e.l.f. Power Grip Primer Review: Would Users Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this primer in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of beauty editor tests, a side-by-side comparison and user review themes, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
A budget gripping primer that holds its own against pricier rivals
In a side-by-side test, PureWow scored Power Grip 95 out of 100, a point behind Milk Makeup Hydro Grip, and still recommended it for value and its pump design. A Marie Claire tester with sensitive, acne-prone skin wore it through humid events with no creasing and no touch-ups. The gel is thicker and stickier than Milk's and takes longer to settle, oily zones may still need powder after several hours, and some users report clogged pores. For most people it is a primer worth rebuying.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want foundation to stay put through a long day
- like a hydrating, dewy base rather than a matte one
- want gripping-primer results on a budget
Skip it if you…
- want a mattifying primer for very oily skin
- dislike a tacky feel on the skin
- are very prone to clogged pores and react to new bases
This review summarizes user and editor experiences and is not medical advice. If you have acne, rosacea or another skin condition, talk to a dermatologist and patch-test new products. Reactions vary from person to person.
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a clear gel primer in a squeeze tube with a pump. It has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and dries to a tacky finish designed to help foundation grip the skin.
We looked at editor wear tests, a head-to-head comparison and user themes to see how well it actually holds makeup.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key details
| Texture | Thick gel that sets tacky |
|---|---|
| Finish | Dewy, not matte |
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
| Packaging | Tube with pump |
| Skin types | Marketed for dry, oily and combination skin |
What users love
What users complain about
Tips from users
- Use two pumps over your skincare and SPF.
- Apply foundation while the primer is still tacky, before it fully dries.
- Set oily areas with powder if you need more than a workday of wear.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Holds makeup well, even in humidity
- Very good value against pricier gripping primers
- Hydrating, dewy finish
- Pump tube makes it easy to use up
What owners complain about
- Thick, tacky gel takes time to settle
- Not mattifying, oily zones may need powder
- Some users report clogged pores
- Wear time varies between users
Other primers users compare
These primers come up most often in Power Grip comparisons.
| Product | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| e.l.f. Power Grip Primer (this review) | Tacky hydrating gel | You want strong grip for little money | See on Amazon |
| Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer | Lighter hydrating gel | You want a lighter feel that absorbs faster | See on Amazon |
| e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer | Silky putty | You want to blur pores rather than add grip | See on Amazon |
Want your makeup to last all day?
Check the current price and sizes on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Power Grip as good as Milk Hydro Grip?
Close. PureWow scored it 95 versus 96 for Milk, which felt lighter and absorbed faster.
Is it mattifying?
No. It gives a dewy finish, so oily skin may still need setting powder.
Is it sticky?
Yes, it sets to a slightly tacky finish, which is what helps makeup grip.
Will it break me out?
The Marie Claire tester with acne-prone skin had no issues, but some users report clogged pores. Patch-test if you are prone to breakouts.
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Sources we analyzed
- PureWow: Milk Hydro Grip vs. e.l.f. Power Grip — side-by-side wear test and scores
- Marie Claire UK: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer — sensitive-skin wear test, texture, tips
- The Zoe Report: e.l.f. gripping primer — texture and comparison with Milk
- ShopSavvy: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer summary — user praise and complaint themes
Figures reflect each source as of October 12, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.