Makeup Monday: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

I’d like to share a secret with you all — I’ve never been a fan of makeup primers and I truly thought the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer was going to turn me into a fan. 

For the longest time, I never even used primer. My first introduction to primer was Benefit Cosmetics’ The POREfessional Face Primer, which is a classic, however, it never hit the mark for me. I went another long period of time without using primer until my skin changed in university and became super dry. My foundation clung to dry spots and looked horrible after hours of wear, so I knew I needed to change up my routine.

I bought the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer, which was a game-changer. I was loyal to this product until I ran out and decided not to repurchase because I felt that my skin didn’t need it anymore. I was using the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen everyday and that acted as my primer. 

Last year, I decided to start using primer again. I was dealing with hormonal acne and my skin was all out of whack, so I felt like I needed that extra base for my makeup. 

I decided to try the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, as I’ve heard friends and beauty reviewers rave about it. Did it impress? You’ll have to keep reading to find out. 

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The Product

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer retails for $52 CAD and is a clean, silicone-free dewy makeup primer with hyaluronic acid. It promises to grip makeup for up to 12 hours while hydrating the skin to prevent meltdown and caking. It is compatible with all skin types and is a lightweight gel formula with a radiant finish. 

The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is oil-free and aloe water-based, and goes on clear to create a smooth base for makeup. The airless container keeps the formula fresh and ensures every last drop is used. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is an allure 2020 Best of Beauty Award Winner.

The highlighted ingredients are:

• Blue agave extract, which grips makeup to prevent melting, fading, and caking. 

• Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (Vitamin B3), to boost hydration to visibly smooth uneven texture.

• Aloe water + hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, to provide additional boost of hydration to lock in moisture.

The Review

My biggest problem with makeup primers is that most of them don’t do anything. They don’t lock in moisture or provide a nice, smooth base for foundation. This is why I’ve never felt strongly about a specific primer before. That all changed when I used the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer for the first time. 

My favourite thing about the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is how sticky it is. The texture of the gel formula feels smooth, cooling and hydrating, however, it dries sticky to the touch. Some might not like this, but it is the perfect base for foundation. Your foundation literally sticks to the primer and does not move all day. I’ve gone hours wearing a full face of makeup and it looks just as good at the end of the night as it did when I applied it that morning. 

I’ve read a few reviews where people say it pills, which it does if you use too much, but that could be said for almost any makeup product. With the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, you only need one small pump. 

While I did love using the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer for a while, I’m no longer a fan. My skin went through a period of change and is super reactive whenever I use the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. My skin turns red and I get bumps in the chin area. I’m not sure why this suddenly started happening, but the product just no longer works for me.

However, I do know a lot of people that still use this primer and love it! I’d recommend trying the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer if you don’t have sensitive skin.

PROS: Hydrating, long-wearing, provides a sticky base for foundation

CONS: Pills if you use too much, not ideal for sensitive skin

Would I buy this product again? Yes, I’ve bought the full-size and mini-sized products. 

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Catch up on previous Makeup Monday and Skincare Sunday blogs for more beauty reviews!