These 13 Brow Pens Are the Next Best Thing to a Spendy Microblading Appointment

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(Image credit: @syphanisoto; @amaka.hamelijnck; @sasha.mei)

As we all know, brows set the tone for every makeup look, framing your eyes and adding dimension to the face, so using the right products can make or break your look. With this in mind, microblading is one of those unique beauty treatments that are oddly polarizing. We'll always recognize it as an instant way to upgrade your brow game (albeit, at a steep price point) and raise the endless possibilities of brow pens. Seeking full, feathery brows? Pull out a brow pen from your makeup bag. Obsessed with the office siren sleek skinny brows? That same brow pen will be your best friend.

If you're unsure of 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 match and compiled a list of expert-approved products that are sure to majorly level up your makeup game. Scroll on to see our top picks, tips, and tricks!

Symphani Soto Best Brow Pens

(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

The Best Eyebrow Pens, Listed

Best Overall: Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Marker Gel Duo

Best for Feather-Like Brows: Milani Weekend Brow Eyebrow Tint

Best for Ultra-Precise Strokes: L'Oréal 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

Amaka Hamelijnck Best Brow Pens

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Best for Beginners: Arches + Halos Angled Bristle Tip Waterproof Brow Pen

Best for 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 Brow Pen

Best for Shaping: Melt Cosmetics Perfectionist Brow Ultra-Fine Pen

Sasha Mei Best Brow Pens

(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Best Multipurpose 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 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen & Waterproof Pencil

Shopping For and Using Your Brow Pen

For Murdick, shopping for a high-performing eyebrow pencil all comes down to its ability to create a natural-looking finish, enhancing 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 to match.

Brow pens offer the same result, but with the ability to create the perfect eyebrow look on your own terms and with the option of making adjustments as needed. While there's a bit of a learning curve to using them (as is the case for most products created with the intent of replicating 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

Murdick has some helpful tips for pulling it off with ease. "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 says.

If you, like me, struggle with keeping your hand steady, try placing your elbow on an even surface for support and being light-handed with your initial application. Below, Murdick and I have compiled a list (in no particular order) of our favorite brow pens that will deliver a gorgeous, "professionally microbladed" look across various price points, ranging from drugstore sleeper hits to cult classics from our favorite designer brands.

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.