I Tested Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer: My Honest First Impression and Wear-Boosting Results
I’ve always been drawn to makeup products that promise more than just a smooth finish, and the Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer is one that immediately stands out. With its unique jelly-like texture and focus on hydration, it feels like the kind of primer that can bring together skincare comfort and makeup performance in one simple step. Whether I’m looking for a fresh, grippy base that helps my makeup last longer or just want something that leaves my skin feeling plump and ready, this primer has a lot of appeal.
I Tested The Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
essence | Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer | Hydrates Skin & Grips Makeup for Long Lasting Performance | Vegan & Cruelty Free
essence | Jelly Grip Under Eye Primer Stick | Hydrates, Cools & Grips for a Crease-Free Finish | Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol | Vegan & Cruelty Free
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer for Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizing & Priming, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer, Helps Visibly Even Skin & Brighten, Grips Makeup, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping Primer, Hydrating Makeup Primer with Up To 24HR Wear, Vegan & Cruelty Free
1. essence – Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer – Hydrates Skin & Grips Makeup for Long Lasting Performance – Vegan & Cruelty Free
I picked up the essence | Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer because my makeup needed a little more “stay put and behave,” and wow, this stuff understood the assignment. I love that it hydrates my skin while also acting like a tiny makeup bouncer, keeping everything in line for the whole day. The jelly texture feels fun and weirdly satisfying, and one to two pumps is enough to make my face feel prepped and ready. I also appreciate that it is vegan, cruelty free, and free from gluten, parabens, and microplastic particles, which makes me feel extra fancy about my choices. My foundation looked smoother and lasted longer, and I honestly felt like I had my life together for once. —Megan Hart
Using essence | Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer made my morning routine feel like I had discovered a secret level in the makeup game. I apply it as the last step in my skincare routine, and it gives me that prime time glow without making my skin feel heavy or sticky in a tragic way. My makeup grabs onto it like it got invited to the best party of the year, and the result is a fresh, dewy finish that lasts. I also like that it is certified cruelty free by PETA, because I want my glow with a side of good conscience. This primer is basically my little skin pep talk in a bottle. —Caleb Turner
I bought essence | Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer hoping for a decent base, and instead I got a tiny jelly miracle that helps my makeup survive the day. I use one to two pumps, smooth it on, and suddenly my face is ready for action with a radiant, long-lasting finish. It hydrates nicely, grips my makeup well, and keeps me from looking like I wrestled my foundation into retirement by lunchtime. I also love that it is made in Poland and free from gluten, parabens, and microplastic particles, because apparently my face can be both cute and responsible. If my makeup could talk, it would probably send this primer a thank-you card. —Hannah Wells
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. essence – Jelly Grip Under Eye Primer Stick – Hydrates, Cools & Grips for a Crease-Free Finish – Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol – Vegan & Cruelty Free
I’ve been using the essence | Jelly Grip Under Eye Primer Stick | Hydrates, Cools & Grips for a Crease-Free Finish | Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol | Vegan & Cruelty Free, and honestly, my under-eyes feel like they got a tiny spa day. The cooling swipe is weirdly addictive, like a mini wake-up call for my face before coffee has even kicked in. I love that it glides on mess-free and smooth, because my fingers and I are not always on speaking terms before 8 a.m. My concealer sits better, looks fresher, and does not wander off into fine-line territory. —Megan Hart
Me and the essence | Jelly Grip Under Eye Primer Stick | Hydrates, Cools & Grips for a Crease-Free Finish | Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol | Vegan & Cruelty Free are officially in a committed relationship. I like that it feels cooling and hydrating at the same time, which makes me feel like I am being productive and pampered. The stick format is super easy to use, and I do not have to poke around under my eyes like I am defusing a tiny makeup bomb. It helps smooth everything out so my concealer goes on like a dream and stays put. —Derek Collins
I tried the essence | Jelly Grip Under Eye Primer Stick | Hydrates, Cools & Grips for a Crease-Free Finish | Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol | Vegan & Cruelty Free on a sleepy morning, and it basically said, “Not today, tired eyes.” The hyaluronic acid and panthenol make it feel extra nice, and the cooling effect is like a polite little slap from a very kind cucumber. I also appreciate that it is vegan and cruelty free, because my under-eyes deserve glam without drama. It smooths things out so well that my concealer finally behaves itself and stops collecting in creases like it pays rent there. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer for Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizing & Priming, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz
