Eyebrow pencils are a breeze to use and friendly for both beginners and experts alike. They are no doubt one of the go-to beauty products when it comes to filling in your eyebrows. You know what they say, "kilay is life!" Most of us can feel a boost of confidence when our brows are on fleek.
You are never fully dressed without your eyebrows; in some ways, this is true, especially for those of us that can't leave the house without doing our brows. We have prepared a guide, reviewed by beauty professional Elaine Ganuelas, to help you choose the best eyebrow pencil brand for those #eyebrowsonfleek.
Elaine Ganuelas has been living and breathing the life of all things beauty since childhood. What once started as her passion became her career in 2006. Now she does makeup, hairstyling, image consultation (yes, makeovers), personal shopping, consumer research, and reviews.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Table of Contents
To choose an eyebrow pencil, here are some points to consider:
Check out the buying guide below to learn more about these points.
When choosing eyebrow pencils, pick the form that your pencil is going to take. It largely depends on how much time you want to save when using your eyebrow pencil.
A retractable pencil is made of a plastic barrel that houses the pigment stick. It is more convenient as it does not require you to sharpen them, unlike traditional eyebrow pencils. Some models even have a self-sharpening mechanism or attachment included. You can also choose the tip style that is suited to your preference.
On the other hand, old-school brow pencils look well, like a traditional pencil or color pencil. It is housed in a wooden body that needs to be sharpened once the tip gets blunt. For this reason, it is easy to maneuver, though keep in mind that it gets shorter every time you sharpen it.
Choosing the pencil's tip style will define how your eyebrows will look, so you can experiment on which you prefer as you learn more below.
An angled eyebrow pencil is great because it has different dimensions. You can use the flat edge for a softer look and the pointed tip if you want more definition. It is good for beginners and those who already have naturally full brows.
It enables you to draw precise hair-like strokes or define your brow’s natural shape. Its multiple sides allow you to play around with different edges and surfaces to determine what is most comfortable for you to use.
However, those with thinner brows may find it difficult for them, and it may lose its sharp edge in the long run, though you only need to rub it on a piece of paper to sharpen it.
A pointed or fine-tipped pencil is great for those who have thinner brows and want a more hair-like precision. This is because you are working with a smaller tool. Therefore, it is easy to avoid making mistakes as you are not covering a lot of surface area.
However, a smaller tip means it will take longer to fill in your brows, which could be a hassle if you have fuller brows or are in a rush. If you prefer bold brows, you are also prone to using up the pencil more quickly.
Choosing the color of your eyebrow pencil can be tricky because it can make or break your look. If you choose a shade lighter, it will be easier to apply because you can manage how much of the product you want to put for a more natural look. It is definitely more complicated to remove the product if you put too much.
However, if you're feeling like rocking bold, statement brows or if you have sparse eyebrows, then opt for a darker shade. This will make it easier for you to apply because you don't need to take too long to apply many layers. Also, keep in mind that it can make you look more mature and "mataray."
Get an eyebrow pencil with an attached spoolie brush to make it easier to style your brows. Previously, eyebrow pencils did not have an accompanying brush, which just means you need more tools.
Having an attached brush means you can save on time, seeing as you already have all the tools you need to fill in your brows. Brushing your brows is just as important as filling them in to make sure it gets blended and softens possible harsh lines.
In our humid climate, it is imperative that your skincare and makeup products can last the entire day without bleeding or migrating everywhere on your face. Try to look for products that are waterproof or smudge-proof to ensure that they can last the entire day.
Make sure your brows will retain their shape and color. After all, you wouldn't want your eyebrows to be gone come lunchtime, would you? These are also useful if you're on vacation and you want your eyebrows to stay on fleek when you're taking photos on a hot summer day! However, remember to be lighthanded since waterproof eyebrow pencils tend to be more pigmented.
From ₱249
Maybelline is a well-loved brand that is known for its affordable price range. They definitely did not disappoint when they created this best-selling eyebrow pencil that can fill in spaces in your eyebrows with smooth strokes to give you that natural-looking brows!
This is a retractable pencil, which makes it easy to use. It also features a slim angled tip that will help you achieve those fine brow-like strokes to give that "no make-up" make-up look. Plus, it comes in 4 different shades of light brown, dark brown, red-brown, and grey-brown to make sure you get the right match for you.
From ₱1,660
Benefit's brow pencil is ideal if you have got sparse brow hairs as it has been noted to give the most natural finish. Its fine tip makes it easy to create a precise outline for your brows, and it can draw hair-like strokes that can last you a solid 12 hours. It has a built-in spoolie brush that you can use to blend afterward.
It has a buildable color, which is ideal if you are heavy-handed to avoid making brow mistakes. It also has 12 shades, so it's easier to personalize it to your shade. As a bonus, the brow pencil comes with signature tips and tricks to help you with your technique.
From ₱1,500
This brand has a bit of a cult following because of its expertise when it comes to brows. Their ultra-slim, retractable fine pencil is ideal for outlining and detailing brows with quality precision. The fine tip is best for when you want to draw on sparse areas of your brows, as it's made to mimic your actual hair.
