The 10 Best Eyebrow Tints for Maximum Brow Definition

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Looking for the secret to full, natural-looking brows? While your go-to pencil can nicely define and darken these hairs, the true MVPs of volume, hold, and definition are some of the best eyebrow tints.

Eyebrow tinting usually refers to a professional treatment conducted by a licensed brow artist, esthetician, or cosmetologist where eyebrows are dyed or tinted to create the appearance of fuller, more volumized brows. Another plus? These tints also happen to be semi-permanent, which means your new and improved brow look can last for days, not hours. “Brow tinting gives a longer-lasting effect than any cosmetic product,” brow expert Josh Beeler tells Bazaar. “They can cover gray hairs more efficiently, and help to make the brow appear fuller by fluffing up the cuticle of the hair.”

Depending on your lifestyle and your after-care routine, he says the treatment can last up to a month. It’s also a less invasive treatment than microblading, which adds vivid brow density by depositing ink into the skin in hair-like strokes.

Heading to a salon isn’t the only way to achieve a tinted brow, though. Thanks to an abundance of affordable at-home eyebrow tinting kits and cosmetic products like brow gels and waxes, getting the pigmented, perfectly bushy brow look by yourself is possible—that said, the results will be more temporary. (It’s also worth noting, whether performed professionally or in the comfort of your own home, brow tints aren’t free of downsides and serious safety concerns—more on that below.)

After scouring the Internet’s brow-boosting options, carefully considering expert tips, customer reviews and product benefits, we pulled together this list of the best eyebrow tints out there.

Related: What Is Eyebrow Tinting?

Brow Tint

If you have your heart set on at-home brow tinting, this popular kit from Ardell is worth considering. Available in four different shades, you'll find the brow tint itself, a developer, and reusable tray, spatula, and spoolie. At $15, the kit provides 12 applications, and each brow tint is said to stick around for up to two weeks, making it a much longer-lasting option for enhancing your brows than a wash-off gel or wax.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is very easy to use. Instructions say to do one brow at a time, but I do both at the same time. I've had great results. I use medium brown, and the results are really natural looking. This is on my favorites list for sure.” — Paula

Instant Eyebrow Color

This brow tinting kit works in two minutes to darken and define eyebrows. And with nearly 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, many customers praise the waterproof formula for its long-lasting results, being particularly easy to use, and effectively covering their grays.

One satisfied customer writes: “This stuff really does last long. Much longer than brow tinting I've had done at the salon. It's very easy to apply, but beware that because it's so effective, you might want a lighter shade than you think.” — Sherry

Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel

If you're intimidated by at-home kits with mixable dyes, we suggest turning to one of the five shade options of this beauty favorite from Thrive Causemetics. It applies just like any temporary eyebrow gel—all you have to do is swipe the spoolie through your brows, and you’re set. Plus, its waterproof pigment lasts for over 24 hours, but is also really easy to remove if you’re no longer feeling the bolder brow look.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love this so much! It is the quickest way for me to fill in my brows, and I love how they stay in place. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was better than I thought it would be. It is very intuitive to use, and I love that in two minutes I have more shape to my face.” — Ginger

Air Brow Tinted Clean Volumizing Eyebrow Gel

For a temporary product that mimics that of a professional brow tint, Beeler suggest this Kosas buy. “I recommend finding a product with some staying power,” he says. “I love me the Kosas Air Brow brow gels. They have an extensive range of colors—something to suit everyone.”

Offered in 10 different shades, from taupe to brown-black to gray, the formula features ingredients like caster oil and panthenol to support hair health and imparts a natural-looking pigment that helps brows appear fuller. While amplifying each hair with volume, the product’s triangle-shaped spoolie also sculpts and lifts brows into that trendy feathered shape.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’m obsessed with this brow gel. It gives the brow a nice tint without clumping, doesn’t smudge without a clear over gel and has such a large range of color. 100000/10!” — CLandrum

Big Bush Volumizing Tinted Brow Gel

Despite being a temporary brow tint option, this pick doesn’t skimp on its staying power. It lasts for up to 24 hours of wear thanks to its waterproof, transfer-resistant, flake-resistant, and smudge-resistant formula.

One satisfied customer writes: “Love how easy this was to use. I didn't have to think twice about how I was using it, very beginner-friendly. Love using this for days where I don't want to do a full brown routine and just want some tint to add a bit of pop to my brows.” — nanathamm

ColorStay 5-in-1 Semi-Permanent Brow Ink

This dual-sided eyebrow product features a pointed-tip for drawing on more brow hairs and a spoolie for sculpting, tinting, and delivering even more pigment. Plus, its semi-permanent ink lasts up to three days per wear.