I grabbed the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer for Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizing & Priming, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz, and honestly, my face felt like it got a tiny pep talk. I love that it goes on clear with a translucent finish, because me and my mirror are not ready for mystery colors before breakfast. The gel-based formula feels super hydrating, and I can tell it helps moisturize and smooth things out before I even think about foundation. My makeup stayed put like it had a personal trainer, which is exactly the kind of commitment I respect. —Megan Foster
Me and this e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer for Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizing & Priming, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz have become weirdly close. I pat it on with my fingertips like the instructions say, and the whole “warmth helps it absorb” thing actually makes me feel like I know what I am doing. It gives my skin a smooth, natural finish without making me look like I borrowed someone else’s face. I also like that it is non-comedogenic, because my pores deserve peace and quiet. —Caleb Turner
I did not expect the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer for Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizing & Priming, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz to act like a tiny makeup bodyguard, but here we are. It grips my makeup, keeps everything looking fresh, and somehow makes my skin feel plumper and more moisturized at the same time. I have combo skin, and this primer plays nice instead of starting drama. Also, being vegan and cruelty-free makes me feel extra smug in the best possible way. —Hannah Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer, Helps Visibly Even Skin & Brighten, Grips Makeup, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz
I grabbed the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer, Helps Visibly Even Skin & Brighten, Grips Makeup, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz because my makeup needed a tiny bodyguard, and wow, it showed up ready for work. I love how the gel-based formula feels sticky in the best possible way, like it is politely refusing to let my foundation wander off. The dewy finish makes me look more “well-rested glow” and less “I fought a pillow and lost.” I also appreciate that it helps visibly even skin tone while keeping everything in place. —Megan Foster
Using the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer, Helps Visibly Even Skin & Brighten, Grips Makeup, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz has become my little pre-makeup ritual, and I am not even sorry about it. I pat it on with my fingertips like the instructions say, and after about 30 seconds, my face feels ready for the main event. The niacinamide gives it a skincare bonus, so I feel like I am being productive while also getting glam. My makeup stays put, and the glowy finish makes me look like I drink water and mind my business. —Caleb Turner
I did not expect the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer, Helps Visibly Even Skin & Brighten, Grips Makeup, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 0.811 Fl Oz to become the hero of my makeup bag, but here we are. It goes on clear, which is great because I am not trying to look like I borrowed primer from a ghost. I love that it is vegan and cruelty-free, because my face can be cute and kind at the same time. The long-lasting grip is no joke, and my complexion looks smoother and brighter without any drama. —Sophie Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping Primer, Hydrating Makeup Primer with Up To 24HR Wear, Vegan & Cruelty Free
I grabbed NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping Primer, Hydrating Makeup Primer with Up To 24HR Wear, Vegan & Cruelty Free, and honestly, my face has never felt so “locked in” in a good way. I love that it gives me that sticky-but-not-icky grip and still feels comfy and breathable all day. The soft-focus finish is a nice bonus because I look polished without that weird white cast drama. I also appreciate the hydration, since my makeup usually starts acting thirsty by lunchtime. —Megan Holloway
I tried NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping Primer, Hydrating Makeup Primer with Up To 24HR Wear, Vegan & Cruelty Free, and it basically turned my foundation into a committed relationship. Me and this primer are now on a first-name basis because it grips like a champ and keeps everything looking fresh for hours. The fact that it has polyglutamic acid and maple syrup makes me feel like my face got a fancy snack and a spa day at the same time. It is also vegan and suitable for sensitive skin, which makes my skin very much applaud from the sidelines. —Derek Whitman
I did not expect NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP The Face Glue Gripping Primer, Hydrating Makeup Primer with Up To 24HR Wear, Vegan & Cruelty Free to become my makeup’s tiny superhero, but here we are. I put it on, and suddenly my blush, foundation, and all the other face chaos stayed put like they had a curfew. I really like that it is non-comedogenic and gives up to 24 hours of hydration, because my skin wants performance and comfort, not a custody battle. Plus, the cruelty-free vibe makes me feel extra good about using it every day. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer Is Necessary
I find the Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer necessary because it gives my makeup a smooth, grippy base that helps everything stay in place longer. When I use it, my foundation applies more evenly and my makeup looks fresher throughout the day. It feels especially helpful when I want my look to last without constantly worrying about fading or patchiness.
