15 Best Drugstore Eyebrow Pencils That Are Goof-proof

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 08, 2024
best drugstore eyebrow pencil
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Eyebrow pencils are one of the most important makeup products that all makeup enthusiasts swear by for a seamless look. They fill in the sparse areas of your brows, and shape, define, groom and sculpt them to perfection. But, investing too much money in these tiny wands makes one’s heart ache. But no, it is not a good idea to knock them off your makeup kitty. Our contributor Anna Misztela, Board licensed Esthetician and Founder of the Brand Beauty & Cutie, lays down important points about eyebrow pencils. She says, “Eyebrow pencils stand out from the rest of the brow products such as powders and waxes as they are very effective for filling in sparse or over-plucked eyebrows, but it is important to use small, hair-like strokes when using them.”

Hence, we are here with a list of some of the best drugstore eyebrow pencils that will help you master the art of creating natural-looking strokes in the most inexpensive way possible. Well, if you ask us, there is nothing more satisfying than giving the arch of your brows the definition that they need.

We bet, in our inventory, you will find the exact shade to imitate your hair color. In tandem, ahead is the list of the best drugstore eyebrow products that you should add to your makeup vanity without any second thoughts.

 

15 Best Drugstore Eyebrow Pencils

Our very first recommendation is Maybelline New York’s eyebrow definer. What we really loved about this mechanical pencil is the fact that it comes with a teardrop tip to help you draw natural-looking strokes seamlessly. Plus, you can also blend it for a feathery effect with the help of a spoolie brush given at the other end. Trust us, this arc-defining tool is all that you need to accentuate the beauty of your eyebrows within seconds! 

 

Pros
  • Waterproof
  • Very easy to use
  • Highly-pigmented
  • Available in 3 color options
Cons
  • Very fragile
  • Best Color Range

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Micro Brow Pencil - Chocolate

     NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Micro Brow Pencil - Chocolate
  • The next on our list is this Micro brow pencil introduced by NYX Professional Makeup. The reason why we recommend this pencil is because of its flawless features. To begin, this pencil amps up your eyebrow game with only a few strokes. Its micro-precise skinny tip, easy-to-tame spoolie, and cruelty-free formula make it a sheer winner. Plus, with this pencil in your makeup vanity, you can draw soft strokes, fill your brows, shape them as desired, and make them look as natural as possible. Yes, the product is this good!  

     

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Matte finish
    • Wide range of colors
    • Ultra-creamy formula
    Cons
    • Might flake if applied too much
  • Best Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil

    L’ORÉAL PARIS Brow Stylist Definer - Brunette

    L’ORÉAL PARIS Brow Stylist Definer - Brunette
  • While researching for the best drugstore brow products, we came across this one from L’Oréal Paris. Out of all the budget-friendly picks, this product got us hooked due to its goof-proof results. Firstly, its ultra-fine self-sharpening tip made us go ga-ga. It beautifully fills sparse areas and aids in defining the shape of the brows to perfection. What further  left us impressed was its soft spoolie brush at the other end that instantly makes eyebrows look well-groomed, thicker, and voluminous. 

     

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Available in 10 shades
    • Ophthalmologically tested
    • Suitable for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • Best Applicator

    iMethod liquid Eyebrow Pen - Dark Brown

     iMethod liquid Eyebrow Pen - Dark Brown
  • Sculpt your eyebrows seamlessly with this liquid eyebrow pen from iMethod. We bet you will fall in love with the tiny fork-like applicator that allows you to draw soft hair-like strokes with utmost ease. Our team also glanced through the reviews and comments section of this product and discovered that it is indeed the best drugstore eyebrow tool to make the brows look more intense and prominent. The best part? The results imitate the color of your natural hair! 

