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  4. 10 Best Tried and True Japanese Eyebrow Mascaras in 2022 (Hair and Makeup Artist-Reviewed)
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10 Best Tried and True Japanese Eyebrow Mascaras in 2022 (Hair and Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

Eyebrow gels, more commonly referred to as eyebrow mascaras in Japan, can define and tame your brows, regardless of whether you have thick or thin eyebrows. Colors range from light colors that match with blondes and other light hair colors to darker colors that go with brunette or black hair, and even other colors like reddish browns in recent years. However, with several brands available, like ACRO, e'quipe, Cezanne, and Kosé, all offering different products, it can be challenging to know what to look for and choose.

To figure out the best Japanese eyebrow gels, we gathered the 27 best-selling products on e-commerce sites popular in Japan, like Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, and @cosme SHOPPING. and tested them all.


We tested each product for the following:

  1. Color
  2. Resistance to friction
  3. Resistance to sweat
  4. Ease of application


We then ranked the 10 best Japanese eyebrow gels based on our test results. We also compiled everything we learned into a buying guide and asked an expert for extra tips. Keep reading to learn more about the best Japanese eyebrow gels in 2022!



Last updated 09/26/2023
Rika Fujiwara
Expert
Freelance Hair and Makeup Artist
Rika Fujiwara

She's a freelance hair and makeup artist and an expert in aromatherapy certified by the Aroma Environment Association of Japan. She also pens beauty columns. She studied under Mr. Hiroki Murooka from the hair and makeup studio ThreePEACE for four years before going independent.

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Table of Contents

Why Use an Eyebrow Mascara?

Why Use an Eyebrow Mascara?

Eyebrow gel, or eyebrow mascara, can allow you to change the color of your eyebrows easily. After filling them in as needed with a pencil or powder, the eyebrow mascara can unify the look and color, giving a neat impression.

mybest US Editors
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mybest US Editors

The trendy colors in Japan for 2022 are pink, red and purple! They're bright, but make you feel refined, so these are recommended.


Another trend is to make the hairs stand up a bit. The three-dimensional effect gives a clean, handsome impression.

Eyebrow Mascara Provides Hold to Keep Your Look

Eyebrow Mascara Provides Hold to Keep Your Look

Eyebrow mascara is highly resistant and most won't budge even if you rub your brows. So after you've created your perfect eyebrow look, lock it in place with eyebrow gel!


Most of the products we tested held up even after they dried and we tried rubbing them. So, following up your eyebrow powder or pencil with an eyebrow mascara will ensure that your color stays where you put it.

How to Choose an Eyebrow Mascara - Buying Guide

Here are two big things to look out for when searching for an eyebrow mascara, Japanese or not.

1

Choose a Shorter or Tapered Applicator

Choose a Shorter or Tapered Applicator

Eyebrow gel applicators can broadly be separated into three types: tapered, straight, or mini brushes


Mini applicators are easy to use for most, regardless of how thick your eyebrows are, since their shorter and finer bristles can pick up even the shortest of eyebrow hairs.


Tapered applicators are easy to control since they can be angled to fit the curve of your eyebrows better. This can help prevent your eyebrow mascara from touching your skin, preventing smudgy finishes.


Straight applicators are more difficult to angle against your eyebrows, making it easier to get mascara onto your skin, and don't pick up finer eyebrow hairs as well as other types. If you have pretty dense eyebrows, you might be able to use these without any problems, but it still won't be as easy as compared to other brush types.

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Don't apply too many layers of eyebrow mascara to add volume. Applying multiple layers means that you're just adding a ton of liquid to your eyebrows, which can actually make your eyebrows look flatter. Applying an eyebrow mascara with fibers can add volume while still looking natural.

