Delivers natural, precise hairlike strokes ideal for sparse or aging brows with easy buildable coverage.
Looking for a budget alternative? NYX Micro Brow Pencil
The pencil that launched a thousand brow routines still has a loyal following. After fresh testing on different hair types, skin types, and ages, here is the real-world verdict on whether Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz remains worth a spot in your makeup bag.
Few products have shaped modern brow routines like Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. It is the pencil many of us learned on, and for good reason. The micro-fine tip, natural finish, and easy spoolie make it simple to sketch believable hairs where you need them most. But with a crowded field of micro pencils today, does Brow Wiz still earn its OG status and price tag? After weeks of daily wear on sparse, full, oily, and mature skin, here is a clear-eyed review to help you decide.
Overview
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is a dual-ended, retractable micro brow pencil with a fine tip on one side and a firm spoolie on the other. The tip is tiny enough to draw crisp, hairlike strokes, and the formula leans slightly dry and powdery rather than creamy. That texture is intentional. It grips the skin without sliding around, which helps the strokes look like real brow hairs instead of shiny lines.
The finish is natural satin, not glossy. Pigment is buildable from sheer to medium, so you can sketch faint strokes in the front of the brow and gradually deepen toward the arch and tail. Brow Wiz is available in a broad shade range, with versatile tones like Taupe for light blondes, Soft Brown and Medium Brown for neutral brunettes, Auburn for redheads, and cooler deep options like Ash Brown, Dark Brown, Granite, and Ebony. There is little to no scent, and the pencil does not require sharpening. You twist it up just a tiny bit and you are set.
At a premium price point, the main trade-off is quantity. Like most micro pencils, you get a small amount of product for the cost. Expect a realistic lifespan of one to two months with daily use, depending on how much you are filling.
Who it’s for
Brow Wiz shines for anyone who wants believable, natural brows that still look like their brows. It is a standout for:
- People with sparse or overplucked areas who need to add missing hairs, especially at the tail and arch.
- Beginners who want control. The fine tip limits how much you apply at once, so mistakes are easier to avoid and fix.
- Mature brows that have thinned or turned wiry. The drier texture adheres well to skin and does not smear into fine lines.
- Those who prefer a soft, buildable finish rather than a bold, filled-in block.
It is less ideal if you need waterproof endurance for intense workouts or very humid climates, or if you prefer a single swipe, high-impact brow. For those situations, pairing Brow Wiz with a strong-hold gel or choosing a more waxy, long-wear formula may suit you better. If you have very dense brows and only want to extend the tail, Brow Wiz still works beautifully but a slightly creamier pencil or a tinted gel could be faster.
How it feels and performs
Texture and application: The tip creates ultra-fine lines with light pressure. The formula is intentionally on the dry side, which is what keeps strokes crisp and non-glossy. If you are used to creamy pencils, the first few strokes may feel firmer than expected, but that firmness is what helps the hairlike effect. The spoolie is firm enough to blend without erasing your work, and it is excellent for softening the front of the brow.
Blendability and control: Because pigment payoff is moderate, you can layer without clumping. Short upward flicks look most realistic. The pencil blends cleanly with the spoolie and does not leave waxy buildup. You can also mix shades for dimension. For example, Taupe or Soft Brown at the front and a deeper shade like Medium Brown or Dark Brown at the tail creates a gradient that mimics real hair density.
Wear time: On normal to dry skin, Brow Wiz typically lasts 10 to 12 hours without obvious fading. On combination and oily skin, plan on 8 to 10 hours before a subtle fade, especially in the front of the brow where skin might be more mobile or touched more often. It is not fully waterproof. Heavy sweating, swimming, or rubbing can wear it away. Setting with a clear or tinted gel meaningfully improves longevity and keeps hairs in place.
Finish and realism: This is where Brow Wiz earns its reputation. The strokes look like strands rather than filled-in powder. The drier finish avoids shine, which helps the illusion. It is forgiving of texture around the brow area, so if you have skincare pilling or sunscreen under your makeup, Brow Wiz still grips fairly well.
Shade nuance: The neutral-to-cool options in the line are especially good. Ash Brown and Granite build depth without turning red on cool brunettes and those with gray hair. Auburn is a true red that avoids cherry tones when used with a light hand. Taupe is versatile for both cool blondes and many gray-haired users who want soft definition without darkness.
Trade-offs: The micro tip can snap if you twist up too much or press hard. Keep it very short. Since the pencil is precise and relatively sheer per stroke, you use more passes to fill large areas, which means you go through product faster. If you like a bolder, shaded-in look from start to finish, a thicker pencil or pomade may be quicker.
How to use for best results
1) Prep the brow area
Start with clean, dry skin. If you use skincare or sunscreen around the brows, let it sink in fully and blot any residue. If your brow hairs are long or coarse, brush them upward with the spoolie and trim just the very tips for a neater line, then brush into your natural shape.
2) Choose the right shade
For the most natural result, pick a shade that matches your root color or is one step lighter for the front of the brow. Cool brunettes and gray hair often look best in Ash Brown or Granite. Blondes typically suit Taupe or Blonde. Redheads can try Auburn or a neutral brown if you prefer less warmth. If in doubt, go slightly lighter and build depth at the tail.
