What does a brow gel do?

Brow gel works to shape and set your brows, controlling the hairs so they stay in place. Pigmented brow gels help create fullness to your brows and make them appear thicker and even. Clear gels simply keep your brows in place or seal your brows after filling with other products without color deposits.

What eyebrow gel is best?

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel is our top pick for the best brow gel. It provides a strong hold without stiffness, leaving a more natural feel to your brows. Other great brow gel picks include the Urban Decay Brow Finish and the NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel.

Does brow gel go on before or after filling brows?

Brow gel goes on after you fill your brows with other products if you use them. Alternatively, you can purchase a brow gel that works to fill your brows in one step. Brow gel is typically the last step when doing your brows.

How do you apply brow gel?

Apply brow gel by swiping along the brows in the direction of growth. Keep a cotton swab nearby to trace along your brow line, removing any smudges. Wipe off or dab any excess product on your brows.

The 14 Best Clear Brow Gels of 2023

In the world of brow products, it’s often the pigmented ones—the pencils and pomades of the world—that get all the play. But here’s the thing: These guys usually lack one very important quality. We’re talking about hold. After all, shaping and filling your arches to perfection, only to have everything get messed up a few hours into your day, is no fun.

Enter the beauty of a clear brow gel. “It’s the perfect way to tame and control the hair, and set your brow shape,” says brow expert Azi Sacks. Plus, a clear brow gel is also super versatile; you can use it alone, or layer it over a brow powder or pencil if you also want to add a little color and definition, she says. Not to mention that they’re also an excellent pick for no-makeup makeup days. Brush one on to tame unruly hairs and add a gorgeous sheen, just enough of a little something to polish off your look. And let’s not forget that they can pull double duty, too, a great swap for black mascara if you want to give lashes a little natural-looking boost. Basically, the bottom line is that you need a clear brow gel in your makeup stash.

We conducted hours of research on the best clear brow gels, evaluating formulas on how well they sculpt and shape brows, and the longevity of performance. We also took into consideration how the formula feels on brows, and if there's any stiffness, clumping, or flaking. And although each formula featured here comes in a clear variety, we also noted if the brand offers any tinted varieties. After considering dozens of options and consulting with a brow expert for recommended picks, we landed on the following best in show.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

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Runner-Up, Best Overall:

Urban Decay Brow Finish Waterproof Brow Gel at Sephora

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Best Budget:

NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel

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Best Drugstore:

CoverGirl Clear Brow Setting Gel at Amazon

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Best Conditioning:

Glossier Boy Brow at Amazon

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Best Lightweight:

Sephora Collection Clear Long-Lasting Brow Gel at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Thick Brows:

Milk Makeup Kush Clear Brow Gel at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Sparse Brows:

Kosas Air Brow Clear at Sephora

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Best Splurge:

Chantecaille Brow Perfecting Gel at Dermstore

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Best Long-Wear:

Benefit Cosmetics Brow Setter Brow Gel at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

4.9

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Strong hold
Leaves brows feeling soft
Mini size available

What We Don't Like

Expensive per ounce

Of course, the queen of anything and everything brow would have an A+ gel in her line. This one earns especially high marks for the all-day hold it offers, without ever turning clumpy or sticky. The strong hold lasts all day, shaping arches precisely, but without leaving them feeling stiff. We love that the formula keeps brows soft while still performing an excellent job of shaping and sculpting. Although this product is expensive, we feel that the superior performance justifies the spend.

Price at time of publish: $22

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.3 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Editors Say

"This one has long been my go-to. I love the hold (the brow hairs do not move), and it’s important to me that each brow stays in its proper place. I feather each brow, brushing the hairs up and out to define the arch and keep the strays under control, as I never tweeze or wax. The formula ensures there’s no flaking or stickiness in sight, and it’s enriched with chamomile to condition your brows as you wear it each day. The best part? It’s small enough to stick in your bag, so you can have it on hand everywhere you go." - Hallie Gould, Associate Editorial Director

Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Keeps brows soft
Water-resistant
Adds shimmery finish

What We Don't Like

No clear or tinted varieties

This checks all of our clear brow gel boxes. A lightweight formula that’s never sticky or crunchy and won’t flake? Yep. An easy-to-use brush? You bet. Water-resistance and long-lasting hold? Check and check.

