5 Affordable Drugstore Dupes for Milk Hydro Grip Primer

The Milk Hydro Grip Primer has earned its cult status in the beauty world for good reason. This lightweight, silicone-free gel formula creates an incredible smooth base that really grips makeup in place for up to 12 hours. It also packs some serious hydration power thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and blue agave extract.

With regular use, the Hydro Grip primer helps smooth over texture and pores for flawless makeup application. It’s especially ideal for those with dry or mature skin types that need intense hydration and a makeup gripping base.

However, the only drawback is the steep $30 price tag for the full size. Luckily, there are some fantastic drugstore dupes that provide similar hydrating and gripping power at a fraction of the cost.

In this post, I’ll share my top picks for affordable Milk Hydro Grip primer dupes that will give you the same smooth, hydrated, locked-in makeup base without breaking the bank.

Overview of Milk Hydro Grip Primer

Milk Hydro Grip Primer has a unique lightweight gel formula that grips onto makeup for enhanced longevity while providing hydration for a smooth, crease-free finish.

It contains several key ingredients that make it stand out:

• Hemp-derived cannabis seed extract – Provides antioxidant benefits and hydration
• Blue agave extract – Natural humectant to hydrate skin
• Aloe water – Soothes and hydrates
• Hyaluronic acid – Attracts and binds moisture to the skin
• Niacinamide – Evens skin tone and provides antioxidant protection
• Sweet cherry extract – Contains antioxidants and natural hydrators

With this powerhouse of moisturizing and grip-enhancing ingredients, the Milk Hydro Grip Primer truly does help makeup last for up to 12 hours without fading, creasing or settling into fine lines.

The $30 price tag is quite expensive for a primer, but you do get a substantial 1.52 oz bottle. For those wanting hydrated, smoothed skin without the luxury price tag, Milk Hydro Grip Primer dupes provide an excellent alternative.

Top Dupes for Milk Hydro Grip Primer

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer – The Best Dupe

My top pick for a Hydro Grip dupe is the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. This primer provides an incredibly similar gel texture and formula to the Milk original.

The Power Grip primer is silicone-free but still grips makeup in place for up to 16 hours of wear. It contains hyaluronic acid and squalane for intense hydration just like the Hydro Grip.

One unique benefit is the addition of niacinamide, which helps to even out skin tone and fade dark spots over time. This primer also helps smooth fine lines and blur pores for flawless makeup application.

I love that the e.l.f Power Grip primer is vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free. Most importantly, it only costs $10 for a full ounce compared to $30 for the Milk primer. overall, this is hands-down the most affordable Hydro Grip dupe that delivers nearly identical results.

Makeup Revolution Hydrate Primer

Next up is the Makeup Revolution Hydrate Primer, which provides intense hydration thanks to its gel-cream formula.

Although the texture is slightly creamier than the Milk Hydro Grip, it still gives a nice grip to the makeup while delivering a boost of hydration. It applies smoothly and leaves a dewy, fresh finish ideal for dry skin.

The Makeup Revolution primer contains hyaluronic acid for hydration just like the Milk original. It also relies on vitamin E to nourish the skin. Since it’s fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, it will suit sensitive skin as well.

At only $8 for a full ounce, this is one of the most budget-friendly options that provides similar hydrating benefits to the Milk primer.

Essence Hydro Hero Primer

The Essence Hydro Hero Primer is an ultra-affordable Hydro Grip dupe option. At only $5 for a full ounce, it’s easy on the wallet!

It has a similar gel texture that hydrates skin for up to 24 hours. Hyaluronic acid is the star ingredient, helping to plump skin and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Cucumber extract also provides a boost of hydration and soothing properties. This Essence primer helps blur imperfections and creates an ideal smooth base for flawless makeup wear.

While the texture isn’t as thick as the Milk Hydro Grip, it still provides impressive hydration and smoothing at a fraction of the cost. For budget-conscious beauty lovers, the Essence Hydro Hero Primer is a great choice.

NYX Bare With Me Jelly Primer

The NYX Bare With Me Jelly Primer just feels similar to the Milk Hydro Grip with its fun, bouncy jelly texture. Although it’s not as intensely hydrating as Milk’s primer, it still provides up to 8 hours of hydration.

It contains aloe and cucumber to soothe and hydrate the skin while also smoothing texture. This primer helps reduce the look of pores for flawless makeup application.

An added perk is that the NYX primer is certified vegan and cruelty-free by PETA. At $14 for 1.7 oz, it provides good value compared to the standard $30 for 1 oz of Milk Hydro Grip.

NYX Honeydew Me Up! Primer

Lastly, the NYX Honeydew Me Up! Primer deserves a mention for providing a similar gel-cream formula to Milk Hydro Grip at an affordable price point.

It contains hydrating honey and hyaluronic acid along with collagen to plump and smooth the skin. The primer leaves a radiant finish thanks to light-reflecting gold flecks.

Like all NYX products, this primer is certified vegan and cruelty-free. At $17 for 1.01 oz, it’s priced around half the amount of the Milk Hydro Grip.

While it’s not a spot-on dupe, it still provides gorgeous hydration and radiance for half the cost of the cult-favorite Milk primer.

Conclusion

The $30 Milk Hydro Grip Primer has achieved fame for its impressive makeup gripping power and hydration. However, there are some fantastic drugstore dupes that provide nearly the same benefits for far less.

My top picks for affordable Hydro Grip dupes are:

• e.l.f. Power Grip Primer – The most similar with its silicone-free gel texture that grips for 16 hours. Packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane for hydration. Just $10 for 1 oz.
• Makeup Revolution Hydrate Primer – Hydrating gel-cream with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Dewy finish great for dry skin. $8 for 1 oz.
• Essence Hydro Hero Primer – Light gel provides 24-hour hydration with hyaluronic acid. Blurs and smooths skin. Only $5 for 1 oz!
• NYX Bare With Me Jelly Primer – Soothing jelly formula hydrates for up to 8 hours. Reduces pores and evens skin tone. $14 for 1.7 oz.
• NYX Honeydew Me Up! Primer – Gel-cream with hydrating honey and hyaluronic acid. Radiant finish. $17 for 1.01 oz.

For those looking to achieve the same hydrating and makeup gripping benefits of the Milk Hydro Grip primer, I highly recommend giving these affordable dupes a try. You can get the same gorgeous, smooth makeup base without spending a fortune. Have you tried any of these Milk Hydro Grip primer dupes? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!