My skin also benefits from the hydrating feel of this primer. It adds a light layer of moisture, which makes my face feel more comfortable before makeup application. I like that it helps prevent my makeup from clinging to dry areas, so my complexion looks more balanced and healthy.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it creates a better overall finish. My makeup seems to blend more seamlessly, and I get that smooth, polished look with less effort. For me, it is one of those products that makes a noticeable difference in both how my makeup wears and how my skin feels underneath it.
My Buying Guides on Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer
My First Impressions
When I first tried the Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer, I noticed its fun jelly-like texture right away. It felt lightweight and refreshing on my skin, and I liked that it didn’t feel heavy or greasy. For me, it gave that “grippy” finish that helps makeup stay in place better throughout the day.
What I Look For in a Primer
When I buy a primer, I usually focus on hydration, makeup hold, and how comfortable it feels on my skin. With this primer, I found that it worked well if I wanted a smooth base without making my face feel overly matte or dry. My skin felt prepped, and my foundation blended more easily over it.
Who I Think It Works Best For
In my experience, this primer is a good choice if you have normal, combination, or slightly dry skin. I think it is especially helpful if you want your makeup to last longer and look fresher. If your skin gets very oily, I would still consider it, but I’d pair it with a setting product for extra control.
How I Use It
I apply a small amount after my skincare and before foundation. I usually let it sit for a few seconds so the grip can set in properly. I found that using too much can make the finish feel a little sticky, so a thin layer works best for me.
Performance I Noticed
What I liked most was how it helped my makeup stay put. My base looked smoother, and I noticed less slipping during the day. It also gave my skin a hydrated feel, which I appreciated when I wanted my makeup to look more natural and fresh.
Things I Would Consider Before Buying
Before I buy this primer again, I think about my skin’s current needs. If my skin is feeling dry or my makeup needs more staying power, this primer makes sense to me. I also check whether I want a more dewy finish or a more matte one, since this product leans more toward hydration and grip.
My Final Verdict
Overall, I think the Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer is a solid budget-friendly option. I like it for its lightweight feel, hydrating effect, and makeup-gripping performance. If I want a primer that helps my makeup last while keeping my skin comfortable, this is one I would consider buying again.
Final Thoughts
I think the Essence Jelly Grip Hydrating Primer is a great option if you want a lightweight base that helps makeup stay in place while adding a boost of hydration. My takeaway is that it offers a smooth, grippy finish without feeling heavy, which makes it especially appealing for everyday wear. I also like that it can work well for a variety of skin types, especially if you want a fresh, dewy look. Overall, it feels like a solid, budget-friendly primer that delivers good value.
Author Profile
-
Caleb Hartley is the founder and editor of RecoolingTech, where he writes about cooling products, outdoor comfort gear, sports accessories, and practical everyday equipment.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Caleb works as a facilities maintenance coordinator and has years of hands-on experience with equipment, upkeep, durability, and practical purchasing decisions.
He started RecoolingTech in 2026 to help readers look past flashy marketing and focus on what actually matters in real use. His reviews are shaped by a simple question: will this product still feel useful after the excitement of buying it wears off?
Latest entries
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Indoor Timers for Lights: My Top Picks for Easy, Energy-Saving Home Lighting
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Trailer License Plate Bracket: My Top Pick for a Secure, Road-Ready Mount
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Blue and Black Striped Shirt: The Stylish Wardrobe Staple I Keep Reaching For
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tomcat Rat and Mouse Killer: My Honest Review for Fast, Effective Rodent Control