If the eyes are the window to the soul, then eyebrows are the frame. Just think, you wouldn’t buy ugly curtains to frame your windows, right? So unless you have perfect, Cara Delevingne arches, a brow kit should be a necessity in your makeup bag. 

 

As a fair-haired gal, I’ve been filling in my brows for as long as I can remember. My arches have a tendency to practically disappear once all my makeup is on, so I need to amplify the color a bit. Lately, I’ve been going for a slightly toned-down version of Madonna’s dark brow/blonde hair look circa 1987 with a little help from some tried-and-true brow kits and pencils. Whether you need a simple boost in color or a full-blown fill-in, these products will get the job done. Trust me, I’ve tried them all.

If all you need is a little color here and there, look no further than this three-in-one brow pencil from Tarte. The angled crayon makes it easy to draw natural-looking strokes, while the built-in highlighter adds dimension to the brow bone. It even comes with a rounded brush to keep every hair in check. 

Tarte The Brow Architect Brow Shaper, Liner & Definer, $23

 

This baby recently shattered in my makeup bag and I’m having a hard time coping with the loss – it’s that good. With a light and dark powder in one, the mini palette lets you customize your color with every swipe. I usually combine both hues to get a more natural final look, and opt for the darker shade when I want mega brows. Just be careful, the color payoff is extreme. Plus, the bonus, double-ended brush offers a precise application every time.

 

This kit is currently in my makeup bag (after I had to say goodbye to the Shiseido one) and I couldn’t have asked for a better rebound. It’s everything you need to get perfect brows in one easy-to-stash palette. The setting wax keeps unruly hairs in place in the least sticky way possible, the highlighter defines and illuminates the arch, and the mini tweezers and brushes make applying and tweaking on the go easy. It includes two brow powder shades: Blonde and Brunette, which I mix together. You also get three brow stencils and a handy guide to help you master the look.

Too Faced Brow Envy Brow Shaping & Defining Kit, $39

 

You really can’t go wrong with this fool-proof, brush-on gel from Benefit. It’s easier than applying mascara and looks so natural. The universal shade works on everyone and fits in even the tiniest clutches. So now busy (and/or lazy) girls have no excuse but to rock bonafide brows all day, every day.    

Benefit Cosmetics Speed Brow, $18

 

It’s crazy to think that one tiny pot of this “eyebrow pomade” does the job of multiple products. The creamy formula tints the brows beautifully and plays the part of a lightweight wax that helps keep every strand in place. I love a product that can multitask! P.S. – use a slanted eyeliner brush (like this one) for easy application and a precise finish. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade, $18