We’ve all been there: you spend precious time perfecting your foundation, only to look in the mirror a few hours later and see it sliding off, settling into lines, or breaking up around your T-zone. It’s frustrating—but luckily, there’s a solution that’s gone viral for all the right reasons: gripping primer.
Gripping primers are specially designed to do exactly what the name suggests—grip onto your makeup so it lasts longer, looks smoother, and resists that dreaded midday meltdown. Their unique gel-based textures create a slightly tacky base that locks in foundation, concealer, and everything else you layer on top.
A viral, holy grail gripping primer? Our Power Grip Primer: Our OG face primer that delivers all the long-lasting benefits of high-end gripping primers—but without the high price tag!
Consider this your crash course in gripping primers. We’re diving into what they are, why they’re magic for your makeup look, and how to nail application like a pro. Let’s get gripping!
What is a Gripping Primer?
If your makeup has ever melted, slid, or disappeared halfway through the day, you’ve probably already met the problem that gripping primers are designed to solve. Unlike traditional face primers—which were originally created just to smooth the look of skin—gripping primers bring an entirely new superpower to the table: staying power! These primers have a tacky, gel-based texture that *literally* grips onto your makeup, holding foundation, concealer, and even cream products in place so they can last.
And here’s the good news: face primers have come a long way from proving simple, velvety bases. Today’s formulations are multi-taskers: hydrating primer, correcting primer, mattifying primer, or illuminating primer—depending on what your skin needs. Gripping primers stand out because they don’t just prep the skin, they work to actively extend the wear of your makeup while keeping it looking fresh—a.k.a., why they’ve gone mega viral across TikTok and Instagram. A great example of a classic gripping primer? We have to shout out Power Grip Primer again, which combines that sticky, stay-put texture with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, to hydrate while it holds.
What are the Benefits of Using a Gripping Primer?
When it comes to elevating your makeup look, gripping makeup primers deliver a few stand-out perks that are game-changers for your routine, let’s take a look:
Extended Makeup Longevity:
The star feature of gripping primers is right in the name—they grip. That tacky, gel-like texture gives your foundation, concealer, and other face products something to hold onto, keeping your look smooth and locked in from morning to night.
Skincare Benefits:
Many gripping primers don’t just hold your makeup; they care for your skin, too. Our Power Grip Primer is formulated with hyaluronic acid—a hydration powerhouse that helps plump and refresh the appearance of your skin. That means your makeup won’t just last longer—it’ll also sit beautifully on a hydrated, healthy-looking base.
Versatility:
Liquid foundation? Check. Cream blush? Absolutely. Powder products? Yes, those too! Gripping primers are universal partners for just about any formula, helping everything apply more evenly and wear more comfortably. Whatever your makeup style may be, a gripping primer works behind the scenes to keep it all together.
Value:
Here’s the best part: you don’t have to spend luxury prices to get luxury performance. While many high-end gripping primers go for $60 or more, Power Grip Primer delivers the same viral, all-day hold for just $24. Long wear without the splurge? Sign us (and our skin!) up.
How is Gripping Primer Different from Other Makeup Primer Formulas?
Not all makeup primers are created equal—and that’s actually a good thing. Different primer formulas are designed to target different skin needs, and gripping primers stand out thanks to their unique texture and staying power.
Pore-focused primers (like our Liquid Poreless Putty Primer), aim to smooth and blur the appearance of your skin for a filter-like finish. Color-correcting primers tackle uneven tones (think redness or dullness) by neutralizing with subtle pigments, while acne-prone skin primers often include breakout-friendly ingredients to help balance and calm.
Gripping primers focus on one key superpower: adhesion. They work to “grip” your foundation so it doesn’t slide or separate, even after a long day. Plus, thanks to hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for longevity—your skin gets that plump, bouncy feel while your makeup stays flawless.
How to Correctly Apply e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Like any great makeup look, it all starts with the prep. Before reaching for your gripping primer, make sure your skin is cleansed and moisturised—this ensures a smooth, healthy, and hydrated base for the primer to do its best work.
When it’s time to apply, less is more. Use the pump to squeeze out a pea-sized amount of Power Grip Primer and use clean fingertips to gently pat (not rub) the gel formula into your skin. Rubbing can disrupt the tacky finish that makes gripping primers so effective, while patting can help it melt in evenly. Pay special attention to your T-zone, chin, nose, or any other areas where makeup tends to slip.
Here’s the secret step that makes all the difference: wait. Give the primer at least 30 seconds to fully set before layering on foundation. This allows that “grip” texture to form, creating a surface that your makeup can cling to all day.
Avoid common mistakes like applying too much (which can cause pilling) or skipping wait time. Once you lock in these techniques, Power Grip Primer doesn’t just extend your wear—it elevates your entire routine!
How to Layer Gripping Primer with Other Makeup Primers
Gripping primers are amazing on their own, but sometimes your skin—or your makeup goals—calls for a little extra customization. The key is knowing how to layer without compromising the grip that keeps your foundation in place. Start with a more targeted primer, like a blurring or pore-filling primer, to smooth out texture or minimize visible pores. Apply a thin layer only where you need it, because less is more when layering.
Next, add a gripping primer on top. Focus on the areas where your makeup usually fades or slips—T-zone, under the eyes, nose, and chin. Gently pat it in, rather than rubbing to maintain that tacky finish, which helps your foundation adhere seamlessly.
For extra customization, you can even mix primers: a hydrating primer in dry areas, a mattifying primer where shine tends to build, and your gripping primer over both to ensure long-lasting wear. And remember: always allow each layer to set for 20–30 seconds before applying the next to prevent pilling or uneven texture.
Layering primers isn’t about overloading your skin—it’s about creating a balanced, performance-driven base that supports every foundation formula you choose. With a little strategic layering, your makeup will look flawless and stay put from morning to night!
Guide to e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primers
e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer collection is all about creating a long-lasting, flawless base for your makeup. Each formula has its own special twist, so you can find the perfect match for your skin’s needs:
1. Power Grip Primer:
The fan-favorite OG gel-based gripping primer. Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, it creates a tacky canvas that helps foundation stay put all day. Perfect for all skin types and anyone who is looking for long-lasting wear and a smooth finish.
2. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide:
This multi-tasking formula not only grips makeup but also helps refine the look of pores and balance skin tone. Niacinamide is known to help even out skin tone and brighten[1] while maintaining the signature Power Grip’s formula and stickiness for foundation adherence.
3. Power Grip Matte Primer:
Designed for oily or combination skin, this version controls shine while still providing that signature gripping effect. It’s great for keeping makeup in place without compromising on a seamless, matte finish.
And for those who can’t get enough of their favorite primer, Jumbo Power Grip Primer is here. Same OG Power Grip formula you know and love, now in a larger size at an even better value.
Frequently asked questions about gripping primers:
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:
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.
