Are you tired of feeling like your eyebrows are missing that natural fullness and definition? Well, you're not alone! As someone who's been on a quest for the perfect brow, I've got some exciting news for all the older women out there. Today, we're diving into the world of eyebrow pencils and uncovering the secrets to achieving those Brooke Shields-worthy arches. But here's where it gets controversial... not all eyebrow pencils are created equal, especially when it comes to mature skin and brows.
Vogue's Top Picks for Eyebrow Pencils for Older Women
Best Overall: Make Beauty Nano Brow
This ultra-fine pencil is a favorite among makeup artists and brow experts. Its skinny, fine tip creates realistic, hair-like strokes, perfect for filling in sparse patches. With a built-in spoolie and five highly pigmented shades, it offers subtle definition and fullness without the harshness.
Best Chubby Stick: Jones Road The Brow Pencil
Surprisingly, this chubby stick pencil is a hit! Its smooth formula, infused with castor seed oil and shea butter, glides effortlessly, adding just the right amount of color. It's ideal for extending, defining, and lifting brows, giving them a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Best Drugstore Find: e.l.f. Micro-Fine Brow Pencil
This drugstore gem is a top pick for its micro-fine precision. With a dual-ended design and a twist-up top, it's perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. Its creamy pigment comes in eight shades, including a rare auburn, and it stays put with its waterproof, smudge-resistant formula.
Best for Large Gaps: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer
This versatile tool is a game-changer for filling in large gaps. Its retractable triangular tip creates realistic texture, while its flat side outlines and its fine tip fills in sparse areas. Infused with castor oil and vitamin E, it conditions the brows and prevents breakage.
Best Ultra-Fine Pencil: MAC Cosmetics Pro Brow Definer 1MM
MAC's ultra-fine pencil offers an impressive 14 shades, including cool-toned options. Pro makeup artist Michelle Radow approves, suggesting that women over 50 opt for cooler brow colors to avoid that drawn-on look. Its twist-up tip and waterproof formula make it a top choice.
Best for Fuller-Looking Brows: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Fiber Eyebrow Pencil
Benefit's volumizing pencil is a favorite for its buildable, easy-to-blend formula. With 12 shades, including cool blonde and grey, it adds depth and fullness using silk-cotton tree fibers. It's a must-have for achieving fuller-looking brows.
Everything You Need to Know
The Perfect Brow Product for Women Over 50:
Apart from creamy, buildable pencils, eyebrow pens like NYX Lift & Snatch create a micro-bladed effect, giving a natural, defined look. Top it off with tinted brow gel for added dimension.
Making Aging Eyebrows Look Their Best:
Light-handed application is key! Gently fluff color into the skin, working slowly for precision. Brush through with a spoolie, and apply a small amount of concealer underneath and on top to clean up the edges and lift the eye.
Choosing the Right Eyebrow Pencil for Mature Skin:
Opt for creamy pencils with a fine tip and a built-in spoolie. Look for water-resistant or waterproof formulas to prevent settling into fine lines.
How We Tested:
We take a comprehensive approach, consulting experts like board-certified dermatologists and celebrity estheticians. We consider ingredients, texture, pencil type, shade range, ease of application, and makeup concerns to curate our recommendations.
Meet the Experts:
- Pilar DeMann: Beauty expert specializing in brows and natural makeup artistry.
- Erica Marie Gatt: Esthetician and founder of EMSkin Studio in Hermosa Beach, CA.
- Michelle Radow: Emmy-nominated TV makeup artist.
- Jenneane Rocha: Owner and esthetician at Jenneane's Skincare in Sacramento, CA.
