8 Editor-Vetted Brow Pens So Good, You'll Cancel That Microblading Appointment
The pros say they'll transform your routine—and I agree.
When I was around ten years old, I began to notice my bushy, dark eyebrows slowly merging into one. (In the early 2000s, when thin brows were all the rage, a unibrow wasn't exactly the vibe I was going for.) My strong brows—courtesy of my Italian dad—quickly became a source of obsession, leading to years of tweezing, shaving (yes, yikes), and general over-grooming. Fast forward to now, and those same brows are one of my favorite features. But thick brows aren't exactly low-maintenance. And when it comes to defining them without going full Sharpie? That's where things get tricky. Tinted brow gels and brow pencils often leave them looking blocky or too harsh, which is precisely why the best brow pens became my holy grail.
Brow pens, for the unfamiliar, are felt-tip, pen-like applicators designed to mimic real hair strokes, says makeup artist Natalie Dresher. And while they're amazing for thick brows like mine, they're just as transformative for thin or sparse brows, too. Their ultra-fine tips and soft pigment payoff allow you to create the illusion of fullness without ever looking drawn on—whether you're filling gaps, reshaping arches, or giving your barely-there brow tails some much-needed definition.
Ahead, I've consulted celebrity makeup experts to compile a guide to the eight very best brow pens on the market right now. I’ve included options for eyebrow minimalists and maximalists alike, as well as picks for both luxury lovers and drugstore shoppers. Once you’ve found your favorites, don’t forget to check out the brow pen FAQ at the end for tips on what to look for in a formula, how to apply it like a pro, and more.
The Best Brow Pens
Product Name |
Number of Shades |
Waterproof? |
Price |
Superlative |
3 |
No |
$42 |
Best Overall Brow Pen |
|
Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen + Waterproof Pencil |
9 |
Yes |
$28 |
Best Brow Pen Shade Range |
10 |
Yes |
$13 |
Best Drugstore Brow Pen |
|
3 |
No |
$18 |
Best Brow Pen for Beginners |
A beauty editor friend of mine introduced me to brow genius Kristie Streicher's brow pen, claiming it significantly reduced her need for brow tint appointments. Turns out, she was right—this formula is top-tier. The magic here lies in the pen's sheerness, which prohibits that fake, painted-on look you can get with too much pigment. It also includes biotin to support healthy hair and red clover extract, which may help prevent hair loss and stimulate growth.
Color Options: 3
Brush Type: Micro-fine felt tip
What I Love: Uses ingredients such as biotin to help with hair health and growth; Natural finish; Editor-loved
What I Don't: Most expensive option on our list
Review for MC: "This was the first brow pen I have ever used, and even after testing all the others, it ultimately remained my all-time favorite. The formula is just sheer enough to apply the perfect amount of pigmentation, and it never looks fake. I get compliments every time I use this." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano before, during, and after using the KSCO Microfeathering Brow Pen.
This brow pen is your end-all-be-all solution for filling in your brows. "Urban Decay's Brow Blade is great because it is two-sided," makeup artist Elaina Badro tells me. "One side has a brow pen and the other a waterproof pencil. Use the pen to mimic thin, hair-like strokes. It's also resistant to sweating, smudging, and fading!" The dual-sided product is available in nine shades to achieve a brow hair-mimicking look as close to natural as possible.
Color Options: 9
Brush Type: Micro-fine felt tip and waterproof pencil
What I Love: Has a felt tip and pencil in one; Smudge-proof and waterproof; Has a stain ink formula that lasts
What I Don't: The pen and pencil shades don’t match perfectly, which some users find frustrating
Review for MC: "I specifically use this brow pen to define my brow tails. It has the most precise point I have ever used, so it really is easy to mimic the thin hairs. When I'm running late, it's the perfect all-in-one solution." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano before, during, and after using the Urban Decay Brow Blade 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pen + Waterproof Pencil.
Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay Braha loves NYX's Lift Snatch pen, which features a waterproof and smudge-proof formula. "They also have a more extensive shade range and are budget-friendly," the makeup artist says. This pen comes in a whopping ten color options and is regularly praised for its ability to create natural-looking hair strokes at a fraction of the price of some other options.
Color Options: 10
Brush Type: Micro-fine felt tip
What I Love: Comes in a wide range of shades; highly pigmented for quick and easy application; Transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours
What I Don't: Some report their pen drying out quickly
Review for MC: "I am blown away by how good this $13 formula is. The pigmentation still has that sheer-but-natural effect, and the waterproof formulation is the cherry on top." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano before, during, and after using the NYX Lift Snatch Brow Tint Pen.
