Eye makeup · Brow setting

Eyebrow Mascara

Brow mascara doesn’t paint your brows; it tints them while holding them in place.

It’s the least understood of all brow products. It doesn’t draw hair by hair like a pencil, and it doesn’t just set like a clear gel — it does both in the same stroke. The mini brush deposits color on the hairs while combing them in the direction you want and locking them there. The right place to start if you want to finish your brows with a single product in the morning.

5 shadesWater-resistantFiber · volumizingFrom $19.95
Three ways to setBrow Routine

At a glance

Alix Avien Eyebrow Comb – brow comb and brush

Eyebrow Comb

$28.95

Eyebrow Mascara - 801 Soft Brown

Eyebrow Mascara - 801 Soft Brown

4.0 2

$19.95

Eyebrow Mascara - 802 Brown

Eyebrow Mascara - 802 Brown

4.0 2

$19.95

Eyebrow Mascara - 803 Deep Brown

Eyebrow Mascara - 803 Deep Brown

4.0 2

$19.95

Eyebrow Mascara - 804 True Gray

Eyebrow Mascara - 804 True Gray

4.0 2

$19.95

Three ways to set your brows

Three different products keep brows in place, and the difference between them is in the strength of the hold and how color comes into play. Whether your brows need color or just order — that’s what decides it.

You need…Start hereWhy
Both color and hold, in one strokeEyebrow Mascara$19.95 · 4 shades · Water-resistantThe core product of this collection. Its tinted formula fills in brows and sets them with the same brush stroke; its fiber-infused texture clings to the hairs to add fullness for a natural, groomed look. Because it’s water-resistant it lasts all day, and it’s formulated with Lakesis to support brow growth. The precise mini brush gives you full control. Four shades, from 801 Soft Brown to 804 True Gray.
Just order — my brows are already dark enoughClear Gel and Brow SoapTint-free optionsIf your brows are full and dark, a tinted product is too much; all you need is hold. Clear gel gives a light, flexible set, while brow soap combs the hairs up with a much stronger hold and makes brows look noticeably fuller. Both are in the Brow Pencil, Powder & Setting Gel collection.
To guide and shape the hairsBrow Comb$28.95 · Shaping toolThe most skipped part of brow makeup is actually a tool. Combing the hairs before applying product reveals the true shape of your brows and where the gaps are; combing after product spreads out the excess and softens the result. If you work with a pencil or powder, it’s the small add-on that changes the result the most.

For volumizing, lengthening and curling products made for lashes, see the Mascara page.

Brow mascara in four steps

Almost every brow mascara mistake comes from a single cause: too much product on the brush.

Wipe off the excess

When you pull the brush out of the tube, it carries far more product than you need. Wipe it on the rim or dab it once on a tissue. Brow hairs are much finer and denser than lashes; excess product clumps instantly.

Comb against the grain, then with it

First comb the hairs against their direction of growth so the product reaches the roots, then comb them in their natural direction to set the shape. Applying in one direction only leaves product sitting on top of the hairs.

Go light at the front of the brow

The part closest to the nose is naturally the sparsest area. Leaving intense color there gives the face a harsh expression. Apply the brush to the middle and tail of the brow first, then carry only what’s left to the front.

Shape before it dries

Water-resistant formulas set quickly; if you want to guide the hairs, do it right after applying. Combing once it has dried makes the product flake and ruins the look.

What’s in the formula?

Fiber system

Polylactic Acid · Nylon-12

The structure that actually builds fullness. Micro-fibers cling to existing hairs and thicken them; sparse-looking areas fill in not just from the color but from this volumizing effect.

Film-forming copolymer

Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer

The ingredient behind the water resistance. As it dries, it forms a thin, flexible, water-resistant layer; it’s the reason your brows stay in the same place all day.

Mastic tree resin

Pistacia Lentiscus Gum

A natural adhesive resin. One of the ingredients that helps the formula grip the hairs and keeps the hold flexible rather than stiff.

Texture system

Disteardimonium Hectorite · Isododecane

The classic duo of mascara formulas. The clay-based thickener keeps product on the brush, while the volatile solvent lets it dry quickly after application.

Silica

Silica

Leaves a matte finish. That matters on brows: a shiny brow product instantly looks like makeup, while a matte finish mimics the natural texture of the hairs.

Lakesis

Brow care complex

The care side of the product. It’s described as formulated to support brow growth; the ingredient that adds a care dimension to a tinted setting product.

The full ingredient list is on the product page under Ingredients.

The four most common mistakes

Not wiping the brush

It’s the only reason brow mascara clumps. Brow hairs are much finer and denser than lashes; excess product left on the brush glues the hairs together and turns the brow into an unnatural block.

Choosing a shade darker than your hair

Brows look most natural one shade lighter than your hair color. For dark hair, 803 Deep Brown or 804 True Gray is the right starting point; for light hair, 801 Soft Brown.

Heavy color at the front of the brow

The part of the brow closest to the nose is naturally sparse and soft. Leaving color there as dark as at the tail gives the face a harsh expression; what’s left on the brush is enough.

Combing after it dries

The water-resistant formula sets quickly. Combing the brows after it has dried makes the product flake off and ruins its all-day wear. Shape right after applying.

