Have you run out of your favorite eyebrow gel and forgotten to buy a new one? No need to panic! There are lots of cheap alternative products that you can use instead of a regular eyebrow gel to set your stubborn eyebrow hairs. These products will work just as well as a standard brow gel—or even better in some cases—and almost everyone already has them at home.
1. Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is probably the most famous multi-purpose product in the beauty industry. It has been used for more than a century on the skin to make it smooth and nourished, on our hair to help growth and regeneration, and even as a teeth-whitening remedy. Use a small quantity of Vaseline and a spoolie to apply it to your eyebrows. Vaseline will set the eyebrow hairs in place while keeping them conditioned and soft, according to Janice Howerton, a cosmetic dermatologist.
2. Stationery Glue (PVA)
A nontoxic stationery glue stick (PVA) is widely used by professional makeup artists and drag performers as an eyebrow gel alternative; they also use it to completely cover up natural eyebrow hairs before drawing on new ones. Try using a glue stick to set your eyebrows by swiping a small amount over the hairs, combing through with a spoolie, and letting it fully dry.
To remove the glue, use micellar water or a gentle makeup remover. If you feel mild discomfort while removing PVA glue from your eyebrows, rinse them with warm water, and the glue will easily dissolve and wash off. Just don't forget to use only a tiny amount of glue initially, as this product can become flaky if over-applied.
3. Hair Spray, Gel, or Mousse
There is no better product to hold unruly hairs in place than actual hair styling products. Of course, it is a little bit trickier to use than a regular brow gel, but it gets the job done beautifully. Spray a little hairspray or pump a dab of mousse onto the back of your hand, then roll a clean mascara wand or spoolie in it to apply it to your eyebrows.
You are going to need just a small amount of the product to tame your brows; otherwise, it could flake or leave the hair feeling brittle, sticky, or crunchy.
4. Clear Lip Gloss
Just a very small amount of clear lip gloss is enough to substitute for an eyebrow gel. Try to use a creamy, non-sticky lip gloss formula for your eyebrows. Scoop out a little amount of the product and use a spoolie to brush it through your brows in the direction of natural hair growth.
5. Clear Mascara or Eyelash Serum
A clear eyelash mascara or a conditioning eyelash serum is basically the exact same formulation as a clear eyebrow gel, so you don't need to spend extra money on specialized products to have 'eyebrows on fleek'. Another great perk of using clear mascara as an eyebrow gel alternative is that it already comes with a special wand applicator built into the packaging!
6. Nourishing Facial Cream or Facial Primer
A rich, nourishing face cream or a makeup primer is one of the mildest hold products on this list of eyebrow gel substitutions, but it will work in a pinch if you don't have an actual hold product in your makeup arsenal. Use these products just like you would use Vaseline—apply a tiny dot on your eyebrows and fix the hairs in place with a spoolie brush.
Final Thoughts...
All of these household products are cheap and safe. They were tested by me, and you can use them instead of a dedicated eyebrow gel without a doubt. However, stop using any of these products right away if you experience an allergic reaction, irritation, or any discomfort. Don't forget to check out my step-by-step eyebrow tutorial and learn how to get your brows on fleek in a few easy steps!
Last updated: September 21, 2026