2

Consider an Eyebrow Mascara With Fibers if You Have Finer Eyebrows Hairs

Consider an Eyebrow Mascara With Fibers if You Have Finer Eyebrows Hairs

Japanese eyebrow mascaras come as either just eyebrow mascara liquid or with fibers. Eyebrow mascaras with fibers can help make your eyebrows look fuller, thicker, and more voluminous. Consider a Japanese eyebrow mascara with fibers if your eyebrows can use a little more definition.

3

Choose a Color That Matches Your Hair Color and Skin Tone

Eyebrow mascaras come in many colors, ranging from standard browns and ashes to trendy reds. Choose a color that best suits you for optimal results.

Play It Safe by Choosing a Color That Matches Your Hair Color, or a Tone Lighter for a Trendy Look

Play It Safe by Choosing a Color That Matches Your Hair Color, or a Tone Lighter for a Trendy Look

Eyebrow mascaras come in a wide range of colors, but your safest bet is to match the color with your hair color. Choose a light brown or trendy reddish brown if you have light brown hair. If you have dark hair, choose an ash-based color. Choosing a color that's a bit lighter than your hair color can give a trendier impression!


That being said, this isn't a rule; you can also choose an eyebrow mascara that doesn't match the color of your hair as a form of personal expression. For example, choosing a dark brown eyebrow mascara color might work for you, even if you have blond hair.

Rika Fujiwara
Freelance Hair and Makeup Artist
Rika Fujiwara

Clear eyebrow mascaras have been trending recently. Clear eyebrow mascaras are great for those who want to just add volume without adding color to their eyebrows.

Choose a Color that Suits Your Personal Color

Choose a Color that Suits Your Personal Color

Have you ever wondered why some colors look great on you, while other colors don't suit you as well? That ultimately depends on your personal color, or the underlying color in your complexion, which can be either warm or cool, or most commonly, yellow or blue-based colors. Studies have found that regardless of race, most people fall into either camp.


If you want to choose a color that best suits you, or want to choose a color other than basic browns, choose a color based on your personal color. For example, if you feel that gold accessories suit you better than silver, your personal color is likely yellow-based, including colors like browns and oranges, and of course, yellow. If you gravitate more towards silver accessories, then your personal color is likely blue-based. Choosing ash browns and purples can add a bit of flair to your face.

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You're totally free to choose whatever color you like as a means of expression. Choosing a color that wouldn't normally be associated with your personal color can add an unexpected pop of color, making your face stand out more!

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10 Best Japanese Eyebrow Mascaras

We picked out the most popular products and tested them for the following: how the finish looked, how well it stayed on throughout the day, and how easy it was to use. Then, based on how they performed on our tests, we graded and ranked the 10 best Japanese eyebrow mascaras in 2022. ※Japanese prices for some of the products are given; they’ve merely been converted into USD for easy viewing. Prices were gathered from respective EC sites on September 26, 2022.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

ACRO

Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara

ACRO Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 1

$27.32

High Mid

The Best of All Japanese Eyebrow Mascaras

2

e'quipe

SUQQU Volume Eyebrow Mascara

e'quipe SUQQU Volume Eyebrow Mascara 1

$29.27

High Mid

The Long Bristle Brush Creates a Defined Brow

3

e'quipe

RMK W Eyebrow Colors

e'quipe RMK W Eyebrow Colors 1

$32.18

High Mid

A Two-in-One Eyebrow Liquid and Mascara

4

Isehan

KISSME Heavy Rotation Color Eyebrow R

Isehan KISSME Heavy Rotation Color Eyebrow R 1

$5.72

Low Mid

Creates a Natural-Looking Finish

5

Tokiwa Pharmaceutical

EXCEL Color On Eyebrow

Tokiwa Pharmaceutical  EXCEL Color On Eyebrow 1

$9.70

Low Mid

Locks in Your Eyebrows While Providing a Bold Color

6

Cezanne

Cezanne Eyebrow Mascara

Cezanne Cezanne Eyebrow Mascara 1

$4.04

Low

Durable Against Friction and Sweat

7

L'Oréal Japan

Shu Uemura Kushi Brow

L'Oréal Japan Shu Uemura Kushi Brow 1

$17.69

Mid

Impressive Durability Against Friction and Sweat

8

Kosé

ADDICTION Eyebrow Mascara Micro

Kosé ADDICTION Eyebrow Mascara Micro 1

$17.94

Mid

Small Brush Helps to Apply the Mascara to Every Hair

9

ettusais

ettusais Eye Edition (Brow Mascara)

