However, the pros have been on to soap brows for years – the original soap brows. “I swear by Pears Soap, straight from the bar,” says makeup artist Naoko Scintu, who regularly works with celebrities like Jodie Comer and Priyanka Chopra. “I just add a little water and brush into brows and it stays perfectly all day.”
How to use an eyebrow pencil
When drawing on hairs using your eyebrow pencil, make sure you’re drawing up instead of across. The trick is to make small, sharp movements using the sharp point of the pencil to create the hairlike strokes.
To achieve a more natural look when filling in your brows, think vertical (or at a 45 degree angle at the very most) – never horizontal. If you closely study the direction of your natural brow hairs, you’ll see that they don’t grow across, so if you draw a line that goes against the natural grain, it will look artificial. Trust me, it’s the difference between a natural looking, fluffy brow and a full-on caterpillars.
How to avoid accidental pencil-thin brows
If you’re after 90s pencil-thin brows, then this tip isn’t for you, but if you aren’t – take note.
Warren Dowdall, Senior Pro Artist of Bobbi Brown, explains, “if you must reshape your brows at home, fill in your brows as normal first and then see exactly which hairs need to go. Remember less is definitely more.”
As someone who has always done my own eyebrows (contrary to expert advice), I only wish I came across this tip sooner. For years, I’ve plucked without much planning, only to wind up with too-thin brows on too many occasions. Now, you know how to avoid this happening.
Best eyebrow pencil products
With all the tips and tricks on how to use an eyebrow pencil correctly, the only thing left to do is to pick an eyebrow pencil. Here are some of our favourites…
Save when you shop with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
e.l.f Instant Lift Brow Pencil
e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil
Shades: 5 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Affordable, easy to use and surprisingly effective, this pencil has become a go-to for everyday brows. The fine tip makes it easy to sketch in natural strokes, while the spoolie on the other end blends everything together for a soft, seamless finish.
It comes in five shades and has a smooth, buildable texture that works just as well for quick touch-ups as it does for a more defined look. Proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get reliable, natural-looking brows.
Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat Natural Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Brow Cheat Natural Brown
Shades: 8 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes | Tester: Rebecca Fearn
Why we love it: If you’re wary of investing in an eyebrow pencil, then start with Charlotte Tilbury’s – it’s literally impossible to be heavy-handed with this one, allowing you to achieve natural-looking brows. Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn says that “this is a great option for beginners,” and she also rates the shade options, with a range of browns (ash brown to medium brown to dark brown), along with hues for auburn and taupe brow hairs.
ICONIC London Triple Precision Brow Definer
ICONIC London Triple Precision Brow Definer
Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes | Tester: Rebecca Fearn
Why we love it: Formulated with a blend of waxes, this 3-in-1 product comes with a precision micro brow pencil, a fine-tipped pen and a built-in spoolie brush. Smudge-proof and lasts for up to 12 hours.
Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn says she loves the inclusion of a ‘pen’ style product: “I find that these felt tip nibs make natural brows even easier, and I love the fact with Iconic’s product you can switch it up between the three, depending on whether you want a matte look or something more natural.”
Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Pencil
Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Pencil
Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Brush: Yes
Why we love it: Rare Beauty’s take on a brow pencil is all about precision without the faff. The angled tip lets you flick on realistic, hair-like strokes while also filling and shaping quickly – so you’ll get that definition without overdoing it.
The built-in spoolie is perfect for softening the look, leaving brows that feel natural but groomed. With a smooth, long-wear formula and six flattering shades, it’s the kind of pencil that makes everyday brow work simple, reliable and even enjoyable.