10 Dead-Ringer Milk Hydro Grip Primer Dupes For A Flawless Canvas!
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Here’s some Budget-Friendly Grip Magic because why spend more when you don’t have to?
An excellent hydrating primer sets the base for your makeup and can definitely be a reason for your makeup to last longer.
Beginners and makeup experts alike, if there is one primer people can’t stop raving about, it is Milk’s Hydro Grip. It has been a staple in makeup bags from the day it was launched. And why not? Have you seen how freakin’ much it hydrates your skin and makes makeup stick to your face?
No doubt it is an award-winning product! This gel primer is formulated with hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, blue agave extract, aloe water, and hyaluronic acid, which in my skincare dictionary, are all things good for our skin.
Despite being insanely popular (like insanely!!), its hefty $38 price tag can be a bit off-putting for some people. Luckily, here are some fantastic Milk Hydro Grip Primer Dupes that actually feel like the real deal, and won’t break the bank without sacrificing quality.
To make it easy for you, this specific primer is my #1 recommendation for normal to dry skin types looking for Hydro grip dupes. It has a thick consistency that glides on smoothly without feeling sticky and holds the makeup for a full day. It is also packed with skin-loving vitamins and antioxidants your skin is bound to love.
10 best Milk Hydro Grip Primer Dupes
1. E.L.F. Power Grip Primer
What I Like:
- The best hydro grip primer dupe everrrrr
- Extremely affordable
- Super gentle, especially for sensitive skin
- Hydrates the skin like a pro
- Makeup lasts all day long, literally
- Non-comedogenic
- 100% vegan, cruelty-free
What I Don’t Like:
- Nopes, nada, nothing. 5/5 stars
With this primer, you can 100% bet your money that it is Milk hydro grip in elf packaging! I mean, can we look at the names and the color of the products? Okay, I know, never judge a book by its cover, but hear me out!
Not only does it hydrate and moisturize your skin, but it also grips your makeup, so it stays flawless all day long.
Both formulas have that gel-based oil-free texture that grips onto your makeup LIKE A BOSS, giving you a flawless base to work with. Trust me on the word, it’s soooo sticky, your makeup would think 5 times before budging, lol.
And let’s not forget about the Hyaluronic Acid – it’s the key ingredient in both products that will keep your skin looking plump and hydrated all day long.
And this Milk makeup hydro grip primer dupe is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and cause breakouts. And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s also 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified – so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your face.
I have oily skin and it’s a perfect primer for me!
2. E.L.F. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
What I Like:
- Extremely affordable
- Brightens dull skin effortlessly
- Makeup lasts all day long, literally
- Non-comedogenic
- 100% vegan, cruelty-free
And if you want a Milk primer dupe that hydrates but also brightens dull skin, you cannot g wrong with this oh-so-gorgeous product.
Of course, they both have the same gel-based formula that goes on clear and has very similar skin-brightening and smoothing benefits of Niacinamide.
Elf’s unique power grip technology is infamous for keeping your makeup in place all day long, even through heat and humidity. And we all know how important that is, especially in the summer months, lol.
Plus, let’s talk about the price point. The elf primer is a fraction of the cost of the Milk Hydro grip. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good budget-friendly beauty find? So, this Milk makeup primer dupe gets a big YES from my side!
3. Flower Beauty Skin Smoothie Hydro Pop Primer
What I Like:
- Super hydrating
- Long-lasting finish
- Doesn’t dry the skin
- Lightweight gel texture
- Has cucumber & aloe extracts
- Suitable for all skins
What I Don’t Like:
- No negative stars whatsoever. Love it so much!
Flower Beauty is such an underrated makeup brand with a gem of its products. And their new launch didn’t fail to amaze me as well! Obviously, because it’s a boss-level Milk hydro grip primer dupe!!
This heavenly gripping primer is not only super hydrating and soothes your skin, but it also helps holds your makeup for a flawless, long-lasting finish. And, wait for it, it’s gluten-free! Plus, the lightweight gel texture won’t weigh you down, and it absorbs quickly for that instantaneous boost of hydration.
