Brows have become more than just a facial feature – they're a focal point of attention. Many of us obsess over our brows, and Instagram is no help. We expect the products we invest in to perform, but the makeup world is filled with dozens of pencils, pomades, and failed promises. Even pros get flustered trying to craft a flawless brow.
A good brow routine is fundamentally a reliable recipe for getting stunning, impeccable brows. Through extensive research, we have found that an eyebrow gel is the foundation of any foolproof routine. It's quite easy to achieve uneven, dark, and dramatic brows with the numerous products and tools that promise "perfect brows". That's why eyebrow gel is gold: it's user-friendly and can be used alone or as a component of a broader routine. We have curated this guide to help you chooses the best eyebrow gel in 2022 for best results.
Why eyebrow gel?
There are three main reasons why eyebrow gels are particularly good and should be in your brow routine:
Eyebrow gels save time. With only a few swipes, your eyebrows are literally transformed.
Eyebrow gels are extremely easy to use: They require no additional tools, so they’re nearly failure-proof.
Eyebrow gels are versatile: With any formula, you can choose your preferred volume, color, density, and shape.
How should you choose an eyebrow gel?
Whether novice or pro, you seek information on what works well for your eyebrows at some point. Here are some key things to consider:
Hair Color
The right shade of gel will give you enhanced eyebrows that entertain envious stares. And by "right shade," we mean the one that blends well with your hair color. An off shade will make your brows look unnatural and can ruin your look.
A colorless gel can work for you if you naturally have thicker eyebrows. Besides that, thick brows don't need extra pigment. A clear gel can straighten those stubborn hairs quickly without staining them. For those who are not so lucky, please select a color closest to our hair color. And suppose you are feeling a little adventurous, or you prefer a darker tint. In that case, you can go with a color that's a shade darker than your natural hair color and carefully apply it on.
Waterproofness
Waterproof gels give a lasting shade and shine. You don't have to worry about your eyebrows fading. An excellent waterproof eyebrow gel can retain the shade, shape, and sheen of your eyebrows for hours- something to consider when it's summer. Some waterproof gels even stay for days without diminishing. Most waterproof eyebrow gels dry up quickly, so reapplication is simpler with them.
Smudgeproofness
Similar to waterproof gels, a smudge-proof eyebrow gel sticks to the hair such that it does not smear and mess up the look no matter what you do or where you are.
Texture
The texture of a gel determines how easy it is to apply that gel.
Hold
Just like hair gel or hairspray, an eyebrow gel needs to have a good hold. Some eyebrow gels contain microfibers that stick to the brows and add volume to each strand. A highly pigmented gel has better hold than others, keeping your brows in place and making them look full and well defined. This gel comes in handy when you have over-tweezed or thin brows. For thick brows, a soft-based gel makes more sense. Grooming bushier brows is no sweat, so lightweight and flexible formulas are enough to tame them.
Brushes
The brush is where the magic lies, no matter the thickness or non-existence of your brows.
Brushes coat, shade, and groom the brows evenly to give a desired shape and texture. Eyebrow gels commonly feature two brushes: a thin brush or a thick brush. The thin brush works for people with fewer brows and the thick one for thicker eyebrows. Some gels also come with a soft brush for easy application and a spoolie to blend the gell. Some other types of brushes include; sponge-tip applicators, spoolies, angled brushes, and dual-sided brushes—all with their purposes.
Ingredients
Your brows might look like dead cells longing for beautification, but that doesn't change the fact that they are dangerously close to your eyes. The use of safe ingredients in brow-based cosmetics should come first before all else. Ensure that whatever eyebrow product you choose has primarily safe ingredients, and take caution when applying them. You can also consider using organic and vegan products, as their contents are mostly safe.
Gels formulated with flower, fruit, vegetable pigments, or fibers extracted from green tea leaves and cocoa beans can also nourish your brows. Also suitable are ingredients such as vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5. Castor oil is another ingredient that is known to promote hair growth and strengthen hair strands.
Hydration
Hydrating ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil are perfect for those with dry skin around their eyebrows. Suppose you have dry hair or dry skin around your hair. In that case, the use of botanical conditioners, essential oils, and hydrating oils may suit you. On the other hand, those with oily skin around the brows should avoid gels containing moisturizing elements such as shea butter and coconut oil. As you may have heard, eyebrows are prone to acne. So except a product does not contain parabens, sulfates, and other synthetic elements that can result in breakouts and inflammation, we don't advise you to use them.
Allergies
Some ingredients like parabens and other unwanted substances cause allergies and irritate the skin. They could even irritate the lungs if inhaled. It would be best if you also avoided eyebrow gels with alcohol, fragrances, and synthetic dyes. Products that contain synthetic pigments can also irritate those with sensitive skin.
Eyebrow Gel FAQ
Q: Are organic eyebrow gels safe?
A: Most organic ingredients in eyebrow gels are safe, but certain organic ingredients can result in unexpected reactions. It's a good idea to subject any eyebrow gel to a patch test, so you can be sure it does not irritate your skin. Then you can add it to your regular makeup routine.
Q: Should I use sulfates on my hair?
A: Sulphates can get into the eyes if not used carefully. They also wash away the natural oils and irritate the skin around the brows. Although some sulfates are fine to use on hair, they are not safe for those with sensitive skin.
Q: Are Hypoallergenic gels good?
A: Many pros say that plant oil-based gels like coconut oil or candelilla wax gels are safe to use and have a good hold. But hypoallergenic gels are an even better choice, as they suit all skin types, including sensitive skin.