Achieving 90s-style brows requires more than just a quick swipe of brow gel—you need products that balance hold, natural appearance, and resilience. The best options, like Anastasia Beverly Hills’ tinted gel or NYX’s intense hold glue, each bring unique benefits, whether it’s a subtle tint or a bold feathered look. But understanding their ingredients, application techniques, and durability is key; some formulas may flake or lose shape over time. So, which gel truly helps you capture that iconic retro vibe?
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Tinted Brow Gel
- For Red hair with a dark undertone
- A tinted gel that sets and tints brows with flexible hold. The shimmer dries to a matte finish and...
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel is a good choice if you want an easy way to fill in and shape your eyebrows. It gives a natural, polished look that feels like 90s brow styles. The color inside the tube looks nice, especially if you have auburn or red hair. You can use it with mascara wands or small angled brushes. It’s quick and simple to apply.
This brow gel stays put all day. It resists sweat and doesn’t rub off easily. But some people say it can wipe away after they do a lot of physical activity. The applicator can be a bit messy or hard to control for some. The consistency can also change from tube to tube. Sometimes, the gel gets dried out or runs too runny. Also, the color choices may not match all hair shades. If you want a darker or more precise color, it might not be the best fit.
e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel, Volumizing and Buildable Wax-Gel for Full, Voluminous Brows
- WAX-GEL BROW HYBRID: Natural eyebrows that wow! This buildable wax-gel hybrid is enriched with...
- CREATES VOLUMINOUS BROWS: Brush and shape the tinted gel into place and your brows will immediately...
If you want your eyebrows to look full and natural, the e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel might be a good choice. It’s a wax-gel that helps fill in and shape your brows. The gel has Kaolin Clay, which controls oil and gives a matte look. It also has hair-like fibers that make your brows look thicker without feeling heavy or sticky.
This brow gel is easy to build up. You can use just a little for a natural look or add more for a bold look. It’s lightweight, so it doesn’t feel heavy on your eyebrows. It also keeps your brows in place all day because it is smudge-resistant.
You might need to add more layers if you want darker or more defined brows. It works best if you already have some eyebrow hair. If your brows are very sparse or overplucked, you might need other products too.
This product is affordable, cruelty-free, and simple to use. It is good for people who want a natural, full look. But, if your brows are very light or sparse, you may want to try a different product with more coverage.
Best for: People who want natural, full eyebrows that stay in place without looking stiff. It’s good for adding volume and shaping easily.
Pros:
- Gives a full, natural look.
- Can be built up for more coverage.
- Keeps brows in place all day.
Cons:
- Might need extra layers for darker or more defined brows.
- Less effective on very sparse or overplucked brows.
- Shade options might not match everyone’s hair color exactly.
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Brow Glue, Extreme Hold Eyebrow Gel – Clear
- Instant Brow Styler: This non sticky and transparent brow glue gives you extra strong, 16 hour...
- Stick It to Your Brows: Our first instant brow styler with up to 16 hours of extreme hold is...
If you want to get that classic 90s feathered brow look, NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP’s The Brow Glue is a great choice. It’s a clear gel that gives your eyebrows a super strong hold. This gel keeps your brow hairs in place all day without adding color. It dries quickly and stays put for up to 16 hours. That means your brows will look natural but well-groomed for a long time.
The gel is transparent and doesn’t flake or feel heavy. It’s easy to use with the spooly brush that comes with it. Whether you want to tame stubborn hairs or create a feathered style, this gel makes it simple. Keep in mind, darker hairs may look slightly darker after applying. Be careful not to put on too much, or it might flake or feel heavy.
This product is perfect for anyone who wants a long-lasting, natural-looking eyebrow gel. It’s lightweight and makes styling quick and easy. If you like the feathered, 90s-inspired brow, The Brow Glue can help you achieve that effortlessly.
LOreal Paris Brow Gel, Water-Resistant, 0.16 Fl Oz
- Lift & Hold Your Brows: Introducing our salon-inspired Infallible Brow Lamination, a lightweight,...
- Comfortable Longwear Formula: With a sweat and water-resistant eyebrow gel formula, this lightweight...