Price at time of publish: $21

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Amazon

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What We Like

Easy to remove
Applies smoothly
Helps brows appear thicker

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

If a brow gel isn’t where you want to blow your makeup budget, we get it. Happily, you don’t have to. Save your cash with this guy, which offers the same hold, setting power, and shaping abilities.

Price at time of publish: $7

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.3 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.3

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Riteaid.com

What We Like

Easy to apply
Lightweight
Provides strong hold

What We Don't Like

Difficult to remove

Simple and straightforward, this guy offers everything you could want from a clear brow gel for a very wallet-friendly price. A precise brush makes it easy to apply the non-sticky, featherweight, vegan, and cruelty-free formula, which works great both on its own and layered over any pigmented brow products.

Price at time of publish: $9

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you apply it starting at the tail of the brow, brushing inwards against the direction of hair growth, it can help make your arches appear thicker.

4.5

Glossier

View On Amazon View On Glossier.com

What We Like

Provides strong hold
Enhances brow shape
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Very little product

Technically this is a brushable wax, rather than a gel, but it still delivers awesome shaping and hold. It also earns bonus points for boasting oleic acid, lecithin, and atelocollagen to condition and moisturize delicate brow hairs. And even though the tube and brush are teeny-tiny, it’s still easy to hold and apply.

Price at time of publish: $23

Shades: 4 | Size: 0.1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.8

Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Lightweight
Keeps brows soft
Doesn't flake

What We Don't Like

Does not provide long-lasting hold

If you’re playing the word association game, ‘gel’ and ‘crunchy,’ ‘hard’ and ‘sticky’ all inevitably go together. But this formula is so featherweight that it’s truly undetectable. The only way you’ll know it’s there after you brush it on is because your brows will look amazing.

Price at time of publish: $12

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

4.2

Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Applies evenly
Vegan
Tames thick brows

What We Don't Like

A little heavy for thinner brows

To keep bushy brows in place, reach for this pick. A tree-shaped brush with firm, dense bristles is ideal for combing through and depositing the gel evenly through even thicker hair. Plus, the vegan formula contains softening hemp seed oil. Sacks give it big points for being conditioning, though notes that it is a heavy formula, hence why it’s best for those with thicker brows.

Price at time of publish: $20

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.15 fl. oz Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Kosas.com

What We Like

Makes brows look fuller
Lifts brows
Chic packaging

What We Don't Like

Very little product

Sacks calls this newbie, “amazing,” lauding it for the addition of castor oil, one of her favorite ingredients for helping to maintain good brows. In related news, it’s an ideal pick for those with thinner arches. Along with castor oil, it also touts a tripeptide that supports stronger brow hair in the long run, as well as plant-based microfibers that instantly make brows look fuller and more voluminous, lifting them for an almost laminated effect. We also appreciate that the formula isn’t goopy or sticky, but rather airy and mousse-like.

Price at time of publish: $24

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Dermstore View On Bluemercury.com View On Ecosmetics.com

What We Like

Conditioning formula
Lightweight
Contains peptides

What We Don't Like

Only 2 shades

Another one of Sack’s picks, she likes that this option contains panthenol, one of the best conditioning ingredients to seek out in a brow gel. While it is a bit pricier, it imparts both texture and fullness to brows, boasts a brow-enhancing peptide, and dries and sets extremely quickly.

Price at time of publish: $40

Shades: 2 | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.3

Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter Brow Gel with Lamination Effect

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Benefitcosmetics.com

What We Like

Long-lasting hold
Tames brows
Available in 2 sizes

What We Don't Like

Can flake over time

Rocking wild-child brows? Meet your new BFF. The dual-sided brush features short bristles on one side to sculpt and shape hairs, and longer bristles on the other to evenly coat every hair from root to tip. A flake-free formula lasts for up to 24 hours, and also dries in seconds, too.

Price at time of publish: $24

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

PYT Beauty

View On Pytbeauty.com

What We Like

Vegan
Conditioning formula
Sustainable packaging

What We Don't Like

Doesn't provide long-lasting hold

Free of over 2,700 questionable ingredients, this pick is also vegan and cruelty-free. (In fact, it even pulls double duty as a great lash primer under mascara.) We also appreciate that this brand goes above and beyond the “clean” game, focusing largely on sustainability as well. Case in point: This packaging is made with 37% recycled plastic.

