Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A primer can make makeup easier to apply, but the wrong texture can feel heavy, dry, or too slick under foundation. The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer takes a different approach with a tacky, gel-based formula designed to grip makeup while adding hydration. Its strongest points are the clear finish, hyaluronic acid, non-comedogenic positioning, and simple 30-second set time. The main tradeoff is the sticky feel, which is intentional but may not suit you if you prefer a silky or pore-blurring primer.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | e.l.f. |
| Product | Power Grip Primer |
| Product type | Gel-based hydrating face primer |
| Size reviewed | 0.811 fl oz, approximately 24 ml |
| Finish | Clear, translucent application with a natural to dewy-looking base |
| Key featured ingredient | Hyaluronic acid |
| Skin types listed | Dry, combination, and oily skin |
| Pore note | Non-comedogenic |
| Set time | Allow about 30 seconds before makeup |
| Ethics claims | Vegan and cruelty-free |
| Other listed sizes | 0.5 fl oz and 2.5 fl oz options are also listed |
What Is the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer?
Power Grip Primer is a face primer made to sit between your skincare and makeup. Instead of creating a powdery or silicone-slick surface, it leaves a tacky gel layer that helps foundation and other complexion products hold onto the skin.
The standard version reviewed here is the 0.811 fl oz size. e.l.f. lists hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient, and the product applies clear, so you do not need to match a primer shade to your complexion. It is positioned for dry, combination, and oily skin types.
Power your essentials anywhere with a 999Wh pure sine wave power station delivering up to 1000W continuous with 2000W surge. It supports fast charging via USB-C PD 60W and USB-A QC 18W, plus simultaneous output for multiple devices through AC, USB, wireless, and car/DC ports. Recharge using AC, car, or solar with a built-in MPPT controller and dual cooling fans, while the upgraded battery management system protects against surges, short circuits, and overheating.
SKIN-SMOOTHING and GRIPPING PRIMER: Your makeup. It’s not going anywhere. Prep skin with this gel-based face primer that has the power to grip your makeup while giving skin a natural finish for a smoother complexion.
12-Hour Grip, All-Day Hydration: This 16x award-winning, moisture-rich makeup primer hydrates and locks in your look for up to 12 hours, ensuring makeup stays smooth and crease-free all day long; silicone-free and suitable for all skin types, the clear gel formula provides a dewy finish for a glassy, hydrated look
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- You want more grip under foundation or skin tint.
- You prefer a clear primer that works without shade matching.
- You want hydration without moving into a premium price tier.
Skip If
- You dislike a sticky or tacky feel on your face.
- Your main goal is strong pore blurring rather than makeup grip.
- You know your skin reacts to menthol, peppermint-derived ingredients, or similar cosmetic ingredients.
Before You Buy: Non-comedogenic does not mean hypoallergenic. The current ingredient list includes peppermint leaf water and menthol, so check the package and patch test if your skin is reactive.
Grip and Makeup Longevity
The defining feature is the sticky gel texture. You pat it onto the face, wait about 30 seconds, and then apply makeup over the tacky surface. That tack is useful if your foundation tends to shift, separate, or fade during normal wear.
This is not a primer that disappears into a powdery finish. You can still feel some grip before foundation goes on. For many buyers, that is the point. If you prefer a primer that feels silky and dry within seconds, the texture may be the biggest reason to choose something else.
Hydration and Key Ingredients
e.l.f. highlights hyaluronic acid for hydration. The Amazon ingredient list also includes glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, ingredients commonly used in moisturizing cosmetic formulas. That makes this primer more hydration-focused than a basic oil-control or pure pore-filling base.
The ingredient list also includes niacinamide, but e.l.f. does not advertise a percentage for the original Power Grip Primer. Do not confuse this version with Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, which is a separate product.
Because formulas can change, use the ingredient list on the package you receive as the final reference, especially if you avoid specific cosmetic ingredients.
Finish and Skin-Type Fit
The gel goes on clear, which is useful across skin tones because it does not add a tinted cast. e.l.f. lists the original primer for dry, combination, and oily skin, so it is designed as a broad-use gripping base rather than a primer for one narrow skin type.
Dry skin may benefit from the hydration-focused formula, while oily skin may value the grip. Still, it is not marketed as a strong mattifying primer. If shine control is your top goal, a dedicated matte primer may suit you better.
How to Apply e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Start with clean skin and finish your normal skincare first. Apply a small amount of primer with your fingertips, then pat rather than aggressively rub it across the areas where you want makeup to hold.
e.l.f. specifically recommends fingertip application because warmth helps the primer spread evenly. After application, wait about 30 seconds before moving to foundation, concealer, or skin tint.
Using too much product can make the base feel unnecessarily sticky. A thin, even layer gives you the grip effect without adding more texture than you need.
Pro Tip: Let your skincare settle before you add the primer, then give the primer its full 30-second set time. This reduces the chance of mixing wet skincare, primer, and foundation into one slippery layer.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Everyday Makeup
For a normal workday or casual makeup look, the tacky base is most useful under foundation, skin tint, or concealer. The clear finish keeps the prep step simple, and you do not have to worry about the primer altering your foundation shade.
