When it comes to putting on makeup, what you do with your eyebrows can make or break an entire look. If you get a little too passionate about tweezing, you’ll be left with little to no hair to work with. Should you press down too hard with an eyebrow pencil, it may look as though you used a Sharpie marker instead. Forget to apply your setting gel, and that perfectly feathered arch will disappear before lunchtime. It's safe to say the stakes are high when it comes to the space above the eyes. Hit every mark, but something still seems to be off? It may be time for you to get acquainted with a brow bone highlighter.
What Is A Brow Bone Highlighter
So, what exactly is a brow bone highlighter? It's basically a makeup stick that’s been designed for use around the eye area, particularly the brow bone. Its primary purpose is to produce a brightening effect that lifts and enhances the eyes, while also defining and sculpting the eyebrows.
Benefits Of Brow Bone Highlighters
Highlighting the brow bone—aka the area just below the eyebrow and above the eyelid crease—can create a lifted and more defined appearance for the brows. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with sparse or thinning brows, as the use of a highlighter can create the illusion of a fuller and more pronounced brow. Additionally, using brow bone highlighters can result in brighter, more alert-looking eyes, which is never a bad thing to have.
How To Use A Brow Bone Highlighter
What’s great about brow bone highlighters is how easy they are to use. It’s not a makeup product that requires a lot of skill or technique, and the results are near instant. After having applied your eyeshadow, simply take the highlighter and place a small amount around the brow bone region. Then using either your fingertip or a small brush, gently blend it out to create a more natural effect and radiant look. You can also use this same method on the inner corners of the eyes to brighten and open up the whole area.
Choosing The Right Brow Bone Highlighter
It's a niche item for sure, but adding some shine to the area just below the tail end of each brow can provide the type of dimension and glowy payoff achieved by your favorite makeup artists. With that, here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for a brow bone highlighter. Because let’s be real, if you’re not using one now, you will be soon.
First and foremost, you’ll want to aim for a lighter shade that complements your skin tone. Next, pick a finish that won’t clash with your personal makeup style. If you like a more subtle glow, opt for a shimmer highlighter. Looking for something more natural? Try a matte highlighter. It’s also important to realize they come packaged in a variety of ways—jumbo pencils, pomades, and powders, to name a few. However, when it comes to choosing your formula type, it’s all about preference.
Still feeling unsure about where to begin? Don't worry, we've got you. We did the research for you to discover the very best brow bone highlighters on the market today. Keep scrolling to check out our comprehensive Top 10 list that will help you find the perfect shade and formula for you and your brows.
How We Found The Best Brow Bone Highlighters
If you’re new to brow bone highlighter and unsure where to begin your search, we’ve got you covered with a diverse list of products and price points. As always, we consulted our unbiased and ultra-smart algorithm for help. This proprietary tool selects products based on a spectrum of trustworthy data, including social media buzz, expert recommendations, and product reviews. Discover your new secret brow weapon below.
May 4, 2023
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
SORME Treatment Cosmetics Brow Lift Highlighting Pencil
Overall Score
4.2
10
SORME Treatment Cosmetics Brow Lift Highlighting Pencil
4.4
441 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Long-Lasting Brow Bone Highlighter
WHY YOU NEED IT
The formula is specially designed to be gentle and non-irritating, making it safe for use even on sensitive skin. Additionally, the brow pencil's creamy texture allows for smooth and easy application, ensuring that the highlighter is evenly distributed and blends seamlessly into the skin
WHY YOU NEED IT
This brow bone highlighter is also super long-lasting and smudge-proof, meaning that it will stay in place all day without fading or rubbing off. .
Benefit Cosmetics High Brow Dual Ended Highlighting Eyebrow Pencil
Overall Score
4.25
09
Benefit Cosmetics High Brow Dual Ended Highlighting Eyebrow Pencil
4.3
10 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Dual-Ended Brow Bone Highlighter
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
If you want the option of going back and forth between a matte or shimmery highlight, try Benefit’s dual-ended eyebrow pencil, which comes in three color combos to suit different skin tones.
APPLICATION TIP
For the highest level of brow definition, apply the matte formula as your base and top it with the shimmery one.
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Kylie Cosmetics Kybrow Highlighter
Overall Score
4.25
08
Kylie Cosmetics Kybrow Highlighter
4.6
60 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brow Bone Highlighter Crayon
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Kylie Jenner’s “Kybrow” has a silky-smooth formula that blends beautifully into the skin without leaving behind any creases—even after hours of wear.
APPLICATION TIP
Apply just a small amount of pressure to avoid overdoing it with the jumbo pencil applicator.
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Cruelty Free
Clinique Instant Lift for Brows
Overall Score
4.3
07
Clinique Instant Lift for Brows
4.49
226 User Reviews
2.7
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best 2-In-1 Brow Bone Highlighter
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Clinique’s double-ended Instant Lift For Brows is a must-have for busybodies and small storage spaces. One end is a brow pencil and the other a highlighter stick: the ultimate twofer.
APPLICATION TIP
Blend out the brow highlighter toward the temples.
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Kelley Baker Brows Camo-Light Highlighter Pencil
Overall Score
4.35
06
Kelley Baker Brows Camo-Light Highlighter Pencil
4.72
63 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brow Bone Highlighter Pencil
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
This commuter-friendly pencil is renowned for its ability to cover up rogue hairs between brow appointments, and of course, its ability to create the illusion of lifted brows.
APPLICATION TIP
Take advantage of the pencil point and create a guideline for filling in your brows.
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil
Overall Score
4.45
05
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil
4.28
41322 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Brow Bone Highlighter
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
If you’re wild about color, you’ll go bananas for the selection of shades available for this all-in-one pencil that can be used as a brow highlighter, eyeshadow, and eyeliner.
APPLICATION TIP
Start with eyeliner during the day and blend it out for a transition into the night.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil
Overall Score
4.5
04
Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil
4.22
664 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Multitasking Brow Bone Highlighter
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
If you’re more of a no-makeup-makeup type, Anastasia Beverly Hill’s matte pencil provides a subtle highlight to the brow or cheeks.
APPLICATION TIP
This multitasker can also be used as a lip liner, concealer, and eyeshadow base.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener
Overall Score
4.65
03
Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener
4.6
8713 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Soft Shimmer Brow Bone HIghlighter
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
You can thank Thrive Causemetics’ exclusive Ring Light Technology for the radiant, diffused glow that this brightening pencil gives off, no matter the shade.
APPLICATION TIP
This one is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-approved, so don’t be afraid to apply more than one layer if desired.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil
Overall Score
4.65
02
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil
4.33
556 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brow Bone Matte Highlighter
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil is truly one-of-a-kind. In addition to its versatility—you can use it on the lips, brows, and face—it also comes in 19 bold shades with runway-worthy color payoff. No matter where you apply it, the matte formula goes on smoothly and blend perfectly.
APPLICATION TIP
Combine this with the brand’s Step 1 Eye & Lip Primer if you want longer wear.
More Colors
Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil
Overall Score
4.8
01
Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil
4.59
1510 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brow Bone Highlighter Overall
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Anastasia Beverly Hills is the gold standard for brow products, so it should come as no surprise that their Highlighting Duo Pencil is at the top of this list. The dual-ended pencil—with one side matte and one side shimmer—is infused with Vitamin E for that second-skin finish (and added moisture).
APPLICATION TIP
Make the matte your daytime staple and break out the shimmer before a night out on the town.
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