But why is it a dupe for Milk hydro grip primer, you ask? Well, this gem is infused with hydrating ingredients – cucumber and aloe extracts, just like Milk makeup. So, you can expect that familiar cooling and moisturizing sensation on your skin.
And has the exact same sticky finish to it that is perfect for a smooth makeup application.
And the cherry on the cake is that this precious baby is suitable for all skin tones – dry, combination, sensitive or oily skin.
4. Essence Fix & Last Make-Up Gripping Jelly Primer
What I Like:
- Extremely affordable
- Super gentle, especially for sensitive skin
- Creates a flawless canvas
- Long-lasting
What I Don’t Like:
- Has a jelly like consistency than gel
I love to say this – drugstore makeup brands never fail to shock me. Because here’s another pretty close dupe for the ever-so-loved Milk makeup hydro grip primer.
This moisturizing jelly like texture not only grips makeup in place but also keeps your skin hydrated, leaving you with a flawless, smooth canvas to work with. And the best part? It applies transparently (even though it seems Barbie pink) and melts into your skin for a fresh, natural look.
Along with being just as effective, Essence’s primer is also cruelty-free and formulated without animal byproducts, alcohol, parabens, and those pesky microplastic particles.
But let’s get back to the comparison with Milk’s hydro grip primer. Both products have a jelly-like gel consistency that absorbs quickly for long-lasting wear and hydrates the skin.
The only real difference is the price point. Milk’s primer will set you back almost three times the cost of Essence’s dupe. So why spend more money when you don’t have to?
5. Tula Brighten Up Smoothing Primer Gel
What I Like:
- Has an instant cooling sensation
- Is choke full of amazing skincare
- Silicone-free formula
- Similar gel texture
Babe, do not go by its tub packaging. This right here is a perfect dupe for Milk hydro grip primer – only better!
First off, it has the same gel-like texture. Then, it, too, is non-comedogenic. And, can we talk about that refreshing instant cooling sensation? It’s like a cool breeze on a hot summer day.
And if you’re all about that glow, girl, Tula hydrating gel Primer has got you covered! Its amazing blend of probiotic extracts, yuzu, and willowherb helps to brighten and even out your skin’s appearance while smoothing out those little imperfections.
Oh yes, it is a silicone-free formula that also helps calm the look of irritation. Plus, it’s dermatologist-tested, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
6. NYX Cosmetics Plump Right Back Plumping Serum + Primer
What I Like:
- INTENSELY hydrating
- Super gentle, especially for sensitive skin
- Doesn’t cling to dry patches
- Makeup lasts all day
- Featherless + quick absorbing
- Jam-packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5
What I Don’t Like:
- Weirdly enough, nothing. 5/5 stars
Do you have dry or dehydrated skin that struggles with dry patches that the primer clings onto? Boy, oh boy, you’ll love this one heck of a primer. I don’t know why this isn’t getting hyped up real bad because it’s basically a dream come true for normal to dry skin types!
Compared to Milk primer, this Milk hydro grip dupe is INSANELY plumping, provides ultimate hydration and does not stick to dry patches, for god’s sake. Thank you, boo!
Now yes, it is not a spot-on, 100%, dead ringer for the OG Milk primer, as it has a gel-serum-like consistency, but I think it’s even better! It’s drippin’ in 5 electrolytes and vitamins, including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, Magnesium, and Potassium.
Of course, it’s lightweight and quick absorbing and the gripping serum makes sure that your makeup stays fresh all day long. What’s not to love?! No doubt, it is one of my personal favorite NYX primers of all time!
7. Makeup Revolution Hydrate Primer
What I Like:
- Moisturizer + primer
- Super gentle, super hydrating
- Super lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Packed with hyaluronic acid + vitamin E
- Leaves a subtle glow
What I Don’t Like:
- Has a thin, water-like consistency, unlike Milk’s hydro grip
Okay, let me start by admitting that it is more of a happy amalgamation of moisturizer and a primer and may not replicate Milk’s primer 100%, but it still works just as beautifully and locks the makeup onto your skin for a long-lasting hold.
