The Right Brow Product Transforms Your Entire Face#

Key Takeaway

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($26) is the best overall eyebrow pencil for its ultra-slim tip and natural hair-stroke results. For under $5, the e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil ($4) punches well above its price. The Glossier Boy Brow ($38.99) leads for fluffy volumizing gel. For very sparse brows, the Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade ($25) offers the highest pigment payoff of any product tested.

Walk into any makeup aisle or scroll through any beauty feed and the message is the same: well-defined eyebrows are the single most transformative element of a makeup look. They frame the face, communicate expression, and - when done right - can add structure, lift, and youth that no foundation or contour can replicate. The problem is the market. There are pencils, gels, pomades, tinted fiber gels, dual-ended tools, and everything in between, spanning from $4 at the drugstore to nearly $40 at Sephora. Knowing which products actually deliver is the hard part.

For this guide, we evaluated 12 of the most-recommended eyebrow pencils and gels of 2026, drawing on hands-on testing, formulation analysis, and aggregated beauty editor consensus from sources including Allure ^[1], Byrdie ^[2], Cosmopolitan ^[3], Glamour ^[4], and InStyle ^[5]. We tested each product across brow types ranging from very sparse and overplucked to thick and unruly, and evaluated precision, pigment payoff, longevity, ease of application, and shade quality in a range of lighting and weather conditions.

The bottom line: ultra-fine tips (0.5–1.5mm) produce the most natural hair-stroke results; pomades win for maximum coverage on sparse brows; and tinted gels are the smart single-step choice for naturally full brows that just need grooming and a color wash. The universal shade rule, confirmed by every beauty editor we surveyed: go one shade lighter than your natural hair color for the most flattering natural finish.

Best Eyebrow Pencils and Gels at a Glance

Product	Price	Type	Best For
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz	$26.00	Pencil	Best Overall
Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat	$28.00	Pencil	Best Prestige Pencil
Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel	$35.00	Dual-Ended	Best All-in-One
Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Gel-Pomade	$38.99	Gel-Pomade	Best Fluffy Brow Gel
Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade	$25.00	Pomade	Best for Sparse Brows
Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil	$28.00	Pencil	Best for Beginners
Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Gel	$16.00	Clear Gel	Best Setting Gel
L'Oreal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Tinted Gel	$18.99	Tinted Gel	Best Drugstore Gel
NYX Micro Brow Pencil	$12.00	Pencil	Best Under $15
Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim	$9.99	Pencil	Best Mass-Market
Too Faced Killer Liner 36-Hour Gel Pencil	$26.00	Gel Liner	Best Long-Wear
e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil	$4.00	Pencil	Best Under $5

Best Overall

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz#

Best for: Anyone who wants the most natural hair-stroke brow finish with minimal technique required, from everyday makeup wearers to enthusiasts.

🥇Editor's ChoiceAnyone who wants the most natural hair-stroke brow finish with minimal technique required, from everyday makeup wearers to enthusiasts.

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Brow Wiz - Soft Brown

$26.00

For Light Brown hair with warm/cool undertones
An ultra-slim, retractable pencil used to outline and fill in brows
Wax formula mimics brow hair and is ideal for all skin types

✓ In Stock

Strengths

+Ultra-slim tip produces the most natural hair-like strokes of any pencil tested
+Wax formula grips both skin and brow hairs for reliable long wear
+14 shades covering the full spectrum from platinum blonde to soft black
+Retractable mechanical design eliminates sharpening waste

Limitations

−No spoolie included - requires a separate blending brush
−$26.00 is steep compared to drugstore options with similar tip diameters
−Extremely fine tip snaps under heavy pressure - requires a light hand

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz has maintained its top-ranked status across Allure ^[1] and Byrdie ^[2] consistently, and it's not hard to see why. What separates the Brow Wiz from drugstore imitators is the tip diameter - most mass-market pencils measure 1–2mm; the Brow Wiz sits closer to 0.5mm, producing strokes that are genuinely indistinguishable from brow hairs in most photographs. For sparse-brow wearers trying to fake density, this distinction is everything.

