Last week, while travelling home from work and scrolling through my phone, I came across photos of myself from early 2024. Wow, I looked young. Comparing those snaps to more recent ones, it became pretty obvious what had changed: my brows.
Over the past year I’ve become very particular about my arches, noticing how the best brow pencil can completely lift and sculpt my overall visage (that’s a fancy word for face). I’ve tested plenty of tools along the way, but the latest duo worth your attention are the Modern Brow Definer and Modern Brow Gel from Vieve. Together, they’re designed to create softly defined, lifted brows that still look natural.
Vieve Modern Brows, at a glance
Vieve Modern Brow Pencil
Key points: Fine 1mm tip for realistic brow strokes Available in six shades Made with waxes and oils for a seamless, drag-free glide
Vieve Modern Brow Gel
Key points: Slim spoolie and buildable texture make it easy to shape Lightweight, flexible holdLocks hairs in place all day
Vieve Modern Brow Definer review
Let’s start with the Modern Brow Definer, which might just be the finest brow pencil I’ve tried. Featuring a 1mm tip (yes, I measured it), it’s designed to mimic the look of natural brow hairs. While such an ultra-fine nib might sound intimidating, I was surprised by how intuitive and easy it is to use.
Start by brushing your eyebrows through with a spoolie, working from the inner corner outward. Then map your shape by aligning the start of your brow with the edge of your nose and the tail with the outer corner of your eye. Use the pencil to create small guide marks before filling sparse areas with light, feathery strokes that follow the natural direction of your brow hairs.
Using the shade Dark Brown
According to Jamie Genevieve, founder of Vieve, the ultra-fine tip works best when used strategically: “I like to use the very tip of the pencil to sketch tiny strokes through the front of the brow, then switch to soft shading under the arch to lift and define.”
The formula also plays a big part. It contains “plate-shaped powders”, similar to those found in setting powders, which help the pigment glide on softly and build gradually – meaning you’re far less likely to end up with harsh, blocky 2016 brows (burrr). Waxes and lightweight oils keep the pencil flexible, so it never feels stiff while you’re sketching in strokes.
Vieve Modern Brow Definer Swatches 
Courtesy of Vieve
Vieve Modern Brow Definer Swatches
Vieve Modern Brow Gel review
While the Modern Brow Definer might seem like the star of the show, I have to give equal credit to the Modern Brow Gel. Because let’s be honest, bad brow gels exist. You know the ones: thick, gloopy and stiff. This formula is the complete opposite. It’s lightweight and flexible, brushing easily through the brows and moving naturally with my expressions.
Jamie recommends applying it in short strokes: “I use short, light motions rather than one big sweep – it helps me place every hair exactly where I want it. Once the gel sets, I lightly press my fingertip over the front of the brow to lock in that lifted look.”
The slim spoolie distributes the gel evenly so you can get really precise, ensuring every hair sits exactly where you want it. The end result? Softly laminated arches that still look natural.
Clare Stephenson
Courtesy of Vieve
Vieve Modern Brows: Overall thoughts
The finished result looks like my actual brows. Think: thick, fluffy and natural, rather than something that’s been drawn on. The ultra-fine pencil helps me build shape with tiny, hair-like strokes, while the brow gel gives that soft, laminated effect. I love that I can be quite particular, but also apply everything more casually if I’m rushing and still get a really good result.
Shop the Vieve Modern Brow Definer, £23
Shop the Vieve Modern Brow Gel, £23
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Clare Stephenson is the Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact reviews such as deep dives into skin concerns and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need. When she’s not typing away, Clare is in front of the camera creating shopping content for Cosmo’s TikTok Shop, testing the most viral beauty products to know.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders. Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling along London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or horseback riding in the countryside.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson
