These 14 Brow Pens Are the Next Best Thing to a Spendy Microblading Appointment

The new version of Milani's best-selling eyebrow pen delivers epic 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. It's been my favorite for years, and I can't imagine its absence or a time when I wouldn't look for it first in my makeup bag.

Pros: Crafted using sheer, smudge-resistant polymers for extended wear time

Cons: After the product dries, there is limited flexibility for adjustments

Size: 0.03-ounce eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip

Shades: Soft Brown, Medium Brown, Espresso

You'll want to snag this L'Oréal 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. This is the pen that officially converted me to angled comb tips for a natural-looking finish.

Pros: Has a precise comb tip for smooth, fuss-free application

Cons: The product dries out quickly after opening the pen

Size: 0.01-ounce eyebrow pen with an angled comb tip

Shades: Dark Brunette, Brunette, Dark Blonde, Light Brunette

"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, hairlike strokes

Cons: None

Size: 0.01-ounce dual-ended eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip and eyebrow-comb wand

Shades: Ash Blonde, Warm Brunette, Brunette, Dark Brunette

We can't forget about this dual-ended Urban Decay microblading eyebrow pen and waterproof pencil. In addition to it being stain-proof and waterproof, I love how 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

Size: 0.01-ounce dual-ended eyebrow pen with an ultrafine brush tip and soft eyebrow pencil

Shades: Blackout, Brown Sugar, Brunette Betty, Café Kitty, Cool Cookie, Dark Drapes, Gingersnap, Neutral Nana, Taupe Trap

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. I found it easy to use and didn't experience any staining or transferring. My takeaway? It creates a hyperrealistic, full-brow look that lasts all day.

Pros: Creates a hyperrealistic, full-brow effect

Cons: Formula is somewhat runny when it makes contact with skin

Size: 0.02-ounce eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip

Shades: Ash Blonde, Warm Brown, Natural Brown, Black Brown

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 multipronged 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

Size: 0.34-ounce eyebrow pen with an angled comb tip

Shades: Blonde, Soft Brown, Medium Brown, Deep Brown

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 been a must for helping me fill in the sparse areas at the tail of my brows.

Pros: Helps fill in sparse areas to give the brow a lifted look

Cons: None

Size: 0.03-ounce eyebrow pen with an ultra-fine brush tip

Shades: Auburn, Brunette, Blonde, Caramel, Taupe, Soft Brown, Ash Brown, Espresso, Black, Gray Black

Of the many ultra-effective brow pens offered by e.l.f. Cosmetics, the Holy Strokes Micro-Fine 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 a micro-fine bristle tip to create precise brow strokes

Cons: Requires reapplication for all-day wear

Size: 0.05-oz eyebrow pen with an micro-fine brush tip

Shades: Soft Brown, Blonde, Taupe, Auburn, Neutral Brown, Dark Brown, Espresso

This thin-as-a-pin brush and brow gel are great for creating thick, textured arches by mimicking the texture and fullness of naturally bushy brows with light strokes. The 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: None

Size: 0.05-ounce double-ended eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip and brow gel

Shades: Blonde, Ash Brown, Soft Brown, Medium Brown, Deep Brown, Black Brown

If you ask any beauty editor which eyebrow pens they'll never retire, there's a high chance Glossier's Brow Flick 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. I reach for this whenever I'm short on time!

Pros: Can be used to define the arch, extend the tail, and add definition

Cons: Limited shade availability

Size: 0.01-ounce eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip

Shades: Black, Brown, Blond

This micro-tip brow pen by Melt Cosmetics makes it easy to create real-looking, hairlike strokes without having to schedule an expensive microblading or brow-lamination session. Try pairing it with the brand's Max Hold Eyebrow 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: Limited shade availability

Size: 0.02-ounce eyebrow pen with an ultra-fine brush tip

Shade: Universal Brown

The lightweight formula of this 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

Size: A 0.02-ounce eyebrow pen with an ultra-fine brush tip

Shades: Blonde, Caramel, Taupe, Soft Brown, Chocolate, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Ebony, Granite

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)

Size: 0.03-oz dual-sided eyebrow pen with a fine brush tip and setting powder contained in the cap

Shades: Stud, Taupe, Fling, Spiked

Looking for a way to level up your brow game without digging to deep in your wallet? I love SheGlam's limited-edition Frida Kahlo Brow Icon Liquid Brow Pen because it delivers full, defined, and eye-catching eyebrows for only $3 in four versatile shades. It also happens to be the perfect size to tuck away in your bag when you're on-the-go.

Pros: formula is incredibly long-wearing and smudge proof

Cons: none

Size: n/a

Shades: Taupe, Auburn, Chocolate, Espresso