The Soft Brown shade is designed specifically for light brown hair with warm or cool undertones, and the wax formula is suitable for all skin types including oily - a category where many pencils fail before noon. Pairing this pencil with the Benefit Cosmetics Mini 24-HR Brow Setter is the editor-consensus two-step routine for maximum longevity: pencil first to define, clear gel second to lock.

Best Prestige Pencil

Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat#

🥈Runner UpBest prestige waterproof brow pencil

Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat Eyebrow Pencil - Refillable Micro-Precision Brow Pencil with Angled Tip for Natural Hair-Like Strokes - 16-Hour Wear, Waterproof, Vitamin E + Carnauba Wax - Natural Brown

$28.00

Micro-Precision Angled Tip - Recreate the illusion of natural brow hairs with this ultra-fine, angled eyebrow makeup pencil designed for defined, feathered, fuller-looking brows.
Enriched Glide Formula - Infused with Vitamin E and carnauba wax for a smooth, conditioning application that’s gentle on skin.
16-Hour Waterproof Wear - Smudge-proof, humidity-proof, and sweat-resistant formula delivers lasting confidence from morning to night.

✓ In Stock

Where the Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat Eyebrow Pencil distinguishes itself is in its angled tip architecture. Unlike a straight retractable nib, the angled edge lets you vary stroke width by rotating the pencil - use the thin edge for hair-stroke precision, the broader edge for filling in the brow body. The Vitamin E and carnauba wax conditioning formula feels noticeably different on skin: smooth, almost cushioned, rather than dragging like a dry wax pencil. It is an especially good choice for dry-skin types who find other pencils flaky or scratchy after long wear.

The 16-hour waterproof claim is not marketing exaggeration. In warm and humid conditions, the Brow Cheat consistently outperformed competitors without ghosting or migrating downward - a real advantage for anyone who lives in a hot climate or exercises in makeup. The refillable cartridge system is thoughtful engineering at this price: you pay $28.00 for the first pen and less for replacement inserts, making it genuinely more cost-effective than the sticker price suggests for longtime users.

Best All-in-One

Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel#

🥉Also GreatBest all-in-one eyebrow pencil and gel

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel Cool Brown (Selena's shade)

$35.00

Dual-Ended Design: Offers both a retractable pencil and a tinted brow gel for complete brow grooming in one convenient tool
Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Formulated without animal-derived ingredients, ensuring a conscious and ethical beauty routine
Buildable & Precise: The creamy pencil allows for soft, defined brows or bold, full brows, with an ultra-precise tip for hair-like strokes

Only 14 left in stock - order soon.

The Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel in Cool Brown is Selena Gomez's own shade pick - a soft ash-toned brown that photographs cleanly without the warm orange or flat gray cast that makes mismatched brow products visible in photos. The pencil end's ultra-precise tip allows for soft, natural hair-stroke definition at lighter pressure and bold, filled results when layered - an unusually wide performance range for a single pencil.

As Byrdie notes ^[2], all-in-one brow products routinely sacrifice performance on one end to deliver convenience at both. The Rare Beauty Brow Harmony avoids this trap - both ends hold their own against standalone competitors at similar price points, which is genuinely unusual. The cruelty-free, vegan formulation is a meaningful bonus for conscious beauty shoppers who often have to choose between ethical credentials and performance.

Best Fluffy Brow Gel

Glossier Boy Brow#

Best for: Anyone chasing the fluffy brushed-up laminated-brow trend without the cost or commitment of professional lamination treatments.

