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If you’re looking for makeup products to set your eyebrows in place all day, brow gels can help. "Brow gels are essentially a similar formula to hair gel,” says Natalie Dresher, lead makeup artist and owner of Makeup by Natalie. “They perform in the same way, except they’re for the hair on your forehead, not your head!”
To find the best brow gels, I consulted with both Dresher and Pilar DeMann, a Connecticut-based brow expert, to learn more about what to look for when shopping for brow gels, paying attention to hold, applicators and ingredients.
What to consider when buying a brow gel
Hold
When it comes to the hold, it’s best to search for a brow gel that matches your specific needs, since the hold varies depending on the brow gel used. “Hold is very personal,” says DeMann. “If you have heavy or wiry brows that need taming, something with a stronger hold is better.” Dresher adds that products with a large amount of wax tend to offer a longer hold time.
Applicator
When shopping for the best brow gels, it’s important to pay attention to the applicator. Select a product with an applicator that’s easy for you to use and does a good job when it comes to spreading the gel onto your eyebrows. It’s important to remember that each kind of applicator has its pros and cons, and the applicator that works best for you may not work for someone else. That said, “spoolie” brush applicators, like those commonly used to apply mascara, are widely popular because they tend to be easy to use, are precise and prevent clumping.
“I love a small brush wand for an applicator, in a tube,” says Dresher. “The most difficult to use are the ones in pots, in my opinion, because it's easy to use too much product.” Furthermore, DeMann recommends looking for brow gels with strong wipers to prevent applying an excessive amount of product. Not only can it detract from your look, but applying too much product also wastes product, and nobody wants that!
Ingredients
In terms of ingredients you should look for when shopping for brow gels, Dresher recommends wax as one of the top. “Wax-based gels tend to hold longer,” she says. She also notes that aloe vera tends to be gentler and causes less hair damage. In addition to wax and aloe vera, many brow gels are made with glycerin and different oils, including castor oil.
Our top picks for the best brow gels
Best brow gel for thick brows: NYX The Brow Glue (NYX)
Best for thick brows
NYX The Brow Glue (NYX)
If you’re looking for a brow gel to tame thick brows, DeMann and Dresher recommend NYX’s The Brow Glue. “If you’re into the extreme lamination look, this is the best glue for that,” says Dresher. Since this brow gel comes with a round spoolie brush, it can precisely shape and hold eyebrow hair for up to 16 hours — what’s better than that?
Specifications:
- Available shades: Five.
- Key ingredients: Water, glycerin and castor oil.
- Price on publish: $10.
What we like:
- Holds brows for up to 16 hours.
- Has a round spoolie brush.
- Not sticky.
What we don’t like:
- Brush may become crusty with prolonged use.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This brow gel can be a great option for people with thicker brows because of its extreme laminating finish and longer hold time.
Get it here: NYX The Brow Glue
Best brow gel for fine hair: Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Shaping Eyebrow Gel
Best for fine hair
Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Shaping Eyebrow Gel
For eyebrows with thin hair, DeMann recommends the Instant Brow Fix Shaping Eyebrow Gel from Thrive Causemetics. Since this brow gel is made with a lightweight formula containing biotin, it’s the perfect combination for fine eyebrows, helping to strengthen and build them without the added weight. Plus, this clear brow gel is vegan, and it’s made without harmful ingredients like parabens and phthalates, to keep your eyebrows looking and feeling healthy.
Specifications:
- Available shades: One.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin B, biotin, peptides and rice and pea protein blend.
- Price on publish: $24.
What we like:
- Thin brush.
- Lightweight formula.
- Made with biotin.
What we don’t like:
- Small bottle.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This clear brow gel is lightweight and made with high-quality ingredients to strengthen fine eyebrows.
Get it here: Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Shaping Eyebrow Gel
Best brow gel for precision: Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Tinted Brow Gel
Best for precision
Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Tinted Brow Gel (Charlotte Tilbury)
The Legendary Brows Tinted Brow Gel from Charlotte Tilbury is one of the best brow gels for precision, thanks to its small applicator. "The applicator is so skinny and tiny on this brow gel that the precision and accuracy you get with the application is very precise,” says Dresher. Plus, this brow gel is made with a wax-based and water-resistant formula that will keep your eyebrows looking sharp, even if you encounter rain.