One satisfied customer writes: “I've tried several different types of brow makeup, and this is the best one I've found! There is a fine brush you use to apply the liquid to the area of the brow where you need more color. Then, you use a small spooling tool to brush the liquid into shape. Once it dries, it stays all day and can stand up to sweat!” —Laura

Lift & Snatch! Brow Tint Pen

Brow pen and pencil enthusiasts, this one’s for you. The flexible micro-tip on NYX's Lift and Snatch Eyebrow Tint Pen makes it simple to create thin, thick hair-like strokes to fill in sparse spots, no matter how big or small. The pigment is available in 10 different shades, lasts for up to 16 hours. So, while it is a temporary tint, you’ll still be able to create a bold and bushy brow look that lasts for most of the day.

One satisfied customer writes: “This eyebrow filler tool is the best! It’s so easy to apply and looks more natural than anything I’ve ever tried before. The perfect amount of product comes out of the feather-like tip. No clumping, no mess, no uneven application. My brows look so natural, friends asked me if I got microblading!” —Kate

GrandeBrow 2-in-1 Tinted Brow Gel + Brow Enhancing Serum

Give your brows some extra TLC in addition to definition, with this top-rated tinted gel from Grande Cosmetics. Made with ingredients like castor oil, vitamin E, and beet root extract, this serum-infused brow gel helps support brow hair growth, promising thicker-looking eyebrows over time. The formula offers instant satisfaction too, as the fibers instantly darken delicate hairs, fill in sparse spots and define your arches in just a few swipes.

One satisfied customer writes: “Loved this product! Not sticky or waxy like some, but still adds good control and really helps fill in sparse areas. Plus, I’ve definitely noticed fuller brows over time.” — enickim

Tattoo Peel Off Eyebrow Gel Tint

There’s certainly a novelty to peel-off products, and if that feature intrigues you, consider the Cilrofelr Tattoo Peel Off Eyebrow Gel Tint. Based on customer reviews, shoppers others are satisfied with how it makes brows appear darker and fuller. And did we mention its hypoallergenic formula can last up to three days?

One satisfied customer writes: “I have used other gel tints and liked them, but what I found great about this one is it goes on much easier. It's less thick and clumpy, making it much easier to get the perfect shape. I did get the dark brown, and it was very dark so I'll be getting the brown next time. It does stay on as long as it says it does. I'll definitely be purchasing this brand from now on!” — Kim

Brow Tint Eyebrow Gel

This spiky circular applicator on Refy's Brow Tint Eyebrow Gel is designed to precisely catch and subtly define your tiny brow hairs, therefore preventing pigment transfer to your skin. The result is a natural-looking brow look (free of smears!) with exceptional hold. As an bonus, its formula is infused with peptides and camellia japonica extract, the formula also helps to nourish and condition the eyebrows.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is the first gel that has been able to actually shape the hairs of my brows and has incredible hold without my brows being laminated. I left it on overnight and woke up with my brows still in place. The color is subtle but makes a significant difference in my brows.” —Tashasaurus

Meet the Experts

• Josh Beeler is an eyebrow expert based in Brooklyn, New York.

• Sania Vucetaj is a celebrity brow professional, and founder of Sania’s Brow Bar in New York City.

How long do brow tints last?

As Beeler previously mentioned, many at-home professional brow tints can last anywhere between three to four weeks. As the dye gradually fades, your brows will return to their natural color. Of course, cosmetic brands have adopted the phrase “brow tint” and formulated products, usually those with a gel, wax or liquid consistency, that create a similar look, though they don’t provide the same long-lasting results. Depending on the formula, temporary brow tint products can darken the brows for anywhere from a just matter of hours to up to three days.

Are brow tints safe?

While brow tints are ideal for simplifying your daily makeup routine and creating a natural-looking brow look, they aren’t free of downsides—in fact, according to brow expert and founder of Sania’s Brow Bar, Sania Vucetaj, professional eyebrow tints have been banned in many states due to the potential for serious eye injuries. Vucetaj also notes that the tinting process can damage the brow follicles, which could lead to hair loss. Because of these risks, Sania’s Brow Bar doesn’t currently offer the treatment.

“Additionally, tinting is only meant to be performed by licensed aestheticians and cosmetologists, so if someone is looking to receive this treatment, they should ensure that the person performing this device has all the proper licenses,” she adds. It's also a good idea to read up on the salon or studio's reviews and policies, as well as regulations for your at-home kits.

If you want the brow tint look without the potential risks, consider using a temporary brow product, like a gel, wax, pencil, or pomade.

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