e.l.f. Power Grip Primer vs NYX Face Glue for Oily Skin in Heat & Humidity

I have oily skin (if you're not sure about your skin type, read my guide on how to identify your skin type) and I live in a place where it is basically hot and humid all the time. So primers here are not "optional." They are literally a survival tool.

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer and NYX The Face Glue are both "gripping primers," but they do not behave the same on real skin in real humidity. I tested them the way I actually wear makeup: long days, sweat, and touch-ups.

If you want the short answer: NYX is my winner. It gives me hold without the sticky drama. And if you want the full breakdown, keep reading.

If you want my deep dive on NYX (texture, wear, and my best application tricks), read my full review here: NYX Face Glue Gripping Primer review.

What are gripping primers?

Gripping primers are sticky. They create a tacky base so foundation literally grips to your skin instead of sliding around or separating. If you have oily skin, live somewhere humid, or just want your makeup to actually stay put, gripping primers are designed for you. For a complete step-by-step routine including primer, foundation, and setting spray, read my guide on makeup for oily skin.

But here's the thing: not all gripping primers are created equal. Some are more sticky, some dry down faster, some pill if you rush, and some are more forgiving. That's why this comparison matters. (Still wondering if you need primer at all? Read my guide on whether makeup primer is necessary.)

Side-by-side comparison

Texture and feel

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

This is a clear gel that feels thick and very sticky. When you apply it, you immediately know it's there. The tackiness is intense and lasts a long time. Some people love this because it means maximum grip. Some people hate it because it feels too heavy or slows down makeup application.

In humidity, it stays sticky for even longer. That can be good for grip, but it also means if you try to blend your foundation too fast or rub instead of press, it can pill or drag your tools.

NYX The Face Glue

This is also a gel, but it's lighter and more fluid. It spreads easier, and while it is sticky, it doesn't feel as heavy on the skin. It sets faster than Power Grip, but it still stays grippy enough to hold your makeup.

For me, this texture wins for daily use because it doesn't slow me down. I can apply it, wait 30-60 seconds, and my foundation glides on without dragging.

Application and pilling

This is where the real difference shows up. Both primers can pill if you're not careful, but Power Grip is way less forgiving.

e.l.f. Power Grip pilling issues

• If your moisturizer isn't fully dry, it can pill
• If you rub the primer in instead of pressing, it pills
• If you apply too much, it pills
• If you try to blend foundation over it too fast, it can ball up

This doesn't mean it's a bad primer. It just means you need to be patient and use less product. Thin layer, press it in, wait a full minute, then go in with foundation using a pressing or stippling motion.

NYX The Face Glue is more forgiving

NYX can still pill if you really rush or layer it over wet skincare, but it's more forgiving. I can blend my foundation over it without as much caution, and I don't have to wait as long. This makes it way better for daily wear when I don't have 15 minutes to baby every layer.

Wear test: oily skin in humidity

I tested both primers over the course of two weeks, alternating days. Same skincare, same foundation (Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte), same weather (hot and humid as usual).

e.l.f. Power Grip results

Pros: When applied correctly, it really does grip. My foundation stayed put for 8-10 hours with light blotting. No major separation or sliding. On days when I had time to prep properly, this performed great.

Cons: On rushed mornings, it pilled on me twice. The sticky feel also bothered me more in humidity because it felt like my face couldn't breathe. And if I accidentally touched my face, my fingers stuck to it.

NYX The Face Glue results

Pros: This gave me the same 8-10 hour wear with less hassle. It didn't pill on me once, even when I rushed. The lighter texture felt better in heat, and blending my foundation over it was smooth and easy. This is the one I reached for more often.

Cons: If you want that ultra-sticky grip feel, this might feel less intense. But for me, that was actually a pro.

Which one should you choose?

Choose e.l.f. Power Grip if:

• You want maximum sticky grip
• You have time to prep properly (dry skincare, patient application)
• You're doing a long event, photo shoot, or special occasion
• You don't mind a heavier, tackier feel
• You're okay with being more careful during application

Choose NYX The Face Glue if:

• You want grip without the sticky drama
• You have oily skin and want something easier for daily wear
• You want a primer that's more forgiving if you rush
• You prefer a lighter, more breathable feel in humidity
• You're new to gripping primers and want something easier to work with

My verdict: NYX wins for daily wear

Both primers work. But for oily skin in heat and humidity, NYX The Face Glue is the one I actually reach for more often. It gives me grip without punishing me for being human. It's easier to blend over, it doesn't pill as easily, and it feels lighter in tropical weather.

e.l.f. Power Grip is great when I have time and want that ultra-sticky hold, but for everyday use, NYX is more practical and just as effective.

If you're choosing between them, I'd say start with NYX. It's more beginner-friendly and more forgiving. If you love it and want to try something with even more grip, then try Power Grip for special occasions.

Looking for more primer options? Check out my full guide to best makeup for heat and humidity to see what else works in tropical weather. You can also explore my complete ranking of primers specifically tested for oily skin in what primer is best for oily skin. If you prefer primers focused on oil control and shine reduction, see my best mattifying primer for oily skin guide.

Maddie is here to share beauty knowledge and help you elevate your skincare and makeup routine. Love ya. 💕

Frequently Asked Questions

Which gripping primer is better: e.l.f. Power Grip or NYX Face Glue?

For oily skin in heat and humidity, NYX Face Glue is my winner because it gives me hold without feeling overly sticky and it's easier to blend makeup over. e.l.f. Power Grip can grip hard, but it's less forgiving and can increase pilling if you rush or layer too much.

Is NYX Face Glue less sticky than e.l.f. Power Grip?

Yes. NYX Face Glue feels lighter and less tacky on my skin, while Power Grip has a more noticeable sticky phase that you can feel during application.

Which one is better for oily skin in humidity?

If you get shiny fast, NYX Face Glue is easier for daily wear in humidity. Power Grip can still work, but you need a lighter hand and more patience between skincare, primer, and foundation.

Do gripping primers cause pilling?

They can. Pilling usually happens when you rub, layer too much, or apply primer on top of skincare that hasn't set. Press the primer in, use less product, and give each layer a minute.

How long should I wait after applying a gripping primer?

I wait about 30–60 seconds, then I go in with foundation in thin layers. If it still feels wet, give it a bit longer—humidity slows dry-down.