11 Best Waterproof Eyebrow Pencils to Bring Your A-Game on

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
Waterproof Eyebrow Pencils to Bring Your A-Game on
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Hi there! We’re talking about the best waterproof eyebrow pencils today if that’s what you’re skimming for. A great eyebrow look can make even your mediocre makeup application skills look like you’ve been super blessed. On the other hand, if you don’t know how to draw and fill in your eyebrows, your hard work of applying makeup for hours might go to vain. If you’ve ever zoomed into Zendaya or Cara Delevingne’s pictures to look at one specific thing – yes, their incredible eyebrows, you’re not the only person in that boat. We’ve come a long way from over-plucked eyebrows in the 90s to thick, defined, and natural-looking eyebrows. So, it’s safe to say that we’re here for it. 

The world of makeup has seen a revolution and growth at an unprecedented level, giving birth to sculpting our eyebrows the way we want them to look. To add to that, waterproof makeup has elevated beauty and makeup to a whole new ballgame altogether. With the best waterproof eyebrow pencils available at our fingertips, we too can have the eyebrows of our dreams. Don’t know where to start or which one to select? Fret not! Our contributor Maya Adivi, a certified makeup artist, shares the right way to use eyebrow pencils, saying, “For a modern look, draw your eyebrow pencil in thin, hair-like strokes, focusing on the areas where your brows are a little more sparse. This will work well even without any other makeup.”

 We’re armed with our resourceful list of the best waterproof pencils and we’ll help you find one that’s tailor-made for you!

11 Best Waterproof Eyebrow Pencils

Your eyebrows require the same amount of TLC as your eyelids in terms of the waterproof products you use. Get gloriously well-shaped eyebrows with this waterproof eyebrow pencil by Anastasia Beverly Hills that easily glides over your brows. Instantly get thicker, fuller brows without them looking fake with this hydrating and nourishing formula. Suitable for all skin types, this brow definer beautifully sits on oily skin without creasing or fading. The spoolie allows you to brush your tiny brow hair to get a laminated look. 

Pros
  • Extremely Smooth
  • Easy to apply
  • Lasts all day
Cons
  • None
  • Best Ultra-fine Pencil

    L'OREAL PARIS BROW STYLIST DEFINER ULTRA-FINE TIP SHAPING PENCIL - Brunette

    L'OREAL PARIS BROW STYLIST DEFINER ULTRA-FINE TIP SHAPING PENCIL - Brunette
  • If you struggle with scanty-looking eyebrows, consider your prayers answered with this ultra-fine eyebrow-shaping pencil from L'OREAL PARIS. The Brow Stylist Definer is a self-sharpening and mechanical brow pencil that glides smoothly and fills empty-looking or sparse spaces by offering precise strokes. It boasts a matte finish, leaving your eyebrows looking perfectly natural, so you can wear it for the day or night. One of the best brow pencils with a precision tip, it also comes with a spoolie for easy blending and defining.

    Pros
    • Self-sharpening
    • Mechanical
    • Retractable
    • Available in several colors
    • Contains sunflower seed oil
    Cons
    • May not offer full-day wear
  • Best Long-lasting

    iMethod Liquid Eyebrow Pen - Black

     iMethod Liquid Eyebrow Pen - Black
  • If you’re a fan of all things liquid-based when restocking your makeup counter, this eyebrow pencil will not disappoint you. Considered one of the best eyebrow pencils in recent times, the nib of this eyebrow-sculpting wonder features a tiny fork that you can use at an angle to draw strokes that resemble real eyebrow hair. The microblading-inspired tip goes on easily and mimics 3D natural real hair. While the formula is completely waterproof, it’s easy to wipe off with a makeup remover or skin-friendly oils.