Looking for that classic 90s brow? The LOreal Paris Brow Gel is a good choice. It gives your brows a strong hold and a natural look. The gel is lightweight and easy to use. Just use the angled brush to lift and shape your brows exactly how you want.
This gel is waterproof and sweat-proof. That means your brows will stay in place even if you work out or spend time in humid weather. You can wear it over bare brows or when you have filled them in. It makes your brows look neat and polished all day.
Some people might find the brush gets a little caked with gel. If that happens, just clean it regularly. Because the gel dries fast, you need to work quickly when applying. If you put on too much, your brows might look a bit heavy or unnatural.
Overall, this gel offers long-lasting results. It is affordable and gives a professional look. It works well for those who want a natural, well-groomed brow that stays put.
Good For: Anyone who wants a waterproof, natural-looking brow gel that keeps their brows looking great all day.
Pros:
- Holds brows firmly and looks natural
- Resists water and sweat, good for active days
- Easy to apply with a small angled brush
Cons:
- Brush can get caked, so clean it often
- Drying fast means you need to work quickly
- Too much product can make brows look heavy
This product is simple, reliable, and helps you create beautiful, long-lasting brows every day.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Brow Gels for 90s Brows
When choosing a brow gel for that iconic 90s look, you should consider how much hold it provides, since too stiff can look unnatural while too weak won’t keep your brows in place all day. It’s also important to find a shade that matches your natural brow color, and whether the product offers precise application tools like fine-tipped brushes or spools to shape those brows accurately. Additionally, think about resistance to water and sweat if you’ll wear it during activities or humid days, and whether it leaves a natural, matte finish rather than a shiny or overly sculpted appearance.
Product Hold Strength
The strength of a brow gel is important because it tells you how well your brows stay in place. If you want brows that don’t move all day, especially when you’re working out or it’s really humid, pick a gel with a strong hold. Strong hold gels keep your brows from drooping or shifting.
If you prefer a natural look with a little control, choose a gel with a medium or firm hold. This gives your brows a neat shape without feeling stiff. Be careful with gels that have an extra-strong hold. They can make your brows feel hard and less natural.
Gels with weaker hold might not stick as well. You might need to add more gel during the day, which can be frustrating. When shopping, look at the hold rating on the package. It helps you find a gel that stays put and feels good to wear.
Color Compatibility Options
Picking the right color for your brow gel might seem easy, but it’s important to choose carefully. Your goal is to make your brows look natural and match your hair. If your hair is a light brown or a taupe color, a neutral shade works best. These colors blend easily and look natural.
If your brows are dark or sparse, try a darker gel to give your brows more definition. Colored gels can fill in gaps and make your brows stand out more. Be careful if you have red or ginger hair. Some red shades in gels can look too bright or unnatural, so pick a color close to your hair color.
It’s a good idea to test the gel color outside in natural light. Colors can look different in stores or inside your home. Seeing how it looks in bright light helps you pick the best shade. Avoid gels that are too harsh or do not match your skin and hair. This way, your brows will look smooth and natural, not mismatched or too bold.
Application Precision Tools
Using the right tools makes a big difference when you want your eyebrows to look natural and perfect. If you want that 90s style, you need tools that help you shape and groom your brows easily.
A spooly brush helps you brush your brows into place. It’s good for blending product and softening harsh lines. An angled brush is great for creating sharp, clean lines. It helps you fill in sparse spots with precise strokes.
Finer brushes give you more control. They are useful for adding small details or soft shading. Small, narrow applicators help reach tight spots without making a mess. They are good if you want a very neat look.
Choosing the right tools for your brow shape makes your brows look better. The right tools help you make brows that look natural but also well-defined. This makes creating a retro 90s style easier and more authentic.
Water and Sweat Resistance
Thinking about getting those perfect 90s-style brows? It’s not just about how they look. You also want them to stay in place all day. Water and sweat can make your brow gel smudge or fade. That’s where waterproof or sweat-resistant brow gels come in. These gels have special ingredients called polymers. They make a thin, flexible coating over your brow hairs. This coating helps your brows stay put, even if you sweat or get caught in the rain.