FAQ

What does brow mascara do?

It does two jobs at once: it tints the brow hairs and sets them in the same brush stroke. Unlike a pencil, it creates fullness by coloring the hairs you already have instead of drawing individual strokes; unlike a clear gel, it adds color too. The most practical brow product for anyone short on time in the morning.

Brow mascara or brow pencil?

If your brows are full but light, or you just want more fullness, mascara gives a more natural result and is much faster. If you need to cover noticeable gaps, filling them first with a pencil or powder and then going over them with mascara works better.

Which shade should I choose?

One shade lighter than your hair. There are four options: 801 Soft Brown for light brown and blonde hair, 802 Brown for medium browns, 803 Deep Brown for dark brown hair, and 804 True Gray for black and ash hair as well as graying brows.

My brow mascara clumps. What should I do?

It almost always comes from excess product on the brush. Wipe the brush on the rim of the tube or dab it once on a tissue; brow hairs are fine, so very little product is enough. If needed, comb through right away with a clean brow comb.

Clear gel or tinted mascara?

If your brows are already dark and full, clear gel is enough — adding color would be an unnecessary layer. If your brows are light, sparse or faded at the tails, tinted mascara makes a noticeable difference. Tint-free options are on the Brow Pencil, Powder & Setting Gel page.

Is a brow comb really necessary?

It isn’t required, but it noticeably changes the result. Combing before product shows the true shape of your brows and where the gaps are; combing after product spreads out the excess and makes the result look natural. Especially useful if you use a pencil or powder.

How do you remove brow mascara?

Because it’s a water-resistant formula, you need an oil-based or bi-phase makeup remover. Press a cotton pad onto the brow and wait a few seconds, then gently wipe in the direction of hair growth. Rubbing wears out the brow hairs.

Does it really support brow growth?

The product is formulated with Lakesis to support brow growth. This is a care-supported feature; with regular use it aims to improve the look and volume of the brows and makes no medical claim.

Pair with this page

Brow Pencil & PowderFilling in and tint-free holdExploreMascaraFor lashesExploreEyeshadow & PalettesThe next step after browsExploreEye & Brow BrushesComb and angled brushExploreBrow RoutineBrow products togetherExploreEye Makeup RoutineEvery step in orderExplore

The Best Brow Setting Gels and Brow Mascaras for Natural, Defined Brows

Brows are one of the most important features of the face. Well-shaped, groomed brows define your features, make your eyes stand out more and improve your overall look. When it comes to brow makeup, brow setting mascaras and tinted brow mascaras take center stage. So what are the differences between these two products? When should you use a brow setting gel, and when a tinted brow mascara? Which product suits your brows better? You'll find the answers to all these questions here.

What Is Tinted Brow Mascara and What Does It Do?

Tinted brow mascara is a product that defines the brows by adding color and volume. It creates fullness and a natural look on sparse or uneven brows. The different shade options are designed to match the natural tone of your brows.

What Are the Main Benefits of Tinted Brow Mascara?

  • Adds volume to brows: creates a fuller look on thin, sparse brows.
  • Evens out color: defines brow color and gives a uniform tone.
  • Easy application: finishes your brow makeup quickly and conveniently.

What Is a Brow Setting Gel and What Does It Do?

A brow setting gel is a product, usually clear and in gel form, that holds brow hairs in place. It keeps your brows neat all day and preserves their natural shape. It works especially well on unruly or wayward brows.

What Are the Main Benefits of a Brow Setting Mascara?

  • Long-lasting hold: sets brows and keeps their shape all day.
  • Natural look: sets brows without disturbing their natural structure.
  • Water-resistant: most products hold up against water and sweat.

The Differences Between Brow Setting Gel and Tinted Brow Mascara

Knowing the differences between a brow setting gel and a tinted brow mascara is key to choosing the right product:

  • Tinted Brow Mascara: adds color and volume to brows and gives them definition.
  • Brow Setting Gel: sets brows, preserves their natural shape and keeps them from going astray.

When to Use Brow Mascara and Brow Setting Gel

When to Use Tinted Brow Mascara

  • Sparse brows: fill in gaps with tinted brow mascara.
  • Thin brows: adds volume and gives a fuller look.

When to Use Brow Setting Gel

  • Setting brows: keeps brows in shape all day.
  • Taming brows: ideal for tidying unruly brows in particular.

What to Look for When Choosing a Brow Setting Gel or Tinted Brow Mascara

  • Match with your brow color: a tinted brow mascara should suit the natural tone of your brows.
  • Wear time: choose products that stay effective all day.
  • Formula choice: depending on your needs, decide whether to use a tinted or a clear brow setting gel.

How to Apply Brow Mascara and Brow Setting Gel

  • Step 1: Clean and brush your brows.
  • Step 2: Apply tinted brow mascara in the direction of hair growth.
  • Step 3: Finish with a brow setting gel so your brows stay in place all day.
  • Step 4: Remove any excess buildup with a tissue.

Brow Setting Gel or Tinted Brow Mascara?

If you want to add volume and color to your brows, tinted brow mascara is the ideal choice; if you want to keep your brows in place and preserve their shape for a long time, a brow setting gel is. You can also use both products together, depending on your needs.