elf Power Grip Primer is designed to help extend the wear time of your makeup by giving you a sticky base for products to adhere to. This primer is formulated with a water-based gel, which provides a smooth canvas for makeup application. I am dishing out the full details on this primer, including a review, to see if it meets the hype and its claims
Details & Claims
I will start with where to buy this gripping primer. Most retailers that carry elf will have this primer, which include Amazon, elf, Ulta, Target, and Walmart. You may even have luck at Walgreens and CVS.
It normally sells for around $10. It has .81 fl oz of product in a pump tube package.
This is a gel-based makeup primer that contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to smooth and plump your skin. It provides a natural finish with a clear formula. It is designed to grip your makeup in place while also being non-comedogenic. This means it does not clog your pores.
You are to apply this product evenly to your face and pat it into the skin. The heat of your fingers will melt the product into your skin. Then, allow it to dry for at least 30 seconds before makeup application.
Ingredients
Below is the full ingredient list.
Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Peg-150 Distearate, Niacinamide, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Mentha Piperita, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Menthol, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Peg-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Edta, 1,2-Hexanediol
May Contain
Blue 1 (Ci 42090),Yellow 5 (Ci 19140)
Review
I have been exposed to several reviews where people describe this primer in a very dramatic fashion, making it sound as sticky as glue. While it is true that it creates a tacky base for makeup to stick to, this is no where near glue. My best tip on how to apply elf Power Grip Primer is to use your fingers to evenly spread it across your skin, then pat. It is true that the heat of your hands will melt it into your skin.
Makeup does apply normally over top and it layers well with your skincare and other products, but I have some thoughts in terms of it extending the wear time of makeup. If you pair this primer with a foundation that you do not particularly like, it is not going to make it wear longer or better. When you pair it with a good foundation that normally holds up well, I think this primer enhances wear time.
As someone who wears the product on oily skin, I find that this primer does not control oil production. So, keep that in mind as you choose your skincare products and such. I have a list of the best elf primer for combination skin that will definitely help you out.
Also, I never pair powder foundations with sticky primers, because the last thing you want is the powder to look like it is actually “stuck” in areas. This type of primer is best for cream and liquid foundations.
Ultimately, I like this primer and I will use it again. I find that it meets its claims, as long as you do not expect it to transform a weak foundation.
Comparing The History of Gripping
elf first gave us a sticky, gripping primer with the Jellypop Dew Primer. Next, they slightly changed the formula (as well as the color and scent) to give us the limited edition and discontinued Mint Melt Cooling Face Primer.
hen, elf changed the formula again to give us Power Grip. Basically, Jellypop is the original or the base formula, then they tweak it each time and give it a new name. You might think of Power Grip as the new and improved version.
They also offer a pink one called + 4% Niacinamide to brigthen and even out skin tone.
Besides these popular sticky primers, elf also has a full line of Putty Primers that people are head over heels about. I put them to a head-to-head test in my review on which elf Putty Primer is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elf Power Grip Primer water or silicone based?
elf Power Grip primer is water based and oil free. It is able to provide a smooth base for makeup application without the use of silicones. This also means that it does not clog your pores.
Is the elf Power Grip Primer good for oily skin?
elf Power Grip Primer is formulated for use on all skin types, including oily skin. However, it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s skin is unique and may react differently to various products. If you have particularly oily skin, you may want to use it in combination with other oil-control measures such as blotting papers or mattifying powder.
What base is Power Grip Primer?
elf Power Grip Primer is a gel-base formulated without oil or silicones. It contains hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture for a plumping effect.
Shop The Primer
The sticky clear gel leaves you with a natural finish that smooths out your skin for makeup application. While it is not sticky like glue, it does meet its claims to rival high-end gripping primers. Do you like using sticky primers? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