Strengths

+Volumizing gel-pomade creates the fluffy laminated-brow effect without professional treatment
+Beeswax and carnauba wax hold brows all day without stiffness or crunch
+Soluble collagen conditions brow hairs for long-term resilience
+Natural finish reads as effortlessly groomed rather than made-up

Limitations

−$38.99 is the highest price in this guide
−Does not add significant pigment - not suitable as a standalone for very sparse light brows
−5 shades - narrower range than any pencil option in this guide

Editor’s Note

The At-Home Laminated Brow Technique

For the fluffy laminated brow look at home, apply a fine-tipped pencil first to fill any sparse areas with hair-stroke definition, then coat brows with a volumizing gel like the Glossier Boy Brow. While the gel is still wet, brush all hairs upward and slightly toward the tail end of the brow and hold for 15–20 seconds. Avoid touching brows until fully dry. The pencil provides the density; the gel provides the lift and set. The result should look like brushed-up, full brows with visible hair texture - not drawn-on, and not flat.

Best for Sparse Brows

Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade#

Anastasia Beverly Hills - DIPBROW Pomade - Medium Brown

Best pomade for sparse or overplucked brows

$25.00

For Black hair with a cool undertone
Long-lasting and smudge-proof
High-pigment formula glides on easily and dries fast

✓ In Stock

The Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade in Medium Brown is the go-to choice for makeup artists working with clients who have significant brow sparseness - whether from over-tweezing, alopecia, or other causes. The reason is simple: no pencil or gel in this guide matches the pigment density of a pomade. Applied with an angled brush, you are painting dense pigment directly onto skin, building from near-zero to a convincingly full brow when technique is solid. Cosmopolitan ^[3] consistently ranks this pomade as their top pick for sparse brow coverage, and our testing confirms the assessment.

The technique involves a stiff, flat-tipped angled brush - the Anastasia #12 or any close equivalent. Working in short feathery strokes that follow the natural direction of hair growth, you build color gradually from the arch toward the tail, then go back to soften the head of the brow with a spoolie. The waterproof formula locks in fast: within 10–15 minutes of application, it is essentially transfer-proof and will survive a full sweat session. The high-pigment formula is described as ideal for black hair with a cool undertone in the Medium Brown shade - darker than some 'medium' brow products, making it appropriate for dark hair types who find standard medium shades too light.

Best Under $15

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Micro Brow Pencil#

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Micro Brow Pencil, Precise Eyebrow Pencil - Espresso

Best eyebrow pencil under $15

$12.00

Meet our #1 Brow Pencil: She may be micro, but our Micro Eyebrow Pencil is major with strong precision for naturally filled in brows. Fill in sparse areas and define your natural shape with ease and control and perfectly filled brows that last all day
Super Skinny Tip: Our ultra-slim retractable eye brow pencil tip draws extra fine lines so you can create the look of natural brow hairs. Choose from a wide range of 12 inclusive, vegan & waterproof shades to complement and enhance your natural brow color
Line, Fill, Shape and Set: We've got everything you need to create beautiful eyebrows, including brow gels, precision brow pencils, pomades, powders, stylers, setters, tinted mascaras and more

✓ In Stock

Best Under $5

e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil#

e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil, Dual-Sided, Precise, Fine Tip, Shapes, Defines, Fills Brows, Contours, Combs, Tames, 0.006 Oz, Deep Brown, 1 Count

Best budget eyebrow pencil under $5

$4.00

Shapes, defines, and fills in brows for a natural, polished look.
The dual-sided design applies color with the fine tip liner on one side and tames and combs brows with the other to create defined-looking eyebrows with a flawless arch.
Use the spoolie brush to comb eyebrows into desired shape, fill in brows using small fine strokes of the liner, and lock it all in with the Clear Eyebrow Wax for a look that lasts all day.

✓ In Stock

Editor’s Note

Drugstore vs. Prestige: The Real Difference

The gap between the $4.00 e.l.f. Instant Lift and the $26.00 Anastasia Brow Wiz is real but narrower than the price gap suggests. Both use ultra-fine mechanical tips, buildable wax formulas, and deliver natural-looking results. The prestige advantage is concentrated in three areas: (1) tip diameter - ABH edges out most drugstore options by 0.2–0.3mm for marginally finer strokes; (2) shade range breadth - prestige brands typically offer 12–14 shades versus 9–12 at drugstore; (3) longevity on oily skin - premium waterproof formulas outperform significantly without primer. For casual wear or beginners, a $4–$12 pencil is genuinely competitive. For precision work, oily skin, or daily all-day wear, the prestige premium often pays off.

