How to Apply Tinted Brow Gel Like a Pro

How to Keep Tinted Brow Gel From Getting Messy

If you’ve never applied tinted brow gel, it can seem intimidating because it’s, well, tinted. Unlike with clear gel, it doesn’t just fade out or seamlessly blend into the skin.

First and foremost, celebrity makeup artist Ashley Gomila says you must wipe off excess product. You can always start with less and build, but if you start with too much, you can’t really take it away without starting over. 

REVITALASH COSMETICS President and Global CMO Lori Jacobus recommends applying against the brow hairs with only the tip of the spoolie. She says this works especially well if the spoolie is triangle-shaped, like the REVITALASH COSMETICS Hi-Def Tinted Brow Gel. The tip of the triangle also makes it easier to clean up excess product before it dries down.

How to Apply Tinted Brow Gel

Outline Shape

Much like if you were drawing artwork or a tattoo, you’ll want to create the brow shape before diving straight into shading them in. You can use something like the LYS BEAUTY Secure Brow Eyebrow Pencil to create those lines, closely matching your tint of choice.  

Apply With Short, Upward Strokes

Next, “use short, upward strokes,” Jacobus suggests. “Move from the inner to outer corners to sculpt and define.”

The expert adds that with certain tints, including REVITALASH’s, “you can layer the shaded options to make them darker.”  

But, Gomila advises, if you do add an additional layer, “Add a second light layer only where you need more fullness or color.” Too much product will give you 2016 brows (#IYKYK). 

We’ve personally been loving the RARE BEAUTY Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel. We’re already huge fans of the OG clear formula, and thanks to the gel’s consistency, the tint is easy to manage on individual hairs. 

Brush the Hairs Into Place

Whether you use a completely wiped-off applicator, an attached brush, or a separate clean spoolie, you'll want to “manicure” those hairs into a uniform shape that looks relatively even on both sides.

Clean Up With Concealer if Needed

This is our personal favorite part! Whether we use tint or not, carving out our brows with a touch of concealer can help clean up the shape and make both brows look as even as possible. This step often gets a bad rap for its 2016 blocky brow association, but when using a concealer that seamlessly blends into the skin against a more natural-looking brow, the only thing that should result are structured brows that add symmetry to the face. 

Once this final step is complete, leave the brows alone. By this point, the tint has settled and should keep the hairs in place until it’s washed off.

Dos and Don’ts of Applying Tinted Brow Gel

For a quick refresher, keep Gomila’s biggest tinted brow gel dos and don’ts in mind:

• DO wipe off excess product before application.

• DO use a light hand and build in thin layers. 

• DO keep the front of the brow softer for a natural look.

• DON’T start at the front of the brow with a fully loaded wand. 

• DON’T press too hard. 

• DON’T keep brushing once the gel has started to dry. That’s when you can get heavy and clumpy brows.

How to Choose a Tinted Brow Gel Shade

Technique matters, but so does choosing the right color. If you're caught between two tinted brow gel shades, Gomila recommends erring on the lighter side.

“When selecting a brow gel, shade matters,” she says. “When in doubt, I’d rather go slightly lighter than too dark because you can always build the color.”

And remember: Tinted brow gel doesn't necessarily need to do all the work. “Tinted brow gel should be a quick, easy way to add color, definition, and hold,” says Gomila. “If you need more fill-in, I recommend using a pencil or pomade.”

Final Thoughts

Tinted brow gel is an easy option if you want to add color, definition, and hold in one step, but it isn't necessarily a must for everyone. If you're primarily looking to keep naturally full brows in place, clear gel may be all you need.

“Clear brow gel is always a safe option if you are just looking for hold,” says Gomila. And whether you go clear or tinted, the biggest lesson is the same: Start light. You can always add more.

Tinted Brow Gel FAQs

Can you use tinted brow gel by itself?

Yes. If you already have enough natural brow hairs and primarily want color, definition, and hold, tinted brow gel can be used on its own. If you want to fill in sparse areas or create more definition, Gomila recommends pairing it with a brow pencil or pomade.

Should tinted brow gel be lighter or darker than your brows?

If you're between shades, Gomila recommends going slightly lighter rather than too dark. You can always build another thin layer if you want more color.

How do you keep tinted brow gel from looking clumpy?

Start by wiping excess product off the wand, then apply with a light hand and build in thin layers. Once the gel begins to dry, stop brushing through it, which Gomila says can lead to a heavier, clumpier finish.