It offers a wide range of shades so you won't have to worry if you have colored your hair, as you will be able to find the perfect match. Remember, this product is highly pigmented, so make sure to use light hand pressure. When you're done, use the attached spoolie brush to blend and perfect the look.
From ₱795
This is perfect for gals who are always on the go and prefers multitasking products as it has all the styling tools you need in one formula: a spoolie brush, eyebrow pencil, and brow powder - all in one product! Their product is geared to add definition and fullness to your brows.
The pencil’s formula is made of quick-drying wax that is water and oil-resistant and is ideal for outlining your brow shape. You can use the powder to add more dimension to your look and soften any harsh line. Blend it all together with the spoolie brush, which can also tame stray hairs.
From ₱1,300
Get all-day sculpted brows with Fenty Beauty’s brow pencil. It is a fine-tipped pencil that is perfect for defining your brows and filling them with hair-like strokes in a formula that is not too creamy or dry but just right. The pencil itself is shaped like a triangle, which makes it easy for you to hold.
One unique feature of this product is that it has an attached paddle brush compared to the usual spoolie brushes you see on eyebrow pencils, which makes it easier to comb and blend your hairs into place. The formula is waterproof and smudge-resistant, so you are guaranteed your brows won’t fade by midday.
From ₱378
Consciously designed for women and men alike to get their best-looking brows, this pencil has a 1.4 mm tip to ensure that each stroke looks exactly like your hair strokes. It is also a combination of pencil, powder, and wax to up your eyebrow game. They come in 4 different shades to accommodate different hair colors.
The list of ingredients also shows that this has been created with care, including Vitamin E, Squalane, and Inca Inchi, to promote healthy hair growth and boost collagen production. Plus, if you're on the go and have no time to reapply, fret not, because this eyebrow pencil is long-lasting and smudge-proof.
From ₱67
If you're the type to like to keep things simple when it comes to doing eye makeup, then this product is the one for you. This creamy brow pencil can give you a kilay on fleek, and it can also be used as an eyeliner. Now, that's hitting two birds with one stone!
This product is a sure budget-saver as it gives a rich and creamy color when used on your eyebrows or eyelids. This is proof that you don't need to spend so much just to do your eye makeup. You don't even need to keep retouching as its formula can last you the whole day.
From ₱399
This 2-in-1 product includes a brow pencil with a triangle tip and a clear brow mascara. This is designed to help customize your brows when you're feeling a more natural feathered look or bold brows for a night out.
After defining your eyebrows, you can top it off with a clear brow mascara gel to add more dimension to them. This is designed to be long-wearing to help you keep your routine simple. If you like the look of bushy brows, then the mascara gel is the perfect way to get it because of its precise size.
From ₱141
Nichido's brow pencil is perfect for those with a tight budget, but kilay is life. Their brand is notable for creating quality makeup at an affordable price. You'd be pleasantly surprised at how pigmented their pencil is, so keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
Their formula is rather waxy and is perfect for creating bold, strong brows without much effort, but it has a somewhat powdery effect after application, so it doesn't look too shiny. Their chestnut brown shade is a favorite as it matches well with Filipino skin tone and hair color without looking too flat or dark.
From ₱160
Watching K-dramas or listening to K-pop can leave you in awe of how those stars achieve their eyebrow game. Well, this K-brand is one step closer to that without breaking the bank. This Etude eyebrow pencil has a triangle shape that can help you easily achieve those hair-like strokes.
It also gives a light color when applied so you can control how light or dark the outcome of your eyebrows will be. You can use the wider surface to fill in gaps on your brows, while the slim surface can be used to draw the hair-like strokes. Lastly, you have as many as 7 shades to choose from.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
It is suggested to cool your eyebrow pencil in the freezer or refrigerator for at least an hour to minimize the tendencies of crumbling. Place the tip of the eyebrow pencil into the hole of the pencil sharpener until you have a well-defined tip. Afterward, discard any wood shavings from your sharpener.
It is easier to buy a sharpener that is specifically for your eyebrow pencil instead of the usual pencil sharpener that is used for writing since these pencils have different diameters. However, if you don't have one available, then the usual sharpener will work too. It is recommended to sharpen your eyebrow pencils at least once a week to get rid of surface dirt.
We all know how important it is to have healthy-looking brows, so it's good to wonder if using an eyebrow pencil daily would prevent hair growth. The good news is that eyebrow pencils do not contribute to hair loss. There are many other reasons that could stop hair growth including overplucking, skin conditions, and nutrient deficiencies, so if it's happening to you, it's best to consult your trusted doctor.
There is no specific time frame in changing your eyebrow pencils since it's not directly applied to the eye area as mascara or eyeliner. However, you have to make sure that you know the expiration dates of your makeup to avoid any unwanted reactions. It's might be helpful to note that the usual time frame for eye makeup is 3 months for mascara and 6 months to 1 year for eyeliners and eye shadows.
Eyebrow pencils are just one of the many beauty products you can use to fill in or define your brows. Check out some of these products to up your brow game.
Author: Justine Cuizon
Re-editor: Tm Yuquimpo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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