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11 Brow Gels That Are Tester-Approved for Touchable, Long-Lasting Wear

No out-of-place hairs on our watch.

By
Alyssa Kaplan
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Alyssa Kaplan
Alyssa joined the Byrdie team in 2022 as a commerce writer covering shopping and product content in the beauty and lifestyle categories. She consistently surveys the market and spends hours testing products to find tailored recommendations for Byrdie readers
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Kelli Acciardo
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Kelli Acciardo
Kelli Acciardo is a freelance writer covering all things beauty and wellness for Byrdie. She was previously the Beauty & Fashion Deputy Editor at OKMagazine.com and the Senior Web Editor at Seventeen.com where covered trends, product recommendations, skincare advice, and more. You can also find her work in Brides, InStyle, Huda Beauty, Bustle, Brit + Co, PureWow, and POPSUGAR.
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Updated on 01/22/24 12:13PM
Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel displayed on gold fabric

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

There’s no denying that eyebrow trends—often polarizing ones—come and go, but having an eyebrow gel in your beauty stash to groom your brows to your liking is a must, regardless of what's currently in Vogue. In the same way we style the hair on our heads, grooming your brows can take your look to the next level.

Not all eyebrows are the same, making it all the more important that you find a brow gel that’s truly suited for you and your brow shape and type. If your brows are on the thinner side, Dani Kimiko Vincent, celebrity brow artist and founder of Kimiko Beauty, explains that lifting them with a gel will actually make them appear thicker. Those with fuller brows can also benefit from gels, as Vincent says they can help keep thicker brows in place. In addition to your brow type, you should also consider the kind of finish you’re after. “I prefer one that has a real-hair finish—instead of an overly glossy or matte one—to achieve the most natural-looking hold,” she says. But the choice is entirely up to you. 

To help you narrow down the best brow gels, we put dozens of brow gels to the test in our lab facility in NYC, assessing them based on feel, ease of application, and, obviously, how well they kept our brows in place. We then took the best-performing options home, where we incorporated them into our own beauty routines. From there, we spoke with our experts before narrowing down the top eyebrow hold gels worth trying.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel at Amazon ($22)
Jump to Review
Best Drugstore:
NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel at Amazon ($10)
Jump to Review
Best for Thick Brows:
Makeup By Mario Master Hold Brow Gel at Amazon (See Price)
Jump to Review
Best Splurge:
Hourglass Arch Brow Shaping Gel at Amazon ($29)
Jump to Review
Best Flexible Hold:
Ami Colé Brow Shaping Gel at Sephora ($20)
Jump to Review
Best Budget:
e.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara at Amazon ($4)
Jump to Review
Best for Fine Brows:
NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel (See Price)
Jump to Review
Best for Precision:
Glossier Boy Brow at Sephora ($20)
Jump to Review
Best Long-Wearing:
MAC Brow Set at Target ($23)
Jump to Review
Best for Beginners:
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Washable Mascara at Ulta ($9)
Jump to Review

Best Overall

Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel

Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel
PHOTO:

Sephora
$22 at Amazon $13 at Sephora $22 at Ulta
What We Like

  • Applicator distributes formula evenly

  • Formula doesn’t dry too quickly, allowing for work time

  • Holds brow hairs in place without looking or feeling too heavy

What We Don't Like

  • Can flake if too much product is used


Hold: Strong | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Are we really that surprised that an Anastasia Beverly Hills brow gel won best overall? Given that the brand was originally built on eyebrow products and the founder, Anastasia Soare, is an industry-recognized brow stylist, we can’t say we are. ABH nailed it with this eyebrow hold gel. 

The clear formula is easy to work with, and it hits the mark on consistency—it isn’t too thick and goopy nor too liquidy. While the applicator is rather large, it picks up just the right amount of product to comb through the brows without drenching them in the formula. One thing we really like about the formula is that it gives you enough time to mold and shape your brows before the formula dries down to a comfortable finish. The end result? Groomed eyebrows with no overly hard or crunchy discomfort and no stiff-looking appearance. The hairs remained in place, and we were completely satisfied with the application process and the results. The only downside we noticed was that when we applied too much product, it tended to flake up.

