I tried Milk Makeup's cannabis-infused primer to see if it would keep my makeup intact all day
Milk Makeup, the brand behind millennial-focused products like its Kush makeup collection, just dropped yet another hemp-derived formula—one created to give you the “glass skin” effect. The Hydro Grip Primer, chock full of hydrating ingredients like cannabis, aloe water, and cactus extract, promises to lock in makeup all day, smooth skin texture, and seal in moisture. I decided to take those claims for a ride.
My skin is fairly dry (except my T-zone), so for me, hydration is the name of the game. I’m a makeup fiend—if my skin gets dry, my foundation looks flaky—so I do everything I can to keep it as quenched as possible at all times. I douse my face in oil (even though this makes my makeup slide off), I opt for creamy products (but they crease more), and I constantly look for skin care with hyaluronic acid in it. Luckily, Milk Makeup’s new primer does all of the above, all while being oil-free, which is great for my super greasy T-zone.
First thoughts
The directions say to pump one or two shots of primer on the back of your hand and apply it to clean skin. I want extra hydration, so I opt for three pumps. The texture feels thick and slightly tacky when I apply it—almost like a peel-off mask while it’s still in its jelly form. Although I applied a few drops of face oil this morning (about an hour prior), the primer makes my skin looks dewy and feel instantly hydrated. And because it’s a green-tinted gel formula, my face isn’t left with a white cast. This is great news for beauty lovers of all skin tones.
After waiting for one minute for the primer to dry, per Milk’s instructions, I apply my makeup as usual. The primer still feels slightly tacky when I touch it—I’m thinking this is what my makeup will stick to? Finally, in an effort to really put the staying power of the primer to the test, I skip the setting spray and choose not to bake my makeup.
Here is a detailed timeline of how my full face held up all day long.
I first apply my makeup at 10:10 a.m. and it’s a full face. I’m wearing foundation, concealer under my eyes, eyeshadow, eyeliner, a light contour, a heavy blush, and a glossy pink lip.
By noon, my makeup hasn’t moved at all—even my lip is still glossy. I usually apply primer on my lips but it’s unclear whether the Hydro Grip Primer is working its magic or if my new NARS lip gloss is just really, really good.
After lunch, all still looks fresh. I haven’t reapplied, I haven’t misted my face, and I haven’t blotted my T-zone. So far, I’m impressed.
By 4:47 p.m., my T-zone is getting shiny, but honestly, this would’ve happened a lot sooner on any other day. As for the rest of my makeup, it’s still intact, even though I just woke up from a 15-minute nap. Hey, sometimes a girl needs a little mid-day snooze.
After dinner at 6:53 p.m., I take another selfie. I cut some onions, which made my eyes tear up like crazy. I also added hot sauce, which made my nose run. I tried to be careful with my napkin, but I removed some makeup around my nose. That was my fault—the primer is not to blame here.
Final thoughts
By 9:54 p.m., almost exactly 12 hours after I first applied my makeup, I’m ready to wash my face, but not without one final inspection. After a full day of work, cooking, selfies, and a nap, my face has held up surprisingly well. My lashes have drooped and I ate my lipstick off, but my blush is just as vibrant as when I first applied it, and my under-eye concealer hasn’t creased in the slightest. My skin is quenched. It actually still feels moist to the touch.
The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is available now at sephora.com and Sephora stores for $30.
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
Judging from my makeup marathon, this skin-quenching primer is a keeper.
