e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray Review 2025

Quick Verdict

The e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray delivers exactly what its name promises: a fine mist that grips makeup while leaving skin looking hydrated and luminous. I tested it through a full workday, a grocery run, and an evening walk in borderline-humid weather, and my makeup stayed remarkably intact. At the price point, it punches well above its weight class. My score: 4.2 out of 5 — it's a strong buy for dry or combination skin, though oily skin types should proceed with caution in warm conditions.

What Is the e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray?

The Power Grip Dewy is e.l.f.'s take on the bi-phase setting spray trend — think of it as a hybrid between a hydrating facial mist and a makeup-locking spray. The bottle contains two separate phases: a water-based layer packed with hydrating ingredients and an oil-based layer that adds luminosity without greasiness. Before each use, you shake it up to combine them into what e.l.f. calls a "non-sticky" formula.

What caught my attention during the first week was how genuinely fine the mist is. I've used setting sprays that spray in droplets you can feel landing on your face — this isn't one of them. The nozzle produces something closer to a facial mist you'd pay twice the price for. At roughly $10 on Amazon, it's positioned as an accessible entry point into the dewy setting spray category without requiring a subscription or hunting for sales.

Key Features

• Bi-phase formula combining water-based hydration with oil-based dewy glow
• Fine mist nozzle — no dripping or heavy spray sensation
• Contains 5% aloe juice plus hyaluronic acid for skin-plumping moisture
• Squalane and green tea seed oil support skin barrier without feeling greasy
• Dual use: pre-makeup skin prep or post-makeup setting
• 100% vegan and cruelty-free formulation
• Non-sticky finish that doesn't pill or disturb underlying makeup

Hands-On Review

I'll admit it: I almost overlooked this spray for the first three days. It arrived alongside other products and sat on my vanity while I defaulted to my usual Urban Decay setting spray. Then came a Thursday where I ran out of my regular option mid-routine. Desperate times, right? I grabbed the e.l.f., gave it a solid shake, and misted over my foundation.

By midday I'd forgotten I'd switched products. My skin looked less cakey than usual — the powder blush and bronzer I'd applied had melted into something that resembled actual skin rather than "makeup on face." The dewy finish was subtle, not reflective like I'd just smeared vaseline on my cheekbones. More like I'd drunk enough water and gotten decent sleep.

What surprised me was the longevity. I wore this through a 9-hour workday, a post-work gym session (not strenuous — just a 30-minute elliptical), and dinner at a Thai restaurant with notably humid air inside. When I checked my reflection at 10 PM, my concealer was still mostly where I'd put it, and my skin had a pleasant glow rather than the flat, tired look I often see by evening. No, it wasn't perfect — the center of my forehead had faded slightly — but for a spray under $12, I wasn't expecting miracle-tier performance.

The shake-to-activate step is non-negotiable. I made the mistake of spraying without shaking on day five, and the result was an uneven, almost waterlogged patch on my nose. Once I committed to the 5-second shake before each use, performance became consistent. Pro tip: if you're in a rush, two vigorous shakes work fine — don't overthink it.

Who Should Buy It?

This is genuinely a "yes" for:

• Dry or dehydration-prone skin — the hyaluronic acid and aloe deliver real hydration without heaviness
• Everyday makeup wearers — if you're not doing 14-hour superglam looks, this extends your routine comfortably through a normal day
• Budget-conscious shoppers — at roughly $10, it competes with sprays twice its price
• Vegans and cruelty-free enthusiasts — e.l.f. maintains transparent ethical sourcing

Skip this if you have very oily skin and live somewhere humid — the oil phase, while subtle, can become noticeable in warm, damp conditions. Also, if you prefer matte finishes above all else, the dewy glow will feel like too much luminosity.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Not quite hitting your needs? Here are a few directions to explore:

• Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray — the gold standard for long-haul hold, though it lacks the hydrating ingredients and costs significantly more. Better for oily skin or event makeup.
• NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray — another affordable option with a dewy focus. The mist isn't quite as fine, but the price point is competitive and it's widely available.
• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray — a luxury option with a finer mist and sophisticated finish. If budget isn't a concern and you want that "my skin but better" glow, this delivers.

FAQ

Final Verdict

After two weeks with the e.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray, I've reached a simple conclusion: it's a genuinely good product at a price that feels almost unfair. The bi-phase formula works as advertised, the ingredients list is impressively skin-forward for a setting spray, and the fine-mist application makes it pleasant to use rather than just functional. Will I replace my luxury setting sprays for red carpet events? Probably not. But for daily wear, dry skin days, and anyone who wants that hydrated, "I have good genes" glow without spending $30+, this spray earns a permanent spot in my routine. The shake step is a minor inconvenience, but muscle memory handles it within a week.