The big, fluffy eyebrow trend is back, and it's somewhat polarizing. Some people opt for thin, tweezed brows — while others are dedicated to big, bold and texturized brows. Thankfully, the best brow gels are here to help with shaping, no matter what style you prefer.
We have both sides on our team over here at Shop TODAY, but some people (myself included!) can't get enough of the laminated, bold brow trend and won't leave the house without brow gel.
To give you the ins and outs of the trend, we're here with makeup artist-approved tips and tricks for using eyebrow gel, as well as product recommendations you'll want to shop ASAP.
What is brow gel? | | Clear vs. tinted brow gel | Expert-approved eyebrow gels | Editor-approved eyebrow gels | Expert-approved brow tools | Meet the experts | How we choose
What is brow gel?
"Brow gel is great for anyone who is looking to shape, tame or set their eyebrows in a certain shape or style. It is the best way to get unruly hairs to go in your preferred direction and will keep the hairs in place all day," says makeup artist Emma Elizabeth.
Plus, she says gel is great product for those who maybe have a naturally full brow but want to shape and control the individual hairs.
Not to mention, Elizabeth also points out that "gels can act as a sealant and can help prevent your brow color (pencil, powder, pomade) from fading throughout the day."
Clear brow gel vs. tinted brow gel
The majority of gels on the market come in a clear and tinted version, but which is better?
"There is no better! It truly depends on what your goal result is," says Elizabeth. "Clear gels are fantastic at setting the hairs in place and keeping your brow color makeup (brow pencil, powder, etc.) on longer."
"Tinted, on the other hand, serves two purposes. One is to set and shape the hairs into place. The other is to add color and create fullness to areas that are sparse. It is an easy and quick way to enhance someone’s brows that doesn’t take a lot of precision."
Makeup artist Natalie Dresher agrees by saying it all based on personal preference. "If you want a more natural look, a tinted brow gel sometimes can forgo the use of a pencil!"
However, she says, "I personally prefer a clear brow gel as its more universal."
Expert-approved eyebrow gels
Won't break the bank: e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift
- Reviewers love the longevity
- Simple application
- Lightweight formula
- Some reviewers note tackiness
Shades available: 1 | Tinted or clear: Clear
This e.l.f. brow product is Elizabeth's go-to product to keep brows in place all day long. She loves how the formula doesn't flake or leave the brows feeling crunchy and stiff.
Not too strong (but mighty): Alias Brow Lamination Gel
- Sweat and smudge-proof
- Custom-designed wand
- Buildable formula
- Reviews note leftover residue
Shades available: 1 | Tinted or clear: Clear
Dresher loves this pick and is using is constantly. "I love its formula, its not too strong not too light and gives the perfect amount of hold for a fluffier look."
For all the shade ranges: Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper
- Wide shade range
- Easily blendable
- Natural looking formula
- Reviewers note short brush
Shades available: 8 | Tinted or clear: Available in both
As for tinted gels, Elizabeth highly recommends this one from Bobbi Brown. "It has the perfect level of color intensity and never goes on to harsh or bold. Really fool proof and great for those who want something that doesn’t require a ton of effort. I love that the shade range includes a grey color."
Editor-approved eyebrow gels
Budget-friendly pick: Pretty Smart You've Got Brow Gel
- Smooth application
- Under $10
- Highly pigmented
Shades available: 5 | Tinted or clear: Available in both
This brow gel has quickly grown on associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky. "My first impression was that the clear formula felt a little watery, but was quickly impressed with its staying power — without any tackiness."
"I like how small the spoolie is for precision, and it’s easy to throw in your bag when traveling. Plus, you really can’t beat the price," continues Witonsky.
A gel and wax combo: Lawless Hold Up Soft Set Creamy Eyebrow Wax
- Strong hold
- Lasts all day
- Precise applicator
- Some say it dries out quickly
Shades available: 2 | Tinted or clear: Tinted
"This gel/wax does everything I need it to do to make my brows look fuller and presentable. It has a smaller applicator, which helps fill in patchy areas while shaping my arches, and matches my dark brown shade pretty perfectly, " raves senior editor Jess Bender when asked about her favorite brow products.
