Eyebrows are the window to the soul. That’s the expression, right? Maybe not quite but if you’re asking us, it should be. A full, fluffy and defined brow can add shape, dimension and lift to any face. Of course, a brow pencil has long been a staple in our routine when it comes to faking feather-like hairs, however, it’s generally our trusty brow gels that hold our arches perfectly in place.
For a product that requires little skill and next to no effort, a good quality brow gel is never a step to skip. Particularly when its costing you under $20 at your local pharmacy.
2024’s TOP 3 Drugstore Brow Gels
- essence Make Me Brow, $5, Priceline
- Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges, $12.49, Chemist Warehouse
- NYX Professional Makeup Brow Glue, $7.49, Priceline
The best drugstore brow gels of 2024
essence Make Me Brow
from $5 at Priceline
Praised by makeup artists for being a dupe for some of our higher-end faves, the essence Make Me Brow uses small fibres to fill in unwanted gaps and coats your hair in a wash of natural tint.
Review: “A not so hidden gem from the drugstore. So affordable and quality for the price. This brow gel is tinted and had little fibres to make the brows appear more full. It’s a soft hold gel and doesn’t leave that crunchy feeling.” – Allybeauty09
Key features:
- Fills and thickens brows
- Infused with micro fibres
- Defines and tames brow hairs
Available at:
- $5 from Priceline
Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges
from $12.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Perfect for unruly brow hairs, this brow and edges gel sets hairs in place and doesn’t budge until it’s washed off. If you love the laminated brow look, but don’t want to spring for an expensive appointment, this brow gel is the next best thing.
Review: “I have used this for my brows for the past year and I can confidently say it’s my favourite gel to use. I also use it to slick my flyaways up when I have my hair in a high pony or bun, and also to help keep my part in place when I do a slick back look. I usually use the spoolie on the end of my eyebrow pencil to tidy up all the edges of my brows, and that stops the peeling/flakiness. Also wipe the wand off and use a little bit of product at a time otherwise you will get the build up that people don’t really like. This is perfect for laminated brows without paying $200!” – jamiedgear
Key features:
- Sets brows all day
- Can be used to groom brows and baby hairs
- Imitates the laminated brow look
Available at:
- $12.49 from Chemist Warehouse
- $12.50 from Woolworths
NYX Professional Makeup Brow Glue
from $7.49 at Priceline
This long lasting clear brow gel boasts 16 hours of hold and promises a non-sticky, flake-resistant and natural finish.
Review: “I don’t know what NYX Cosmetics puts in this stuff, but it is incredible. It holds your brows down so easily and the packaging design means it’s easy to squeeze out extra in case you need it and ensure the brush/wand is coated sufficiently. Seriously this stuff does not budge for laminated brows and I have tried a LOT of brow gels and soaps. It doesn’t leave a white cast either. The consistency feels thick and kind of stringy, truly like glue. It’s a clear formula that dries down non sticky, but looks a touch shiny (which is what you want for brows).” – lianatriesmakeup
Key features:
- 16 hour hold
- Non-sticky
- Flake-resistant
- Natural finish
Available at:
- $7.49 from Priceline
- $14.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $16.99 from Adore Beauty
Rimmel London Wonder’Full Brow
from $7.97 at Big W
This waterproof pick is our top selection for sparse brows. The thickening formula contains 2mm flower shaped fibres that help to create full and voluminous arches, plus, it promises 24 hours of wear time.
Review: “If I could only have one brow product this would be it. It’s affordable, easy to put on and lasts all day. I like to keep it in my bag for when I’m on the go and never leave the house with at least this and a bit of lippy when I feel like having a bare day without being completely bare. It’s also waterproof.” – bettina44
Key features:
- Waterproof
- Lasts for 24 hours
- Infused with thickening fibres for a fuller brow look
Available at:
1000HOUR Instant Brows Eyebrow Mascara
from $9.49 at Oz Hair & Beauty (Clear / Light Brown Blonde / Medium Brown / Black Dark Brown)
This lightweight brow gel enhances and defines arches in the way a fresh brow tint would. All it takes is a small amount of product gently brushed through the brows to groom, shape and set brow hairs in place for a face-framing effect.
Review: “Having tried more than a few; was not expecting much from this 1000hour brow mascara. I have this in the clear version and now that my brows are a nice shape, most days i just use this on them! Right from the first use I was smitten. The wand is small and ergonomically designed making application so easy and idiot-proof! The mascara holds my somewhat wily brows in place all day without giving them that gross crunchy feeling or look. I don’t fill in my brows much anymore but used to nearly everyday and it worked just as well over pencils, pens, pomades and powders as it does on its own. Also I’ve been using it for 6 months and no colour has transferred in the bottle!! It is still clear as the day it was opened. Plus less than a quarter has been used in that time!” – Amy Burnett
Key features:
- Lightweight
- A little goes a long way
- Enhances, defines, grooms, shapes and sets brow hairs
Available at:
- $9.49 from Oz Hair & Beauty (Clear / Light Brown Blonde / Medium Brown / Black Dark Brown)
- $9.95 from Healthy Life (Clear / Light Brown Blonde / Medium Brown / Black Dark Brown)
Main image credit: @lilyalridge
Do you use a brow gel? If so, which one?
Never used a brow gel before, maybe time to start