I’m always on the hunt for makeup that simplifies my routine without sacrificing quality, especially as someone with mature skin who values a natural, glowing look.
That’s why I’m comparing two heavyweights in the clean beauty world: Ogee’s Sculpted Face Sticks and Boom! by Cindy Joseph’s Boomstick Trio.
My goal is to break down their pros, cons, and key features to help you decide which fits your vibe. From ingredients to performance, I’ve tested both to give you the real scoop in this head-to-head showdown.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Ogee Sculpted Face Sticks | Boom! by Cindy Joseph Boomstick Trio |
| Products | Copper (bronzer), Rose Quartz (blush), Opal (highlighter) | Boomstick Glo (moisturizer), Color (universal color), Glimmer (highlighter) |
| Price | ~$138 for Crystal Contour Collection | ~$78 for Boomstick Trio |
| Organic Certification | 83% organic ingredients, certified organic | Not certified organic, but natural ingredients |
| Key Ingredients | Jojoba oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid | Castor seed oil, shea butter, beeswax |
| Shade Range | Multiple shades (20 for Complexion Stick) | Universal shades for all skin tones |
| Application | Creamy, blendable, skincare-infused | Creamy but can drag on dry skin |
| Longevity | Buildable, lasts ~6-8 hours | Fades faster, ~4-6 hours, may feel greasy |
| Best For | Natural glow, mature skin, skincare benefits | Minimalist routine, budget-friendly |
| Cruelty-Free | Yes, also GMO-free, gluten-free | Yes, free of phthalates, parabens |
| Packaging | Sleek, recyclable, eco-conscious | Simple, compact, less focus on sustainability |
My Journey With Clean Beauty
As I’ve navigated my 40s, my skin has become pickier. Heavy foundations? Nope. Complicated routines? Pass. I want products that enhance my natural glow, feel good on my skin, and don’t require a PhD to apply. That’s where Ogee and Boom come in. Both brands promise simplicity with multitasking sticks that combine makeup and skincare, but they cater to slightly different needs. I’ve spent weeks testing these products, and I’m sharing my unfiltered thoughts to help you figure out which one deserves a spot in your makeup bag.
Ogee Sculpted Face Sticks: The Luxury Glow
Ogee’s Sculpted Face Sticks—specifically the Crystal Contour Collection—caught my eye with their chic packaging and bold claims of organic, skin-loving ingredients. The trio includes Copper (a bronzer), Rose Quartz (a blush), and Opal (a highlighter). Each stick is designed to contour, add color, and brighten, all while nourishing your skin like a high-end moisturizer.
Read More: My Thoughts On Primally Pure Vs. Beautycounter
Pros of Ogee
The first thing I noticed was the texture. These sticks glide on like a dream, melting into my skin without tugging. The formula, packed with organic jojoba oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, feels like a skincare product masquerading as makeup. I applied the Copper shade to warm up my complexion, swiped Rose Quartz on my cheeks for a peachy flush, and dabbed Opal on my cheekbones for a subtle glow. The result? A natural, dewy finish that didn’t scream “I’m wearing makeup!”
Ogee’s commitment to clean beauty is legit. With 83% organic ingredients and certifications to back it up, I felt good about what I was putting on my face. The brand’s eco-conscious packaging—sleek, recyclable tubes—also won me over. I love that they offer multiple shade ranges, especially for their Complexion Stick (up to 20 shades), which makes it easier to find a match for your skin tone.
Longevity is another win. On my combination skin, the blush and highlighter lasted a solid six to eight hours without fading, though I did notice the blush starting to wear off toward the end of a long day. The buildable formula lets you go from subtle to bold, and I appreciated how it didn’t settle into my fine lines or emphasize dry patches.
