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Brows are the unsung heroes of a beauty look. While they rarely get the attention of a statement lip or perfectly winged eyeliner, eyebrows play the supporting role that provides structure for everything else to build off of. While the trends in brows tend to come and go—'90s super-skinny or 2010s full and fluffy—one fact that holds true regardless of the moment's vogue is that you want whatever style of brows you do have to stand out. Of course, we don't all have naturally robust coloring to fall back on, which is where at-home brow tinting can take your everyday routine to the next level—without having to cake on tones of powders and gels.
"Tints can improve the appearance and condition of your eyebrows" by coating the hairs to create a fuller, thicker effect, says Ramy Gafni, a celebrity eyebrow specialist. The pro adds that it's a great (and liberating!) option for those who wish to spend less time fine-tuning with cosmetics in the mirror all the time.
Ahead, Gafni—along with fellow brow expert Elke Von Freudenberg—shares more on everything you need to know about eyebrow tinting—and the best kits to use to achieve brow goals at home.
Pros
Lasts two weeks
Cons
A foolproof kit that should suit most first-timers, this water-activated dye is free from peroxide and other harsh chemicals that might irritate sensitive skin. The tint will effectively cover rogue gray hairs and the subtle but natural-looking color lasts up to two weeks. It's a particular favorite of Von Freudenberg, who says, "It's very mild and lasts two weeks."
One reviewer writes: "I was so nervous trying a brow tint at home but this was so easy and quick. After 30+ years I can stop drawing in my brows."
Shades: 4
Formula: Powder
Pros
Brush-on waterproof color
Cons
If applying something to your brows that is going to last several weeks gives you the fear, this might be a better option. Wunder2 Wunderbrow fills and thickens brows with hair-like fibers and natural-looking waterproof color that lasts three days without flaking or fading. A great way to tip-toe into brow tinting without the commitment.
An Amazon reviewer raves: After one use, "they have not faded or peeled or disintegrated at all. Rather than having to work with my eyebrows every single day, I expect now to have to do it a few times every week... It's very easy to apply and I am not a makeup pro by any means. And that bottle of product should last me an entire year!"
Shades: 6
Formula: Gel
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Pros
Plant-based
Cons
This plant-based formula fills in thin hairs and gives the effect of more voluminous brows, gradually fading over 4 weeks. The process is simple: apply Vaseline around the brows (to protect skin and prevent color bleed), brush on the colorant, then the activator, and blot away excess.
One fan writes: "I've been paying to get them professionally tinted, but the cost has been adding up. I'm happy to find this product works perfectly for me... The results look natural and comparable to the professional tint."
Shades: 5
Formula: Cream
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Pros
Shapes while tints
Options for redheads
Cons
When you're looking for a quick fix, this tint will come to the rescue. True to its name, the Instant Brow Fix helps shape arches while providing over 24 hours of coverage that won't smudge or budge no matter what.
One user reports: "my eyebrows literally look microbladed" after just one use.
Shades: 8
Formula: Gel
Pros
Pro results at home
Cons
As far as eyebrow tint kits go, RefectoCil is the real deal. The cream formula from this expert-approved brand creates brows that wow and last up to 6 weeks.
A registered aesthetician says that "this kit is hands-down the best of the best" and that "the value and the detail of products... surpasses everybody else."
Shades: 4
Formula: Gel
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Pros
Available in various hair colors
Cons
Though it's targeted toward men's facial hair, this dye kit is safe to use on your brows and comes in a wide variety of true-to-you shades. Perfect when you're in a pinch. "It's available in a wide variety of shades and is ideal for tinting eyebrows," says Gafni.
One reviewer reports: "Nothing has been so effective at coloring my stubborn blonde brows as this. And the tubes have enough product to do your brows for months, making it super cheap. Application is also much easier than the two-step process many brow tint kits seem to go with. I also have sensitive, reactive skin which wasn't bothered at all."
