The 15 Best Brow Gels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel was a standout for its feel, performance, and application
People / Tamara Staples
Sure, some of us may be more genetically blessed than others when it comes to eyebrows, but we have yet to meet someone who doesn’t need at least a little bit of product to perfect their arches.
There’s certainly no shortage of brow makeup out there, but in this saturated category, brow gels fill a unique space and offer distinct benefits that its counterparts don’t. They can both hold brow hairs in place and be used to manipulate the shape of your natural brow, explains Katie Mellinger, a fashion and celebrity makeup artist who works with Emma Watson. By using it to brush the hair up, it can also create the appearance of fullness and volume, she adds.
To that point, they’re a great choice for almost everyone, no matter whether your brows are thick or sparse — and even more so given that they can easily be mixed and matched with other brow-enhancing formulas (more on that point later). They’re especially beneficial for those who have unruly brows, men included: “A brow gel can make for a more polished look, while still coming across as natural,” points out Tomy Rivero, a celebrity makeup artist who’s worked with Julia Garner and Jessica Simpson.
We swiped on 23 different brow gel formulas, evaluating how well they held brow hairs in a desired shape, and weighing in on everything from ease of application to the overall look delivered. It’s also worth mentioning that brow gels come in both clear and tinted varieties; for the purposes of our testing, we stuck with just non-colored ones.
Keep reading to discover the best brow gels that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel
Pros
Contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing chamomile extract
Both full and mini sizes available
Dries down quickly, without any reside, flaking, or waxy feel
Cons
No tinted options
There wasn’t an area in which this crowd-pleaser didn’t deliver, pulling in a perfect score in every testing category. We appreciated how well it tamed errant hairs on thick brows while still looking natural. The feel was a huge attribute as well — lightweight with no flakes or stickiness and a lasting hold that didn’t feel stiff.
Another pro was the dry down time. The gel took about three minutes to set, which allowed us enough time to brush through a few times to get the look we wanted; it was perfect for applying or adding more product. The only minor drawback? It only comes in this clear version that we tested, so if you are looking to add some color to your arches, you’ll need to do so via another product.
Price at time of publish: $22
Size: .26 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional benefits: Hydrates and soothes
Related: The 12 Best Brow Growth Serums of 2023, According to Dermatologists and Trichologists
Best Budget: e.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara
Pros
Doubles as a mascara
One dip in the tube picks up the perfect amount for one brow
Thinner formula allows for buildable coverage
Cons
Does weigh down brows a bit compared to others we tested
No tinted options
Here’s proof positive that you don’t have to shell out the big bucks for a standout eyebrow hold gel. In fact, this is a great dupe for a similar gel that costs more than five times as much. Plus, since it’s dual-sided with two different wands and can also be used as a clear mascara, you’re getting even more bang for your buck. The formula is a bit on the thinner side; however, we liked that this made the formula more buildable and allowed us to get the coverage we desired. There was never any residue, and it also enhanced the natural thickness of our eyebrows (albeit also weighed them down a bit, but that could be from adding on a few layers of product). All in all, brow gel newbies or budget-conscious makeup shoppers should absolutely add this to their cart.
Price at time of publish: $3
Size: .08 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional benefits: Doubles as a mascara
Related: The 7 Best Eyebrow Pencils of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Natural Look: NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel
Pros
Stays put for up to 16 hours
Smaller, rounded spoolie makes precise application very easy
Both waterproof and transfer-proof
Cons
Does take several minutes to fully set in place
Don’t be fooled by the name. This formula boasts a surprisingly light consistency, though is still extremely effective when it comes to keeping hairs in place; it’s both waterproof and transfer-proof, lasting up to 16 hours. We were especially big fans of the smaller, rounded spoolie brush, which we found to be perfect for grabbing the exact right amount of product and evenly depositing it through thicker, arched brows. To that point, it’s also buildable — even when two coats were applied, it still didn’t flake or leave hairs stiff or crunchy, and still felt comfortable on the skin. It was especially ideal for creating defined yet completely natural-looking brows. Also nice: It comes in four tinted versions as well, should you want to add a bit more color if that suits you.
Price at time of publish: $9
Size: .17 oz. | Shades: Clear, Taupe, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Black | Additional benefits: Lasts up to 16 hours
Related: We Tested 29 Waterproof Mascaras — These Are the 8 Best
Best for Sensitive Skin: Glossier Boy Brow
Pros
Both dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
Additional conditioning ingredients keep hair moisturized
Free of fragrance and alcohols
Cons
Left some flakes as it dried
Even though this technically isn’t a brow gel per se (the brand refers to it as a “creamy wax” and “grooming pomade”), we found that it still delivered great hold. In fact, we were surprised at how much product was packed onto the tiny spoolie and how it was able to get into every little area to perfectly coat and stamp the brows down into place. It did get a slight ding for the visible flakes that showed up as the product dried down. (However, once those flaked off, there was no noticeable residue.) Brow-boosting effects aside, this is also a choice pick for all skin types. The formula is free of potentially drying or irritating alcohol and fragrance, and is both ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested. It also contains moisturizing ingredients — oleic acid and lecithin — to keep hair conditioned and healthy.