A good waterproof brow gel means you won’t need to fix your brows as often. You can enjoy your workout or outdoor time without worrying about your brows melting away. When it’s time to wash them off, you just need a bit of oil-based remover. This breaks down the waterproof layer easily. But remember, because they stick so well, they might take a little more effort to remove. Still, they are gentle enough to come off with the right remover.
Natural Finish Appearance
To get a natural look with your brow gel, pick one that matches your hair and feels light on your skin. Look for a tinted gel that is see-through or semi-transparent. This way, it gently boosts your natural brow color without making your brows look heavy or fake.
Choose a gel that is lightweight. It should let you add more layers if needed, without clumping or feeling stiff. A soft, feathery texture works best. When you brush the gel upward and outward, it helps your brows stay natural and look full.
Gels with water or light wax are good choices. They give just enough tint without feeling sticky or thick. The key is to find a gel that blends easily and lets you build up coverage slowly.
In short, pick a brow gel that feels light, blends easily, and enhances your natural brows. Use it gently for the best natural finish.
Buildability and Thickness
When choosing a brow gel to get that 90s look, pick one that builds up thickness easily. It should let you layer the product bit by bit. This helps you add volume without making your brows look heavy or stiff. Thick gels with fibers or waxes work best. They help create full, defined brows with more texture.
The gel’s texture should be smooth, not too stiff or runny. This helps you control how much product you use. If it’s too stiff, it’s hard to brush on; if it’s too runny, it won’t hold your brows in place. Some gels have tiny fibers that look like hair. These make your brows look fuller right away.
You can layer the gel for a bold look. But don’t add too much product, or your brows might look unnatural. Look for gels that spread evenly and are easy to blend. This way, your brows stay defined but still look natural.
Longevity and Durability
Picking a brow gel that lasts all day is important if you want bold 90s brows. Look for a formula that holds your brows in place. It should resist smudging and flaking, even if it’s humid or you exercise. Water-resistant or waterproof gels work best. They keep your brows neat through sweat, rain, or swimming.
Check how the gel sticks to your brows. A good one helps hairs stay in place without drying out or cracking. It should dry clear and go on smoothly. The gel needs to stay flexible so it doesn’t fall apart or break easily.
Long-lasting brow gel does more than just hold shape. It should keep your brows looking natural while staying put all day. It’s simple: choose a gel that sticks well, lasts long, and keeps your brows looking fresh and bold.
Brand Ethical Standards
When choosing a brow gel, it’s important to think about more than just how well it works or the color. Look for brands that are open about their cruelty-free rules. Some brands are certified by groups like PETA or Leaping Bunny. This means they do not test on animals. Many brands also make vegan products. These do not include animal ingredients like beeswax or lanolin. Picking vegan options shows you care about animals in your choices.
Check if the brand uses eco-friendly packaging. Also, see if they source ingredients responsibly. Reading labels carefully helps you find products that stick to these good practices. Some brands may say they are cruelty-free but use questionable ingredients or packaging. To make the best choice, look at the whole picture. Choosing brands that focus on cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable products shows you support good, responsible ways of making makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Brow Gels Be Used on Sparse or Damaged Eyebrows?
Yes, brow gels can help you fill in sparse or damaged eyebrows by adding color, shape, and volume. Choose a gel with fibers or tint, apply gently, and blend for a natural look that enhances your brows’ appearance.
How Long Does a Typical Brow Gel Last Before Needing Reapplication?
A typical brow gel lasts about 8 to 12 hours before needing reapplication. You should touch up if you notice any smudging or fading throughout the day, especially in humid conditions or after sweating.
Are Brow Gels Suitable for Sensitive Skin or Contact Lens Wearers?
Brow gels can be suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers if you choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas. Always do a patch test first, and opt for products designed specifically for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
Can Brow Gels Be Layered With Other Brow Products for a Better Effect?
Absolutely, you can layer brow gels with other products to enhance your look. Apply a pencil or powder first, then set everything in place with a gel. This combo creates a more defined, natural, and long-lasting brow effect.
What Are the Best Application Techniques for Achieving 90s-Style Brows?
You should start by lightly outlining your brow shape with a pencil, then fill in with gel, focusing on the arch. Use a spoolie to blend for a natural, bold, 90s-inspired look that’s perfectly defined.
Last update on 2026-01-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API