Instantly locks brows through sweat and swim without a stiff, plastic finish—soften the front with a clean spoolie after applying.
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If your brow gel melts off at the gym or smears in humidity, you end up fixing your face all day. These waterproof brow gels are the ones that actually stay put while still looking like brows, not plastic.
In-depth Reviews
Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Brow Fixer
- Hard-to-budge hold that stands up to sweat and moisture
- Sets clean with minimal shine when used lightly
- Works well as a final sealing step over brow makeup
- Sets quickly, so you need to shape decisively
- Can feel firm if you over-apply
Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel
- Clean, polished hold that still looks like hair
- Plays nicely over pencil and powder
- Low risk of flaking when used in thin layers
- Not the most extreme hold for very stubborn hairs
- Can look slightly shiny if you apply too much
Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Gel
- Adds visible fullness and definition fast
- Wears well once dry, even in humidity
- Great for building a cleaner brow shape
- Easy to over-apply at the front of the brow
- Less forgiving if you make a placement mistake
L’Oréal Paris UnbelievaBrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel
- Longwear, budge-resistant tint at a friendly price
- Can double as quick fill plus hold
- Good option when you want more “makeup” than a soft gel
- Needs fast blending to avoid harsh edges
- Can look heavy if layered over other brow products
Wunderbrow Brow Gel
- Very strong grip and long-lasting tint
- Helps “anchor” sparse-looking areas
- Resists smudging from sweat and touch
- Can look intense if you do not blend
- Removal takes more patience than standard gels
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: Make Waterproof Brow Gel Look Natural (Even Up Close)
Use the “two-tool” trick. Apply with the product wand, then immediately switch to a clean spoolie to soften the front of the brow and evenly distribute product through the mid-brow. This one step is what keeps waterproof gels from looking like a solid block of color.
Spot-clean mistakes with a pointed cotton swab. If you get gel outside your shape, do not smear it wider. Lightly dampen the swab with micellar water or remover, press on the edge of the mistake, and lift. Then reapply a tiny amount only where needed.
Save the “extra hold” for the outer third. Most people need the strongest hold at the arch and tail, where hairs angle downward and makeup fades first. Use whatever is left on the brush for the inner brow so it stays softer and more realistic.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Brow Fixer is the top pick because it delivers the most reliable waterproof hold while still looking clean and controlled. If you want something easier and more flexible for daily wear, Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter is the simplest “set it and forget it” option.
What “waterproof” really means for brow gel
In brow products, “waterproof” can mean a few different things: resistance to water (rain, splashes), sweat and oil resistance (workouts, humid commutes), and smear resistance (touching your face or rubbing your brows). Some gels form a flexible film that locks hairs in place, while others behave more like a stain that grips skin and hair so pigment will not slide around.
For real-life wear, the biggest difference is dry-down. A true waterproof gel sets quickly and stays stable once dry, but it can feel a little firmer. A softer gel can look more natural, but may need a touch-up if you get sweaty or have oily brow skin.
How we judged the “best” waterproof brow gels
We prioritized gels that (1) set brows without flaking, (2) hold through sweat and humidity, (3) stay comfortable on the skin, and (4) are controllable with a brush so you can get a clean shape. Tinted options also had to fade evenly, not break apart into patchy spots around the front of the brow.
Because waterproof formulas can be less forgiving, we also paid attention to how easily they layer over pencil or powder, and how they remove at night without rough scrubbing.
Application: the no-smudge routine that makes waterproof gel look better
Start with clean, dry brows. If you use skincare or sunscreen on the forehead, give it a minute to absorb, then lightly blot the brow area with a tissue. Waterproof gels cling best when they are not fighting a slick base.
Use less product than you think. Wipe excess off the wand at the neck of the tube, then apply in two passes: first brush hairs slightly against the grain to coat, then brush up and out to shape. If you want a laminated look, press hairs into place with the flat side of the brush (or a clean spoolie) while the gel is still tacky.
Let it set before you touch it. Most smudging happens in the first minute. If you are using a tinted gel, keep the front of the brow lighter by using what is left on the wand, then build the tail where you want more definition.
Removal: get it off without stressing brow hairs
Waterproof brow gel is meant to grip, so removal should be slow and gentle. Soak a cotton pad with an oil-based remover or cleansing balm, press it over the brow for a few seconds, then wipe in the direction of hair growth. If there is still residue, repeat the press-and-slide step instead of scrubbing, then finish with a mild cleanser to remove any leftover oil.
See also
If you are also comparing everyday (not strictly waterproof) options, start with our best eyebrow gels and tinted gels roundup.
- Brow gels for sparse brows over 40: top picks and what to look for
- How to fill in thinning eyebrows for a natural, fuller look
- Benefit Gimme Brow+ pencil review: fast fill for thin, overplucked brows
- Precisely, My Brow pencil review: shades, wear, and real-world performance
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Is waterproof brow gel better than regular brow gel?
It is better when you need durability: workouts, hot weather, oily brow skin, or events where touch-ups are not realistic. Regular gels often look softer and are easier to remove, so they can be a better daily choice if you are not fighting sweat or humidity.
Will waterproof brow gel make my brows look crunchy?
It can if you use too much or keep brushing after it starts to set. The fix is simple: apply a thin coat, shape once, then stop. If you want a more natural finish, brush through with a clean spoolie right before the gel fully dries to break up any stiffness without losing hold.
Can I use waterproof brow gel over pencil or powder?
Yes, but layer thoughtfully. Fill with pencil first, then use a light hand with gel so you do not lift the pigment. Clear gels are usually the safest over brow makeup; tinted gels can work too, but use them mainly to coat hairs and add dimension, not to “paint” the skin.
What is the difference between clear and tinted waterproof brow gel?
Clear gel is for shaping, holding, and setting whatever you have underneath, including bare brows. Tinted gel adds visible pigment and can help disguise sparse areas quickly, but it is easier to overdo at the front of the brow. If you want the most control, pair a pencil with a clear waterproof gel.
How do I stop waterproof brow gel from flaking?
Flaking usually comes from layering too much product, applying onto skincare that is still wet, or repeatedly brushing as it dries. Start with dry brows, wipe excess off the wand, and apply one thin coat. If you need more hold, wait until the first layer sets, then add a second very light pass.
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