How to Choose the Right Eyebrow Pencil Shade
By Peace With The Wild | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Match your brow pencil to your hair color with simple rules. Learn which Zao vegan shades suit blondes, brunettes, and everyone in between.
Quick answer
Pick a brow pencil that matches your hair color or is one shade darker if you have light hair, and one shade lighter if your hair is very dark. For most people, a neutral tone that blends with your natural brow hair works best.
Why hair color matters
Your brows frame your eyes and face, so the right shade can make your whole look feel balanced. If the pencil is too dark, it can look harsh; too light, and it may wash you out. Matching the pencil to your hair color—not your brow hair—is the most reliable starting point, because brow hair is often lighter or sparser than the hair on your head.
Undertones and skin tone
Beyond hair color, consider the undertone of your skin. Ash or cool undertones pair well with pencils that have a neutral or slightly gray base, while warm undertones suit pencils with a hint of gold or red. Zao pencils are available in several shades, so you can find one that complements your natural coloring without looking flat.
Decision rules for picking your shade
- Blonde or light brown: If your hair is light blonde, choose Blond 565. If it's a deeper blonde or light brown, go with Dark Blonde 566. These shades add definition without overpowering fair features. Test the pencil on your jawline to see how it blends with your hair and skin.
- Brunette or dark brown: For medium to dark brown hair, Ebony Brown 567 is your match. It provides enough depth to define brows without looking black or harsh. If your hair is very dark, try a shade lighter than your hair to avoid a severe look.
- Black or very dark hair: Avoid true black pencils unless you have jet-black hair. Instead, use Ebony Brown 567 for a softer, more natural finish that still defines your brows. Apply with light, feathery strokes to mimic natural brow hairs.
Zao brow pencil shades at a glance
- Vegan Makeup Pencil – 565 Blond: Zao Multi-Purpose Pencil in Blond 565 is ultra-pigmented and enriched with organic vegetable oils for a soft, precise application. This shade is ideal for light blondes or those with very fair brows, as it adds definition without looking too dark.
Vegan Makeup Pencil – 565 Blond - Vegan Makeup Pencil – Dark Blonde 566: Zao Multi-Purpose Pencil in Dark Blonde 566 offers the same creamy, precise formula with a slightly deeper tone. Choose this if your hair is a darker blonde or if you want a bit more intensity than Blond 565 provides.
Vegan Makeup Pencil – Dark Blonde 566 - Vegan Makeup Pencil – 567 Ebony Brown: Zao Multi-Purpose Pencil in Ebony Brown 567 delivers a rich, intense color with the same ultra-pigmented, smooth texture. This is a strong match for brunettes or those with dark brown hair, providing a natural yet defined brow.
Who should choose which shade
Best for
- Light blondes: Blond 565 for a subtle, natural look
- Brunettes: Ebony Brown 567 for defined but not harsh brows
Not for
- People with very dark or black hair who prefer a true black brow pencil—consider a shade like Ebony Brown for a softer effect
- Those with red or auburn hair—these shades are neutral browns and may not match warm red tones
