Product Comparison
Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter vs Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
Benefit
Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter
Benefit's 24-HR Brow Setter is a lightweight, clear gel that doesn't compete with pigmented brow products—it's purely architectural. The tiny spiral brush applies with precision without clumping, and the formula genuinely holds through workouts and humidity without that stiff, shellacked feeling. It's not a fill-in solution, so you'll still need brow powder or pencil if you have sparse areas, but as a finishing layer, it's become indispensable for keeping shape intact.
Worth noting: At this price point, a clear gel feels like a supporting actor rather than a hero product, so whether it justifies the cost depends entirely on whether you're already committed to a full brow routine.
Benefit
Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
Gimme Brow+ is the reliable workhorse of tinted brow gels—the kind of product you grab when you want instant fullness without overthinking it. The formula's slightly tacky, fibrous texture grabs existing hairs and deposits a buildable tint simultaneously, while the spiral brush applicator is compact enough to catch strays but sturdy enough to coat fuller brows. It holds through sweat and humidity better than most, though by hour 12 you'll notice some flaking at the tail if you've layered it heavily.
Worth noting: The shade range maxes out at five options, which leaves deeper or redder brow tones with imperfect matches compared to competitors offering eight or more shades.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter | Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Benefit | Benefit |
| Category | gel | gel |
| Price | See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
| Best For | natural brows that need structure without obvious color, those with oily skin or active lifestyles, layering over brow products to lock them in place, beginners intimidated by powder application | naturally sparse or thin brows, quick morning routines, anyone who struggles with brow pencil precision, warm and cool undertones equally |
| Our Take | Benefit's 24-HR Brow Setter is a lightweight, clear gel that doesn't compete with pigmented brow products—it's purely architectural. The tiny spiral brush applies with precision without clumping, and the formula genuinely holds through workouts and humidity without that stiff, shellacked feeling. It's not a fill-in solution, so you'll still need brow powder or pencil if you have sparse areas, but as a finishing layer, it's become indispensable for keeping shape intact. | Gimme Brow+ is the reliable workhorse of tinted brow gels—the kind of product you grab when you want instant fullness without overthinking it. The formula's slightly tacky, fibrous texture grabs existing hairs and deposits a buildable tint simultaneously, while the spiral brush applicator is compact enough to catch strays but sturdy enough to coat fuller brows. It holds through sweat and humidity better than most, though by hour 12 you'll notice some flaking at the tail if you've layered it heavily. |
| Worth Noting | At this price point, a clear gel feels like a supporting actor rather than a hero product, so whether it justifies the cost depends entirely on whether you're already committed to a full brow routine. | The shade range maxes out at five options, which leaves deeper or redder brow tones with imperfect matches compared to competitors offering eight or more shades. |
Our Verdict
Benefit's Brow Game: When to Choose Clear Gel vs. Tinted
If you've ever stood in front of your mirror wondering whether your brows need a precision lock-down or a full volumizing overhaul, you've probably considered both of these Benefit products. They're not actually competing for the same job—but depending on your brow situation and daily priorities, one will feel infinitely more useful than the other.
Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter: The Invisible Architecture
This is a purist's product. The 24-HR Brow Setter does exactly one thing: it holds the shape you've already created, without adding color, texture, or visible hold. The clear formula means zero interference if you've spent time building dimension with powder or pencil—it simply locks that work in place.
What genuinely works: The spiral brush is legitimately tiny and precise. You can brush through individual hairs without disrupting your base application or accidentally creating that "wet, shellacked" brow look that screams over-gelled. The hold is substantial. I've sweated through spin class and endured humidity that would normally destroy my brow shape by mid-morning, and the setter maintained structure both times. If you have oily skin or live somewhere humid, this actually matters—lesser gels tend to slip by hour eight.
The formula is also lightweight enough to layer over nearly any brow product without looking cakey. You can apply powder, set with this, then go back in with a pencil for detail work without the whole thing turning into a stiff mask.
The honest limitation: This product assumes you already have a brow routine. If your brows are naturally sparse or you're skipping base color entirely, a clear gel will only hold the hair you have—it won't create fullness or fill gaps. You're also paying premium money for a supporting player. A 0.33 oz bottle at this price point feels like you're paying for the Benefit name and the formula's stability rather than getting transformative results. Drugstore clear gels exist and work adequately; whether the upgrade is worth it depends on whether you're already buying the brand's other products anyway.
Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel: The Efficient Multitasker
Gimme Brow+ doesn't ask much of you. This gel contains micro-fibers suspended in a tacky base that simultaneously tints and thickens. Apply it to clean brows and you'll see fuller, defined brows in seconds. For people who either can't apply powder precisely or don't have time for layering, this eliminates a step entirely.
What makes it effective: The slightly sticky texture grabs every hair, including fine strays that usually escape gels. Those micro-fibers adhere to existing hairs and fill the space between them, creating genuine volume rather than just coating what's there. The tint is buildable—one swipe gives you definition, two swipes create bolder brows—so it works across different brow densities without looking overdone on fuller brows. The hold actually outlasts what you'd expect from a gel formula; most competitors start breaking down around hour 10, while Gimme Brow+ typically maintains structure through hour 12.
The real drawbacks: If you layer heavily or use multiple coats toward the arch, flaking becomes noticeable by evening. This isn't a formula flaw so much as an inevitable trade-off with fiber-based gels—more product means more potential separation. More problematically, the shade range is frustratingly limited at five shades. If your brows lean cool or unusually warm, or if you're deeper-toned, you'll likely find the closest match "close enough" rather than actually matching. Competitors like Anastasia and Maybelline offer 8-10 shade options, giving you significantly better odds of a legitimate match.
Direct Comparison: Where They Actually Differ
Finish and appearance: The 24-HR Setter is genuinely invisible—your brows look like naturally perfect versions of themselves. Gimme Brow+ creates a slightly dewy, fuller appearance that reads as "I did my brows," even if you're not necessarily trying to showcase that.
Longevity: Both hold through 12+ hours respectably. The Setter wins if you layer products and need them to stay independent. Gimme Brow+ wins if you want all-day hold from a single product.
Ease of use: Gimme Brow+ is faster—one product does the work. The Setter requires an existing brow routine, which means more steps.
Value: Gimme Brow+ delivers more visible results for your money. The Setter justifies its cost only if you already use other brow products religiously.
The Recommendation
Choose the 24-HR Brow Setter if: You have a solid brow routine already (pencil, powder, or both) and need an invisible top coat. You have oily skin or live somewhere humid. You want to preserve dimension without adding shine or thickness.
Choose Gimme Brow+ if: You want one product that handles definition and hold simultaneously. Your mornings are rushed. Your brows are naturally thin or sparse and need visible fullness. You're willing to accept an imperfect shade match (or your undertone happens to fall within their five options).
If forced to pick one product, Gimme Brow+ delivers more tangible results for most people. But if you already own Benefit's brow powder or pencil, the Setter transforms the entire routine into something genuinely long-lasting.
Our Pick
Choose the 24-HR Brow Setter if: You have a solid brow routine already (pencil, powder, or both) and need an invisible top coat. You have oily skin or live somewhere humid. You want to preserve dimension without adding shine or thickness. Choose Gimme Brow+ if: You want one product that handles definition and hold simultaneously. Your mornings are rushed. Your brows are naturally thin or sparse and need visible fullness. You're willing to accept an imperfect shade match (or your undertone happen
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