Price at time of publish: $17
Size: .11 oz. | Shades: Clear, Blonde, Auburn, Brown, Black | Additional benefits: Contains conditioning ingredients; dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Related: The 16 Best Mascaras of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Lightweight: Kosas Air Brow Fluff & Hold Treatment Gel
Pros
Contains ingredients that help promote thicker, healthier hair
Plant-based fibers help make brows look fuller
Effectively holds brow hairs firmly in place
Cons
Potential for flaking after a few hours, especially if you apply too much product
No tinted options
If you haven't had luck with other brow gels in the past, this option from Kosas may offer some hope. As the name suggests, it has an airy texture that was nearly undetectable — it didn't feel like we were wearing anything on our brows. Still, it effectively holds eyebrow hairs firmly in place, even if you rub your fingers over them. The applicator — which has a flat side for fluffing and tapered point for shaping — is another winning attribute. However, we found that it can tend to pick up and deposit too much product, resulting in visible flaking a few hours in. Wiping off the excess on the side of the tube makes for a better overall result.
Price at time of publish: $24
Size: .13 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional benefits: Contains hair-strengthening and thickening ingredients
Best Multi-Use: NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel
Pros
Not at all sticky, waxy, or flaky
Sets quickly (within a minute)
Doubles as a mascara
Cons
May be challenging to get an adequate amount of product onto the brush, which affects application
No tinted options
A clear brow gel is a fairly multi-functional product in and of itself, but this takes it one step further; the non-sticky formula can also work as a clear mascara to define and add shine to lashes. As far as brows go, though, we liked the nearly undetectable feel that wasn’t waxy or flaky, and that set brow hairs firmly in place in less than a minute. The only drawback was when it came to application: We found it difficult to get enough of the product onto the brush, which in turn made for an uneven application and distribution when we went to brush it through our brows.
Price at time of publish: $7
Size: .317 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional benefits: Can also be used as a clear mascara
Best for Beginners: Milk Makeup Kush Clear Brow Gel
Pros
Hemp-derived cannabis seed oil and aloe extract keep hairs moisturized
Lightweight texture doesn’t leave hair feeling stiff or flaky
Sets quickly (but not too quickly that you don't have enough time to shape)
Cons
Hold is not as strong for thick brows
No tinted options
Even brow gel newbies will find this winner easy to use. Its small applicator is perfect for precise swiping, and also prevents you from gooping on too much at one time. (Though you may need more than one coat for complete coverage, particularly if your brows are a bit thicker.) Once the gel set, we noted that there was no visible flaking. To that point, while it does set quickly, it’s not so instantaneous that you don’t have enough play time to create your desired shape, a boon for beginners who are just figuring out how to work with a brow gel.
Price at time of publish: $20
Size: .15 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional benefits: Contains conditioning ingredients
Best Waxy Gel: W3ll People Expressionist Clear Brow Gel
Pros
Creamy, wax-based formula is nice and moisturizing
Spoolie applicator delivers the exact right amount of product
No flaking or unwanted residue
Cons
Softer level of hold may not be enough for thicker brows
No tinted options
We were big fans of how easy this was to apply and use. Credit the applicator, which we laud for being the perfect size to grab just the right amount of product — no double dipping required. Because this is more of a wax-gel hybrid, it is worth calling out that this doesn’t deliver crazy intense hold, though it’s still enough to set your desired shape. There was also no flaking or unwanted residue, and while it did take a few minutes to set, we actually liked that it gave us some play time to figure out our preferred brow shape.
Price at time of publish: $13
Size: .24 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional benefits: Contains moisturizing ingredients
Related: The 7 Best Tweezers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Long-Wearing: MAC Brow Set
Pros
Stays put for up to eight hours
Ophthalmologist-tested, a boon for those with sensitive eyes
Sweat- and humidity-resistant
Cons
Spoolie does have a tendency to pick up a little too much product
No tinted options
When you need a brow look that will last all day, this is the gel to try. Both sweat- and humidity-resistant (hello, summer days), it boasts an impressive eight-hour staying power. During testing, we loved how well it molded and shaped our brows. (It also scored perfect marks in every testing category.) One coat was sufficient, although we did notice that even though it set immediately, we could still layer on more if we wanted — without it getting crunchy, stiff, or flaky.