3) Map your shape
Lightly mark three points: the front at the inner corner of the eye, the arch aligned with the outer edge of the iris, and the tail at the outer corner. Keep these marks faint. They serve as guides, not hard lines.
4) Sketch hairlike strokes
Twist up just a millimeter of product. Use feathery upward flicks in the front, following your natural hair direction. Add slightly longer strokes through the arch and tail. Concentrate color at the top of the arch and the bottom of the tail to lift and define without making the brow look heavy.
5) Soften and set
Use the spoolie to blend, especially at the front. If your brows are sparse or your skin is oily, finish with a clear or tinted brow gel to lock the shape and add dimension. Gels with microfibers can make hairs appear thicker and help strokes last longer.
6) Keep it realistic
Leave a hint of skin showing between strokes. That negative space is what keeps the effect airy and hairlike. If you overfill, gently brush through with the spoolie to diffuse and bring back texture.
7) Pro tips to avoid breakage
Never extend more than a sliver of pencil. Use light pressure. If the tip feels too rigid on first use, scribble a couple of strokes on the back of your hand to warm it slightly, then move to the brow.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Ultra-precise tip draws realistic hairs. Buildable pigment and a soft, natural finish. Wide shade range with strong cool options. Spoolie blends without erasing. Stays put through a full workday when set with gel.
- Pros: Drier texture grips skin and resists shine, which is flattering on mature skin and for anyone who wants lifelike strokes.
- Pros: Easy learning curve. The micro tip and moderate payoff make it beginner friendly and hard to overdo.
- Cons: Not waterproof. Heavy sweat or rubbing can fade strokes, especially at the front of the brow.
- Cons: Small amount of product for the price. Daily users may finish a pencil within one to two months.
- Cons: Tip can snap if overextended or pressed too hard. The formula’s dry feel is great for realism but can feel firm to those who prefer creamy pencils.
Final verdict
Brow Wiz remains a gold standard for creating believable brows quickly. Its precision, natural finish, and thoughtful shades still stand out in a sea of micro pencils. The formula is especially good for sparse areas, soft definition on mature brows, and anyone who wants to add hairs rather than paint a solid block. The primary drawbacks are value and water resistance. You get less product than you might expect for the price, and you will want a gel on top if you are prone to fading or humidity.
If you crave hairlike strokes that read as real, Brow Wiz is still worth it. If your routines favor sweat-proof days or bold, filled-in brows, consider pairing it with a strong-hold gel or opting for a more tenacious formula for those specific occasions. For everyday, lifted, and natural-looking brows, this OG is still a smart buy.
See also
If your brows are thinning or patchy, a setting step makes all the difference. Our guide to the Best Brow Gels for Sparse Brows Over 40 shows gels that lock in hairlike strokes without crunch, and if your skin is easily irritated under makeup, the Best Primer for Sensitive Skin: Calm, Smooth, and Long-Wear can help your brow area stay comfortable. Prefer low-fuss lashes to pair with natural brows? See the Best Everyday Mascaras That Wash Off Easily with Warm Water.
For a polished base that flatters texture and fine lines, our picks for the Best Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin: Smooth, Flexible, Affordable are reliable and budget friendly. To brighten tired eyes without caking up under the brow tail, try recommendations in Best Concealer for Dark Circles: Brighten Fast, Stay Crease-Light.
FAQ
Which Brow Wiz shade should I choose for cool-toned dark hair or gray hair?
For cool brunettes, Ash Brown or Dark Brown create depth without pulling red. For gray hair, Taupe offers soft definition that blends with silver strands, while Granite gives a deeper, cooler tail if you want more contrast. When in doubt, use a lighter shade at the front and a deeper cool shade just for the tail.
How long does one Brow Wiz typically last with daily use?
Usage varies, but most daily users finish a pencil in about 4 to 8 weeks. Because the tip is very fine and payoff is buildable, you will make more strokes to fill large gaps. To extend life, twist up only a tiny bit, use the lightest pressure possible, and rely on a tinted gel to add bulk so you use fewer strokes.
Will Brow Wiz hold up through workouts or humid summer days?
It holds well through a normal workday but is not waterproof. On sweaty or very humid days, set your strokes with a clear or tinted brow gel and avoid touching your brows. Blot excess oil on the forehead before application and carry a small spoolie for quick touch-ups if needed.
Can Brow Wiz convincingly fill in sparse patches or post-overplucking gaps?
Yes. Use short, featherlight strokes that follow your hair growth pattern, leaving small spaces between strokes for realism. For very sparse areas, layer a fiber or tinted gel after penciling to add dimension. If you are covering large scars or complete gaps, a pomade or powder underlayer may be faster, with Brow Wiz used at the end to add crisp hairs.
How do I prevent the tip from snapping and keep the front of my brows from looking too harsh?
Twist up only 1 millimeter at a time and use the lightest pressure. Warm the first stroke on the back of your hand if the tip feels too firm. Keep the front sheer by using a lighter shade or lighter pressure, and always blend the first centimeter with the spoolie to soften edges.
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