Our 12 Best Eyebrow Products to Shape and Define Brows

The eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, and what better way to frame them than with a sculpted set of brows? Whatever eyebrow shapes you’re cutting, we’ve got our eyes on the long-lasting products that sculpt the brows without leaving strands feeling stiff. The best ingredients to look out for are natural oils like Castor Oil, which softens and nourishes hairs while locking them in place. Plus, don’t forget about the treatment-tint hybrids that will thicken your strands with every swipe. Whether you prefer to use an eyebrow pencil, gel or brush - we’ve tried and tested the best products on the market so you can really raise your brow game. 

How to shape eyebrows

To shape yourself a killer pair of eyebrows, start by gathering your tools: tweezers, small scissors, an eyebrow pencil or powder, spoolie brush, and eyebrow gel or wax. Then you're all set to choose your eyebrow shape. Enhancing your natural brow shape is a good place to start. Depending on the brow look you want, brush your eyebrow hairs upward with a spoolie brush to help distribute natural oils and trim long hairs with small scissors until you see the shape start to form.

Find your natural arch by locating the starting point of your brow (the inner corner of your eye), the arch (aligned with the outer edge of your iris), and the end (the outer corner of your eye) using a straight edge like a pencil. Next? Pass us the tweezers, please. Shape the underside of your brow by plucking any stray hairs below the natural brow line, and shape the top by doing the same. The best time to do this? After a warm shower when your pores are open to reduce pain. Try not to get too carried away, though! Being cautious not to overpluck requires patience (trust us we've been there). Step back occasionally to check your progress. And remember, eyebrows are sisters, not twins, so they may not be perfectly identical but should complement each other. 

To achieve the viral TikTok fluffy flair style, you’ll need a wax-based product that locks strands into place before using an eyebrow tint. Starting at the base of the eyebrow, brush strands diagonally to add volume, then draw hair-like lines with a tinted pencil or eyebrow gel (depending on your precision preference) to fill any sparse areas. We're big fans of the Eylure Brow Dye for beautifully defined brows lasting up to six weeks! Don’t blame us if this sets your brows (and your standards) sky-high. 

How to grow eyebrows

If you're looking to grow your eyebrows, we've got all the tips to encourage healthy eyebrow volume. At the top of the list: health and hydration. Never underestimate the power of your diet, which plays a part in supporting hair growth. Ensure you're including foods high in Vitamins A, C, E, and Biotin, as well as Iron and Omega-3 fatty acids. Keep your body and hair follicles super hydrated by staying on top of your daily water intake *sips water*. 

For our over-pluckers, stop what you're doing immediately. If you've been plucking excessively, give your brows a break to allow them to grow back before shaping. Castor Oil is a great addition for this to promote hair growth. Using a clean cotton swab, apply it to your eyebrows before bedtime, leave it overnight, and rinse off in the morning. You can also gently massage it into your eyebrows in circular motions using your fingertips to help stimulate blood circulation. We love a self-care moment.

Other great natural moisturisers are Aloe Vera and essential oils like Rosemary Oil and Lavendar Oil. And our superpower for stimulating hair growth? Eyebrow growth serums. These never fail us, so look out for products with ingredients such as Peptides, Biotin and Keratin.

As always, avoid excessive sun exposure to protect your eyebrows from environmental factors that could potentially damage the hair. Don't forget, the results for how to get thicker eyebrows take time. Everyone's hair growth rate is different, just remain consistent with your efforts and don't give up hope. If you have any concerns about the health of your brows - whether that's thinning or experiencing significant changes - it's always best to consult with a dermatologist.  

How to fill in brows

Filling in brows is our favourite way to define the natural eyebrow shape - and it can be done using various products, including eyebrow pencils, powders or pomades. First things first, before filling in your brows, make sure to brush them. Using a trusted spoolie brush, comb through your brows ensuring all hairs are in place. Then, select the right product that matches your natural brow colour. If you have lighter brows, you can use a slightly darker shade for even more definition.

So, how do you do your eyebrows with a pencil? Start by outlining the bottom of your brows, following the natural shape from the inner to the outer corner. Use light, short strokes to fill in any sparse areas in the direction of hair growth, while paying attention to the arch and tail of your brows. Pick up your spoolie brush again to blend the pencil and distribute the colour evenly for a more natural look. Then, have a quick brow check to see if they're looking balanced and symmetrical, or adjust as needed. And for ultimate hold? Use a clear eyebrow gel or wax to set the pencil in place, night and day.

For eyebrow powders and pomades, apply these using an angled brush and a light hand, a little pigment goes a long way. You can also use a small brush to clean up edges with a bit of concealer. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and your brows. With a good pair of eyebrows, let the good mood follow.

By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 27 November 2023