Price at time of publish: $14
Size: .28 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional benefits: Sweat- and humidity-resistant
People / Tamara Staples
Best Hydrating: Kimiko The Brow Sensei
Pros
Delivers great hold while providing a natural, hydrated look
No fragrance, which is great for those with sensitive skin or eyes
Firm but flexible formula
Cons
Sets super quickly, which may not be ideal for brow gel novices
No tinted options
As a general rule of thumb, ‘gel’ and ‘hydrating’ don’t often go hand-in-hand. Many of our winning formulas are the exception to that rule, but none more so than this one. Thanks to the addition of ingredients such as vitamin E and castor oil, it leaves hairs with plenty of hydration, something that was specifically called out during the testing process. The gel made our brows feel quite natural, even hydrated, and delivered the ideal amount of hold — firm, but flexible enough to still feel natural — and perfect for taming any unruly hairs. Just keep in mind that it does set quickly (in about 30 seconds in our experience) and it is fairly expensive.
Price at time of publish: $35
Size: .07 oz. | Additional benefits: Contains growth-enhancing and strengthening plant peptides
Best Soft Hold: Ami Colé Ultra-Flex Brow Shaping Gel
Pros
Double-sided spoolie creates either more detailed or fluffier brows
Tube opening removes excess gel off of the applicator
Results in an undetectable look with no flakes
Cons
Does feel a bit sticky upon initial application
More than one coat may be needed
No tinted options
Brow gels can do more than give you a dramatic, laminated look. Case in point: This top contender which gave us that fluffy, natural appearance we were looking for, even when we swiped on three or four coats. Don’t be worried if it goes on a bit sticky; it dries in less than a minute and then has an undetectable look with no flakes. The unique spoolie, with both short and long bristles, is also a nice feature. We felt like the length of the bristles on the longer side was great — we easily got the product on the hairs from root to tip — while the short side is ideal for the wispy ends of brows.
Price at time of publish: $20
Size: .17 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional benefits: Contains plant-based nourishing and antioxidant-rich ingredients
Best Matte Finish: Makeup By Mario Master Hold Brow Gel
Pros
Long-lasting and waterproof formula
dual-sided spoolie effectively deposits product and combs through hairs
Comfortable, non-sticky wear
Cons
Tube is on the smaller side with not a large amount of product, particularly given the price point
Intense hold is more suited for thicker brows
No tinted options
Gels typically have a shinier finish. That’s partially why this winner, with its completely matte effect, is all the more noteworthy. It is definitely better for those who prefer a more intense hold and really want their brows not budge. While some eyebrow gels leave your brows drooping within a matter of minutes, found that this excelled at keeping our desired shape in place. We also liked how comfortable and non-sticky it felt despite the matte texture and strong hold, although we did notice it may sometimes leave behind a tiny amount of visible film. But it was a standout in the application category, thanks to a dual-sided spoolie that effectively deposits product and combs through hairs.
Price at time of publish: $22
Size: .1 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional Benefits: Waterproof
Best Investment: Hourglass Arch Volumizing Brow Shaping Gel
Pros
Stiffer bristles in two varying lengths
Doesn’t flake or leave hairs feeling stuff
Top-notch hold
Cons
Expensive, especially given the small tube
No tinted options
Pricey but worth it, this brow gel earned perfect scores in every testing category. With both short and long bristles on the spoolie — and ones that are stiffer than usual — this worked well for applying different amounts of product on different parts of the brow as needed. The hold was also top-notch; soft enough that the hairs still felt touchable and could be moved, without being plastered to the skin, yet firm enough to hold any shape and tame errant hairs. We just wish the tube were a bit bigger, especially for the steeper price, and some tinted options would be nice, too.
Price at time of publish: $29
Size: .1 oz. | Shades: Clear
Best with Biotin: Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Shaping Eyebrow Gel
Pros
Contains strengthening biotin and nourishing vitamin B5
Doesn’t flake or feel crunchy, even after applying multiple coats
Lightweight, non-sticky formula
Cons
May not provide adequate hold for longer, thicker brows
No tinted options
Just like biotin is good for the hair on your head, so too is it good for brow hairs, helping to strengthen them and ultimately make them appear fuller and thicker. To that point, if your arches are already thick or long, this may not be the best option for you. During testing, we called out that it took three coats in order to achieve the desired level of hold for thick brows. Still, we did appreciate that it was lightweight, non-sticky, and never left behind any residue, even after multiple layers were applied.
