RAISE THE GAME

Daisy Lester on the top brow pencils for perfect arches

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Whether you're after Bella Hadid's Nineties-style skinny arches, a fluffed-up look like Lily Collins or something in the middle, the best brow pencils will help you achieve your desired look.

From precise pencils for drawing individual hairs to angular applicators that create shape, brow pencils can help with definition, structure and the illusion of fuller, fluffier brows. "I love to work a fine tip brow pencil through any gaps to fill any sparse areas, working in the direction in which the brow hairs grow, to create hair-like strokes," says Olivia Todd, bridal and celebrity makeup artist.

The best eyebrow pencils come with spoolies, brushes which help you get the most out of your beauty tool. "I use it to brush up the brows, to see where there are any gaps, before going in with an eyebrow pencil to fill," says Todd. This prevents harsh brow pencil lines, “ensuring a natural but full and enhanced brow."

Spoolies are also great as a prepping tool, says Jaimineey Patel, head of treatment at Blink Brow Bar: "Gently brush through the brows before applying the pencil, for a smoother application." Brow pencils typically come in multiple shades to suit your natural colour. "I tend to go a touch darker if my client is fair or blonde, to create definition and dimension on the face," says Todd.

If you have dark hair, she suggests going "one shade lighter, as going too dark can create a harsher overall look." Weighing all of this against the dozens of eyebrow pencils on the market is a lot to bear in mind. That's why I put a range of brow pencils to the test, from luxe beauty brand offerings to budget high street marvels. Keep scrolling to find your new favourite brow buddy.

How I tested