MAKEUP | 5 Eyebrow Pencils That Give My Brows Life

If you had asked me when I first started blogging about my eyebrows and what to do with them, I would have given you a blank stare. I look at back at photos from 10 years ago and it looks like part of my face is missing. I did NOTHING to them so while they have a shape, they are very light as my eyebrow hair is very thin which means that in photos, they really don't show up. Then bushy brows became a thing and everyone needed to be #onfleek so I tried to learn and it really wasn't until five years ago that I felt like my brows looked decent with pencil. Then I got microblading in 2016 and didn't bother with my brows until last year when the tattoo started to fade so now I've had to hone my brow drawing skills again and I have noticed that I constantly reach for the same five eyebrow products so here is why I like 'em!

Eyebrow Pencils
 Some PR samples featured

I strive for defined but VERY natural looking brows so you won't see me with Instagram brows or ones that look drawn in. I will always have a bit of a fade from the inner part of my brows to the tail because I think it is the most flattering on me. I still have some of my microblading there so I really only have to shade in the "beginning and end" of my brows.

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil*
Eyebrow Pencils

This was the first eyebrow pencil I was introduced to ala Michelle Phan circa 2010. I had to buy my first one off The Shopping Channel because IT Cosmetics wasn't readily available through Sephora nor did they have a Canadian site so I was so SO happy when they finally came to Canada. I find it crazy that this one shade seems to match everyone from blondes to brunettes and has an angled tip. When I was first starting out with my eyebrows, I found that I could be either as generous or sparse with my brows as the pencil formula is fairly forgiving and is what I would consider a medium hardness. I was apprehensive about going into products like ABH Dip Brow because a formula that seemed soft left little room for error so seeing Michelle do her Asian brows so effortlessly made me believe I could do it!



Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil in #3
Eyebrow Pencils

I thought I was done with eyebrow pencils until I got my brows waxed last year at the Benefit Brow Bar and thought I'd give this product a try. I was a big fan of their Gimme Brow, but eventually gave it up in favour of drawing in my brows. I really liked the shape of the pencil and actually did find it easier to shape the outline of my arch. The formula reminds me of the IT Cosmetics one and is again very easy to use even for a beginner.



Urban Decay Brow Beater in Dark*
Eyebrow Pencils

This is a precision eyebrow pencil that packs a bit of a punch as I always find that my brows are a bit darker and more intense looking when I use this pencil. You can see that the tip is flat and the formula is slightly harder, but once it warms up a little waxy. I need a bit more time to draw in my brows with this pencil and I always need to remember to not press as hard because the colour is more intense, but I find I always get compliments on my brows when I use this pencil.



Diorshow Brow Styler in Universal Dark Brown
Eyebrow Pencils

I love this eyebrow pencil. This is my THIRD one after first receiving it in a Dior press package a few years ago. This was the first pencil I used that didn't have a cap and is a ballpoint pen twist style with a soft, waxy texture. I do find though that I use more product because of this as I find myself being a bit more generous with application and then brushing out the excess. This and the Urban Decay pencil are similar in terms of the precision tip and darker colour, but the Dior formula is not as hard as you do not need to draw a few lines to "activate it". It's just always soft and ready to go! This was the formula that alllllmost made me try Dip Brow, but I just can't be bothered to have perfectly sculpted brows and right now, I don't think they are as "in" as they were a few years ago so I am perfectly fine with my natural-looking brows!


Geisha Ink (now Amaterasu) Liquid Brow Liner
Eyebrow Pencils

I'm going way back with this brow liner, but this was one of the earliest brow products I tried and is super subtle. I was actually surprised that this still worked as I picked this up a couple of years ago from Beautymark when they were still open. It literally just draws hairs in that look so natural in 10 seconds! You just start doing quick flicks and all of a sudden your weird bald spot looks full and lush! It's great for casual days out when you just want to look a little more put together, but not go through carefully drawing out your brows. I do use actual pencils more because of work, but I rediscovered this product while in Quarantine and I still love it!

Eyebrow Pencils

Eyebrow Pencils

What are some of your favourite brow products? 

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