Price at time of publish: $16

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Long-lasting
Conditioning formula
Easy to apply

What We Don't Like

Not for matte brows

“This is another fantastic option that contains moisturizing jojoba oil and vitamin E,” says Sacks. There’s also rosemary leaf oil in the mix to help promote hair growth, and the formula stays put for up to 14 hours. And we really appreciate the itty-bitty brush, which makes it easy to reach and coat every last hair with the glossy gel.

Price at time of publish: $29

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Kimiko

View On Kimikobeauty.com View On Verishop.com

What We Like

Fortifies brow hairs
Supports healthy growth

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Kimiko's take on clear brow gel does more than keep your groomed arches in place. It calls on a blend of peptides, amino acids, and castor oil to fortify each hair and support healthy growth. We also like that the mini tapered brush is designed to deposit the exact right amount of product onto your brows to make styling easier. It's on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way.

Price at time of publish: $35

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.1 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

MAC

View On Ulta View On Walmart View On Maccosmetics.com

What We Like

Long-lasting formula
Adds shape and shine

What We Don't Like

Hard to remove

If you want to make your eyebrows look like they're laminated without having to head to the salon or shell out hundreds of dollars, this one's for you. MAC Brow Set adds shape and shine while you brush your brows upward, and you can count on the style to last for hours on end. The only potential drawback is that this product works almost too well in that the glue-like formula can be hard to remove at the end of the day.

Price at time of publish: $25

Shades: Clear | Size: 0.3 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Final Verdict

Clear brow gels are an invaluable addition to your brow-perfecting routine. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel and Urban Decay Brow Finish Waterproof Brow Gel are two of our all-time favorites, offering plenty of hold and shine, without feeling sticky or heavy. There are plenty of wallet-friendly clear brow gels out there; the NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel and CoverGirl Easy Breezy Clear Brow Setting Gel being two of the best.

Meet the Expert

Azi Sacks is a brow expert at Hawthorne Studio in New York City. She has over 20 years of experience as a brow expert and makeup artist and is known for shaping and coloring brows in a way that naturally enhances all of her clients’ faces.

What to Look For in a Clear Brow Gel

Moisturizing Ingredients

To ensure your gel doesn’t damage your brows, Sacks advises looking for formulas that contain things such as panthenol (vitamin B5), castor oil, or shea butter.

For instance, Glossier's cult-loved Boy Brow not only shapes your arches but also conditions them with a blend of collagen and oleic acid. Kosas Air Brow is another good one. It contains vitamin B5 and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

No Flakes

Any gel that feels stiff or immediately flakes after the first swipe is a no-go, as it’s a tell-tale sign that it’s too heavy and can end up damaging your brows and causing breakage, cautions Sacks. Sephora Collection Clear Long-Lasting Brow Gel and Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Gel are great options if you want to avoid flakes. We also love the Glossier Boy Brow, a slightly thicker option that’s more wax than gel-like but still gets the job done, sans flakes.

FAQ

What does a brow gel do?

Brow gel works to shape and set your brows, controlling the hairs so they stay in place. Pigmented brow gels help create fullness to your brows and make them appear thicker and even. Clear gels simply keep your brows in place or seal your brows after filling with other products without color deposits.
What eyebrow gel is best?

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel is our top pick for the best brow gel. It provides a strong hold without stiffness, leaving a more natural feel to your brows. Other great brow gel picks include the Urban Decay Brow Finish and the NYX Professional Makeup Control Freak Eyebrow Gel.
Does brow gel go on before or after filling brows?

Brow gel goes on after you fill your brows with other products if you use them. Alternatively, you can purchase a brow gel that works to fill your brows in one step. Brow gel is typically the last step when doing your brows.
How do you apply brow gel?

Apply brow gel by swiping along the brows in the direction of growth. Keep a cotton swab nearby to trace along your brow line, removing any smudges. Wipe off or dab any excess product on your brows.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. “Blessed” with thin, blonde brows, she rotates through brow products regularly, and a clear brow gel was one of the first makeup products she ever used.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any clear brow gels from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 10 Best Eyebrow Trimmers of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Uno H, Kurata S. Chemical agents and peptides affect hair growth. J Invest Dermatol. 1993;101(1 Suppl):143S-147S. doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12363275
Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450