     

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Easy to rub off
    • Long-lasting formula
    • Available in 6 color options
    Cons
    • Dries clumpy
  • Most Affordable

    e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil - Neutral Brown

    e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil - Neutral Brown
  • While looking for the best drugstore brow pencils, we came across this instant lift eyebrow essential from e.l.f. We really liked its dual-sided construction, which helps one ace their eyebrow game in a jiffy. Plus, with this one pencil and its outstanding fine tip, you can shape, define, fill, contour, tame, as well as comb your eyebrows. Yes, you read it right! This product is extremely versatile. To note more, after putting it to the test, we found that users just couldn’t take their eyes off their thicker, fuller, and more detailed brows. 

     

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Polished finish
    • Long-lasting results
    • Available in 4 shades
    Cons
    • Very fragile
  • Most Versatile

    ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Definer

    ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Definer
  • Based on our team’s first hand research, we highly recommend this mind-boggling brow definer from the brand Anastasia Beverly Hills. It is an ideal pick for makeup buffs who wish for versatility in every brow product they use. On the other hand, what made it earn more than 12 thousand ratings on Amazon is its triangular tip with three different-sized edges that lend precise control. In addition, the pencil is retractable and of great help to fill, define, groom, and shape brows in the most natural way possible. 

     

    Pros
    • Matte finish
    • Easy to blend
    • Multifunctional
    • Create hair-like strokes
    Cons
    • Tip breaks repeatedly
  • Best Angled Precision Tip

    REVLON COLORSTAY Eyebrow Pencil - Soft Brown

    REVLON COLORSTAY Eyebrow Pencil - Soft Brown
  • Leave it on this Revlon eyebrow pencil to create those oh-so-good brows of your dreams within minutes. We glanced through the features of this product and were surprised to know that it has a dual-ended applicator. Addedly, on one end, there is an angled tip promising extra precision whereas on the other, it has a spoolie brush that softens and grooms your brows to make them look realistic from all angles. The plus points — this pencil is water-resistant and ensures longwear for up to 24 hours.

     

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Cost-effective
    • Very easy to use
    • Available in 5 shades
    Cons
    • Clumpy texture
  • Best Formula

    REVLON BROW FANTASY BY COLORSTAY - Dark Blonde

    REVLON BROW FANTASY BY COLORSTAY - Dark Blonde
  • Here comes yet another magic wand from the brand, Revlon. Let us tell you that we truly fell in love over its sheer tinted gel formula and dual-sided construction. It is clearly one of the best drugstore eyebrow pencils that you need to invest in to shape, color, and set your brows in an easy breezy way. Our investigation also demonstrated that this product is of great help to fill sparse areas and attain natural-looking eyebrows within a blink of an eye. 

     

    Pros
    • Easy to blend
    • Ophthalmologically-tested
    • Available in 3 more shades
    • Safe for sensitive skin and eyes
    Cons
    • Dries out quickly
  • Most Long-lasting

    wet n wild ultimate brow Micro Eyebrow Pencil - Deep Brown

    wet n wild ultimate brow Micro Eyebrow Pencil - Deep Brown
  • Opt for Wet n Wild’s ultimate brow retractable pencil if you are tired of sharpening your pencil again and again for that precise tip. Our findings show that this pencil is capable of drawing even the finest strokes that mimic your natural brow hair. Secondly, we also noticed how effortlessly one can add depth and definition to thin and narrow eyebrows with this product. Well, to read our minds out loud, we love how this tiny wand helps in lending desirable thickness to your eyebrows and making them look well-sculpted.    

     

    Pros
    • Matte finish
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Long-lasting formula
    Cons
    • Doesn’t glide easily
  • Best Creamy Formula

    wet n wild color icon Brow Pencil - Blonde Moments

    wet n wild color icon Brow Pencil - Blonde Moments
  • Defining your eyebrows is just a matter of seconds with this brow pencil from Wet n Wild. Our research indicates that this 2-in-1 dual-ended pencil is a good option to rely on to get the hang of drawing hair-like strokes effortlessly. Why we recommend this product is because of its rich, creamy, lightweight color, and the grooming comb brow attached on one end. Believe us, this is the cheapest brow tool you can ever buy!

