Product Comparison
Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel vs e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel
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.
e.l.f.
e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel
The Wow Brow Gel's thick, creamy formula has serious hold—it doesn't flake or feel crusty like some budget gels can—but the fluffy brush applicator is genuinely oversized for precision work, making it better suited to filling in brows than sculpting fine details. The shade range skews warm, and darker skin tones might find the selection limiting compared to competitors at this price point. That said, for $4, the staying power rivals products triple the cost, and it layers beautifully under brow pencils without moving.
Worth noting: The oversized applicator makes detailed brow mapping difficult, and you'll likely need a spoolie to comb through excess product.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel | e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Benefit | e.l.f. |
| Category | gel | gel |
| Price | See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
| Best For | naturally sparse or thin brows, quick morning routines, anyone who struggles with brow pencil precision, warm and cool undertones equally | Budget-conscious shoppers with naturally full brows, Warm undertones (ash blonde through brunette), Laminated or feathered brow trends, Layering under brow pencils |
| Our Take | 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. | The Wow Brow Gel's thick, creamy formula has serious hold—it doesn't flake or feel crusty like some budget gels can—but the fluffy brush applicator is genuinely oversized for precision work, making it better suited to filling in brows than sculpting fine details. The shade range skews warm, and darker skin tones might find the selection limiting compared to competitors at this price point. That said, for $4, the staying power rivals products triple the cost, and it layers beautifully under brow pencils without moving. |
| 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. | The oversized applicator makes detailed brow mapping difficult, and you'll likely need a spoolie to comb through excess product. |
Our Verdict
Gimme Brow+ vs. Wow Brow Gel: Which Tinted Brow Gel Actually Works?
If you're standing in the beauty aisle—or scrolling through your cart—wondering whether to spend $24 on Benefit's Gimme Brow+ or grab e.l.f.'s Wow Brow Gel for $4, you're asking the right question. Both are tinted gels that promise fuller-looking brows with hold, but they're built for entirely different brow situations and routines. The answer isn't which one is "better"—it's which one solves your specific problem.
Gimme Brow+: The Precision Workhorse
Benefit's Gimme Brow+ has earned its reputation as the reliable go-to for a reason. The formula is slightly tacky and packed with microfibers, which means it grabs individual hairs and deposits color in one motion. This is crucial if you have genuinely sparse brows or patchy growth—it doesn't just tint, it visibly thickens by coating each hair you do have.
The spiral brush is the real MVP here. It's compact and precise enough to catch individual strays without depositing product everywhere, but sturdy enough that it won't bend or fray if you're using moderate pressure. For anyone who's fumbled with a pencil trying to create feathered tails, this gel eliminates that friction entirely. You're not drawing; you're brushing and building.
Hold-wise, Gimme Brow+ genuinely outperforms most competitors through sweat and humidity. If you're commuting in summer or heading to the gym, this gel won't budge for a solid 10 hours. The catch? Heavy layering flakes by hour 12, especially at the tail where brows taper. It's not a dealbreaker if you're reapplying at midday or your brows are naturally full enough that you're using a light hand.
The real limitation is shade range. Five shades sounds adequate until you're holding the compact up to your brows and realizing neither option quite matches. If you have warm reddish undertones or deeper skin tones with cool brow hairs, you're likely to compromise rather than match perfectly.
Wow Brow Gel: The Budget Powerhouse with Compromise
E.l.f.'s Wow Brow Gel arrives with an unexpectedly thick, creamy consistency that doesn't feel flaky or crusty—a genuine strength at this price point. The hold is legitimately impressive; this isn't watered-down gel that dissolves by lunchtime. It stays put through moisture and movement in ways that make you question why similar formulas cost four times as much.
The problem is the applicator. That fluffy, oversized brush is built for coverage, not precision. If your brows are naturally full and you're simply looking to set them or add a subtle tint, it's fine. But if you need to map your brows, fill sparse sections strategically, or define the arch, you'll find yourself fighting the brush. Most users end up combing through with a spoolie anyway, which adds a step.
The shade range skews noticeably warm—think ash blonde through medium brown with warm undertones. If you have cool, ashy brows or very dark brows with cool tones, the selection feels thin compared to what you'd get at e.l.f.'s price point from competitors. For layering under a brow pencil, this limitation matters less. For standalone use, it's a real consideration.
Head-to-Head: The Real Differences
Finish and precision: Gimme Brow+ wins decisively. The spiral brush is built for control and detail. Wow Brow's fluffy applicator is built for speed and coverage.
Hold and longevity: Gimme Brow+ edges ahead for all-day wear without flaking, though Wow Brow is surprisingly durable for the price.
Ease of use: Gimme Brow+ requires almost no learning curve. Wow Brow needs a spoolie backup and a slightly heavier hand to avoid product buildup.
Value: Wow Brow is unbeatable if you have naturally full brows and mainly want hold. Gimme Brow+ justifies its price if you need actual volumizing and precision application.
The Recommendation
Buy Gimme Brow+ if: You have sparse or patchy brows, struggle with precision application, or want a single product that both volumizes and tints without a backup brush. The price is worth it for the applicator alone.
Buy Wow Brow Gel if: Your brows are naturally full and you mainly need hold and setting power. Use it to layer under pencils or to laminate fuller brows. At $4, you're banking real savings without sacrificing performance.
Our Pick
Buy Gimme Brow+ if: You have sparse or patchy brows, struggle with precision application, or want a single product that both volumizes and tints without a backup brush. The price is worth it for the applicator alone. Buy Wow Brow Gel if: Your brows are naturally full and you mainly need hold and setting power. Use it to layer under pencils or to laminate fuller brows. At $4, you're banking real savings without sacrificing performance.
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