Makeup Meltdown? 🫠 I Tested 5 Viral Drugstore Primers (e.l.f. vs. Revlon) to See What Sticks
I went on a drugstore deep dive to find the best sticky, gripping, and blurring primers that actually rival high-end brands. I tested these on long work days, through humidity, and under heavy makeup. Here is my ranking of the 5 primers that passed the "Meltdown Test." 👇
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All reviews are based on personal experience and not professional advice. Results may vary.
If you are looking for the perfect gift for a makeup lover (or yourself), check out my Top 5 Best Beauty Gifts for Christmas guide!
1. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer ⚡️
You cannot scroll TikTok without seeing this green tube. The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is famous for being a dupe of the expensive Milk Hydro Grip. The texture is a clear, sticky gel. When I say sticky, I mean sticky. You tap it on, and your fingers literally adhere to your face. 🖐️
I applied my foundation while it was still tacky, and wow. My makeup didn't budge for 10 hours. It hydrates with Hyaluronic Acid but grips like glue. It’s weird at first, but it works miracles.
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
2. Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Primer 💧
If the e.l.f. primer scares you because of the stickiness, this Maybelline one is the opposite. It feels like a lightweight, creamy lotion. It’s packed with Vitamin E and is designed specifically for "Normal to Dry" skin.
I loved how this smoothed over my dry patches instantly. It doesn't have that intense "grip," but it creates a beautiful, hydrated canvas. My foundation glided on top like butter. It gives a subtle glow that peeks through your base.
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
To get that perfect radiant finish, pair this primer with one of the blushes from My Top 5 Glow Essentials list.
3. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Lasting Primer 🔒
The L'Oreal Infallible line is legendary for a reason—it refuses to quit. This primer is a white, creamy formula that dries down matte. It’s not overly drying, but it definitely puts a stop to shine.
I used this on my T-zone where I get oily, and I noticed my pores looked significantly blurred. It feels a bit more silicone-heavy than the Maybelline one, which makes it great for filling in texture. It kept my nose matte until lunch, which is a record for me! 🕒
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
4. Revlon ColorStay Grip Primer 🛡️
This was the biggest surprise of the bunch. The Revlon ColorStay Grip claims to mattify and grip, which is usually impossible (gripping is usually wet!). But somehow, they did it. It has a "Superfood Detox Blend" (Citrus + Aloe) which smells fresh.
It goes on clear but dries to a soft-matte finish. It gripped my foundation almost as well as the e.l.f. one, but without the extreme stickiness. It blurred my imperfections nicely while keeping the oil at bay. A solid multitasker.
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
Pro Tip: When choosing a primer, make sure it matches your foundation's base ingredient to prevent separation. Check out this guide on understanding foundation ingredients to see if you should be pairing silicone with silicone or water with water!
5. Wet N Wild Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer 📸
First off, the name "Till Prime Dew Us Part" is hilarious. 😂 But does it work? For the price, absolutely. This has a pearlescent, champagne tint to it. It’s not glittery, but it gives your skin a "lit from within" look immediately.
I actually wore this alone without foundation just to look more awake on a Zoom call. It’s very lightweight. It doesn't blur pores much, but it makes your skin look healthy and vibrant. It’s a steal for the price.
| ✅ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
Skincare is just as important as primer! Don't miss my deep dive into the Top 5 Viral Vitamin C Serums for brightening your base naturally.
Final Thoughts 💭
So, who wins the battle? 🥊 If you need your makeup to survive a hurricane, buy the e.l.f. Power Grip. If you want a soft, everyday blur, go for Revlon. And if you are on a strict budget but want that glow, Wet n Wild is your best friend.
Don't skip this step! A good primer is the anchor your makeup needs. Happy priming! 🖌️
Frequently Asked Questions 🙋♀️
"Best" depends on your skin type, but currently, the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is the highest-rated viral favorite for its ability to lock makeup in place for 12+ hours.
For combination skin, you want something that grips but controls oil. The Revlon ColorStay Grip Primer is excellent because it balances hydration with a matte finish.
Absolutely! Using a blurring or dewy primer (like the Wet n Wild one) on its own can smooth out your texture and make your skin look naturally polished without heavy coverage.
Use your clean fingers to melt the product into your skin. Apply a pea-sized amount and let it sit for a full minute to "set" before applying foundation. This prevents pilling.
Yes, as long as you wash your face properly at night. Look for non-comedogenic primers (like the Maybelline Fit Me) if you are prone to breakouts to avoid clogging pores.
Last Updated: December 2025
){kind=link}
0 Comments