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 more affordable alternatives 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: Kevin Aucoin True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo
- Best for Feather-Like Brows: Milani Weekend Brow Eyebrow Tint
- Best for Ultra-Precise Strokes: L'Oreal Paris 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 Waterproof Eyebrow Pen
- Best for Beginners: Arches + Halos Angled Bristle Tip Waterproof Brow Pen
- Best for Creating Full Brows: Lime Crime Bushy Brow Precision Pen
- Best for Adding Definition: Glossier Brow Flick Microfine Detailing Eyebrow Pen
- Best for the 'Laminated Brow' Look: Nabla Brow Ambition Micro-Stroking Eyebrow Pen
- Best for Shaping: Melt Cosmetics Perfectionist Brow Ultra-Fine Pen
- Best Multi-Purpose Brow Pen: MAC Cosmetics Shape + Shade Brow Tint
- Best Long-Wearing Formula: Anastasia Beverly Hills Superfine Micro-Stroking Detail Brow Pen
- Best Shade Availability: Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen & Waterproof Pencil
Best Overall: 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, hair-like strokes
Cons: None
Product Specs: A 0.01-oz dual-ended eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip and eyebrow-comb wand
Best for Feather-Like Brows: Milani Weekend Brow Eyebrow Tint
The new version of Milani's best-selling eyebrow pen delivers epic brow 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.
Pros: Crafted using sheer, smudge-resistant polymers for extended wear time
Cons: After the product dries, there is limited flexibility for adjustments
Product Specs: A 0.03-oz eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip
Best for Ultra-Precise Strokes: L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Micro Ink Pen
You'll want to snag this L'Oréal Paris 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.
Pros: Has a precise comb tip for smooth, fuss-free application
Cons: The product dries out quickly after opening the pen
Product Specs: A 0.01-oz eyebrow pen with an angled comb tip
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 multi-pronged 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
Product Specs: A 0.34-oz eyebrow pen with an angled comb tip
Best Waterproof Formula: Nyx Professional Makeup Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen Waterproof Eyebrow 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 also a must for filling in sparse brows.
Pros: Helps fill in sparse areas to give the brow a lifted look
Cons: None
Product Specs: A 0.03-oz eyebrow pen with an ultrafine brush tip
Best for Beginners: Arches + Halos Angled Bristle Tip Waterproof Brow Pen
Of the many ultra-effective brow pens offered by Arches and Halos, the Angled Bristle Tip Waterproof 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 an angled bristle tip to create precise brow strokes
Cons: Requires reapplication for all-day wear
Product Specs: A 0.05-oz eyebrow pen with an angled brush tip
Best for Creating Full Brows: Lime Crime Bushy Brow Precision Pen
This thin-as-a-pin precision brush is a pro at creating thick, textured arches by mimicking the texture and fullness of naturally bushy brows with light strokes. Its 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: The product dries out quickly after opening the pen
Product Specs: A 0.03-oz eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip
Best for Adding Definition: Glossier Brow Flick Microfine Detailing Eyebrow Pen
Ask any beauty editor which eyebrow pens they'll never retire, and there's a high chance Glossier's 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.
Pros: Can be used to define the arch, extend the tail, and add definition
Cons: Limited shade availability (offered in a black, brown, and blond shade)
Product Specs: A 0.01-oz eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip
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. It's easy to use, won't stain or transfer, and creates a hyper-realistic, full-brow look that lasts all day.
Pros: Creates a hyper-realistic, full-brow effect
Cons: Formula is somewhat runny when it makes contact with skin
Product Specs: A 0.02-oz eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip
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 micro-blading or brow lamination session. Try pairing it with the brand's Max Hold Brow 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: None
Product Specs: A 0.02-oz eyebrow pen with an ultrafine brush tip
Best Multipurpose Brow Pen: MAC Cosmetics 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)
Product Specs: A 0.03-oz dual-sided eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip and setting powder contained in the cap
Best Long-Wearing Formula: Anastasia Beverly Hills Superfine Micro-Stroking Detail Brow Pen
The waterproof formula of this superfine 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
Product Specs: A 0.02-eyebrow pen with an ultrafine brush tip
Best Shade Availability: Urban Decay Brow 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen & Waterproof Pencil
Finally, we can't forget about this dual-ended Urban Decay microblading eyebrow pen and waterproof pencil. In addition to being stainproof and waterproof, 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
Product Specs: A 0.01-oz dual-ended eyebrow pen with an ultrafine brush tip and soft eyebrow pencil
Shopping For and Using Your 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 with the ability to create the perfect eyebrow look on your own terms and make adjustments as needed. While there's a bit of 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.
How to Use a Brow Pen
Luckily, Murdick has some helpful tips to effortlessly create the perfect brows. In order to fill in sparse brows with life-like 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 compliment 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 help 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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