     

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Matte-finish
    • Long-lasting results
    • Available in 3 more shades
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
  • BURT'S BEES Brow Pencil - Brunette

     BURT'S BEES Brow Pencil - Brunette
  • Fill, define, and shape your eyebrows with this flawless brow pencil from Burt’s Bees. The reason why we picked this for you is firstly due to its 99.9% natural formula that contains jojoba oil. Plus, the usage of responsibly sourced cedar wood makes it a must-have makeup tool. Based on our observations, this is an ideal pencil for those possessing dark brown hair. A worth-noting fact — it is specially formulated without any parabens or phthalates and thus, safe for delicate skin. 

     

    Pros
    • Blends well
    • Natural-looking finish
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Nourishes your eyebrows
    Cons
    • Only one color option
  • HONEST BEAUTY Eyebrow pencil - Soft Black

    HONEST BEAUTY Eyebrow pencil - Soft Black
  • Let us tell you two reasons to add this drugstore eyebrow pencil from Honest Beauty to your cart — firstly, it is blendable and buildable, and secondly, it is EWG-certified, dermatologically and ophthalmologically-tested, and cruelty-free. Thus, it is completely safe for everyday use. The bonus? It is enriched with the goodness of jojoba oil to keep your brows well-groomed and nourished for a longer period of time.    

     

    Pros
    • Silicone-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Creamy texture
    • Available in 2 more shades
    Cons
    • Too dark in color
  • JOAH Precision BROW DOWN TO ME Brow Pencil - Auburn Brown

     JOAH Precision BROW DOWN TO ME Brow Pencil - Auburn Brown
  • While carrying out an investigation for the best affordable eyebrow pencils, we bumped into this one from Joah. This brow pencil’s ultra-fine tip effortlessly fills in the eyebrows whereas the built-in spoolie grooms and blends the color seamlessly. What left us impressed is its smudge-proof and water-resistant formula that will keep your brows in place and in shape just how you like. Secondly, its wide color palette helps you pick the color that you want.  

     

    Pros
    • Last long
    • Matte-finish
    • Retractable tip
    • Gel-like texture
    Cons
    • Lead is too hard
  • REVLON COLORSTAY Brow Pencil

    REVLON COLORSTAY Brow Pencil
  • When you really wish for those long-lasting, well-defined, and filled eyebrows, splurge on this Revlon Colorstay eyebrow product. This pencil comes with an angled tip and a blending brush to keep your brow game to the point straight for up to 24 hours. Hence, there is no risk of smudges, budging, and fading involved. Furthermore, it is waterproof and you don’t need to sharpen it over and over again after every use. 

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Travel-friendly
    • Best for daily use
    • Great for spare and thin brows
    Cons
    • No color options
  • MILANI Precision Brow Pencil - Medium Brown

    MILANI Precision Brow Pencil - Medium Brown
  • Lastly, we recommend Milani’s Precision brow pencil for its fail-proof features and natural finish. It comes with a precise tip and a built-in spoolie for ease of application. What we really love is its intense color payoff that helps you craft hair-like strokes in a jiffy. In addition, we give 10 on 10 to this brow pencil for its fabulous bendability to help attain picture-perfect brows. And, if you wish to add the missing oomph to your look, then this is a great pick!    

     

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • 5 color options
    • Ideal for sparse eyebrows
    Cons
    • Keeps breaking off

    This was our list of the best drugstore brow pencils that you can think of investing in. Now, scroll down and check out our comprehensive buying guide. 

     

    How to Choose the Best Drugstore Eyebrow Pencil?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before purchasing the best drugstore eyebrow pencil - 

    Color: The color of the pencil is the most important aspect to consider because it is highly responsible in making or breaking your look. There are an array of colors to choose from. But all you need to do is pick the one that mimics your hair color, so that your brows and makeup looks even-toned and natural. 

