The Brow Edit
Brows are so important to the structure of your face. The thing that quietly, but powerfully, lifts, defines and balances everything else. I always start with brows when I do a client’s makeup, because once your brows are in place, everything else falls into line. Filling in the brows first also helps add the correct amount of product elsewhere. For example, if you were doing a smokey eye and did your brows after, you may find that you have added too much shadow as the depth of your brows could make everything look too heavy. So, always do your brows first.
They’ve also become a bit of a cultural moment, haven’t they? From the pencil-thin 90s brow (yes, it’s trying to make a comeback) to bleached-out runway brows and Cara Delevingne’s full, beautiful arches, brows have had quite the journey.
So, whether you’re a brow minimalist or you like them bold, fluffy, and laminated, this edit is packed with tips, tricks, and the best brow products I’ve used on myself and my clients. Let’s get into it.
Brow Treatments & Top Tips
Time is precious and if there’s one area of your beauty routine that can be simplified without sacrificing results, it’s your brows. From low-maintenance treatments to pro-tips, here’s how to make your brows work harder for you. Getting your brows tinted and shaped professionally can be game-changing. I always recommend going to a pro because brow shape is so personal, and one wrong tweeze can be disastrous to your brow shape.
Tinting
Brow tinting has become more popular as an at-home treatment since the pandemic (remember that?!). And there are some great products out there. My favourite is the Eyelure Tinting Kit. Affordable, easy to use, and gives great results. Just make sure you patch test and follow instructions to the letter! And, I’ll say it again: seeing a brow expert is always best if you can.
Tweezing
If you can’t resist tweezing, here are a couple of tips. Always make sure your tweezers are sharp. Tweezerman have the best range IMO. And always pull hairs in the direction of growth to avoid breakage and ingrown hairs. Trust me, those little black dots that get left behind are not the vibe.
Microblading
Microblading is still going strong, and for good reason – it can give amazing results when done right. Just do your research. Look for someone qualified, experienced, and with glowing reviews. It’s a big decision (basically a face tattoo), so don’t rush it.
Brow Lamination
This semi-permanent treatment lifts and sets your brow hairs for that fluffy, editorial finish. Think “I woke up like this,” but polished. I always suggest trying a strong-hold gel for a week first to see if you like the look before committing. Just to make sure you actually like the look.
Brow Products
There are so many out there to choose from. So, I’m going to give you my edit based on the products I use on myself and my clients. These work and I always know I can rely on them.
Brow Pencils
Pencils are great for filling in the brow, making them look fuller and for extending the length of the brow.
Shades: 12
This one has my heart. I was part of the team when Benefit launched their brow range and let me tell you – they owned the brow game and continue to do so. This pencil’s ultra-fine tip makes it easy to mimic hair-like strokes. Fact of the day, I’ll never forget learning that the legendary Danessa Myricks actually created the OG formulas for Benefit. I’m so happy to see the huge success she has had with her own brand. Iconic!
Shades: 10
The is a great brow pencil for the price. Again, the nib is super thin and the formula is dry, meaning that it’s hard to go overboard with your application. A solid high-street option which won’t break the bank.
Shades: 8
Rare Beauty continues to impress me. Their brow pencil has an angled tip and a formula that glides through the brow. Great for anyone who likes a fuller-looking brow – sculpted without looking blocky.
Shades: 14
This is a great brow pencil. The shade range is also fantastic – Fenty always nails this! But the thing I love the most is the mini paddle brush on the end. Most brow pencils have a spoolie brush which works great, but I like this tool as it blends the product without removing any of it. It’s also so cute - bonus.
Clear Brow Gels
My favourite type of brow product, a brow gel, is perfect for keeping the hairs in place and for grooming the appearance of the brow. Top tip, clean your brows with a cotton bud before doing your brows especially if you do them after foundation. This will remove any product from them that doesn’t need to be in them, preventing any sort of white cast. Sometimes I like to apply a brow gel and then apply a pencil as brushing up the brows slightly means that you can see any gaps that need filling.
These are my go-to gels:
I’m so happy that these guys put this product in a tube! There were times when I used to carry the big hair gel around and squeeze it on a spoolie – so thank god for this! For the price point, this is a great product. The wand is a little too large for me, but don’t let that put you off.
Brow gel-wise, I think this is the one I go back to time and time again. I used to love the pot version, but I did find that it could dry out a little. The tube version is excellent. The wand combs from root to tip, and the formula dries without going too hard. ABH is the QUEEN of brows so it’s no surprise her brow products are elite.
If you love a laminated brow vibe, then this is the product for you. It literally slicks your brows into place leaving a lovely gloss. It will keep even the thickest hair in place all day.
This went viral thanks to its staying power. This is great for the full brow girlie. Super long-lasting!
Another great, reliable gel. Love the flexibility here. You can go back in and adjust before it sets, making it perfect for a natural, feathery finish.
Coloured Brow Gels
Think of these like mascara for your brows – these tend to be micro-fibre gels which help to make the brows look thicker and fuller. I like to apply these by going against the hair first and then with the hair. This coats the hair from root to tip, adding that fullness.
Shades: 10
A forever fave. The formula builds like a dream and the teeny brush gives ultimate control. Perfect for natural and believable fullness.
Shades: 5 + Clear
Inspired by the flexible formula of moustache pomade (yes, really!), Boy Brow visibly defines, thickens and shapes. It has a creamy, conditioning formula and a precision brush. It leaves a soft, flexible hold that won’t stiffen or flake. A cool-girl classic.
Shades: 6
This brand took the world by storm. This is probably my fave of all of their products.Its unique round applicator coats every brow hair for precise, mess-free application. While the water-based formula subtly tints, with peptides for fuller, healthier brows
Shades: 5
It’s £5, and it works. Fibre-infused, buildable, and gives that “your brows but better” effect. I feel this one is a particularly good summer product as it’s super long lasting. Honestly, what’s not to love about this?
Shades: 11
The Dip Brow Gel Pot is an iconic ABH product. Typically, I’m not a huge fan of brow pomades – only because I find they dry too quickly. Whereas this brow gel version is excellent thanks to the pigment and the beautiful, creamy, long-wear formula. Bold brows without the fuss!
Brow Pens
While I don’t personally reach for them often, brow pens are fab for anyone who loves the look of microblading or wants to add ultra-precise strokes.
Shades: 3
Perfect for light, feathery definition. The thin tip gives you lots of control!
Shades: 10
NYX are a great high-street option. Love the shade range and this pen offers great pigment and is very buildable. Top tip is to let this one dry between building your layers!
Shades: 9
Would it even be a category without adding ABH? This pen is probably the best one out there – super precise, with a formula that doesn’t bleed or smudge. Perfect for long lasting wear!
So that’s my current list of the best brow products! While trends come and go, the best brow is your brow, done in a way that makes you feel good. Whether that’s a quick swipe of gel, a full-on sculpt and set, or a trip to your local brow expert, I hope this edit helps you find the products that make your routine faster, easier and a little bit more fun.
And remember – brows are sisters, not twins!
Love, Lisa xx
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