For Longer-Wear Days
When you expect to wear makeup for many hours, the gripping texture is the product’s main advantage. It gives complexion products a more adhesive surface than a plain moisturizer alone. Actual wear still depends on your foundation, skincare, skin type, weather, and setting products.
For Dry or Dehydrated-Feeling Skin
The hydration-focused formula can be more comfortable than a dry, oil-absorbing primer. It is still important to use your usual moisturizer if your skin needs it, since primer is not a replacement for a complete skincare routine.
For Oily or Combination Skin
The product is listed for oily and combination skin, and its grip can help makeup stay anchored. However, it does not replace a dedicated mattifying product. If your main issue is oil breakthrough, you may still need powder, setting spray, or a different primer in your oiliest areas.
Skin Safety and Ingredient Considerations
The product is labeled non-comedogenic, and Amazon lists it for external use only. The listing also says to stop use if irritation occurs. Those are useful safeguards, but they do not guarantee that every sensitive or reactive skin type will tolerate the formula.
The current ingredient list shown by Amazon includes peppermint leaf water and menthol. If you have reacted to those ingredients before, check the package before use and consider a patch test. If you have a diagnosed skin condition or persistent irritation, a dermatologist can give more appropriate guidance than a general product review.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sticky gel texture is purpose-built to grip makeup.
- Hyaluronic acid supports the hydration-focused formula.
- Clear application works across skin tones.
- Non-comedogenic and listed for dry, combination, and oily skin.
- Simple application with a short 30-second set time.
Cons
- The tacky texture can feel unpleasant if you prefer silky primers.
- It is not primarily a pore-blurring or strong mattifying formula.
- Peppermint leaf water and menthol may not suit every reactive skin type.
What Buyer Feedback Suggests
Current Amazon feedback shows the product has a large review history, but the useful pattern is more important than the number itself. Positive feedback often centers on the tacky feel and how makeup sits over it, while some critical feedback says the stickiness feels excessive or the visible difference is limited.
That split matches the product design. You are more likely to enjoy it if you actively want a grippy base. If you want a primer that mainly feels smooth, dry, and invisible before makeup, the texture can work against your preference.
Is It Worth the Price?
Power Grip Primer sits in the budget-friendly end of the primer market, while still offering a clear gel base, hyaluronic acid, and a specific makeup-gripping function. That gives it strong value if you want better adhesion without paying premium-primer prices.
The value is weaker if you need heavy pore blurring, strong oil control, or a barely-there texture. In those cases, spending the same money on a primer built for your main concern may make more sense.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Benefit The POREfessional focuses more on smoothing and minimizing the look of pores, with a dimethicone-led formula and a silkier feel. Power Grip Primer makes more sense if your priority is a tacky, hydrating base that helps makeup adhere.
If you like the Power Grip texture but want a formula specifically marketed with 4% niacinamide, e.l.f. also sells Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide as a separate option. The original reviewed here remains the simpler choice if hyaluronic-acid-focused hydration and grip are your main priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should e.l.f. Power Grip Primer set before makeup?
Allow about 30 seconds after application before you apply makeup. That gives the gel time to develop the tacky surface it is designed to create.
Can you wear Power Grip Primer without foundation?
Yes. It applies clear, so you can wear it without foundation if you like the hydrated finish. Keep in mind that its main purpose is to prep and grip makeup, so the tacky feel may be more noticeable when nothing is layered over it.
Is e.l.f. Power Grip Primer good for oily skin?
e.l.f. lists the primer for oily, combination, and dry skin. Its grip can help makeup adhere, but it is not primarily a mattifying formula, so very oily areas may still need powder or another oil-control step.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
The product is non-comedogenic, but that does not prove it is suitable for every sensitive skin type. The current ingredient list includes peppermint leaf water and menthol, so check your package and patch test if you are prone to irritation.
Does Power Grip Primer contain fragrance?
The current Amazon ingredient list does not show a separate fragrance or parfum entry, but it does list peppermint leaf water and menthol. If scent or ingredient sensitivity matters to you, rely on the ingredient list printed on the product you receive.
How much primer should you use?
Use a thin layer rather than coating the face heavily. Pat it on with your fingertips, then add a little more only where makeup needs extra grip.
What is the shelf life after opening?
A specific after-opening shelf life was not verified from the current product sources used for this review. Check the PAO symbol or expiry guidance on your package and store the primer as directed.
Who should skip e.l.f. Power Grip Primer?
Skip it if you strongly dislike tacky textures or mainly want pore filling and a silky finish. You should also avoid it if you know you react to ingredients in the current formula.
The Bottom Line
The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is easy to recommend if you want a clear, hydrating, sticky base that helps makeup hold onto the skin. Choose something else if your priority is deep pore blurring, a matte finish, or a primer that feels dry and silky before foundation.
