No matter how exhausted we are running out of the house on any given morning, a few things are non-negotiable: our phone, our keys, our reusable coffee cup to go, and our brows.
Stepping out the door without at least a swipe of brow gel over our arches is unheard of — which is why we're always game to try a new brow pencil in hopes of finding the very best. This year, Refinery29 staffers tested a handful of brow enhancers, and we edited our favorites down to five formulas actually worth your cash.
Ahead, the five pencils and gels that will make your face feel complete, including the three that came away with a Beauty Innovator Award this year and two worthy runner-ups.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. Check out the rest of the 2019 Beauty Innovator Award winners.
Hourglass Cosmetics Arch Brow Micro-Sculpting Pencil
Microblading is tempting for brows that look on point all the time, but it's also expensive. This pencil mimics the fine-lined strokes of the permanent procedure for a fraction of the price.
Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil, $, available at Nordstrom
NYX Professional Makeup Fill & Fluff Eyebrow Pomade Pencil
For a feathery finish, use this pencil, which has a waxy formula on one side and a paddle brush on the other. The slanted tip will correctly define your arch, while the flat-tipped brush will buff out the color and make your hairs look fuller.
NYX Professional Makeup Fill & Fluff Eyebrow Pomade Pencil, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel
Think of this gel like a professional brow tint in a bottle: It latches on to each hair and adds pigment that won't sweat or feather throughout the day — not even through a workout class.
Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel, $, available at Thrive Causemetics
Urban Decay Brow Blade
On one end of this dual-sided does-it-all tool is a felt-tip ink marker, and the other a sharp micro-pencil to give you delicate flicks that last for hours.
Urban Decay Brow Blade Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil & Ink Stain, $, available at Sephora
Aveda Brow Definer
This 100% vegan pencil will shade in your arch and keep your hairs laying in place all day with a blend of botanicals to keep brows healthy and conditioned. What else could you need?
Aveda Brow Definer, $, available at Aveda
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