Price at time of publish: $24
Size: .12 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional Benefits: Contains biotin
Best Water-Resistant: Joey Healy Brow Structure Clear Set
Pros
Leaves hairs pliable while still keeping them in place
Waterproof, lightweight formula
No flakes or crunchiness
Cons
Most of the product tends to end up on the bottom portion of the applicator
No tinted options
Created by celebrity eyebrow stylist Joey Healy (whose clients include Kyra Sedgwick and Andy Cohen), this is a great, basic clear gel, with the added benefit of being water-resistant. Reach for it on hot, humid summer days, as you can feel confident that it won’t budge. It does need a few minutes to set fully, but once it does it delivers a nice, natural hold that doesn’t leave the hairs feeling crunchy. We also liked the pliable consistency of the lightweight gel, which she found made it easier to coax and mold arches into their desired position.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: .25 oz. | Shades: Clear | Additional Benefits: Water-resistant
People / Tamara Staples
Related: The 16 Best Mascaras of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Things to Consider Before Buying Brow Gel
Level of Hold
Yes, all gels are meant to hold your brows in place, but think of them as you would hairspray: Not all of them deliver the same amount of hold. For example, the Makeup By Mario Master Hold Brow Gel packs a medium to strong hold, while the Ami Cole Ultra-Flex Brow Shaping Gel has a much softer one. Consider how much you need based on what your brow hairs are like, advises Monika Blunder, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Monika Blunder Beauty. Do you just need a little bit of hold to keep them in place, or do you have more stubborn, unruly hairs that are going to require more to stay put?
“A lot of gels will be labeled with how strong the hold is," she says. "Those that are super strong tend to say things like ‘super hold,’ ‘brow freeze,’ or ‘extra control.'" If there’s no indication, you can brush a bit onto the back of your hand. Wait a few seconds and see how it dries down. “If it remains soft and waxy-feeling, it probably has a very light hold,” she explains. "If it dries down to a very dry, almost hair gel-like texture, it will be on the stronger side."
Brow Thickness
You can use a clear brow gel (like all of the ones featured on this list) to create the illusion of fuller brows simply by brushing them upward, notes Mellinger. Still, “if your brows are really thin and you want to add more volume, a tinted brow gel will really benefit you,” she says. The good news: Many of our winners, including the NYX The Brow Glue, also come in tinted variants.
Stickiness
An overly sticky formula is a tell-tale sign that the gel may leave your brows looking (and feeling) stiff and crunchy. “You want something tacky, but not sticky or gummy,” says Romero. To determine this, dab on a dime-size amount in between your fingers and rub continuously until it starts to dry. “If the product makes your fingers stick or starts turning into white flakes, the same will happen on your brow,” he explains. "If you feel the gel getting tacky but it still moves around, that’s a good indication that it’s the right viscosity."
People / Tamara Staples
How We Tested
Our PEOPLE Tested team spent a day testing 23 brow gels to determine which ones are worth buying. To start, we applied each brow gel onto one brow at a time, taking note of how well it initially set the hairs in place. Then we used a cosmetic spatula to press and shape the brow into the desired position. After letting the gel set, we once again assessed how well the gel held and how our eyebrows looked. For additional context, we also noted the shape and thickness of each brow, any current brow-grooming routines, and the testers' familiarity with the product category. Ultimately, we rated the products on a 1-5 scale in the following categories: feel, application, overall look, and performance. The products that earned the highest average scores made it on this PEOPLE Tested list of the best brow gels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brow gel good for sparse brows?
“It absolutely can be,” says Blunder. “Use a strong hold gel and brush your brows up into place to make them look fuller, or layer a clear gel over a brow pencil that you use to fill in sparse spots.” Another option: Look for a brow gel with thickening fibers, or opt for a tinted one, both of which will create the illusion of fullness.
How do you apply eyebrow gel?
This depends on the final look you’re after. For a tamed and manicured effect, brush the gel upwards and out, in the shape that you’re trying to achieve, suggests Blunder. On the flip side, if you want a fluffy appearance, apply it backwards. “Brush the gel from the tail to the center, backwards, then brush them up and out in the shape you’re looking for," she advises. "This will coat the back of the brow hairs with product, making them fluffy and full-looking."
Can you use eyebrow gel with other products?
Absolutely, although it should always be the final product you use. Apply any color products first — powders, pencils — then make the gel your top coat. “The gel acts as a sealer that will prevent the other products and color from moving around from the warmth of your body temperature,” explains Romero.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Melanie Rud is a freelance beauty writer. She is experienced with all things skincare. To compile this review, she consulted our testers about a wide range of eyebrow gels, taking into account such qualities as stickiness and level of hold. While researching eyebrow gels, we spoke with celebrity makeup artists Katie Mellinger and Tomy Rivero as well as Monika Blunder, founder of Monika Blunder Beauty
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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