I bought the e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer because I was tired of my foundation sliding off by 2 PM. Also, I’m cheap.
The real reason this matters: it uses the same sticky-gel technology as Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip — but costs $32 less. That’s a full lunch, a coffee, and a snack.
It’s a clear, tacky gel primer. $10. The claim that made me try it: “locks makeup in place for up to 16 hours.” I laughed. Then I tested it.
Texture
Feels like sticky snot — in a good way. Your face becomes Velcro.
Hold
My makeup stayed put through a 90-degree day and a nap. No joke.
Finish
Zero silicone slip. No greasy residue. Just grip.
Photo: Claudia Tocuț / Unsplash
It’s not fancy — and that’s the point. No fragrance, no oils, no nonsense. The hero ingredients actually do what they say.
- Glycerin: Locks in moisture without clogging — the real MVP
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone: The sticky polymer that creates the grip
- Niacinamide: Calms redness so you don’t look angry by noon
- Tocopheryl Acetate: Vitamin E — basically a bouncer for free radicals
Photo: Nick Noel / Unsplash
It’s thick. Like, spread-it-between-your-palms thick. Dries down in 30 seconds to a tacky finish — your finger should stick slightly when you tap it.
Week 2 update: I accidentally used too much and my foundation pilled. Less is genuinely more. One pea-sized drop for your whole face.
Photo: Karly Jones / Unsplash
After two weeks: my makeup lasted 10+ hours without touch-ups. No new breakouts (I’m acne-prone). My T-zone was less oily by 3 PM. But if you have dry flakes, this will magnify them — it’s grippy, not hydrating.
Photo: Igor Rand / Unsplash
It’s not better than Milk Makeup — it’s the same thing for a quarter of the price. And that’s better for your wallet.