Cons of Ogee
The price tag, though—ouch. At around $138 for the Crystal Contour Collection, it’s a splurge. If you’re on a budget, this might give you pause, especially when you factor in currency conversion for international buyers like my Canadian friends. I also found the scent a bit strong at first, though it fades quickly. Some users on Reddit mentioned the lack of a clear return policy, which is a valid concern when dropping this much cash. If your skin isn’t well-moisturized, the sticks can feel slightly cakey, so I learned to prep with a lightweight facial oil for smoother application.
Another downside? The highlighter (Opal) didn’t pop as much on my medium skin tone unless I layered it. If you’re after a dramatic glow, you might need to supplement with another product. And while Ogee’s website touts universal shades, I’d argue you’ll want to test them first to ensure they complement your undertone.
Boom! By Cindy Joseph Boomstick Trio: The Minimalist’s Dream
Boom! by Cindy Joseph takes a different approach, leaning into a “pro-aging” philosophy that celebrates natural beauty. Founded by the late Cindy Joseph, a makeup artist turned model, the Boomstick Trio includes Boomstick Glo (a moisturizer), Boomstick Color (a universal shade for lips, cheeks, and eyes), and Boomstick Glimmer (a highlighter). These sticks are marketed as all-in-one solutions for a quick, effortless look.
Pros of Boom
Affordability is a big draw. At roughly $78 for the trio, it’s nearly half the price of Ogee’s set. I love the simplicity—three sticks that cover your entire face, lips, and even body. Boomstick Color, a deep mauve, surprised me with its versatility. I used it as a blush, lipstick, and even an eyeshadow, and it blended decently on my cheeks after some buffing. The universal shades are designed to work across all skin tones, which is great for beginners or those who don’t want to fuss with shade matching.
Boomstick Glo doubles as a full-body moisturizer, and I found it handy for dry elbows and cuticles, not just my face. The brand’s cruelty-free stance and lack of nasties like phthalates and parabens align with clean beauty values, even if it’s not certified organic. The compact, no-frills packaging is perfect for tossing in a purse for touch-ups on the go.
For someone like me who values a minimalist routine, Boom delivers. I could slap on all three sticks in under two minutes and look polished enough for a coffee run or a casual meeting. The brand’s ethos, rooted in embracing natural aging, also resonated with me—it’s refreshing to see a company champion mature skin without pushing heavy coverage.
Cons of Boom
But let’s be real: Boom isn’t perfect. The biggest letdown was the texture. On my dry skin, the sticks—especially Boomstick Color—felt a bit draggy and required extra effort to blend. I had to buff like crazy to avoid streaks, and even then, it sometimes looked patchy. Several reviews I found, including one on The Daley Dose, echoed this, noting that the formula can feel greasy or heavy, especially on oilier skin types. I also experienced some itching after applying Boomstick Glo all over my face and body, which was a red flag for my sensitive skin.
Longevity is another issue. The color faded within four to six hours, and the highlighter (Glimmer) was too subtle for my taste, leaning overly pink on my skin tone. Some users reported a rancid smell after about a year, which aligns with my experience of the sticks losing freshness over time. Unlike Ogee, Boom doesn’t emphasize organic certification, and the ingredient list (like castor seed oil and beeswax) feels less luxurious. If you’re vegan, the beeswax might be a dealbreaker.
The universal shade approach, while convenient, didn’t always deliver. Boomstick Color looked a bit off on my medium skin, leaning too warm for my cool undertones. If you have very light or deep skin, you might find the shades less flattering than Ogee’s more tailored options.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s break it down. Ogee feels like the luxury sedan of makeup sticks—polished, high-performing, and packed with skincare benefits, but it comes with a premium price. Boom, on the other hand, is the reliable hatchback—affordable, practical, and great for everyday use, but it lacks the refinement and longevity of Ogee.
When I applied Ogee’s sticks, my skin felt hydrated and looked radiant without feeling weighed down. The blendability was a game-changer, especially for my fine lines and dry patches. Boom’s sticks, while quick and easy, required more work to look seamless, and the greasy after-feel was a turn-off. Ogee’s organic credentials and eco-friendly packaging gave it an edge for me, but Boom’s budget-friendly price and minimalist vibe make it a strong contender for those who prioritize simplicity over luxury.
