What do you use Power Grip Primer for?

Power Grip Primer is designed to give your foundation, concealer, and the rest of your glam something to hold on to. When you wear it under your complexion products, it means smoother application, less patchiness, and all-day wear that doesn’t budge. If you want your makeup to look freshly applied for hours, Power Grip is the one you call

Why should I use a gripping primer?

Because you want your makeup to last, right?! A gripping primer creates that slightly tacky base that grips onto your makeup, helping it last longer and look better. It also smooths out texture, so your foundation doesn’t sink into fine lines or pores, easily crease, look cakey, or fade throughout the day.

When to use a gripping primer?

Reach for a gripping primer whenever you want your makeup to stay without budging. Think long workdays, nights out, or even just a hot summer day when your makeup usually disappears by lunch. Apply it after skincare, but before foundation or other complexion products. Give it a few seconds to get tacky—then let it work its gripping magic!

What is an e.l.f. hydrating primer for dry skin?

Hydrating primers are like a skin-quenching glass of water before your makeup. If your face tends to feel tight, flaky, or thirsty, a hydrating primer (like our Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide ) not only grips to your makeup but also infuses your skin with moisture so your foundation glides on smoothly. No more clinging to dry patches—just a soft, hydrated canvas that keeps your glow looking fresh.

What are the e.l.f. primers for different makeup finishes: matte, dewy, etc.?

Aside from making your makeup look last, primers also set the tone for the rest of your look, as they offer different finishes before you apply the rest of your makeup. Power Grip Matte Primer provides a smooth, matte finish while minimizing excess shine. For a dewy finish, the original Power Grip Primer creates a smooth base that grips makeup for long-lasting wear without the mattifying effect. If you’re looking for hydration and ingredients to help even out your skin tone, Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide will lock-in moisture, ensuring you’re look doesn’t crack or budge throughout the day. All 3 have the same staying power, different desired finish!

How to choose the right makeup primer for your skin type

Here’s our quick cheat sheet: Oily/Combo Skin: Go for a matte or oil-control primer to help keep shine in check. Dry Skin: Hydrating primers with added skincare ingredients help keep your base smooth and juicy. Uneven Texture or Long Wear Needs: Stick with Power Grip Primer to grip onto makeup and leave a smooth, filtered finish for the ultimate long-wear hold.

How does a gel-based primer differ from a silicone based primer in terms of skin benefits?

Gel-based and silicone-based primers offer different benefits depending on your skin type and desired finish. Gels tend to be lighter weight because they are water based. Gel based are more likely to be non-comedogenic, less likely to clog pores, making them often a better choice for acne-prone skin. Silicone-based primers are known for their ability to fill in pores and fine lines, creating a "blurred" and flawless-looking canvas. The velvety texture of silicone primers allows makeup to glide on effortlessly.

Is Gripping Primer Good For Oily Skin?

Yes, those of you with oily skin types may use a gripping face primer. Gripping primers can help to create a barrier between your skin and makeup, helping makeup to adhere to oily skin better.

Is Power Grip Primer Safe for acne-prone skin?

Yes, e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is formulated to be non-comedogenic, meaning it is designed not to clog pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin. Because everyone's skin is different, it's always a good idea to patch test on a small area before applying to your entire face.

Why does Power Grip Primer feel tacky and is that normal?

Yes, the tacky feel is completely intentional. Power Grip Primer is a sticky gel-based formula. And that tackiness is what gives it its gripping power, helping your makeup stay in place for longer-lasting wear. The sticky sensation typically dissipates as the primer settles into your skin and makeup is applied on top. The result is that your makeup looks better for longer.

How do you apply e.l.f. Power Grip Primer?

For best results, follow these steps: Start with clean, moisturized skin. Cleanse your face, apply your skincare products, and allow them to fully absorb. Dispense a pea-sized amount. A little goes a long way. You can always add more if needed. Pat and press onto your skin. Use your fingertips to gently pat the primer onto your face. The warmth of your fingers helps it melt in for an even application. Allow 30 seconds for primer to set. It will become slightly tacky to grip your makeup. Once the primer feels tacky but not wet, apply foundation and your other makeup as usual.

What skin types is e.l.f. Power Grip Primer good for?

Power Grip Primer is suitable for oily, dry, and combination skin. Its non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores, making it a safe option for acne-prone skin, while its hydrating properties benefit dry and combination skin types. For those with oily skin looking for a matte finish, e.l.f. also offers Power Grip Matte Primer, designed to help minimize the look of shine.

What's the difference between the green Power Grip Primer and the pink Power Grip Primer + Niacinamide?

The main difference between the OG Power Grip Primer (green face primer) and the Power Grip Primer with Niacinamide (pink face primer) is the formula and the skin benefits. The original Power Grip Primer (green) is focused on makeup longevity — its sticky gel formula creates a tacky base for long-lasting wear and is infused with Hyaluronic Acid for hydration. The Power Grip Primer + Niacinamide (pink) keeps all the same gripping properties as the original, with the addition of Niacinamide, which brightens and evens out skin tone for a dewy, glowing finish.

What does e.l.f. Power Grip Primer do?