Glossier's Brow Flick is great for beginners or anyone who doesn't have the steady hand (or hours of practice) that a makeup artist might. What sets it apart from a lot of the brow pens on this list is its slightly thicker felt-tip applicator. While it's still slim enough to create realistic, hair-like strokes, you get a bit more control. The pen also delivers a smooth, even flow that doesn't skip or smudge.
Color Options: 3
Brush Type: Micro-fine felt tip
What I Love: Won't skip or tug; Easy to maneuver; The pigment takes forever to dry out
What I Don't: Colors lean darker than you think, so I recommend going one shade lighter
Review for MC: "When I'm in a rush, I always grab this formula. It's super easy to use (even when I'm half-awake!), and somehow still makes my brows look put together. I don't have to be super precise, which I love." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
Siena Gagliano before, during, and after using the Glossier Brow Flick.
If you're working with sparse, thin brows (a little over-plucking in the early aughts, maybe?), one little applicator will take a long time. That's where Benefit's Mighty Fine Brow Pen comes in. It has a three-prong comb-like applicator, which ensures the pigment applies quickly, evenly, and with hair-like precision. Pair that with its incredibly long-wear formula, and no one will ever know it's not actually your brow hair.
Color Options: 8
Brush Type: Micro-fine felt tip
What I Love: Superfine, 0.1 mm lines; Water- and smudge-proof; Quick and easy to apply; Beginner-friendly
What I Don't: If you forget to shake the formula, it'll be too sheer
Review for MC: "If you want a brow pen that doesn't budge, pop this baby in your cart. Not only is it one of the easiest and most realistic options on this list, but you can count on the fact that it won't fade or disappear. Whenever I do my mom's makeup, I use this for her super sparse brows. They look ultra-realistic every time." — Siena Gagliano, Beauty Editor
A good brow pen plus a clear brow gel equals everything you need for picture-perfect brows. Maybelline's Build-A-Brow 2-In-1 pen includes both, with fans (like myself) raving about its easy-to-use felt tip and sealing gel, which help your brows stay all day. Perhaps most importantly, it's also waterproof, sweat-resistant, and smudge-resistant for up to 24 hours.
Color Options: 6
Brush Type: Micro-fine felt tip and setting gel
What I Love: Comes with built-in clear brow gel to lock brows into place; Built for up to 24 hours of wear; Available for fast shipping on Amazon Prime
What I Don't: Some say it runs out of pigment quicker than they'd like
Review for MC: “As someone who’s had naturally thick brows since birth (truly, since day one), I keep my brow routine simple. This product has become a favorite because it makes filling in those tiny sparse spots at the front of my brows quick and easy, thanks to the precise felt-tip side. After that, the setting gel locks everything into place so securely that I’m pretty sure my brows could survive a full-on storm without budging." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
From Anastasia Soare's (impressive) repertoire comes a hardworking brow pen with a specially designed brush tip that won't clog or skip. Instead, it keeps its shape while remaining flexible enough for easy application. "I love it for creating realistic hair-like strokes," Soare exclusively tells Marie Claire. "Whether you have areas of sparseness, minimal brow hair, or just want to create added depth and dimension, Brow Pen acts like an artist's pen to deliver the thinnest strokes of hair yet, resulting in fuller, natural-looking brows."
Color Options: 9
Brush Type: Micro-fine felt tip
What I Love: Created by an eyebrow expert; Free of parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil; Impressive shade range
What I Don't: Some find the tip too thick to create super-precise, hair-like strokes
Customer Review: "I tried it and it's amazing! I've used many brow pens in the past, but I usually sweat them off (big no-no) or they turn blue/green on me as the day goes on. That hasn't happened with this one thankfully!! Highly recommend, and it looks super natural. I usually go for the medium brown/dark brown color in Anastasia brow products, but I went with ebony this time and I'm glad I did. So maybe go a few shades darker to get a super nice fluffy brow! It looks insanely natural." — Sephora
As someone who’s always looking to save space in my already overflowing makeup bag, this luxury brow pen has become a personal favorite. It’s basically three tools in one: a precision brow pen for hair-like strokes, an eyebrow pencil for shading, and a hidden brow brush to blend or groom before filling in. And, as you can see for yourself, the packaging is pure Valentino Beauty, effortlessly chic and undeniably luxe.
Color Options: 3
Brush Type: Felt-tip applicator
What I Love: Has a felt-tip pen, pencil, and brow brush in one; Waterproof; Makeup bag space-saver
What I Don't: Long packaging design might make it difficult to get super close to the mirror
Customer Review: "I’ve been using this product for about a year now, and I haven’t found anything better! The marker side makes such realistic-looking hair strokes, and it’s so easy to use. Also, I’ve been using the same one for a year and it hasn’t run out!" — Sephora
What to Look For in a Brow Pen
- Applicator
Brow pens typically have a unique applicator that's incredibly fine, delivering a hair-like effect. "A brow pen is essentially a felt-tip pen that helps to create hair-like strokes in a sparse area of your brows," Braha explains. These thin applicators, along with lighter pigments, give brows a more natural finish.