Who It’s For 

This is a perfect option for those who want to define brows without fuss. It’s also a great stay-all-day product, according to reviews that swear it doesn’t budge for eight hours.

Trending Now

Another ABH brow gel just dropped, and it's definitely worth a shout-out. Enter the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel. It's everything you love about the brand's iconic Brow Freeze Wax but in a convenient gel form. Looking for a trusted favorite that promises the laminated brow look TikTokers can't get enough of? This is your sign to add to cart.


Shop Now at Sephora ($26)

Read Full Review

Best Drugstore

NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel

NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel
PHOTO:

Amazon
$10 at Amazon $10 at Ulta $10 at Target
What We Like

  • Texture is malleable and easy to work with

  • Small applicator allows for precise application

  • Brow hairs remain in place without feeling too crunchy

What We Don't Like

  • Those with bushy brows will likely have to re-dip the brush to get more product

Hold: Medium/strong | Shades: Clear, taupe, medium brown, dark brown, black | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s a reason (or many) that this is one of the most highly-rated eyebrow gels on the market—it’s fantastic. It has a unique, glue-like texture while remaining lightweight, making it super malleable and easy to work with. The slight tackiness to the formula allows it to fully grip the hairs and mold them in place, but don’t be fooled—it’s not too heavy, it doesn’t dry down to a hard, crunchy finish, flake, or leave residue behind.

The small applicator was one of the things we loved most when testing this gel since it helps with precise application and prevents too much product from being applied. With that said, those with bushy or thick eyebrows will likely need to dip into the tube a few times to fully coat their brows, but considering how well it performs and how affordable it is, this is absolutely not a dealbreaker for us. It’s a fantastic option for people with a wide range of brow shapes and styles who are looking for a comfortable, strong-hold gel at a reasonable price.

Who It’s For 

Anyone who wants a reliable drugstore brow gel for under $10—this is our recommendation. The rave reviews speak for themselves and you can still embrace all your expressions without stiff brows getting in the way. 

Best for Thick Brows

Makeup By Mario Master Hold Brow Gel

Makeup By Mario Master Hold Brow Gel
PHOTO:

Sephora
View on Amazon $22 at Sephora $22 at kohls.com
What We Like

  • Dual-sided brush

  • Lightweight formula

  • Flake-free

What We Don't Like

  • Runs out quickly

Hold: Strong | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have thick eyebrows, you probably know how frustrating it can be to find a formula that actually keeps your brows in place all day without feeling stiff or heavy. Enter: Makeup by Mario’s Master Hold Brow Gel. As the name suggests, it secures brows in place with master precision, all thanks to a surprisingly lightweight, clear formula that locks brow hairs in place. We love how easily the formula glides through the brows, effectively coating each hair without that dreaded super-glued feeling. And, best of all, you’ve got options: You can either comb through the eyebrows to create a natural look, or you can use the dual-sided spoolie applicator (which features long and short bristles) to give them a more sculpted finish. Also nice: It picks up just the right amount of product, preventing you from over-applying and having to constantly re-dip into the tube. 

The only thing that could make this brow gel even more perfect is if it contained more product. In our experience, the tube is quite small and narrow, so there’s very little formula in the packaging. Considering that this is a pretty pricey option and someone who uses this daily would need to repurchase it very regularly, it’s not a great value. But if you’re not bothered by this one con, we think you’ll love this gel—especially if you have thick eyebrows.

Who It’s For 

If you have thick or bushy brows that require heavy-duty hold, give this product a try. Just keep in mind that you might have to restock this tube regularly with constant use.

Best Splurge

Hourglass Arch Brow Shaping Gel

$29 at Amazon $29 at Sephora $29 at Ulta
What We Like

  • Spoolie applicator is dual-sided with stiff bristles

  • Formula and brush are very easy to use

  • No flakiness or crunchiness

What We Don't Like

  • Hard to get a lot of product onto the brush

Hold: Flexible | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re in the market for a high-quality brow gel that provides a natural, flexible hold without the flakes, you won’t be disappointed with this one. The lightweight, clear formula is accompanied by a dual-sided spoolie applicator that makes brushing up the hairs and molding them into place practically effortless. Because the bristles are stiffer than others we’ve used before, it was easy to fully control the shaping process and layer the hairs how we wanted them.

