Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer
Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer
Product Description
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer is a lightweight, water-based gripping primer with a bouncy, jelly-like gel texture. Infused with aloe and cucumber extracts plus glycerin and Vitamin E, it floods skin with cooling hydration, smooths texture, and creates an even, gripping base for long-wearing makeup β or can be worn alone as a light hydrator.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Up to 8H Hydration
Glycerin and aloe pull water into skin to keep it comfortable and dewy without greasiness.
Gripping Base
Creates a smooth, even canvas that helps foundation glide on and stay put for a no-makeup look.
Cooling Cucumber
Cucumber and aloe extracts give an instant cooling, soothing sensation on application.
Bouncy Jelly Texture
The signature jelly springs back into place no matter how much you scoop out β fun and mess-free.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens β generally considered safe. Always confirm with your doctor.
Contains no free fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast.
Fragrance-free, oil-free and free of common EU allergens. Patch test if highly reactive.
Inert, surface-level formula plays well over serums with retinol, Vitamin C, AHA or BHA.
A small number of eczema- or rosacea-prone users may find this humectant slightly irritating.
Contains no SPF β always apply a separate sunscreen as your final daytime step.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π¦ Glycerin ~3-10% Proven
The second-listed ingredient and the workhorse humectant of this formula. Glycerin pulls water into the upper layers of skin, relieving dryness and keeping the primer comfortable rather than tacky.
- Source: A compound naturally present in skin; shuttled to the surface via aquaporin-3 to maintain hydration, elasticity and repair.
- Compatibility: Non-irritating and works across all skin types, pairing well with nearly every other ingredient.
π΅ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder Soothing Proven
One of the two signature "infused" extracts NYX highlights. Aloe is rich in polysaccharides that mimic the carbohydrates in your skin's top layer, helping hold moisture while calming irritation.
- Soothing: Long used to relieve sunburn and inflammation thanks to compounds that reduce irritation and itchiness.
- Antioxidants: Naturally contains Vitamins A, C and E that help neutralize free radicals from pollution.
π₯ Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Fruit Extract Calming Promising
The second "fresh" extract responsible for the cooling feel. Cucumber is roughly 95% water, with the rest made of Vitamin C, amino acids, fatty acids and minerals that hydrate and soothe.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains shikimate dehydrogenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and calm skin.
- Barrier support: Amino acids help nourish the skin's slightly acidic protective mantle.
π§ Butylene Glycol 1/0 Comedo Proven
A lightweight humectant and solvent that adds slip, boosts hydration and keeps the formula stable. It helps the primer spread evenly and feel smooth on application.
- Role: Multifunctional humectant, masking and skin-conditioning agent used widely in modern cosmetics.
- Tolerance: Well-tolerated by most, though very sensitive skin can occasionally react.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~0.1-1% Proven
The product's flagged "key ingredient." This fat-soluble antioxidant neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure and pollution before they can damage skin cells, and helps stabilize the formula.
- Antioxidant: Ramps up skin's own defense enzymes and helps protect against environmental oxidative stress.
- Conditioning: Studies show regular topical use can improve skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
π§ͺ Caprylyl Glycol 0.3-2% Promising
A multitasking humectant, emollient and preservative-booster that conditions skin and extends shelf life alongside Phenoxyethanol.
- FA-safe: Not a free fatty acid or fatty alcohol, so there's nothing for malassezia yeast to feed on.
- Dual role: Conditions skin while helping keep the formula fresh and stable.
π PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether Texture Promising
The clever polymer behind the signature bouncy jelly. This synthetic copolymer stabilizes the formula and controls viscosity, giving the primer its springy, scoopable feel.
- Inert: A large polymer that stays on the surface of skin with no biological activity.
- Function: Provides the structure that lets the jelly bounce back into place after use.
13 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Potassium Laurate, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as the final skincare / first makeup step β after moisturizer (and SPF in the daytime), just before foundation. Can also be worn solo over moisturizer for a fresh, hydrated bare-skin look.
π How to Use
Prep your skin
Start with freshly cleansed, moisturized skin. In the morning, apply sunscreen first and let it set.
Scoop a small amount
Take a pea-sized amount with clean fingers or a foundation brush β a little goes a long way.
Smooth over the face
Spread an even layer across the whole face, paying extra attention to dry or uneven areas and the T-zone.
Let it set, then apply makeup
Allow about 30 seconds to set so the surface turns smooth and grippy, then apply foundation as usual.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want a hydrating base that preps skin for makeup
- You have normal, combination, dry or dehydrated skin
- You need a fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe primer
- You love an affordable, vegan drugstore option
- You enjoy a fresh, cooling, lightweight feel
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin and want a strong matte finish
- You need an extreme, all-day gripping hold
- You want SPF built into your primer
- You want heavy silicone pore-blurring
- You're sensitive to propylene glycol
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Glycerin, aloe and cucumber flood thirsty skin with moisture and stop foundation clinging to dry patches.