    Pros
    • 24-hour wear
    • Available in other colors
    • Smudge-proof
    • Travel-size
    • Not tested on animals
    Cons
    • Contains methyl benzoate which may irritate highly sensitive skin
  • Best Creamy Formula

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

    e.l.f Instant Brow Lift Pencil - Neutral Brown
  • Get the power of two in this award-winning brow lift pencil from e.l.f. A dual-ended precision eyebrow pencil, it comes with a spoolie for those perfectly shaped and defined brows. Packed with the power of grapeseed oil that offers conditioning properties and encourages healthy hair growth along with Vitamin E that nourishes and softens the hair, this pencil serves precision like no other. The fine tip of the eyebrow pencil helps fill in even the sparsest of eyebrows, giving them a fuller and more natural appearance.

    Pros
    • Retractable
    • Creamy formula
    • Smudge-proof
    • Vegan
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Some may find the formula slightly waxy
  • Most Lightweight Formula

    Elizabeth Mott Queen of the Fill Brow Gel - Light Medium Brown

    Elizabeth Mott Queen of the Fill Brow Gel - Light Medium Brown
  • A one-of-a-kind marvel in the makeup industry, this tinted liquid formula and spoolie power combo and incredible formula is the gift that keeps on giving. It glides like butter and offers a clump-free application, every single time. Whether it’s concealing gray hairs, filling in sparse spots, or helping you ace your brow game, this waterproof eyebrow pencil’s film-forming polymer technology resembles life-like hair. The lightweight formula flows in ease and sculpts your brows in seconds while being sweat and water-resistant.

    Pros
    • Clump-free
    • Available in five colors
    • Quick drying
    • Cruelty-free
    • Long-lasting wear
    Cons
    • Contains methylparaben
  • ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS DIPBROW POMADE - Medium Brown

    ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS DIPBROW POMADE - Medium Brown
  • Whether you enjoy a natural-looking faded look or a strong, head-turning, and dark eyebrow look, this pomade works wonders both ways. This waterproof eyebrow pomade is a buildable formula that’s easy to blend. A smudge-proof and long-wear formula, it’s available in a whopping 11 shades, so no matter what your skin tone or hair color, there’s a shade for everyone. The pomade glides like a dream and won’t budge throughout the day, possibly making it one of the best eyebrow fillers.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Settles as matte finish
    • Full pigment
    Cons
    • Contains propylparaben
  • Best Buildable

    L.A. Girl Brow Pomade - Dark Brown

    L.A. Girl Brow Pomade - Dark Brown
  • Another spectacular pomade to make it to our list of the best waterproof eyebrow pencils, this long-lasting eyebrow makeup helps you achieve well-defined and perfectly sculpted eyebrows in seconds, even if you’re a beginner. Don’t let the creamy and smooth-flowing formula deceive you as it settles and locks in place in no time. Available in 6 shades, the formula is smudge-proof and incredibly pigmented. Now defining and sculpting your brows with a popular gel formula like this one takes only a few seconds.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gel-formula
    • All-day wear
    • Buildable pigment
    • Glossy finish
    Cons
    • Doesn’t come with a brush or a spoolie
  • Best Applicator

    Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color - Medium

    Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color - Medium
  • This could be the waterproof eyebrow pencil of your dreams because it is one of the best! This hydrating formula is packed with the goodness of aloe vera leaf juice powder and matricaria flower extract for nourished eyebrows. Decked with a precision tip that enables a steady hand and easy application, the smudge-proof formula glides smoothly on the eyebrows. Whether you want natural-looking or defined brows, this long-wearing waterproof brow pencil also contains honey for that extra dose of care.

    Pros
    • Hydrating formula
    • All-day wear
    • Marker-inspired brush tip
    • Doesn’t flake
    • Easy application
    Cons
    • Only available in three colors
  • Best Nourishing

    Skone Brow Wand - Chocolate

    Skone Brow Wand - Chocolate
  • When we trialed this product, we were not surprised but happy to note that this retractable brow pencil lives up to every expectation. Whether you’re looking to achieve naturally-groomed brows or a defined one, this duo-ended product will not let you down. Use the sharp triangle tip in tiny strokes to achieve a natural look and use the spoolie across the brows to tame flyaway hairs. Filled with a generous dose of hydrogenated coconut and palm oil, this brow pencil is not only creamy but also hydrating.