    Formula: Make sure you purchase the best drugstore brow pencil that is dermatologically and ophthalmologically-tested. An ideal pencil should also be waterproof, smudge-proof, and at the same time, easily blendable. Secondly, it is good to invest in a pencil that is infused with natural ingredients like jojoba oil. 

    Type And Tip: The shape and the type of the pencil are the next crucial things that you need to pay heed to while vouching for any drugstore waterproof eyebrow pencil. Some of them have angular, triangular, or fork-like tips, whereas the rest come with an ultra-fine precision tip. All of them are good and capable of creating natural-looking hair-like strokes. It is advisable to pick a retractable mechanical pencil to prevent the loss of the tip. Secondly, ensure that you pick a pencil that comes with a spoolie brush to make your brow look well-groomed and realistic. 

    Our contributor Anna Misztela shares here the right way to choose and use a brow pencil. She states,”The first thing one should know even before selecting a pencil is that brow shapes should suit your facial features rather than the shape of your face. The goal is to shape the brows to lift the eyes open so that others are drawn to them, while at the same time balancing your other facial features. Avoid the temptation to try to make your brows identical. None of our facial features are symmetrical so why should your brows be? Think of them as sisters rather than twins.

    One should use a brow pencil that is color matched to the natural shade of your hair. When in doubt, opt for a slightly lighter shade as pigments can naturally oxidize to a darker color over time. It is important that the pencil is well sharpened, much like that of an artist. Use the point of the pencil to sketch hair-like strokes onto areas where your brows are sparse, then use the brow brush to blend and distribute the pencil to prevent a build-up.

    For a user friendly and versatile pencil, those with slanted, triangular tips are best. They allow you to not only make thin strokes and outline and shade your arches, but you can then flip it over and blend everything out.”

    After taking note of the above aspects, snatch a glimpse of the steps to use a drugstore eyebrow pencil appropriately.

    How to Use a Drugstore Eyebrow Pencil?

    Following are the steps to use a drugstore brow pencil in the correct manner - 

    Step 1: Start by defining your eyebrows with the narrow end of the pencil. 

    Step 2: Next, use the tip’s base to fill from the eyebrow anchor to the brow arch. 

    Step 3: Begin filling in the remaining tail of your brows with the help of the narrow end of the applicator. 

    Step 4: For a natural-looking and soft-defined finish, blend it with a fluffy spoolie brush.

    Conclusion

    Tada! This was all about the best drugstore eyebrow pencils that will not only help you save your hard-earned penny but also spruce up your brow game by several notches. With just one pencil in your makeup vanity, you can seamlessly master the art of creating fluffy, well-shaped, and filled brows with high arches. After all, eyebrows are the unsung heroes that play a major role in uplifting your facial features. So, look no further and get your hands on the best pencil ever! Happy Shopping! 

    Contributor: Anna Misztela, Board licensed Esthetician, Founder of Brand Beauty&Cutie

    FAQ's

    Which brow pencil is the best?
    Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer is the best brow pencil.
    Is a pencil or powder better for mature eyebrows?
    A powder is better for mature eyebrows, as it lends a more natural finish.
    How do you fill in sparse eyebrows?
    Use a brow pencil or powder to create hair-like strokes that look as natural as possible.
    How do you fill in your eyebrows over 50?
    Seek the help of pads or a small brush to fill in your thin eyebrows over 50.
    How do you fill in your eyebrows but still look natural?
    You may fill in your eyebrows using a pencil in an upward direction to make it look natural.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Of all products, our makeup expert Sayantani, believes that some drugstore eyebrow pencils give the same finish as premium products. While personally, she had a great time using the eyebrow pencils by L'Oréal Paris and Nyx Professional Makeup, she was head-over-heels after discovering others from as e.l.f Cosmetics, as they were easy to use and gave stunning results. Most of the products she finalized consist of a dual-sided construction — one with the formula and the other with the rounded brush. After testing several products, she made sure that no pencil with an unnatural finish, flimsy construction, or pokey tip should slip into her list of recommendations. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More