color."
Don't worry if your brows aren't the perfect shape or the color you want. Try adding some other products to your eyebrow makeup regimen.
No. 1: Elizabeth Mott|Queen of the Fill
No. 2: Benefit Cosmetics|Akmuse Brow Gel
No. 3: Maybelline New York|TattooStudio Waterproof Eyebrow Gel
No. 4: Revlon|Brow Fantasy Pencil and Gel
No. 5: Wunder2|Wunderbrow Long-Lasting Eyebrow Gel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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