e.l.f. Power Grip
Primer
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You do everything right in the morning, moisturize, apply foundation carefully, blend it in, and by early afternoon it’s patchy around the nose, faded on the cheeks, and barely there by evening. That’s usually not a foundation problem. It’s what’s happening, or not happening, underneath it.
Most primers are designed to smooth texture or blur the look of pores. Gripping primers work differently. They rely on a gel-based, slightly tacky texture that forms a thin film on the skin, similar to how a coat of primer helps paint stick to a wall.
That subtle tackiness gives foundation and concealer something to hold onto instead of sliding around on bare skin, which is why makeup applied over a grip primer tends to stay put through heat, humidity, and a long day.
42K+
Global Ratings
4.6
Out of 5 Stars
90%
4 or 5 Stars
Vegan
& Fragrance Free
The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is built around a lightweight, gel-based formula that combines that tacky, makeup-holding texture with genuinely hydrating ingredients:
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that helps skin hold onto moisture so the grip doesn’t feel dry or tight.
Rosemary Water
Botanical water that adds a light, fresh feel to the formula.
Lemon Balm & Peppermint
Refreshing botanical waters that soothe and invigorate the skin.
4% Niacinamide (Glow Version)
Boosted version for glowier finish and more even-looking skin tone.
Also available: Matte Power Grip Primer with lemon myrtle for oilier skin, and the dewy finish version with 4% niacinamide.
Application is simple, but the timing matters. Give it those thirty seconds to set, and the difference is immediate.
Moisturize First
Apply your regular moisturizer and let it absorb fully.
Apply Evenly
Spread a thin layer of primer over face, focusing on areas where makeup fades first.
Wait 30 Seconds
Let it set until slightly tacky before applying foundation or concealer.
Apply Makeup
Foundation and concealer will grip and stay put all day.
Tip: The texture is noticeably tacky, more than most primers. It takes a wash or two of getting used to, but that’s exactly what makes it work.
With more than 42,000 ratings and an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, this is one of the most consistently praised products in its category, with roughly 9 out of 10 reviewers rating it 4 or 5 stars.
The most common praise centers on exactly what it’s designed to do — makeup that lasts noticeably longer without looking cakey or dry, even on oily or combination skin. Several buyers specifically mentioned it hasn’t caused breakouts even with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
The honest criticism is about texture. A number of reviewers described it as noticeably tacky, more than they expected. It’s also worth knowing this isn’t the primer for blurring pores or a soft, filtered finish — it’s built for grip and wear time first, smoothing second.
A few buyers also wished the standard size bottle lasted longer, since a little goes further than expected but the tube itself is on the smaller side.
review snapshot
out of 5 stars
based on 42,000+ global ratings