    Pros
    • Highly pigmented
    • All-day wear
    • Cruelty-free
    • Retractable
    • Smudge-proof
    Cons
    • Some may find it slightly waxy
  • Most Natural Finish

    JOAH BROW DOWN TO ME Precision Brow Pencil - Auburn Brown

    JOAH BROW DOWN TO ME Precision Brow Pencil - Auburn Brown
  • After trying out this product, we may very well never try out another one!  This dual-ended eyebrow pencil fills in sparse brows making them appear fuller while also lending a completely natural finish. The dual-ended brow pen comes with a spoolie for well-groomed brows and the ultra-fine tip helps create small life-like hair in quick, smooth strokes. Its cream-to-powder formula ensures that it stays put throughout the day and you never have to worry about it smudging the areas around the eyes.

    Pros
    • Available in 10 colors
    • Cruelty-free
    • No sharpening needed
    • Long-lasting
    • Highly pigmented
    • Matte finish
    Cons
    • Contains stearic acid which may irritate highly sensitive skin
  • Best for All Skin Types

    REVLON COLORSTAY BROW PENCIL - 210 SOFT BROWN

    REVLON COLORSTAY BROW PENCIL - 210 SOFT BROWN
  • Putting it to the test, we’re happy to inform you that REVLON does it again! The angled tip of the brow pencil makes application an easy ride while the spoolie on the other end lends a well-groomed and defined finish. Highly pigmented, smooth, and blendable, this brow pen also guarantees a 24-hour stay. Use the flat side of the pencil to fill in the sparse areas in the direction of the hair growth for an even and natural finish.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting wear
    • Cruelty-free
    • Contains hydrogenated castor oil
    • Available in five colors
    • Buildable formula
    Cons
    • Contains parabens

    There you go, folks! We hope that you’ve found the best waterproof eyebrow pencil for yourself (or two) from our well-researched list! If you still have some questions you’d like answered perhaps the section below will help you out more.

    How to Choose the Best Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil for Yourself?

    Before you get your hands on some of the best waterproof eyebrow pencils in our list, we urge you to consider the following things: 

    1. Shade and Color 

    Picking the right eyebrow pencil or picking one that’s going to be a complete mismatch for you can depend on something as basic as the shade or the color of the pencil. For those with black or dark brown hair, stick to a shade that’s one or two times lighter than your natural hair color. Naturally occurring oils in our skin tend to make our eyebrows look darker and drawing over it with a dark shade may only make it look unnatural and heavily pronounced. Our contributor Maya Adivi gives insights into the choices to be made, in cases of difference in the color of brows and the mane, saying, “The choice depends on the hair color. You can opt for a unique contrast by sticking to your original brow color. Alternatively, choose an eyebrow pencil with an undertone that will match your hair color. For example, if you dyed your hair red, an auburn pencil will give your brows that reddish undertone for a more harmonious look.”

    If you have blonde hair, choose a shade like taupe. It will help fill in sparse areas and won’t appear too dark against your naturally light hair. Those with light brown hair may try a shade that’s one or two times darker to make the eyebrows pop. For orange and ginger shades, picking shades such as a reddish-taupe or reddish-brown will work wonders. 

    2. Skin Tone 

    It may come as a surprise but your skin tone also plays an important role in the selection of the perfect eyebrow pencil. If you have a light skin tone with pink undertones, an ashy blonde shade will complement your eyebrows without appearing yellow or orange. Avoid reddish tones as they may make the eyebrows look harsh. 

    Those with olive skin will do well with medium brown shades as it offers a slight contrast against your skin tone, making the eyebrows look graceful and sculpted. Those with dark brown skin should look for a matte finish in a medium brown shade. Ensure that the shade of the eyebrow pencil is lighter than that of your skin tone. 