In addition to the effective applicator, the formula didn’t feel goopy or heavy, which allowed it to groom the brows without creating discomfort or flaky residue. We were pleased with the flexible hold that it created and loved that the hairs remained in place but were movable with our fingertips. While some online reviews were quick to point out that the natural hold was almost too soft, we found that the performance of the formula outweighed the cons.

Who It’s For 

If you’re looking for a gel that styles brow hairs while maintaining a very natural look, we certainly recommend this one.

Best Flexible Hold

Ami Colé Brow Shaping Gel

$20 at Sephora $20 at amicole.com $20 at thirteenlune.com
What We Like

  • Dual-sided applicator

  • Buildable, flake-free formula

  • Soft-to-the-touch results

What We Don't Like

  • We wish there was more formula in the tube

Hold: Flexible | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This brow gel is ideal for people who like something that grooms their hair but leaves them with a comfortable feel. The Ami Colé pick features a clear, lightweight formula that has a slightly tacky consistency, helping it to grip onto the brow hairs and comb them into place. The spoolie brush calls on short bristles that help to create a precise look, as well as long bristles that can be used for more of a lived-in, fluffy result.

During testing, we liked how easy it was to work through our brows, noting specifically that it deposited the right amount of product to yield a pretty and functional result. We were able to layer it without the formula gooping up, which is a plus, especially if you, like us, have had issues with that in the past. The end result is polished and natural, with our brows soft to the touch and slightly movable. Our only gripe about this one is that we wish there was more product in each tube.

Who It’s For 

Brow minimalists who want a slightly coiffed look but want to forget they’re wearing anything the moment after applying.

Best Budget

e.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara

$3 at Amazon $3 at Ulta $3 at Target
What We Like

  • Dual-sided product has one end for lashes and one end for brows

  • Lightweight formula

  • Brush picks up ideal amount of product

What We Don't Like

  • Can feel heavy with too much product

Hold: Medium | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for a super affordable brow gel, we recommend you check this one out—it costs less than a morning latte, and it gets the job done. The clear gel is a multi-use product with one end for brows and the other end for lashes. The formula is lightweight and easy to apply, and we appreciated that the applicator picked up the perfect amount of product to adequately coat brow hairs. Because it has a thin formula, it’s great for those with thin or fine eyebrows, and you can build it up in a few layers to achieve a more molded look.

While it did end up feeling a bit heavy, this was likely due to the layering, and despite that feeling, the result still remained pretty natural looking. It’s worth noting that while we didn’t note any flaking, some online reviewers do complain that the formula flakes once dry. To avoid this, we recommend applying it in thin layers. Considering how well it keeps the hairs in place, the dual-ended component of the product, and how easy it is to work with, on top of its affordability, we absolutely recommend it.

Who It’s For 

If you have superfine brows, e.l.f.’s lightweight formula will sculpt thin hairs without weighing them down. It also does double duty as a clear mascara and brow gel.

Best for Fine Brows

NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel

NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel
PHOTO:

Amazon
View on Ulta $7 at Amazon $7 at Ulta
What We Like

  • Thin, gel-like texture

  • Long, narrow applicator

  • Flake-free

What We Don't Like

  • Packaging prevents an adequate amount of product from adhering to the brush

Hold: Medium | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have fine brow hair, finding a lightweight gel is essential to ensure your eyebrows don’t get weighed down. This is a great option for people with delicate brow hairs because the formula has an airy, gel texture, and the brush doesn’t pick up too much product. In fact, our one point of contention with this product is that we had to continuously re-dip the wand to get the desired amount of the formula on the brush. But if you have very fine brows, this could actually work in your favor and help to ensure you don’t over-apply the gel.  

Along with the lightweight texture, the gel works to groom the hairs into place and provides a medium hold with no flaking or residue. And we can’t get enough of the brush. Between the long, narrow design and stiff bristles, it makes combing the formula through brows easy. Once applied, the gel kept hair in place without feeling heavy or crunchy.