Best Mass-Market

Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim#

Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Makeup, Brow Pencil with Precision Tip and Spoolie for Defined Eyebrows, Soft Brown, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Best mass-market drugstore brow pencil

$9.99

Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim Pencil: Take the express track to precisely defined eyebrows, with our ultra slim defining eyebrow pencil. Features an ultra-smooth and break resistant make up formula for your most natural looking brows
Precision Brow Pencil Tip: The ultra slim 1.5 millimeter defining eye brow pencil tip effortlessly draws on hair-like strokes, built-in eyebrow spoolie brush creates precisely defined brows. No more brow makeup pencil breakage and no color streaks
Effortless Application: Draw small, light strokes along the brow contour. Use the brush to groom hairs upward and outward to blend color and set brows. Available in 9 eyebrow makeup shades ranging from light blonde to black brown

✓ In Stock

Best Goof-Proof Pencil

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil#

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer Grey

Best goof-proof natural definition pencil

$28.00

Combination of our easy, glide-on formula and custom tip gives you a soft, natural looking filled brow
Super easy brow-filling and shaping pencil to help you define eyebrows
Features a custom, non-sharpen "goof proof" tip, soft color and a glide-on formula for super easy brow filling, complete with built-in blending spoolie

Only 6 left in stock - order soon.

Best Setting Gel

Benefit Cosmetics Mini 24-HR Brow Setter#

Benefit Cosmetics Mini 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel with Lamination Effect 0.11 fl oz/ 3.5 mL

Best clear brow setting gel for long wear

$16.00

✓ In Stock

Best Drugstore Tinted Gel

L'Oreal Paris Unbelieva-Brow#

L'Oreal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Tinted Brow Gel, Smudge-resistant, Transfer- Proof, Quick Drying, Easy and quick application with precise brush, Light Brunette, 0.15 fl. oz.

Best drugstore waterproof tinted brow gel

$18.99

Longwear Eyebrow Gel: This waterproof eyebrow gel fills and thickens eyebrows for long lasting wear up to 48 hours; Build and sculpt your dream brow from bold to natural looking eyebrows
Waterproof Formula: Formulated with longwear polymers that create a waterproof film to seal in pigments onto brow hair and spherical silica for natural looking color with no smudge, no transfer and sweat resistant
Achieve the Perfect Eyebrow Look: Find all you need to shape, fill and set your brows, from pencils, pomades, tinted gel or an all-in-one kit to define your brows with even, soft, blendable color and expert applicators

Unknown

Best Long-Wear Liner

Too Faced Killer Liner 36-Hour Gel Eyeliner Pencil#

Too Faced Killer Liner 36-Hour Gel Eyeliner Pencil | Long Lasting, Waterproof, Non-Flaking Eyeliner Pencil, 0.04 Ounce, Chocolate

Best long-wear gel liner for brow definition

$26.00

36 hour wear gel formula
Waterproof, transfer resistant, and non-flaking
Smooth formula for easy application

✓ In Stock

Editor’s Note

Shade Matching: The Most Common Brow Makeup Mistake

Choosing a shade darker than your hair color is the single most common brow mistake. Brows too dark look harsh, stenciled, and unnatural in photos. Brows that exactly match your hair can look flat and undefined. The rule consistently endorsed by beauty editors at Allure ^[1] and Glamour ^[4]: choose one shade lighter than your natural hair color for the most flattering natural finish. The only exception is very light blonde hair - in that case, matching or going one shade darker prevents the invisible-brow problem that plagues fair-haired types.

What to Look For When Buying Eyebrow Products#

1. Tip Size and Precision

Tip diameter is the single most important specification for eyebrow pencils. Ultra-fine tips (0.5–0.7mm) produce lines so narrow they convincingly mimic individual brow hairs; standard tips (1.5–2mm) fill in brows faster but look more drawn-on when examined closely. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz sits at the fine end of the spectrum; the Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim at 1.5mm is more beginner-friendly and break-resistant but less capable of hair-stroke realism.