Specifications:
- Available shades: Four.
- Key ingredients: Natural elasticizing wax, vitamin E and castor oil.
- Price on publish: $26.
What we like:
- Water-resistant formula.
- Wax-based.
- Small applicator.
What we don’t like:
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Although this brow gel is an investment, it’s worth it for its small and precise applicator that aids in clear-cut shaping and holding.
Get it here: Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Tinted Brow Gel (Charlotte Tilbury)
Best budget brow gel: e.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara
Best budget
e.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara (e.l.f)
For a brow gel that won’t break the bank, add e.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara to your cart. For just $3, this brow gel has a long-lasting formula saturated with vitamins B and E. It can be used alone or as a base under other eyebrow makeup products, depending on your preference, making it suitable for a variety of makeup wearers.
Specifications:
- Available shades: One.
- Key ingredients: Water and vitamins B and E
- Price on publish: $3.
What we like:
- Two-in-one product.
- Super inexpensive.
- Contains vitamins B and E.
What we don’t like:
- Only available in one shade.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
For less than $5, this brow gel is a solid pick because it’s dual-sided and made with a vitamin-infused formula designed to last.
Get it here: e.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara
Best hold brow gel: Tarte Cosmetics Brows for Days Framing Gel
Best hold
brows for daysâ?¢ framing gel
When it comes to hold, Dresher notes that the Brows for Days Framing Gel from Tarte Cosmetics is one of the best. “This one holds amazingly well for coarse and thick hair,” she says. Aloe vera extract prevents swelling and keeps hair from becoming inflamed while keeping your brows in place. This waterproof gel is also easy to apply, thanks to its easily maneuverable wand and ability to set softly.
Specifications:
- Available shades: One.
- Key ingredients: Eucalyptus extract, glycerin, cucumber extract and aloe vera extract.
- Price on publish: $25.
What we like:
- Easy application.
- Can be used with other eyebrow products.
- Contains aloe vera extract.
What we don’t like:
- Limited shade availability.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Made with aloe vera extract and other anti-inflammatory ingredients, this brow gel can successfully hold your brows in place while also keeping them healthy.
Get it here: Tarte Cosmetics Brows for Days Framing Gel
Best waterproof brow gel: Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel
Best waterproof
Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel
Are you looking for a waterproof brow gel? The Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel is a solid pick. Water and glycerin are some of its key ingredients, which create a laminated look while also keeping eyebrows hydrated. Plus, its tapered brush helps when applying to ensure each hair follicle is covered.
Specifications:
- Available shades: One.
- Key ingredients: Water and glycerin.
- Price on publish: $17.
What we like:
- Offers a natural finish.
- Chic bottle design.
- Waterproof formula.
What we don’t like:
- Not tinted.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you’re specifically shopping for a waterproof brow gel, don’t rule out this laminating brow gel from Rare Beauty, as its applicator design ensures full coverage.
Get it here: Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel
Best brow gel for layering: Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel
Best for layering
Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel (Kosas)
The Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel was designed with layering in mind. This alcohol-free gel — made with hyaluronic acid and castor oil — works well underneath and on top of other brow products. That said, you don’t need to worry about the application process too much — its triangular spoolie brush will help you with that.
Specifications:
- Available shades: One.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and castor oil.
- Price on publish: $24.
What we like:
- Triangular spoolie brush.
- Other brow products can be used before and after the gel.
- Long hold time.
- Alcohol-free.
What we don’t like:
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This clear brow gel has a triangular spoolie brush and offers a long hold, making it a perfect layering product for your brows.
Get it here: Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel
Best tint brow gel: Kosas Air Brow-Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel (Kosas)
Best tint
Kosas Air Brow-Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel (Kosas)
When it comes to tint, Kosas' Air Brow-Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel is made with all shades in mind. With more than 10 available shades — cool blonde, warm golden blonde, light brown/dark blonde, true auburn, warm medium brown, neutral medium brown, dark brown, soft brown, black and gray — chances are good you’ll find one that will match your hair color.