Never wanting to fall to eyebrow blindness, Bender loves to use products that subtly define and fills in her brows and this one does the trick.
Award-winning tint: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
- Wide shade range
- Natural, seamless blending
- Formula can clump over time
Shades available: 10 | Tinted or clear: Tinted
Winning best tinted eyebrow gel with a score of 4.89/5 during Shop TODAY's 2024 Beauty Awards, editorial director Ali Deabler has been using this pick since 2011. “Now they’ve added a lot more color options, and added undertones to really customize the color," says Deabler.
“I have no cons to this, I think this is extremely easy to use and helps add volume and pigment to your brows, even for someone who is a makeup novice. It’s just like a mascara for your brows.”
Award-winning lamination look: Kulfi Free The Brow Volumizing and Laminating Brow Gel
- Includes a three-in-one tool
- Gel and serum combination
- Only 8-hour hold
Shades available: 1 | Tinted or clear: Clear
Also taking home the gold during our Beauty Awards for best clear brow gel, our team loved this gel from Kulfi. “I was immediately impressed with this when I saw that it had a brow brush and comb attached to the applicator,” notes associate editor Kamari Stewart.
“I love products that are multiuse/make it easy to travel with. I was able to smooth, shape and hold my brows in just a few seconds and they stayed in place all day. It’s the same price as most other brow gels/tints but you get additional tools that you don’t get with those.”
Best all around clear gel: Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Clear Brow Setter
- Long-lasting formula
- Natural finish
- Reviews note flakiness
Shades available: 1 | Tinted or clear: Clear
If I could pick one makeup product to bring to a desert island, it would be this one. There are many days that I won't wear a drop of makeup but I will always and forever have this clear brow gel on. I love the formula and how it seamlessly holds and lifts my brows. Can't recommend this one enough!
For a 24-hour hold: Urban Decay Cosmetics Slick Day Strong-Hold Clear Brow Gel
- No flaking or white cast
- Dual-sided applicator
- Easy to use
- Product build-up on applicator
Shades available: 1 | Tinted or clear: Clear
This pick from Urban Decay is another one of my favorites. I really love the formula from this new launch because it doesn’t get flakey like similar products have in the past. It goes on super smooth and lasts all day long, which is essential.
Expert-approved eyebrow tools
The one and done tool: e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift Applicator
- One and done tool
- Ultra-precise and easy to use
- Reviewers say fibers fall out
Applies: Gel, wax, and soaps | Brush material: 100% synthetic
As far as brow tools go, Elizabeth uses this easy to clean brush. For only $4, you get a clean spoolie on one side and a spatula to dispense product on the other. She’s a big fan of using the spatula to press the brow hairs down to really get that perfect laminated look.
Keep the brows happy and healthy: The Brow Shampoo by Sania’s Brow Bar
- Minimizes oil and flakiness
- Aids with hair loss and growth
- Reviewers note heavy scent
Key ingredient: Biotin | Size: 3.17 oz.
If you’re using brow gel often, Dresher highly recommend in investing in a quality brow shampoo to keep your brows fresh and healthy. “This shampoo is designed to remove product and has biotin in it to encourage brow growth.”
How we choose
Shop TODAY spoke with two professional makeup artists about eyebrow gel, and they provided information on how to use it. The experts even recommended their go-to brow gels to try, along with other helpful eyebrow-styling products. Editors on our team also shared their go-to brow gels.
Meet the experts
- Emma Elizabeth is a professional makeup and hair stylist based in Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in all skin tones and hair textures and works primarily the print, film, television and fashion industry.
- Natalie Dresher is professional makeup artist based in Miami, Flordia. Starting her career in bridal makeup, Dresher constantly works with influencer and celebrity clients.