ettusais ettusais Eye Edition (Brow Mascara) 1

$10.07

Low Mid

Gives a Soft Natural Finish

10

Nuzzle

&be Eyebrow Mascara

Nuzzle &be Eyebrow Mascara 1

$10.10

Low Mid

The Color Is a Little Off, but It's Tough Against Friction and Sweat

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

ACROAmplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara

Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 1
Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 2
Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 3
Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 4
Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 5
Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 6
Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 7
Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 8
Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara 9
Reference price
$27.32
High Mid
Reference price
$27.32
High Mid

The Best of All Japanese Eyebrow Mascaras

Amplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara from ACRO has a fluffy texture that adds natural depth to your eyebrows. The 02 Natural Brown that we used for our tests is a light brown color with a hint of orange, and it came out just as it looked.

It didn’t smudge at all when friction was applied, earning it a perfect score of 5.0. Unfortunately, some of the eyebrow gel came off when we sprayed it with water, but it still performed decently in our sweat resistance test.

The tapered applicator with fine bristles received positive reviews from our testers, since the applicator was able to pick up finer hairs without getting the liquid onto the skin. Given that its color is exactly what we expected, and the fact that it's smudge resistant, strong against sweat, and easy to apply, we believe this product to be the best Japanese eyebrow gel.

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No.2

e'quipeSUQQU Volume Eyebrow Mascara

Reference price
$29.27
High Mid

The Long Bristle Brush Creates a Defined Brow

e'quipe's SUQQU Volume Eyebrow Mascara subtly lifts up each individual eyebrow hair to add definition to your brows. The 02 brown we used for our tests is a slightly reddish, orange-brown color, which was different from what we were expecting.

One of its best features is that this mascara is resistant to both friction and sweat. The color stayed in place with little to no smudging even when we rubbed it or sprayed it with water.

Our testers liked the long-bristled, tapered applicator for its ability to apply the mascara without getting liquid onto the skin, commenting positively that "the applicator makes it easy to apply across a wide surface area, yet doesn't get on the skin when doing finer work," as well as "the soft applicator makes it easy to apply." 


Given its soft color, this product will be great for those with strong eyebrows or those who want to create a trendy, gentle appearance.

No.3

e'quipeRMK W Eyebrow Colors

Reference price
$32.18
High Mid

A Two-in-One Eyebrow Liquid and Mascara

RMK W Eyebrow Colors from e'quipe is a two-in-one eyebrow liquid pen and gel. It adds just the right amount of color and helps to correct the direction of your eyebrows. The 02 Marron Brown we used for our tests is supposed to be a chestnut color, but was slightly more reddish than we had expected.

The mascara is resistant to both friction and sweat, refusing to come off with little to no smudging even when we rubbed or sprayed it with water.

The small silicone applicator has short bristles, which lead to mixed reviews from our testers, with some saying that it offered finer control. In contrast, those with thick brows found it got tangled.


We recommend this eyebrow mascara if you have thin eyebrows or are looking for a 2-in-1 eyebrow liquid.

No.4

IsehanKISSME Heavy Rotation Color Eyebrow R

Reference price
$5.72
Low Mid

Creates a Natural-Looking Finish

Isehan's KISSME Heavy Rotation Color Eyebrow gives a subtle, soft finish that looks just like your own natural eyebrows. The 04 Natural Brown we used for our tests is a basic brown and the color appeared just as we'd expected.

The mascara didn’t come off at all when we rubbed our eyebrows, but it lost a significant amount of color when sprayed with water.