    3. Ingredients 

    Just like the hair on our head, our eyebrows could use some tender love and care, especially if you’re looking for growth and naturally thick eyebrows. Look for products that contain argan, coconut, castor, and tea tree oil that keeps the hair nourished and encourages growth. Vitamin E also helps reduce hair fall and aloe vera promotes healthy cell growth and shiny, thick hair. 

    4. Type

    While it is a matter of personal choice and preference, eyebrow pencils and shadows are typically considered better than pomades to mimic the look of natural hair and enhance the shape of the brows. A glossy eyebrow will look better for a brunch or day out in the sun while a matte finish is better for dinner or the nighttime. 

    5. Others 

    Since our sweat tends to collect on our eyebrows, it’s important to invest in an eyebrow pencil that’s waterproof or water-resistant, at the least. Ensure that the tip of the eyebrow pencil is pointed or fine for easy application and that the formula glides smoothly. A richly-pigmented and buildable formula often offers long-lasting stay and spoolie that comes with the eyebrow pen takes the cake for well-groomed eyebrows in seconds. 

    Did this section answer some of your doubts and make your search easier? If yes, there’s only one last thing left to do. How to use an eyebrow pencil, of course.

    How to Apply the Best Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil?

    Step 1: Start with moisturized yet dry skin. 

    Step 2: Test the color in a small patch with a few strokes where your eyebrow starts to ensure that the shade you’ve picked is right. 

    Step 3: Use a spoolie to comb your eyebrow hair upwards and to tame any flyaways. 

    Step 4: Gently trace the exterior shape of the eyebrow with the eyebrow pencil. Avoid hard, sharp lines for a more natural look. 

    Step 5: Fill in the brows and the sparse areas with the eyebrow pencil in gentle and short strokes to resemble your eyebrow hair. 

    Step 6: Go back in with the spoolie and comb the eyebrows out in an upward and outward motion. 

    Step 7: Finish off with the final touches by filling in areas that may have not been covered fully. 

    We all love perfectly defined brows! Especially one that’s fierce and frames our face! It’s incredible how a well-groomed pair of brows can change how we look and elevate our makeup regime instantly. In our well-researched list of eyebrow pencils, we’ve brought a host of different formula and application methods you so can pick and choose one that’s best suited for you. With our list of the best waterproof eyebrow pencils and our guide, we hope that you find the one that seems like it's made for you! Even if you're a beginner, we urge you to try it out. Happy sculpting!

    Contributor: Maya Adivi, Certified Makeup artist, Click here for blog

    FAQ's

    Is there an eyebrow pencil that is waterproof?
    Several eyebrow pencils are waterproof. L'OREAL PARIS’ BROW STYLIST DEFINER ULTRA-FINE TIP SHAPING PENCIL, iMethod’s Liquid Eyebrow Pen, and e.l.f’s Instant Brow Lift Pencil are some of the best-selling waterproof eyebrow pencils on Amazon.
    How do I keep my eyebrows dry while swimming?
    While the easiest way is to wear extra large swimming goggles to cover the eyebrow area completely, you can also try waterproof eyebrow pencils like ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS’ DIPBROW POMADE and L.A. Girl’s Brow Pomade.
    What brow pencil lasts for days?
    iMethod’s Liquid Eyebrow Pen offers 24-hour, smudge-proof wear.
    How long does a waterproof eyebrow pencil last?
    Most waterproof eyebrow pencils offer full-day wear.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, the author of this article, says that waterproof eyebrow pencils are designed to deliver long-lasting and smudge-free definition to your brows. They remain intact even when they’re exposed to water and humidity, making them a great choice for anyone with an active lifestyle. After giving all the products a try, she found one that gave her brows the best results. The Skone Brow Wand helped her to achieve the look of naturally groomed brows, and the spoolie brush effortlessly tamed flyaways. Additionally, it’s also nourishing, highly pigmented, smudge-proof, and has a retractable design.

    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 Pinkvilla 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