Full, well-shaped eyebrows are transformative: your arches can make or break your makeup look. Of course, not everybody has naturally flawless eyebrows and that’s okay, a good eyebrow pen can help you fill in sparse areas and enhance your natural brow shape for a fuller, more defined look.
Never used an eyebrow pen before? Keep reading to discover how to use eyebrow pens, plus details on our favourite brow makeup to use for defined, natural-looking brows.
Eyebrow pens vs pencils: what’s the difference? Eyebrow pens are great for creating tiny, hair-like strokes, so your brows look naturally full without feeling heavy. Eyebrow pencils give more pigment, making them perfect if you want bolder, more defined brows.
Really, it comes down to the look you’re after and whether you want pens for a soft, natural finish or pencils for extra drama.
Good eyebrow pens are designed to help enhance the shape and fullness of the eyebrows. These hair stroke brow pens typically feature a fine-tipped applicator that allows you to draw fine, thin strokes that mimic the appearance of natural brow hairs. Unlike brow powders or gels, eyebrow pens allow for total precision, making them ideal for filling in gaps and adding definition to sparse or uneven brows.
A long-lasting eyebrow pen like the L’Oréal Paris Faux Brow Hair-Like Brow Filling Pen with a fine double brush tip allows for ultimate precision. Plus, the liquid ink formula is lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about weighing your natural brows down.
As you explore eyebrow pens, you’ll notice a few main types, each designed for a specific look or effect. Felt-tip pens are great for controlled strokes while liquid-ink pens create fine, hair-like lines for a soft, natural look. Microblade or tattoo-style pens mimic individual brow hairs which are perfect for filling sparse spots.
To achieve the most natural-looking end result, it’s important to choose the best brow pen for your needs. For example, colour matters, and while you may be tempted to select a liquid brow pen that matches your natural eyebrow colour, going slightly lighter usually looks softer and more realistic.
Dark hair? Chocolate brown is your friend. Blonde? Stick to light brown shades. Avoid overly warm tones, unless you’re a redhead – in that case, a warm brown or auburn pen will blend perfectly.
It’s also a good idea to consider your overall end goal when selecting a brow pen. If you want your arches to look natural, a brow microfilling pen will likely be your best option as these feature ultra-fine tips for a precise, controlled application. If you want dramatically fuller, thicker-looking arches, pair your brow pen with a thickening brow gel for added intensity (and hold).
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Faux Brow Pen has an ultra-fine tip for realistic hair-like strokes. To use, brush brows clean, then make small, gentle strokes from inner brow to tail for natural definition.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible 48H Micro Tattoo Ink Pen stays put for up to 48 hours. Apply on clean brows using tiny strokes, building up for shape and fullness without overdoing it.
For a soft, everyday look, the Faux Brow Pen works perfectly. Use a light shade, focus on sparse areas, and brush through with a spoolie to blend and soften for natural, fuller-looking brows.
Wondering how to use eyebrow pens? Follow these simple steps:
Start by tweezing any stray hairs that fall outside of your natural brow line. Then, use a clean spoolie to brush your brows upward.
Trim any hairs that are significantly longer than the rest. Finally, make sure that your eyebrows are clean and free from product residue before you reach for your natural brow pen.
Use the tip of a good eyebrow pen to lightly outline the shape of your brows – this will help provide a rough template for the areas you want to fill in.
If it’s the first time you shape your brows, mark three key points: from the nostril straight up; from the nostril through to your pupil to mark the arch; and finally from the nostril to the outer corner of your eye. Then connect the points to create your ideal shape.
Shake your hair stroke brow pen to ensure the liquid formula is well mixed, then uncap the pen and hold it at a slight angle at the front of your brow.
Using the least amount of pressure possible, begin drawing upward strokes that mimic the direction of your natural eyebrow hair growth. Continue this process until you reach the arch of your brow, then angle the eyebrow pen toward your temples and draw fine, thin strokes to define the tail.
Allow the liquid formula to dry, then lightly brush through your brows with a clean spoolie to help soften any harsh lines from the pen.
Complete your brow routine by setting your brows with a clear brow gel, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Brow Lamination. This is especially helpful if you aren’t using a waterproof eyebrow pen, as the gel can help to keep the pen’s pigment in place.
Browse the Best Eyebrow Pens For Your Look
Ready to create beautifully natural-looking brows? Discover the best eyebrow pens and brow makeup to enhance your brows with natural-looking definition.
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