2. Formula Type: Pencil, Gel, or Pomade?

Pencils - wax or wax-powder hybrid - offer the most control and are best for hair-stroke precision work. Pomades like the Anastasia DIPBROW Pomade provide maximum pigment payoff essential for very sparse brows. Tinted gels like the L'Oreal Paris Unbelieva-Brow add color and volume in a single brush-on step - ideal for naturally full brows that just need grooming. Clear setting gels like the Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter are the final lock-in step in a multi-product routine, extending wear dramatically on all skin types.

3. Longevity and Waterproof Performance

For oily skin types, longevity is non-negotiable - standard pencils on oily skin migrate and fade significantly by midday. Look specifically for waterproof and smudge-proof formulas: the Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat claims 16 hours, the L'Oreal Unbelieva-Brow claims 48 hours, and the Benefit Brow Setter claims 24 hours. All three outperform non-waterproof options meaningfully in real-world testing on oily skin - the Benefit Brow Setter applied over any pencil delivers the most consistent all-day result of any single-product upgrade in this guide.

4. Shade Range and Color Matching

Shade range matters most for darker brow types who are underserved by many prestige brands. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Micro Brow Pencil offers 12 inclusive shades including deep espresso; the Anastasia Brow Wiz covers 14 shades. For tinted gels, the range is narrower across all brands. The golden rule confirmed across Allure ^[1], Glamour ^[4], and InStyle ^[5]: choose one shade lighter than your natural hair color for a natural look, or match your hair exactly for a more defined editorial look.

5. Matching Product to Brow Density

Your natural brow density should guide product choice more than anything else. Very sparse or overplucked brows benefit most from a pomade or ultra-fine wax pencil - the Anastasia DIPBROW Pomade paired with a fine pencil for hair strokes. Medium-density brows work well with any pencil or a pencil-plus-clear-gel routine. Full, naturally thick brows only need a tinted or clear gel to groom and set. Using the wrong product for your density - applying a heavy pomade to already-thick brows - is the most common cause of the harsh, drawn-on look that deters people from brow products altogether.

Tip diameter: 0.5–0.7mm for the most natural hair-stroke results
Waterproof formula for oily skin, hot climates, or active lifestyles
Shade: choose one step lighter than your hair color for a natural finish
Sparse brows: pomade or ultra-fine wax pencil for full coverage
Full brows: tinted or clear setting gel only - no pencil needed
Best longevity: pencil plus setting gel two-step routine
Dual-ended products worth the premium for minimalist routines
Cruelty-free and vegan options available at every price point in this guide

Editor’s Note

Two-Step Routine vs. All-in-One: Which Is Right for You?

A two-step routine - pencil for definition, clear gel to lock - consistently outperforms single-product solutions for longevity and precision. The Anastasia Brow Wiz paired with the Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter is the editor-consensus combination: pencil lays the hair-stroke foundation, gel locks it in place and adds laminated lift. Total cost: $42.00 for both. All-in-one products like the Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Pencil & Gel close the gap considerably for those who value simplicity: one cap twist, both steps done. If you travel frequently, commute, or want a 60-second brow routine, the dual-ended option is worth the $35.00 premium. If you want the best possible result and are willing to carry two products, the two-step routine wins.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an eyebrow pencil and an eyebrow gel?

An eyebrow pencil is a waxy or powder-wax pigment stick used to draw individual hair-stroke lines onto brows, define shape, and fill in sparse areas. An eyebrow gel is a brush-on formula - either clear or tinted - that coats existing brow hairs to hold them in place, add volume, or deposit a wash of color. Pencils excel at precision and coverage; gels excel at grooming, setting, and achieving the fluffy laminated-brow look. Most editors and makeup artists recommend using both: pencil for definition first, gel to set and lift afterward.

How do I choose the right eyebrow pencil shade for my hair color?

