Key Takeaways
NYX The Face Glue is one of those products TikTok swears will make your makeup survive heat, sweat, and bad decisions. It's water-based, promises serious grip, and claims to be acne-safe. I tested it the way people actually wear makeup—through long days, sunscreen, and humidity. Here's the honest verdict.
What It Is
The Face Glue is a gripping primer designed to help makeup stick to your skin instead of sliding around like butter on a hot pan. It's not a silicone blur primer that fills in pores. It's a hydrating gel-lotion that dries down tacky, then disappears once foundation goes on.
The promise: 24-hour makeup hold with a water-based formula that plays well with most foundations and won't clog pores.
My Experience
My skin is combination with an oily T-zone, and I've used this primer on and off for three months. When I first tried it, I overapplied and got pilling immediately. Once I learned to use a thin layer and wait for tackiness, my base lasted noticeably longer—6 to 8 hours with minimal fading.
It works best when paired with powder foundations or water-based liquids. With silicone-heavy foundations, I got some balling up if I rubbed too hard during application.
The Good
Pros
- Actual grip: Makeup stays put longer and fades more evenly.
- Water-based: Works well with hydrating or water-based foundations.
- Non-comedogenic claim: I didn't break out, but YMMV.
- Budget-friendly: Under $15 for a solid amount of product.
- Extends wear time: Makeup survives longer days without touch-ups.
The Not-So-Good
Cons
- Pilling risk: If you use too much or rub foundation on, it balls up.
- Tackiness period: You need to wait for it to dry down before applying makeup.
- Not great with all foundations: Heavy silicone formulas can clash.
- Doesn't blur texture: It's a gripping primer, not a smoothing one.
How to Use It Properly
This is where most people mess up. Here's the method that actually works:
- Apply a thin layer only. Less is genuinely more. One pump for the whole face.
- Wait 60–120 seconds. It needs to go from wet to tacky. That's when the grip happens.
- Press foundation on—don't rub. Use a sponge or beauty blender and press makeup into the skin rather than rubbing.
- Set oily areas lightly. If you're oily, set your T-zone with a bit of powder after foundation.
Who Should Buy This
- People with combo or oily skin who need makeup to last longer
- Anyone using water-based or powder foundations
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a solid gripping primer
- People who don't mind waiting a bit before applying foundation
Who Should Skip This
- People who hate any tackiness or stickiness
- Anyone who exclusively uses silicone-heavy foundations
- People looking for a pore-blurring or smoothing primer (this isn't it)
- Super dry skin types who need extra hydration (this can feel a bit drying over time)
Price and Where to Buy
NYX The Face Glue retails for around $10–14 USD depending on where you buy it. You can find it at:
- NYX website
- Ulta, Target, CVS (US)
- Online retailers like Amazon
- International beauty stores (availability varies)
Final Verdict
NYX The Face Glue actually works if you respect the rules. It's not instant gratification—you need to wait for it to set, use a light hand, and press your makeup on gently. But when used correctly, your makeup wears longer and fades more gracefully.
Rating: 4.4/5 — A solid budget gripping primer that delivers if you follow the instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NYX The Face Glue water-based?
Yes. NYX positions The Face Glue as a water-based gripping primer. It can still work with many silicone foundations if you use a thin layer and let it set properly.
How long should I wait before applying foundation?
For best grip and less pilling, wait 60–120 seconds until it feels tacky rather than wet. This is when the grip activates.
Does NYX The Face Glue cause pilling?
It can if you overapply or rub foundation on top. Use a small amount, let it get tacky, and press makeup into the skin instead of rubbing.
Is it good for oily skin?
Yes, especially for longevity. It helps makeup stick through oil production. Pair it with targeted powder on the T-zone for best results.
Is NYX The Face Glue acne-safe?
NYX markets it as non-comedogenic, but proper removal is key if you're acne-prone. Always double cleanse to make sure it's fully off your skin.