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a sticky gel-based face primer formulated to grip your makeup and help it last longer. Key benefits include: Long-lasting makeup wear: the sticky gel formula locks makeup in place Hydrating, dewy finish: formulated to hydrate and smooth skin Universal translucent finish: applies clear and works on all skin tones Non-comedogenic: won't clog pores 100% vegan and double-certified cruelty-free by PETA and Leaping Bunny

What does "grip primer" mean?

A grip primer is a type of face primer formulated with a strong ability to hold, or grip, makeup, helping it stay in place for longer. The "gripping" quality typically comes from a tacky, gel-based texture that acts like a base layer your foundation and other makeup adheres to. The term "Power Grip" emphasizes this primer's enhanced adherence compared to regular primers.

What is the difference between Power Grip Primer and Poreless Putty Primer?

Both are popular e.l.f. face primers, but they serve different purposes: Power Grip Primer is all about makeup longevity. Its sticky gel formula grips makeup for long-lasting wear and delivers a dewy, hydrated finish. Best for anyone who needs their makeup to stay put. Poreless Putty Primer is all about skin smoothing. Its putty-like balm texture melts into skin to fill in pores and imperfections, creating a poreless, airbrushed finish. It is best for those with textured skin or larger pores who want a flawless base. If you want hydrated, dewy skin with maximum makeup grip, choose Power Grip Primer. If you want to minimize the appearance of pores and create an airbrushed finish, choose Putty Primer. Some people even use both by applying Putty Primer to pore-prone areas like the T-zone and Power Grip Primer across the rest of the face for all-over longevity.

e.l.f.'s Power Grip Face Primer - #1 Primer in America

Before and After Applying Power Grip Primer and Foundation

The Gripping Features of Power Grip Primer

What's the Difference Between e.l.f. Power Grip Primers - Comparison Chart

Power Grip Primer is Available in Travel Size, OG and Jumbo

e.l.f. Power Grip Face Primer Gel Sticky Formula

e.l.f.'s Power Grip Face Primer - #1 Primer in America packaging

Power Grip Primer

$11

A gel-based, hydrating face primer that smooths skin while gripping your makeup for long-lasting wear.

Size:

Jumbo 2.5 oz / 75 ml Regular 0.8 oz / 24 ml Mini 0.5 oz / 15 ml

One-time Purchase

$11

Pick 1 eyeshadow at checkout from a selection of our favorites FREE with orders $50+.

Why you'll love it:

Power Grip Primer is the #1 Primer in America.*

Sticky gel primer grips makeup for long-lasting wear
Hydrates skin for a dewy finish
Translucent formula works on all skin tones
Non-comedogenic

Key Ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid

Great for: oily, dry and combination skin

Get makeup grip that won't e.l.f.ing quit with the e.l.f.ies' fave primer. The sticky gel formula locks makeup in place for long-lasting wear while hydrating and smoothing skin for a dewy finish. Ideal for all skin tones, the iconic green formula applies clear.

SKU: 82846

How to Use

Use your fingertips to pat primer into your skin.

The warmth of your fingers helps the face primer melt

into your skin for even application.

Build Your Face Routine

Gripping

Hydrating

Long-Lasting

Dewy Finish

Power Grip Primer

$11

A gel-based, hydrating face primer that smooths skin while gripping your makeup for long-lasting wear.

Size:

Jumbo 2.5 oz / 75 ml Regular 0.8 oz / 24 ml Mini 0.5 oz / 15 ml

One-time Purchase

$11

Pick 1 eyeshadow at checkout from a selection of our favorites FREE with orders $50+.

100% Vegan

Cruelty-free

Fair Trade

Why you'll love it:

Power Grip Primer is the #1 Primer in America.*

Sticky gel primer grips makeup for long-lasting wear
Hydrates skin for a dewy finish
Translucent formula works on all skin tones
Non-comedogenic

Key Ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid

Great for: oily, dry and combination skin

SKU: 82846

Gripping Makeup Primer: What It Is & How to ApplyRead Article

How to Choose the Best Makeup Primer For Your Skin TypeRead Article

Here's How Long You Should Wait In Between Applying Moisturizer and Face Primer Read Article

Power Grip Primer

$11

A gel-based, hydrating face primer that smooths skin while gripping your makeup for long-lasting wear.

Size:

Jumbo 2.5 oz / 75 ml Regular 0.8 oz / 24 ml Mini 0.5 oz / 15 ml

One-time Purchase

$11

Pick 1 eyeshadow at checkout from a selection of our favorites FREE with orders $50+.

Why you'll love it:

Power Grip Primer is the #1 Primer in America.*

Sticky gel primer grips makeup for long-lasting wear
Hydrates skin for a dewy finish
Translucent formula works on all skin tones
Non-comedogenic

Key Ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid

Great for: oily, dry and combination skin

SKU: 82846

How to Use

Use your fingertips to pat primer into your skin.

The warmth of your fingers helps the face primer melt

into your skin for even application.

Build Your Face Routine

Before & After

Compare

Power Grip Primer

$11

This Item

Rating

0 Reviews

Finish

Dewy finish

Benefit

Sticky gel formula locks makeup in place for long-lasting wear while hydrating and smoothing skin for a dewy finish.

Get makeup grip that won't e.l.f.ing quit.