This Milk hydro grip primer dupe boasts a super lightweight and fast-absorbing formula so that you won’t have to worry about waiting around forever before starting your beauty routine.
And it is a choke full of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to quench your skin’s thirst and prep it perfectly for the makeup application of your dreams, quite literally! Did I mention it leaves a very subtle, healthy glow too?
Now, for the differences, Revolution primer has a thin, runny, water-based texture, totally opposite to Milk’s gel-like. And the lasting power of it is not that high, but if you’re a dry or sensitive skin type, I would actually recommend you to add this to your makeup routine.
8. NYX Professional makeup bare with me hydrating jelly primer
What I Like:
- Infused with skincare
- Long-lasting for up to 8 hours
- Gets tacky after 15 seconds
- Works for all skin types
- Vegan & Cruelty-free
What I Don’t Like:
- Different formulas (gel vs. jelly)
We’re obsessed with NYX, no doubt about it. It’s affordable, it’s awesome, and it’s all about finding clever alternatives to those pricey brands. And let me tell you, this makeup gripping jelly primer is practically a twin to the Milk Hydro Grip Primer.
I mean, seriously, they’re practically twins. They might have different packaging and formulas (jelly vs. gel), but when you apply them to your skin, you won’t notice a darn difference.
NYX’s primer gets a kind of sticky tacky after like 15 seconds, which is actually a good thing. It helps your makeup stick around all day long. Plus, aloe and cucumber extract hydrates and leaves your skin feeling refreshed.
Honestly, there’s not much of a difference between these two products except for the price and texture. So I say, save that $30 and get yourself an NYX bare with me hydrating jelly primer at almost half the price.
9. hard candy hydrating grip primer
What I Like:
- Super dupes affordable
- Similar gel formula & light green tint
- Lasts all day
- Texture is amazingly comfortable.
What I Don’t Like:
- Trust issues with the brand
Believe it or not, Hard Candy’s hydrating primer is basically a dead ringer Milk hydro grip primer dupe.
The similarities are uncanny, from the gel formula to the light green tint and even the superstar ingredients like hyaluronic acid and agave extracts.
Now, I’ll be honest, I haven’t always been a fan of Hard Candy. Their products just didn’t do it for me…except for their amazing nail polishes. But here’s the thing: you’ve got to give this primer a chance.
It’s not only cheaper than the popular e.l.f. option, but it also delivers the same incredible results. I’m talking about a flawless finish that lasts all day, with a texture and feel that’s to die for.
So if there’s one product that I can actually vouch for, it’s their award-winning hydrating primer!
10. Essence Hydro Hero Primer
What I Like:
- Infused with hyaluronic acid & cucumber extract
- Moisturization lasts all day
- Clear and lightweight formula
- Can be used as a stand-alone product
What I Don’t Like:
- It’s just a nice primer, nothing else
- Does very little for textured skin
- 48 Hour hydration claim is false
Essence Hydro Hero Primer is not just your average makeup primer – it’s intensely moisturizing for up to 24 hours (even though they 48, but that’s just not true). And, of course, it’s a nice Milk Hydro Grip Primer dupe.
Both primers are infused with hyaluronic acid to plump up your skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But unlike Milk Hydro grip’s added cucumber fragrance, essence primer actually contains cucumber extract to soothe and hydrate your skin, giving you that youthful glow.
Its clear and lightweight formula delivers a refreshing, dewy finish, blurring any skin texture and keeping your skin looking hydrated for longer. And it doesn’t just work as a primer – you can also use it as a stand-alone product for a dewy, natural look.
Overall, it’s a decent dupe of Milk hydro grip for the price it comes with and performs as it claims.
Final Thoughts on Milk Hydro Grip Primer Dupes
There you have it, 10 incredibly close dupes for the Milk Hydro Grip Primer that won’t break the bank. While the Milk Hydro Grip Primer is a wonderful investment, sometimes it’s nice to have some budget-friendly options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for something hydrating, oil-controlling, or just a good primer that keeps your makeup in place, these Milk dupes have got you covered.
Give them a try and let us know your thoughts! I’ll be back soon with some new banger makeup dupes. Till then, Ciao! xoxo