By now, everyone and their mother has either heard of or tried the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. It’s one of those viral products that took over social media, praised for its supposed ability to grip makeup and create a flawless base. Naturally, I had high hopes but after thoroughly testing it, I can say it wasn’t the dream primer I was promised.

Here’s my full, unfiltered experience.

First Impressions

Right out of the gate, I was excited. The packaging is simple, sleek, and easy to use a squeezable tube that dispenses just the right amount of product. I appreciated that the primer had a slightly tacky texture, something I expected since "gripping" is in the name. It gave me hope that my makeup would stick around all day, even on my oil-prone skin.

But sadly, the results told a very different story.

Performance : Did It Grip?

Staying Power : ⭐️☆☆☆☆

I made sure to pair the primer with water-based foundations and concealers, as recommended. Still, instead of creating a smooth, long-lasting base, it left my makeup looking patchy, uneven, and frustratingly fragile.

Even after letting the primer "set" for a minute before applying foundation, a tip many users swear by my makeup started separating within just a few hours. By mid-day, I was blotting and reapplying way more than I normally would. My skin looked textured, oily, and frankly, messy.

For something called "Power Grip," I expected a lot more staying power, especially considering how much hype surrounded it.

Skin Reaction : Sensitive Skin, Beware

Breakouts : ⭐️☆☆☆☆

Unfortunately, my problems didn’t stop at patchy makeup. Within a few hours of wearing the Power Grip Primer, my skin started itching and feeling irritated. By the end of the day, I had developed hives and angry breakouts  and to be clear, I am not typically allergic to any of the ingredients listed.

This wasn't just a couple of clogged pores either it was a full-blown reaction. My skin was so inflamed, I had to avoid wearing makeup for several days to recover. Needless to say, it was incredibly disappointing, especially from a brand known for offering affordable, sensitive-skin-friendly products.

Packaging & Usability

Packaging : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

On a positive note, the packaging itself is very user-friendly. The tube is lightweight and travel-friendly, with a clean, functional pump that works well at least until the product runs low. Toward the end, you do have to shake it a little to get the remaining product out, but it’s nothing major.

If only the product inside worked as well for me as the packaging did.

Final Verdict : Would I Repurchase?

Short answer : No.

While I completely understand why people with dry or normal skin may love this primer as it does provide hydration and that signature tacky base that can help makeup stick better as it was a total miss for my oily, sensitive skin. Between the makeup breakdown and the severe breakout, my skin was practically begging me to stop using it.

I really wanted to love the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. I love affordable beauty. I love a good viral moment. But at the end of the day, skincare and makeup are incredibly personal  what works wonders for one person can wreak havoc for another.

If it works for you, I’m genuinely happy! But if you’re oily, sensitive, or acne-prone like me, I’d recommend proceeding with caution or maybe skipping this one altogether.

In Short

Texture : Thick and tacky, as expected for a "grip" primer.

Performance : Patchy application, poor longevity on oily skin.

Skin Reaction : Severe breakout and irritation.

Packaging : Practical and easy to use.

Would I Repurchase? : Absolutely not.