The Best Brow Gel

Buying Guide

You may not realize it, but your eyebrows communicate to others. Body language experts study them to determine whether you’re telling the truth or lying, and one study even found that eyebrows were more important than eyes in communicating hostility.

So it’s probably no surprise that in recent years, brow contouring has become an important part of daily makeup routines across the globe. There are numerous how-to videos online walking you through techniques. Whether you want a straight, fuller brow with a minimal arch or a contoured brow with bold colors, you can learn how to create the look.

But first, you’ll need the right tools. The thicker, more natural brows that are in style today are good news, since you won’t have to spend a lot of time tweezing or spend money getting them waxed every couple of weeks. You may still want to do cleanup and strategic hair removal in the brow area, but for fuller eyebrows, you’ll want to leave most of the brow in place.

As with most natural looks, natural brows require a little extra work. If you have thick, darker-colored brows, chances are, you may be able to get away with one tool: brow gel. This gel allows you to manipulate your brow to achieve the various looks that are popular today. One of the biggest trends is the feathered brow, which involves having each hair going in a uniform, upward direction to create a bold look. Brow gel and a tutorial can help you achieve that look in seconds.

Even with a gel wand, though, you might need a little fill-in with a brow pencil or brow mascara. This can help you supplement your natural brow to give it fullness. If you have lighter brows, a pencil or mascara wand can also help darken things up.

• If you plan to combine brow gel with a pencil or mascara, first make sure you let the brow gel dry thoroughly. Otherwise, the color could clump.
• Brow gels tend to darken your brow color, so go a little lighter with your pencil or mascara than you would otherwise. Before you debut your look, you may want to try out your new gel with your other cosmetics to make sure you like the effect.
• For oily skin, it might work better to use a brow powder than a pencil. The powder will absorb some of the oil and serve a dual purpose.
• Some gels can leave behind a sticky residue, making you uncomfortable throughout the day. Look for one that’s lightweight while also being effective.
• With some brow gels, you get both a product for your eyebrows and eyelashes. This dual purpose gives you a valuable addition to your makeup toolkit.
• Brow gels with conditioning ingredients built in can soften your brows while they tame them.
• If you’re looking for a little extra glamour, search for a brow gel with sparkle or shimmer built in. These can be great for preparing for a night on the town.
• Waterproof brow gel serves a valuable purpose, even when you aren’t swimming or caught in a rainstorm. They’re great for making it through an extra-hot day without smudging or smearing. They can also last for hours, helping you stay fresh looking during those long days.
• If you’re planning to perfect your brow contouring techniques, look for a brow gel with a smaller applicator. This will give you more control over your artwork.
• Clear gel is great for letting your natural brows show through. But if your brows need a little extra help, or you simply want to change up the color, you don’t have to rely on a brow pencil or mascara. You can find brow gel in a variety of shades that tint your brows while also taming them.