People With Amazing Brows Say These Low-Cost Pencils Eclipse Expensive Ones

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(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

Okay—you want groomed and defined brows without breaking the bank or settling for less-than-perfect quality from the products you're using. The good news is that there are thousands of low-cost, high-quality eyebrow pencils at your disposal. The bad news is that sifting through them takes time, effort, and energy that you don't have. For some people, finding an exemplary eyebrow pencil requires trial and error. For you, however, the process of elimination can come more easily with the help of customer reviews, expert advice, and a beauty editor who has tested each product for you.

Below, I'm providing you with the best tips, tricks, and product recommendations to cut down the time on your product hunt and expand your chances of finding your product pairing. Sure, it can be just like dating, but in this case, you have the help of a brutally honest critic and glowing reviews. If that sparks your interest, read on to discover Who What Wear's ultimate guide to the best drugstore eyebrow pencils money can buy. Your brows and your wallet deserve it.

Creating Perfect Brows

Like any other makeup product, the formulas in eyebrow pencils can make or break any makeup look (yes, even when it's done by a pro with extensive knowledge). In addition to an affordable price point, shoppers should be on the lookout for eyebrow pencils with creamy, hydrating formulas that, when applied to the skin, glide effortlessly over it without tugging the surface. Most of the options you'll see below are dual-ended, multifunctional products with a fine pencil tip on one side and a spoolie on the other to shape and further define your brows.

I generally prefer eyebrow pencils that are mechanical, allowing me to conserve product where I can and store it however I see fit. Take notice of the shape of the tip: Is it a triangle, slightly slanted to one side, or defined and small? An eyebrow pencil's tip contributes to the definition of the brow, creating precise lines and coating the hairs with product for added pigment.

When it comes to application, using your pinky for stabilization and letting your applicator glide smoothly and steadily across the skin helps avoid shaky application or rogue marks from the pencil. Try starting off by making light-handed strokes in the direction of your natural hair growth, darkening only as needed to get that natural-looking finish.

Now that you have a running start, check out a few of my favorite drugstore eyebrow pencils below!

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Best Overall: Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil

Best Waterproof: Revlon Colorstay Brow Pencil

Best Smudge-Proof: Milani Stay Put Precision Brow Pencil

Best for a Natural-Looking Finish: Physician's Formula Slim Brow Pencil

Best for Blondes: Nyx Professional Makeup Vegan Micro Eyebrow Pencil

Best for Brunettes: E.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Brow Pencil

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(Image credit: @emmaleger)

Best Cruelty-Free Option: Rimmel Kind & Free Brow Definer

Best for Sparse Brows: Wet n Wild Ultimate Eyebrow Retractable Definer Pencil

Best for Beginners: Burt's Bees Brow Pencil

Best for Oily Skin: Morphe Brown Dual-Ended Pencil & Spoolie

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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.