While the product performed well in our ease of application test, our testers were a bit divided regarding the straight applicator. Some liked how soft the applicator itself is and how the texture of the liquid makes it easy to apply, while others didn't like the thickness of the applicator, noting that it was easy to get the eyebrow gel onto unintended areas.


Its light color and the fact that it doesn’t harden your eyebrows makes this a great product for those who want a natural-looking finish.

No.5

Tokiwa Pharmaceutical EXCEL Color On Eyebrow

Reference price
$9.70
Low Mid

Locks in Your Eyebrows While Providing a Bold Color

Tokiwa Pharmaceutical's EXCEL Color On Eyebrow has a strong finish and vivid color. The heavy consistency of the liquid holds your eyebrows in place, keeping them neat and consistent. The color we used for our tests, CO01 Natural Brown, is a basic brown color that came out just as we'd expected.

Although the mascara was durable against friction, it was a little weak against moisture. We found some color transferred onto our cotton pad when sprayed with water, exposing our natural eyebrows.

Our testers also weren’t fans of the stickiness and heavy texture of the liquid. Although it could evenly coat every hair, it tended to get onto the skin. While it offers a bold color and can nicely hold the brow shape, it requires some technique to master this eyebrow gel.

No.6

CezanneCezanne Eyebrow Mascara

Reference price
$4.04
Low

Durable Against Friction and Sweat

Cezanne’s Eyebrow Mascara claims to be resistant to sebum and friction. However, it has quite a sticky texture, giving our eyebrows a slightly flat look. The Natural Brown we used for our tests is a basic brown color that came out just as expected.

The product's resistance to friction and sweat lived up to its claims, remaining virtually unaffected by friction and water.

However, the rough, straight applicator was unpopular with our testers. They commented that the applicator felt too bristly and didn’t pick up hairs very well, and that the thickness of the brush made it a little difficult to apply.

No.7

L'Oréal JapanShu Uemura Kushi Brow

Reference price
$17.69
Mid

Impressive Durability Against Friction and Sweat

Shu Uemura’s Kushi Brow has a light and natural finish, gently lifting up the hairs on our eyebrows. We expected the Seal Brown we used for our tests to be a slightly darker brown color, but in reality, it was a brighter yellow-brown.

The mascara was resistant to both friction and sweat and its impressive durability received a perfect score of 5.0. The mascara didn't come off at all when we rubbed or sprayed it with water.

Our testers also liked the small, slanted brush. They said that the brush is thin and soft, and that it helps to blend the liquid into eyebrows nicely. The angled brush also makes it easy to apply to smaller areas.

No.8

KoséADDICTION Eyebrow Mascara Micro

Reference price
$17.94
Mid

Small Brush Helps to Apply the Mascara to Every Hair

ADDICTION Eyebrow Mascara Micro from Kosé has a natural color that blends nicely with your brows. Once applied, the liquid hardens to hold the shape of the hairs. The 001 Cinnamon we used for our tests is a basic brown that is slightly lighter in color than we had expected.

It was quite resistant to friction and received a perfect score of 5.0. However, we couldn't say the same for sweat. The mascara clumped up when sprayed with water and the bare brows became somewhat visible.

Our testers liked the small size brush with a diameter of just 0.4 inches (10 mm), saying that it helps to apply evenly and blend the liquid into every hair.

No.9

ettusaisettusais Eye Edition (Brow Mascara)

Reference price
$10.07
Low Mid

Gives a Soft Natural Finish

Ettusais’s Eye Edition has a solid color with a touch of glitter. It gives a soft, matte finish that blends well with natural brows. The Ash Brown we used for our tests is slightly brighter and more yellow than we had expected.

The mascara is quite resistant to both friction and sweat. It barely came off with rubbing or spraying with water.

However, our testers weren’t fans of the short, rounded, rocket-shaped brush. They said that it was a little too hard and the brush bristles were too short, so the liquid tended to get onto the skin.