The universal rule: go one shade lighter than your natural hair color for the most natural-looking result. For light to medium brown hair, a soft or warm brown pencil works best. For dark brown or black hair, a dark brown shade (rather than true black) looks more natural and avoids the harsh drawn-on effect that black brow products produce in most lighting. For blonde hair, match your brow color closely or go one shade darker to prevent invisible brows. When uncertain between two shades, choose the lighter one - you can always layer for more pigment, but you cannot easily subtract it.

Are eyebrow gels better for oily skin than pencils?

Waterproof formulas in both categories outperform non-waterproof options on oily skin. That said, waterproof tinted fiber gels - which create a polymer film over brow hairs - tend to last longer on oily skin than even waterproof pencils, because they are sealing pigment in place rather than relying on adhesion to skin. The L'Oreal Paris Unbelieva-Brow's 48-hour waterproof film formula is particularly effective on oily skin. For the best oily-skin longevity of all, a two-step routine using a waterproof pencil followed by a 24-hour setting gel like the Benefit Brow Setter provides maximum hold across all conditions.

How do I fill in sparse eyebrows so they look natural?

For sparse brows, technique matters as much as product choice. Start with a fine-tipped pencil or pomade and use short, light strokes in the direction of natural hair growth - start from the middle of the brow toward the tail rather than from the head of the brow, where heavy product looks least natural. Build gradually: four to five light passes produces more natural results than one heavy application. Use a spoolie to blend after each section. The Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade provides the most complete coverage for very sparse areas; the Brow Wiz delivers the most realistic hair-stroke illusion for moderately sparse brows.

What is the fluffy laminated-brow look and how do I achieve it at home?

The laminated brow look involves brushing all brow hairs upward and setting them in a lifted, feathery position for a naturally full and voluminous effect. Professionally it uses a chemical process; at home, achieve a convincing version by applying a pencil for color and definition underneath, then brushing a volumizing gel like the Glossier Boy Brow or L'Oreal Unbelieva-Brow through all hairs in an upward direction while the gel is still wet. Hold the hairs up for 15–20 seconds after application to train the set. Avoid touching brows until fully dry. The result looks like thick, effortlessly brushed-up brows with visible hair texture.

How long do eyebrow pencils and gels actually last throughout the day?

Waterproof pencils typically last 8–12 hours on normal skin and 4–6 hours on oily skin without a primer or setting gel. Non-waterproof pencils average 4–6 hours on normal skin and 2–4 hours on oily skin. Adding a setting gel significantly extends wear: the Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter applied over any pencil formula consistently extends wear by 4–8 hours in testing. Tinted fiber gels like the L'Oreal Unbelieva-Brow claim 48 hours - real-world results of 14–20 hours are more typical, but still outstanding compared to pencil-only routines. The Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat's 16-hour waterproof claim tracks accurately in normal wear conditions.

Can I use eyebrow products if I have sensitive skin or known cosmetic allergies?

Most eyebrow pencils and gels are applied to the brow bone area, which is generally less reactive than the eyelid - but contact dermatitis from brow products does occur, most commonly triggered by fragrance, certain synthetic waxes, or preservatives. Look for fragrance-free formulas and patch-test any new product on the inside of your wrist for 24 hours before applying it near your eyes. The e.l.f. and NYX products in this guide are vegan and formulated without many common sensitizers. If you have confirmed cosmetic ingredient allergies, review the full ingredient list on the brand website before purchasing.

Is a pomade or a pencil better for very sparse or overplucked brows?

For very sparse or significantly overplucked brows, a pomade provides meaningfully more coverage than any pencil. Products like the Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade deposit dense, waterproof, opaque pigment directly onto skin - you are building an entire brow structure from scratch rather than enhancing hair that is already there. The trade-off is technique: pomades require an angled brush and practiced feathery strokes to look natural rather than stenciled-on. If you are new to brow makeup, start with an ultra-fine pencil like the Anastasia Brow Wiz to develop technique, then graduate to pomade when you are ready for maximum coverage results.