Shades: 12
Formula: Gel
Pros
Online step-by-step video available
Cons
This kit comes with everything you need for snatched brows for up to a month: a tint, cream activator, and nourishing oil, as well as an application brush and mixing dish.
One reviewer says: "I have hardly any brows due to menopause and what I have are so light you can’t see them. This works well to give me a little color and shape. I simply take a minute to fill them in a bit with my eyebrow pencil when I’m going out instead of spending 5-10 minutes drawing them on completely! This is life changing!!"
Shades: 2
Formula: Gel
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Pros
Mess-free application
Cons
The genius of this formula? It applies like a standard eye-brow gel, but then peels off to reveal on-point tinted brows that last for up to three days straight.
One reviewer raves: "This eyebrow tint is great. Super easy and quick to use, and it comes out great every time! It saved me a lot of time doing my eyebrows in the morning after I used this product. I have oily skin, so it will probably last even longer on those with combo/dry/normal skin!"
Shades: 4
Formula: Gel
Pros
Rounded spoolie for precise application
Cons
When you're in a pinch, Refy's pigmented formula tints, while conditioning hairs and shaping them into a place for a fluffy, natural look.
One reviewer says: "This is the first gel that has been able to actually shape the hairs of my brows and has incredible hold without my brows being laminated. I left it on overnight and woke up with my brows still in place. The color is subtle but makes a significant difference in my brows."
Shades: 7
Formula: Gel
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How long do eyebrow tints last?
Eyebrow tinting kits are an excellent option for those who are looking for perfectly-shaped arches and fuller, fluffier brows. "Depending on the brand, brow tints can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks," explains Von Freudenberg, noting it all comes down to aftercare. For long-lasting results, Von Freudenberg recommends avoiding stronger cleansers or oils on the brows because "they can soften the color and break it down quicker."
Does tinting damage your eyebrows?
When done correctly, eyebrow tints will not ruin your eyebrows. However, Von Freudenberg notes that if you leave the color on for too long or a very strong peroxide is used, "damage to the brows would include severe dryness or breakage."
Gafni also recommends avoiding bleach. "This can damage the hair follicles and cause breakage," says the pro, further explaining that "bleaching is different from tinting in that bleaching strips the hair as opposed to coating the hair as tinting does."
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What are the best at-home eyebrow tinting tips to follow?
- Picking out the right color: When in doubt, select a lighter shade than what you think you need. Gafni, however, notes that "a light-medium brown will look universally flattering on almost everyone."
- Apply in small amounts: For best results, apply the tint with a spoolie. "This makes it much easier to apply just to the hairs and not the skin," says Von Freudenberg. "If color gets on the skin, it can stain and last about 4 to 7 days."
- Apply progressively: Those who are using a kit for the first time should only leave the formula on for 3 to 4 minutes and then remove it with a dry cotton ball, says Von Freudenberg. "Hairs pick up the color quickly," explains the pro, and if it gets too dark, "you cannot lighten or remove it." If you want darker results, reapply for 1 to 2 minutes. "Once the color is satisfactory, then remove with a damp cotton," adds Von Freudenberg. "The water will remove the color and peroxide, which will then stop the color processing."
Meet the experts
- Ramy Gafni is a celebrity eyebrow specialist whose clients have included Claire Danes and Renee Zellweger.
- Elke von Freudenberg is a celebrity eyebrow specialist and founder of an eponymous eyebrow salon in NYC.
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April Long
Beauty Director
April Long is the Beauty Director for Town & Country. She has 15 years of experience covering beauty, wellness, and luxury skincare, both in her current role and as the former Executive Beauty Editor at ELLE. She is recognized for her expertise in writing about perfume, having won 15 Fragrance Foundation awards for Editorial Excellence in Fragrance Writing over the course of her career. She has tested thousands of products, and interviewed a multitude of skincare and health experts, dermatologists, and fragrance industry insiders, reporting on everything from longevity hacks to noninvasive anti-aging procedures to travel-worthy spa treatments. Prior to transitioning into beauty, she was an arts and culture editor at NYLON, and got her start at the London-based music magazine NME.