Milk Hydro Grip primer dupe

Quick answers

What is the best Milk Hydro Grip dupe?

By label, the NYX Face Glue Gripping Primer ($7.65). Of the primers we priced on Amazon, it is the only one that lists both PVP and carbomer, as Hydro Grip does. See how each one feels below.

Is e.l.f. Power Grip a dupe for Milk Hydro Grip?

It is the one most people name, and the best seller (50K+ bought on Amazon last month). By label it is a different formula: it shares glycerin, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, but has no PVP or carbomer, and it adds menthol and peppermint leaf water.

What makes these primers grippy?

The brands credit different things. Milk says "Blue Agave Extract grips makeup." NYX says its primer is "formulated with ingredients like Maple Syrup, known for being super grippy." On the labels, Milk and NYX both list PVP, which the EU's cosmetic ingredient database lists as "film forming," and carbomer; Milk also lists pullulan. Labels do not give amounts.

Do they feel sticky?

Milk calls Hydro Grip a "Lightweight Gel." NYX says its primer has "all of the glue and none of the sticky feel." e.l.f. calls Power Grip a "gel-based face primer," and its label lists menthol, which can feel cool.

Is Maybelline Grippy Serum the same as e.l.f. Power Grip?

Close. Their first six ingredients are the same; only the 5th and 6th swap places (niacinamide and polysorbate 80). Maybelline has no menthol or peppermint. It is $9.97 for 1 fl oz.

Are these primers silicone-free?

Yes. None of the primers in our price table lists a silicone (no dimethicone or other "-cone"). Milk calls Hydro Grip a "silicone-free formula."

What about essence Jelly Grip?

By label it is another close match: it lists PVP and carbomer near the top, and it also lists fragrance. We did not find it sold by Amazon, so it is not in our price table.

Which size is the best value?

For Milk, the 1.52 fl oz bottle ($38, $25.00 an ounce); the 1 fl oz is $30.00 an ounce; the 0.33 fl oz travel size is $60.61 an ounce but only $20 to try. For e.l.f., the 2.5 fl oz Jumbo ($25) is $10.00 an ounce, less than the regular size.