Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly.

Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly.

      Let’s be honest: The occasions when we have ample time to fully glam ourselves are rare. As beauty editors, we indulge in the shiny, hydrating, and fragrant products that arrive at our desks daily, but we seldom have the time to beautify ourselves before rushing out. The one item that consistently helps us appear polished, even without a flawless manicure or mascara, is a tube of brow gel—and top makeup artists agree. “It’s my finishing touch for any look; I always start and finish with brows,” says celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty. Since brows define your facial features, it's crucial to choose a formula that styles them precisely as you desire—be it clean and detailed, full and fluffy, or sleek and laminated. However, Bhatty notes that not all gels are equal and offers some purchasing tips. “I look for two key attributes—a flake-free formula that I can manipulate without risking crumbles, and a strong yet natural hold that separates the brow hairs, keeping them in place without feeling stiff.” We've identified seven top clear brow gels that will maintain your arches throughout the day without flaking, sagging, or forming an unsightly white residue. Below, our selections from Glossier, Nyx, and others, starting at just $10.

      **The Best Clear Brow Gels, Overview**

      - **Best Overall:** Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hour Brow Setter Gel

      - **Best Drugstore:** Nyx Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel

      - **Best Thickening:** Grande Cosmetics GrandeBrow-Fill Volumizing Brow Gel

      - **Best for Fluffy Brows:** Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel

      - **Best for a Natural Look:** Glossier Boy Brow

      - **Best for a Laminated Look:** Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel

      - **Best Conditioning:** Milk Makeup Kush Clear Brow Gel

      **Best Overall: Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hour Brow Setter Gel**

      - **Pros:** Long-lasting, flexible hold, flake-resistant

      - **Cons:** On the pricier side

      - **Size:** 0.23 oz.

      - **Benefits:** Versatile brush, multiple application techniques

      Benefit Cosmetics is known for some of the most legendary brow products, so it's no surprise this clear gel with all-day wear tops our list. It features a special wand with two bristle lengths—a shorter side for feathered, voluminous brows and a longer side for natural definition—and a flat edge that helps achieve the “laminated” effect. What we appreciate most is that it remains non-crusty and flake-free throughout the day. Personally, I count on this product for both workdays and special occasions, and haven’t found a formula that rivals it.

      - **Customer Review:** “My favorite eyebrow gel! Easy application and great setting. This is my second bottle.”

      **Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel**

      - **Pros:** Inexpensive, no residue, no crunch

      - **Cons:** None that we can think of

      - **Size:** 0.17 oz.

      - **Benefits:** Holds for up to 16 hours, available in tinted colors

      We’ve chosen this affordable option from Nyx as our top drugstore brow gel for numerous reasons: there’s no sticky residue, it doesn’t flake, and it easily keeps the tester’s thick brows in place. Its gel-like formula provides excellent hold all day and dries without a slick or gummy appearance. For a drugstore option, this is unbeatable.

      - **Customer Review:** “Better than high-end brow gels I’ve used from Anastasia. This is hands down the best brow gel ever!”

      **Best Thickening: Grande Cosmetics GrandeBrow-Fill Volumizing Brow Gel**

      - **Pros:** Instantly thickens, encourages long-term growth, no crunch

      - **Cons:** Some users say the wand holds too much product

      - **Size:** 0.14 oz.

      - **Benefits:** Flexible hold, conditions hairs, available in tints

      No matter which brow shapes trend—from '90s slits to Gen Z bushy brows—healthy eyebrows will never go out of style. If you want to enhance the thickness of your natural brows, this peptide-infused option from Grande Cosmetics is our top pick. It includes mini volumizing fibers for an instant fullness and promotes new growth over time, too.

      - **Customer Review:** “A great brow gel that keeps my brows set all day. I like the clear gel and fill in sparse areas with a pencil. The small brush is great for styling, and there are no flakes so far after using it for a few weeks.”

      **Best for Fluffy Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel**

      - **Pros:** Remarkable longevity, flake-resistant, suitable for all hair types

      - **Cons:** May be too strong for those

Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly. Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly.

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Cool minimalists rely on this no-makeup game changer to achieve a polished look effortlessly.

Fashionable beauty editors and celebrity makeup artists share their reliable favorites. These selections are guaranteed to stay in place all day without flaking, helping to create any look, from slim '90s arches to the fuller brows favored by Gen Z.