Who It’s For 

NYX earned not one but two spots on our curated list for their pro brow gels and Control Freak is a budget-friendly, non-sticky option for anyone with thin eyebrows or super-fine brow hairs.

Best for Precision

Glossier Boy Brow

Boy Brow
PHOTO:

Glossier
$20 at Sephora $20 at glossier.com
What We Like

  • Small applicator makes for precise application

  • Creates a natural look

  • Size great for on-the-go

What We Don't Like

  • Produces a bit of flaking when dry

Hold: Flexible | Shades: Clear, blonde, auburn, brown, black | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Precise application isn’t totally necessary when using a clear brow gel (it’s clear, after all), but it is important when using a tinted brow gel. This popular option comes in six tinted shades (as well as a clear version), and it features a tiny applicator that makes it possible to target those hard-to-reach spots in between hairs, which is especially helpful for those with thin brows. It’s a godsend for those with bushy brows, too, since it works to comb even unruly hairs into place.

As for the formula, it has a slightly thicker consistency than many similar products on the market, making it great for adding a bit of volume to the brows. Once applied, the gel creates a flexible hold that helps maintain a natural appearance. The one downside? We did experience a bit of flaking with this formula.

Who It’s For 

If you have sparse brows that need a bit of filling, we recommend checking out Boy Brow. The tinted shades add fullness, while the tiny brush offers precision during application.

Best Long-Wearing

MAC Brow Set

MAC Brow Set
PHOTO:

MAC
$23 at Target $25 at Walmart $23 at ecosmetics.com
What We Like

  • Applicator allows for controlled application

  • Flake-free

  • Sets brows in place without feeling stiff

What We Don't Like

  • The spoolie picks up just a bit of excess product

Hold: Medium | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: No

If you consider your ideal brow style groomed but natural, allow us to introduce you to this clear, lightweight formula from MAC. Equipped with the Goldilocks of spoolies (it’s not too big nor too small) that evenly distributes the product, application couldn’t be easier. Once set down, brows feel stuck in place (without being stiff or heavy) and remain flake-free until removed. The formula is also sweat-resistant and humidity-resistant, making it a great option for long days and hot, humid climates. Another bonus: the touch of shine it imparts for laminated-looking brows.

While the wand can definitely be coated in some excess product, we found that it was easy to wipe off on the rim without making a mess, making this pretty much a non-issue for us.

Who It’s For 

If you’re looking for a brow gel that will lock your brows in place while maintaining a groomed but natural appearance, we recommend this one. This is also our pick for anyone seeking long-lasting brow hold, even at the gym, in tropical destinations, and in otherwise sweaty situations.

Best for Beginners

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Washable Mascara

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Washable Mascara
PHOTO:

Target
$9 at Ulta $6 at Target $7 at Walmart
What We Like

  • Affordable and accessible

  • Spoolie applicator is a nice size to coat the brows

  • Lightweight formula

What We Don't Like

  • Not the strongest

Hold: Flexible | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re new to the concept of using a brow gel, it’s wise to start with an affordable, accessible, straightforward option—and this one is all of those things. While it’s technically marketed as a clear mascara, people have used it as brow hold gel for years. It features a lightweight, clear gel formula and a standard spoolie that’s a nice size for combing through the brows. When we tested it, we found that it was simple to use and appreciated that it dried down to a soft and comfortable finish (though the formula felt quite wet, which made for a strange sensation while applying it). 

While it definitely helped groom our brows and brush the hairs into place, we found that the hold wasn’t super impressive—even lightly touching them would move the hairs. Because of this, it’s not ideal for those with very thick eyebrows or people looking for a strong hold, but it’s a nice option for people who are looking for a simple grooming product.

Who It’s For 

If you’re looking for a bargain tube or are a beginner in the world of brow gels, consider this solid drugstore option before moving on to stronger brands.