- Ease of Use
Brow pens are famously easy to use—an excellent choice if you're just diving into the world of brow care. With most versions, you can create fuller brows by flicking the pen in light, upward strokes along the natural direction of your hair's growth.
- Waterproof
Fuller brows look great until you accidentally wipe them off. Double-check that the brow pen's formula is long-lasting and resistant to water, sweat, and other unpredictable elements. "If you have oily skin and want the appearance of fuller brows, opt for a waterproof brow pen," Badro agrees.
How to Use a Brow Pen
Even with the best brow pens, there can be a bit of a learning curve—it's all about the right amount of gentle pressure and the application angle. But once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder why you weren't always going full Brooke Shields.
Start with a clean face free of oil or makeup. Then, Braha explains, "Simply brush your brow hairs upwards and flick the pen lightly in the direction of the hairs' growth to add fullness and volume to brows."
Soare, who Kim Kardashian trusts to perfect her brows (using ABH's Brow Pen, naturally), recommends shaking the product and wiping the tip on a clean piece of tissue before getting started. "This ensures you have the perfect amount of product," she explains. "Next, apply hair-like strokes at the highest point of the brow and work toward the end. Use light pressure and apply in the direction of hair growth. Then, lightly etch throughout the brow for added detail and definition, focusing on sparse areas." For a natural finish, make sure you blend as you go with a spoolie brush.
Brow Pencils vs. Brow Pens
Braha says brow pens are best for people who want their brows to look microbladed. Streicher agrees, adding that a brow pen is great for "anyone interested in filling in their brows."
Brow pencils are also more solid in texture and typically need to be sharpened, while brow pens have felt tips and feature a liquid formula. While the final look is precise, you don't need a makeup artist's technique to master the art of brow pen application. "Because of the sheer nature and color range of these pens, even the most untrained hand can use them with ease, making it super user-friendly and forgiving," Streicher tells Marie Claire. "Think of it as a soft fill that an eyebrow powder would achieve, but in a precise pen application."
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire is an authority on brow pens, having written countless stories about must-have eyebrow products and treatments, such as the best brow pencils on earth and how to tint your eyebrows, among others. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by beauty writers after testing the product over a few weeks.
While the best brow pen for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list.
Meet the Experts
Anastasia Soare is the creative force behind Anastasia Beverly Hills. Anastasia’s groundbreaking Golden Ratio method creates the illusion of facial symmetry, balance and proportion, the secret to what makes us see a face as beautiful. You’ve seen her brows on the world’s most famous faces like the Kardashians, J.Lo, Kylie Jenner, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Victoria Beckham, and Michelle Obama.
Kristie Streicher is the founder of KSCO, a celebrity brow artist, and creator of The Nurtured Brow philosophy.
Judi Gabbay Braha started her journey as a makeup artist at the young age of 13 years old. Working summers at a beauty store, she swept floors and did simple inventory all to be a part of the magic of makeup. Finding her passion at a young age enabled her to hone her talents through dedication and the desire to learn. Not so shortly after, Judi was being flown around the world for her talents. She has shot for brands such as BEBE, Catherine Malandrino, Buxom Cosmetics, and English Laundry. She's worked with networks such as Bravo, TLC, ABC, and more. Judi continues to create polished and flawless looks for all of her clientele.
With more than 15 years of working as a professional makeup artist with M-A-C and Gucci, Elaina Badro has extensive experience working with all skin tones and skin types. She has gained international recognition through her work as a celebrity/high fashion makeup artist who has worked with hundreds of A-list talent including Carrie Underwood, Olivia Wilde, and Kris Jenner. Elaina is also the creative force behind the prestigious Elaina Badro Luxury Brush Line, which is available on www.ElainaBadro.com and at The Wynn Las Vegas.
Natalie Dresher is a highly sought-after makeup artist based in NYC, with over 10 years of experience in makeup artistry. Her impressive client roster includes notable names such as Remi Bader, Serena Kerrigan, Dylan Mulvaney, Jess Vestal, Gia Guidice, and more. Natalie's expertise has been recognized by leading makeup brands, where she has served as the lead artist for influencer and editor-focused events and activations. In addition to her work with influencers and celebrities, Natalie has showcased her talent backstage at NYFW and Miami Swim Week for prestigious high-fashion brands.
