In the past, I had a favorite drugstore grip primer that I always recommended to others: the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. I used up many tubes of it, relying on it whenever I needed my makeup to last through anything. It was one of the first drugstore grippy primers to gain popularity, and even as other brands introduced their own versions, I remained loyal to the original.
However, as I entered my 30s, I noticed changes in my skin, and some of my old favorites, including the Power Grip primer, weren’t performing as well for me anymore. This prompted me to explore other options to find a better match for my current needs. Over a two-week period, I tested three different drugstore grip primers against my old favorite to determine which one suited me best now.
Continue reading to discover my new favorite primer, along with ratings for each based on Grip, Glow, Skin Feel, and Wear Time.
To ensure a fair comparison, I used the same makeup products with all primers:
I applied the about face Curtain Call Powder in Veil to my t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) without setting spray to accurately assess the wear time of each primer.
The Former Favorite: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
My previous favorite, the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is now priced at $11 (up from $10) and is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. It contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for hydration. I found that it minimized the appearance of my pores and texture, although the thicker formula could lead to creasing in my expression lines.
Grip: 5/5
This primer is the stickiest of the ones I tested. The tackiness is noticeable as you move your face, making it slightly challenging to blend makeup on top.
Skin Feel: 4/5 (heavy)
While this primer is heavier, it has always kept my makeup looking fresh all day. The thicker consistency can make it tricky to spread evenly, potentially causing patchy makeup application. Despite this, it has been effective for me over the years.
Glow: 4/5
The primer promises a “dolphin skin” glow, giving a slick appearance that shines through foundation. As someone with combination skin, the shine increased throughout the day, though it didn’t appear greasy.
Wear Time: 4/5
While I previously rated this primer a 5/5, it no longer meets my expectations as it used to. By the end of the day, my pores and skin texture are less blurred, and my makeup starts to look cakey. There is noticeable creasing in my laugh lines, and coverage breaks down slightly around blemishes. Although there isn’t significant fading, it doesn’t provide the same results as before.
I believe this primer is still suitable for younger or drier skin, but it no longer meets my current needs as effectively.
Watch the video at the top of the page for a closer look at the before/after results.
Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer
This hybrid makeup-skincare product has gained popularity on social media! The Maybelline Grippy Serum Primer is priced around $13 and claims to extend wear time up to 24 hours. It is a vegan, non-comedogenic, hydrating formula containing 2% Niacinamide and is fragrance-free.
Grip: 3.5/5
Initially, this serum feels like a skincare serum, easy to spread but quickly drying down to a tacky texture. While it enhances makeup application and blendability, it may result in a heavier overall appearance.
Skin Feel: 2.5/5 (light/medium)
The lightweight serum consistency makes it easy to apply evenly, providing a comfortable feel on the skin.
Glow: 3/5
This primer imparts a dewy look without appearing overly shiny. The radiance increases slightly throughout the day.
Wear Time: 4/5
Even after 12 hours, the coverage remains intact with minimal creasing and no significant fading. However, dry areas and texture may appear emphasized as the day progresses.
essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer
This drugstore grip primer surprised me. Priced at only $5.99, the essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer is vegan, cruelty-free, and claims to hold makeup while hydrating the skin. It has a fruity perfume scent, which, although light, may not be suitable for all users. I found this primer to offer the most smoothing effect among the four compared, despite its thin formula.
Grip: 2/5
This primer provides a slight grip to hold makeup in place without feeling overly sticky, allowing for comfortable movement of the face and easier makeup application.
Glow: 2/5
It adds a moisturized appearance with a subtle radiance, not becoming excessively shiny throughout the day, making it ideal for combination and oily skin types.
Skin Feel: 1/5 (most lightweight)
Remarkably lightweight, this primer feels like it absorbs into the skin, offering hydration and a gel-like texture. It spreads easily, feels weightless, and maintains comfort under makeup.
Wear Time: 5/5
Surprisingly, this primer outperformed the others, maintaining makeup integrity over 12 hours. It excelled despite its lightness, proving effective and long-lasting.
This primer exceeded expectations given its affordable price.
Revolution Superfix Super Grip Primer
This primer was a new discovery for me during this comparison test. Priced at $10, the Revolution Superfix Super Grip Primer contains Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Watermelon extract to blur pores, provide hydration, and brighten the complexion. It is non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, and vegan, with a slightly stronger fragrance than the essence primer.
Grip: 3.5/5
This primer offers decent grip, though not as sticky as others. It may require more product for coverage due to its challenging blendability, resulting in a heavier makeup finish.
Glow: 4/5
For a dewy look, this primer delivers radiance that continues throughout the day, even after setting with powder.
Skin Feel: 3/5 (medium)
Slightly heavier than the essence primer, this product spreads well but may feel more substantial on the skin, sitting between the essence and Maybelline primers in terms of weight.
Wear Time: 4/5
After 11 hours, makeup remained even and smooth, with minimal creasing and no significant fading. However, some areas may appear dry or textured as the day progresses.
After testing these four drugstore grip primers extensively, the essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer emerged as my new favorite choice. Its lightweight feel and long-lasting makeup retention impressed me the most. Despite the fragrance, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for me.
If you prefer fragrance-free options, the Maybelline Grippy Serum would be a suitable alternative. However, additional moisturization may be necessary for textured skin.
Have you tried any of these grip primers, or do you have another favorite?
– Miranda