Best Spoolie

LYS Secure Brow Clear Brow Gel

LYS Secure Brow Clear Brow Gel
PHOTO:

LYS
View on Lysbeauty.com
What We Like

  • Vitamin B5 can help stimulate brow hair growth  

  • All-day holding power

  • Mess-free spoolie that sculpts and defines brow hairs

What We Don't Like

  • Can take a minute to dry down

Hold: Medium | Shades: Clear | Cruelty-Free: Yes

LYS’ flake-free formula has become a fast phenomenon in the world of do-it-all brow gels, and rightly so, due to its superior spoolie. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to find anything less than a five-star review touting its ability to sculpt and define the brows minus clumps. It also provides the perfect amount of hold without leaving brow hairs stiff, shiny, or stuck in place. 

After testing, we’d have to agree: There’s a lot to love here, starting with the compact, triangular tube and short spoolie applicator that fits comfortably in your hand and coats every last hair with ease. While many brushes tend to be too long, too thin, or too much, this one is just right. It’s tapered at the end to place the product where you want it and picks up a sizable dose of gel straight out of the gate—without having to double or triple dip for more. Best of all, the formula has heaps of vitamins that are great for hair (like B5 to stimulate growth and vitamin E to condition), plus their own property peptide blend transforms even the skinniest of brows into thicker, fuller ones.

Who It’s For  

This is a pretty universal brow gel that works on all skin—and eyebrow—types, which means it’s a no-brainer for anyone looking for fluffed-up brows that stay put from the moment you apply the gel to the second you wash your face. 

How We Tested

To compile this vetted list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features in addition to customer reviews. Then, we tried the most popular brow gels out for ourselves in our in-house lab in NYC. Each product was evaluated based on several attributes, including: 

  • Feel
  • Consistency
  • Ease of application
  • Overall look 
  • Performance
  • Spoolie 
  • Size 

What to Look for in a Brow Gel

  • Formulation: Just like you’re choosy about the ingredients you put on your face and hair, you should be about the ones that go on your eyebrows. For the healthiest brows, Vincent says to look for brow gels that are formulated without denatured alcohol. “This ingredient is drying to brow hair and to skin and should be avoided,” she warns. Instead, anything with nourishing ingredients, like plant extracts and peptides, is a plus.
  • Hold: Understanding what kind of hold an eyebrow gel will provide is important to ensure that you’re satisfied with the one you pick. While some people like gels that completely lock their brow hairs in place, allowing for no movement, others prefer something more flexible—it all just comes down to a matter of preference.
  • Applicator: Be sure to take a good look at the applicator on a brow gel before you purchase it. If you have thick, bushy brows, you’ll likely want to opt for a product with a bigger applicator that can cover the surface area quickly.
  • Color: Clear brow gels can be applied to bare eyebrows or on top of filled-in brows to finish them off. But if you want added pigmentation, or you want a multitasking product that grooms the brows and fills them in a bit, you’ll want to look for a holding gel that comes in a variety of shades.
FAQ
  • How do you apply brow gel?

    Applying brow gel is pretty self-explanatory—simply, comb the product through your brows to your liking. But many people wonder about when to apply it, namely before or after filling in the brows. The answer is that you can do whatever you prefer—there are no rules. However, if you use a strong hold gel or one with a thicker formula before filling them in, you might find it tricky to get brow pencils or powders to adhere. Because of this, we recommend filling in your brows first and finishing off with a gel as the last step in your brow routine.

  • How does brow gel differ from brow wax?

    Brow gel holds brows in place without looking overly stiff. The finish is a bit softer and more natural-looking than a brow wax, which can come off more firm and defined.

  • How does brow gel keep brows in place?

    Brow gel is the perfect makeup tool to comb, shape, and lock your brows in place. Tinted gels can help style brows and deposit a bit of color to add thickness to sparse patches.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tested many brow hold gels on her thick brows, including several on this list. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Byrdie contributor Kelli Acciardo has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry and loves trying tons of eyebrow products to help her misshapen brows that fell victim to overplucking in high school.

Team Byrdie worked with an eyebrow architect to help inform our picks: 

  • Dani Kimiko Vincent is a celebrity brow artist, creator of the Legacy Brow method, and the founder of KIMIKO, a line of Japanese makeup and eyebrow essentials like The Brow Sensei. 
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019 Mar;9(1):51-70. doi: 10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6. Epub 2018 Dec 13. PMID: 30547302; PMCID: PMC6380979.

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