Specifications:
- Available shades: 10.
- Key ingredients: Castor oil and panthenol provitamin B5.
- Price on publish: $24.
What we like:
- 10 shade options.
- Soft matte finish.
What we don’t like:
- May not last for too long.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This brow tint is available in 10 shades to match a variety of hair colors and can be used with other products to achieve your desired look.
Get it here: Kosas Air Brow-Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel
Best brow gel for every day: Well People Expressionist Clear Brow Gel
Best for every day
Expressionist Clear Brow Gel - Well People
Whether you’re looking for a brow gel you can wear to dinner or to work, don’t overlook the Expressionist Clear Brow Gel. Made with aloe, olive oil and castor seed oil, among other ingredients, the formula is plant-based and cruelty-free. This wax-based brow gel can be used on both your brows and lashes when you’re looking for a natural look with added shine.
Specifications:
- Available shades: One.
- Key ingredients: Aloe, olive oil and castor seed oil.
- Price on publish: $13.
What we like:
- Plant-based.
- Works on brows and lashes.
- Cruelty-free.
What we don’t like:
- May not hold for an entire day.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This wax-based brow gel is suitable for everyday wear on both brows and lashes, and is cruelty-free.
Get it here: Well People Expressionist Clear Brow Gel
Best long wear brow gel: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel
Best long wear
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel
If you’re shopping for a brow gel that you can wear for a while, Brow Freeze Gel from Anastassia Hills will lock (or freeze) your brow hair into place. Even if you happen to wear this gel to a humid area, its wax-based formula will keep your eyebrows looking full and sculpted. Whether or not you’ve used a brow gel before, this one makes it easy, as it has a dual-action comb applicator and is compatible with different hair types.
Specifications:
- Available shades: One.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin and water.
- Price on publish: $26.
What we like:
- Dual-action comb applicator.
- Available in a miniature travel size.
- Works on all brow types.
What we don’t like:
- May leave residue if too much is used at once.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This wax-based brow gel from Anastasia Beverly Hills works well on a variety of hair types to keep brows looking “frozen.”
Get it here: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel
How we selected the best brow gels
Expert advice and recommendations
I selected the best brow gels after interviewing Pilar DeMann, a Connecticut-based brow expert, and Natalie Dresher, lead makeup artist and owner of Makeup by Natalie. During our interviews, I asked these beauty experts about their brow gel recommendations and their insights about what shoppers should consider and look for when shopping for brow gel, concerning hold, applicator and ingredients.
Online research
I also conducted online research to learn about the best brow gels from popular brands. In addition to reviewing product information, I examined reviews from real customers for a variety of brow gels to find the best ones.
Applicator
Since shaping brows is a precise activity, the applicator used to apply brow gel should be too. That said, most of the picks on this list come with spoolie brushes, which can be used to apply the gel to brows.
What are brow gels and what do they do?
According to DeMann, “brow gels vary in formulation but are, in essence, like a mascara for eyebrows. They contain fiber to help build and a polymer to help hold the hair in place.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is clear or tinted brow gel better?
This all depends on your makeup preferences. That said, clear and tinted brow gels have pros and cons you should be aware of so you can make the best purchase decision. If you have particularly light or gray eyebrows, Dresher notes that tinted brow gels may be beneficial for covering or filling in spots where hairs are missing. On the other hand, clear gels can finish a look without adding any color and may be a solid option for those looking to keep things simple.
Can brow gels be used alone?
“Brow gels can absolutely be used alone,” says DeMann. “However, you can feather brow gels over a pencil or powder, too.”
How long do brow gels last?
It varies depending on the brand, specific brow gel and the ingredients. That said, Dresher notes that a high-quality brow gel can typically hold brows in place for eight to 12 hours.
Can I sleep with brow gel on?
Although you can sleep with brow gel on, it’s not advised. DeMann recommends always washing your face before falling asleep. If used regularly, or kept on for extended periods of time, “brow gel can make the hair more brittle and subject the hair to breaking,” she adds.
Read more: How to remove waterproof mascara
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