Ingredient-wise, Ogee’s jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid felt like a spa treatment, while Boom’s castor oil and shea butter were nourishing but less sophisticated. If you’re all about clean beauty with a capital “C,” Ogee’s certifications and transparency win. But if you’re just dipping your toes into natural makeup, Boom’s accessibility is hard to beat.
Application is where Ogee really shines. I could swipe and blend in seconds, whereas Boom required a blending brush and some elbow grease. For longevity, Ogee lasted through my workday, while Boom needed touch-ups by lunch. Shade versatility also tilts toward Ogee, with its range of options versus Boom’s one-size-fits-all approach.
Who Are These Products For?
Ogee is your pick if you’re willing to invest in a premium, organic product that doubles as skincare. It’s ideal for mature skin or anyone craving a natural, dewy glow with buildable coverage. I’d recommend it for those who love a polished look and don’t mind spending more for quality.
Boom is better suited for makeup newbies or budget-conscious folks who want a no-fuss routine. It’s great for casual settings or if you’re all about embracing your natural beauty with minimal effort. However, if you have sensitive or very dry skin, you might want to patch-test first.
My Real-World Test
To give you the full picture, I wore both sets for a week each. With Ogee, I felt like I’d just stepped out of a spa—my skin looked hydrated, and the glow was subtle but noticeable. Colleagues even asked if I’d switched up my skincare routine. The downside? I cringed every time I remembered the cost.
Boom was a mixed bag. On day one, I loved the simplicity—three swipes, and I was out the door. But by mid-afternoon, my face felt greasy, and the color had faded. I also noticed some irritation after using Boomstick Glo as a body moisturizer, which was a bummer. Still, for quick errands or low-maintenance days, it got the job done.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Each
For Ogee, prep your skin with a lightweight moisturizer or facial oil to enhance blendability. Use a clean makeup brush for seamless application, especially if your skin is dry. Layer the highlighter for extra pop, and don’t skip the Copper shade—it adds warmth without looking heavy.
For Boom, invest in their face blending brush (a game-changer for smoothing out the color stick). Apply sparingly to avoid greasiness, and set with a light powder if you’re prone to oiliness. Use Boomstick Glo sparingly on your face to avoid irritation, and save it for body touch-ups.
The Verdict
After testing both, I’m Team Ogee for its luxurious feel, staying power, and skincare benefits. It’s not perfect—the price stings, and the highlighter could be bolder—but it delivers a radiant, natural look that makes my skin happy. Boom is a solid runner-up for its affordability and simplicity, but the texture and longevity issues hold it back for me. Your choice depends on your budget, skin type, and how much you value organic ingredients versus a minimalist routine.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Dime Beauty Vs. Beautycounter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Brands like Merit, RMS Beauty, and Saie offer similar clean, multitasking sticks with natural finishes, though Ogee’s organic certification sets it apart.
You don’t need to. Boomstick Color and Glimmer can be used alone for a natural look, but you can layer them over foundation for extra coverage.
Yes, it’s a full-body moisturizer that can be used on the face, cuticles, or dry areas, though some find it greasy.
Yes, it’s free of phthalates, parabens, and harmful additives, but it’s not certified organic like Ogee.
Conclusion
You’re probably wondering which of these clean beauty champs is worth your hard-earned cash. I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and real-world performance of Ogee’s Sculpted Face Sticks and Boom’s Boomstick Trio to help you decide. Ogee’s my pick for its luxe, skin-nourishing formula and long-lasting glow, but Boom’s budget-friendly simplicity is a win for minimalists. Whether you’re after a spa-like experience or a quick swipe-and-go routine, I hope my experience guides you to the perfect fit for your beauty goals.