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
Key points:
- Fine 1mm tip for realistic brow strokes
- Available in six shades
- Made with waxes and oils for a seamless, drag-free glide
Key points:
- Slim spoolie and buildable texture make it easy to shape
- Lightweight, flexible hold
- Locks 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.
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
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.
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
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
