Key Takeaways
I love a "cheap but effective" product moment. And I'm picky about brow gels because most of them do one of two things: they either feel like crunchy hair gel, or they do basically nothing. The Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel sits right in the middle, and that's why I keep it in rotation.
What It Is
Set Me Up Brow Gel is a clear brow-setting gel that's meant to shape and hold your brows in place without making them feel sticky. Think: "polished everyday brow," not "my brows are laminated and cannot move."
The wand is small and easy to control, which matters more than you think. It makes it harder to overload your brows, and easier to target the front of the brow without creating clumps.
What It Claims
Sheglam positions this gel as:
- Long-wearing and smudge-resistant
- Non-sticky with a softer feel
- Good for shaping and setting brows in place
Standard brow gel claims, but the real question is: what does it do on actual face days?
My Experience: Real Use (Bare Face, Full Face, Humid Days)
My brow situation: naturally full-ish, but not perfectly even. The tails can fall flat, and the front can get messy if I rush. I used this on no-makeup days and on full makeup days to see if it behaves differently.
Hold: Light-to-Medium (In a Good Way)
This gel gives clean shaping and keeps brow hairs where you put them, especially if you brush up and slightly outward. It's not a "brow glue," but it also doesn't disappear after 20 minutes. My brows stayed neat for most of the day.
If you want that frozen laminated look that doesn't move even in heat, you'll probably want a stronger hold product. But for everyday brows that still look soft, this hits.
Finish: Natural, Not Wet
It dries down natural on me. Not glossy, not ultra-matte. If you hate that "wet brow" shine some gels give, this is safer than most. The only time it looks off is if you use too much and it starts building up around thicker hairs.
Flaking / White Cast: Only If You Overdo It
I didn't get flaking when I used one thin coat. But when I tried to layer it for extra hold, I started seeing tiny bits of residue. My rule: apply once, shape quickly, then stop touching it while it dries. If you keep brushing while it's drying, you're basically inviting clumps.
What I Love
- Easy wand: controlled application
- Brows stay soft, not crunchy
- Natural finish (not overly shiny)
- Perfect for quick "put together" days
- Seriously good for the price
What Could Be Better
- Not strong enough for hardcore laminated brows
- Can leave residue if you layer or over-apply
- Contains fragrance and alcohol (not ideal for sensitive skin)
How I Use It (My 2-Minute Brow Routine)
Here's exactly how I get the best result with it:
- Wipe the wand: Before touching my brow, I scrape excess gel off the brush on the tube edge. This prevents clumps.
- Brush up first: I brush the front of the brows upward lightly to create lift.
- Shape outward: Then I brush the middle and tail outward following my natural brow line.
- Stop touching it: I let it dry for about 30–60 seconds without re-brushing.
On sparse days: I do pencil first (hair strokes), then a thin layer of gel to lock everything in. If you do gel first, pencil can grab weirdly on top.
Who I Think Should Buy This
- You want: tidy, soft, natural brows that stay in place for daily life
- You prefer: a controlled wand and a non-crunchy finish
- You love: affordable makeup that performs like it costs more
Who Should Skip It
- You need: extreme hold for truly laminated brows all day
- You're sensitive: around the brow/eye area and avoid fragrance or alcohol in leave-on products
- You hate: any possibility of residue if you accidentally overapply
Alternatives Worth Considering
If this isn't your vibe, here are options by goal:
- For maximum hold: a true brow glue style product (stronger set, less flexible)
- For sensitive skin: fragrance-free clear brow gels (gentler around the eye area)
- For a fluffy look: tinted brow gels (adds texture + soft volume)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel strong hold?
It's light-to-medium hold. Great for shaping and setting brows for everyday wear, but it's not a brow glue and won't give you an all-day frozen laminated hold.
Does it flake or leave white residue?
Not for me when used lightly. If you overload the brush or keep brushing after it starts drying, you can get little clumps that look like flakes. One thin coat works best.
Is it good for sparse brows?
Yes, especially if you pair it with a brow pencil. Pencil first, then a thin coat of gel to lock hairs in place without making them look heavy.
Is this brow gel fragrance-free?
No. It contains fragrance (and alcohol). If you're sensitive around the eye area, patch test first or choose a fragrance-free brow gel instead.
How do I remove it without damaging brow hairs?
Use an oil-based remover or cleansing balm, press for 10–15 seconds, then gently wipe. Avoid rubbing back and forth on the brow hairs.