No.10

Nuzzle&be Eyebrow Mascara

Reference price
$10.10
Low Mid

The Color Is a Little Off, but It's Tough Against Friction and Sweat

&be Eyebrow Mascara from Nuzzle has a firm texture that holds the hairs in place while adding a three-dimensional look to your brows. The Mauve Brown we used for our tests is supposed to be brown with a hint of purple, but it looks more like a subtle ash brown.

The mascara was resistant to both friction and sweat, and its impressive durability received a perfect score of 5.0. The mascara didn't come off at all when we rubbed or sprayed it with water.

Our testers also liked the fine-bristled, rocket-shaped brush. It makes it easy to blend the mascara into fine hairs while applying it from your preferred angle.

How We Tested the Eyebrow Mascaras

How We Tested the Eyebrow Mascaras

We gathered the 27 best-selling Japanese eyebrow mascaras on e-commerce sites popular in Japan, like Amazon, Rakuten,Yahoo! Shopping, and @cosme SHOPPING. and tested them all. We defined a high-quality eyebrow mascara as one that provides the color your expect, is resistant to sweat and friction, and is easy to apply.


We tested each product for the following:

  1. Color
  2. Resistance to friction
  3. Resistance to sweat
  4. Ease of application

Test ①: Color

Test ①: Color

First, we tested how vibrant each eyebrow mascara's color was. We applied each product to a Japanese tester. We then checked how well the eyebrow mascara produced its color and whether or not the color was exactly what the manufacturer claimed it to be.

Test ②: Resistance to friction

Test ②: Resistance to friction

Next, we tested each eyebrow mascara for how well it could withstand friction, since it's pretty likely that you may accidentally scratch your eyebrows or the eyebrow mascara may rub off from coming into contact with your bangs.

We applied each eyebrow mascara to a Japanese tester and tried to rub it off with a cotton pad to see how much would come off. Products that hardly smudged even after rubbing and showed little color transfer to the cotton pad were given high scores.

Test ③: Resistance to Sweat

Test ③: Resistance to Sweat

Next, we tested each eyebrow mascara for how well it could withstand water and sweat.

After applying each eyebrow mascara, we sprayed water onto our Japanese tester's eyebrows from a distance of roughly eight inches. Then, we lightly pressed our tester's eyebrows with a cotton pad to check how much eyebrow mascara would come off. 


We defined products that didn't transfer any color onto our cotton pad even after being sprayed with water as products that are resistant to sweat, and were given high scores.

Test ④: Ease of Application

Test ④: Ease of Application

Finally, we gathered five Japanese testers from mybest's editorial department and had them test each product to see how easy each eyebrow masacara was to apply.


They tested each product to see how well the brush meshed with their eyebrows, and how the brush felt on the skin.

How to Make Your Eyebrow Mascara Look Great

Here are some tips that we think would be useful to both beginners and experts to get the most out of your eyebrow mascara.

Apply With the Direction of the Hairs for a Natural Look

Apply With the Direction of the Hairs for a Natural Look
Eyebrow mascara should be the last product you apply during your brow regimen. Before using the mascara, draw in your brows using a pencil or eyebrow powder.

Don't start applying the mascara until you've wiped off excess product from the applicator onto a tissue! This will prevent too much liquid from sticking onto your brows. Then, swipe a few times with the flow of your hairs, and you're done.

Rika Fujiwara
Freelance Hair and Makeup Artist
Rika Fujiwara

If you apply the mascara against the direction of the hairs, too much product will be deposited and you'll end up with a flat look. Instead, it's better to manipulate the color and texture using light strokes.

Top 5 Eyebrow Mascaras

No. 1: ACROAmplitude Eyebrow Color Mascara

No. 2: e'quipeSUQQU Volume Eyebrow Mascara

No. 3: e'quipeRMK W Eyebrow Colors

No. 4: IsehanKISSME Heavy Rotation Color Eyebrow R

No. 5: Tokiwa Pharmaceutical EXCEL Color On Eyebrow

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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