Hydrates dry zones while the light, oil-free gel keeps the T-zone balanced and comfortable.
Fragrance-free, oil-free and allergen-free with soothing aloe; patch test if very reactive.
Fungal-acne safe and low on the comedogenic scale, so it's friendly to breakout-prone skin.
Lightweight and oil-free, but the dewy hydration may need a setting powder on top for a true matte look.
π Results Timeline
Instant cooling & hydration
Skin feels fresh, cool and plumped, with a smooth surface ready for makeup.
Most users notice immediatelySmoother, more even base
Foundation tends to glide on more evenly and looks fresher, with reduced clinging to dry patches.
Reported by most reviewersComfortable, hydrated wear
NYX claims up to 8 hours of hydration; makeup stays comfortable, though grip is moderate rather than extreme.
Up to 8H hydration claimedConditioned, healthier-looking skin
Daily hydrators like glycerin and Vitamin E can improve skin's water-binding capacity over a few weeks.
Gradual, cumulative benefitβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Genuinely hydrating and comfortable
- Very affordable drugstore price
- Fragrance-free, oil-free and fungal-acne safe
- Fun, satisfying bouncy jelly texture
- Smooths skin for an even makeup base
- Vegan and PETA cruelty-free
β Criticized
- Grip is milder than e.l.f. Power Grip or Milk Hydro Grip
- Can feel sticky or pill if over-applied
- Not mattifying enough for very oily skin
- Contains no SPF
- Longevity reviews are mixed
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A clear, tackier gel primer with hyaluronic acid. Stronger, longer-lasting grip than the NYX jelly, but a thicker, stickier feel that some find less comfortable.
The closest texture twin β a vegan, cruelty-free jelly primer sharing six ingredients with the NYX. Similar bouncy gel concept at an even lower price.
A vegan, cruelty-free gripping primer that also contains Vitamin E plus added niacinamide. Comparable hydration and grip for a few dollars less.
π Comparison with Competitors
NYX Bare With Me Jelly Primer (This Product)
$17.00e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
$10.00Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
$38.00NYX The Face Glue Gripping Primer
$9.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
24 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Squeeze tube with screw cap
Yes β 40ml, well under the 100ml carry-on limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters β the ingredients usually flagged during pregnancy. Its main ingredients are water, glycerin, aloe, cucumber extract and Vitamin E. As always, check with your doctor or midwife about your full routine to be safe.
Yes. The formula contains no free fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast, so it is considered fungal-acne safe. Ingredients like caprylyl glycol are specifically safe because there is nothing for the yeast to feed on.
Yes. This is a surface-level, largely inert primer that sits on top of your skincare, so it doesn't conflict with active treatments. Apply your retinol, Vitamin C, AHA or BHA in your skincare steps first, let them absorb, then smooth the primer on as your final base before makeup.
It shines on dry, dehydrated, combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight hydration and fragrance-free, oil-free formula. Oily skin can use it too, but may want to set with powder since the finish leans dewy rather than fully matte.
Instantly β skin feels cooler, hydrated and smoother the moment you apply it, and makeup goes on more evenly right away. NYX claims up to 8 hours of hydration through the day. Over a few weeks of regular use, hydrators like glycerin and Vitamin E can also improve skin's water-binding capacity.
It's the bridge between skincare and makeup. Apply it after your moisturizer (and sunscreen in the daytime) and just before foundation. You can also wear it alone over moisturizer for a fresh, hydrated, bare-skin look.
It's very low risk, rating around 1 out of 5. The formula is oil-free and silicone-free, and its main ingredients (glycerin, butylene glycol, propylene glycol) have low or zero comedogenic ratings. Combined with being fungal-acne safe, it's a pore-friendly choice for most people.
It has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 24 months, so it's good for two years once opened. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed to protect the formula.
Verdict: The NYX Bare With Me Hydrating Jelly Primer is a standout budget pick for anyone chasing a fresh, hydrated, no-makeup base. Its clean, fragrance-free and fungal-acne-safe formula β built around glycerin, aloe, cucumber and Vitamin E β makes it especially friendly to dry, sensitive and breakout-prone skin, and the bouncy jelly texture is genuinely fun to use. It won't deliver the iron grip of e.l.f. Power Grip or the premium polish of Milk Hydro Grip, and very oily skin will want a setting powder on top, but for comfortable hydration and a smooth canvas at a drugstore price, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.