As a makeup enthusiast in my 50s, I was drawn to BOOM! by Cindy Joseph for its promise of natural, pro-age beauty with minimal effort.
The brand’s ethos of celebrating aging resonated with me, but after trying their products, I encountered issues that left me questioning their hype.
In this article, I’ll share my honest experience, analyzing common complaints about BOOM! Cosmetics to help you decide if they’re worth your investment.
From product performance to customer service, I’ll break down what went wrong and why, offering a real user’s perspective on this polarizing brand.
Common Complaints About BOOM! Cosmetics
After using BOOM! products like the Boomstick Trio and Boomsilk, and scouring reviews from other users, I’ve identified recurring issues that many customers, including myself, have faced. These complaints include:
- Inconsistent product quality and packaging issues
- Poor color payoff and blending difficulties
- Greasy or heavy textures in moisturizers
- High price for small product sizes
- Subpar customer service experiences
- Limited shade range for diverse skin tones
- Questionable marketing claims
Below, I’ll explore each of these problems in detail, sharing my personal experiences and insights from other users to paint a clear picture of where BOOM! falls short.
Inconsistent Product Quality and Packaging Issues
When I first ordered the Boomstick Trio, I was excited to try a product marketed as a one-size-fits-all solution for mature skin.
However, my excitement faded when I received a Boomstick Glo that was as hard as a rock and slightly grainy, making it nearly impossible to apply smoothly.
The twist-up mechanism on my Boomstick Color also jammed, rendering it unusable after a few tries.
I wasn’t alone—many users on platforms like Trustpilot have reported similar issues, with some receiving products without protective caps or with faulty packaging.
This inconsistency is frustrating, especially for a brand that charges premium prices.
A $28 stick that’s smaller than a standard lipstick should work flawlessly, but mine felt like a defective product that might have been sitting on a shelf too long.
Some reviewers speculated that BOOM! might be reselling returned items, which raises concerns about quality control.
For a brand built on trust and simplicity, these packaging and quality issues feel like a betrayal of their promise.
I reached out to customer service, hoping for a quick resolution, but I’ll get to that experience later.
For now, the takeaway is that BOOM!’s quality control seems hit-or-miss, leaving customers like me wondering if we’re getting fresh, functional products or leftovers from a warehouse.
Poor Color Payoff and Blending Difficulties
The Boomstick Color, marketed as a universal shade for cheeks, lips, and eyes, was a major letdown for me.
The berry-toned stick looked promising in the tube, but when I applied it to my fair skin, it left a patchy, ruddy stain that was hard to blend.
I tried using my fingers, a damp brush, and even a sponge, but the color either clung unevenly or faded into a faint tint that barely showed up.
Other users echo this frustration. On MakeupAlley, several reviewers noted that the Boomstick Color’s pigment is too sheer for noticeable impact, while others with deeper skin tones found it looked unnatural or ashy.
The “universal” claim feels misleading when the shade doesn’t flatter all complexions as promised.
I also struggled with the Boomstick Berry Rouge from the original trio, which felt too dark and didn’t blend seamlessly, unlike the newer Cheek and Lip Trio shades like Rose Nude, which I found more forgiving.
Blending is a particular pain point.
The creamy formula sounds hydrating, but it often sits on the skin rather than melting in, requiring extra effort to avoid a streaky finish.
For a product designed for quick, effortless application, this was a major drawback.
I wanted that “healthy glow” BOOM! advertises, but instead, I spent more time blending than I did applying my old powder blush.
Greasy or Heavy Textures in Moisturizers
BOOM!’s skincare, like Boomsilk and Boom Cotton, emphasizes natural ingredients like beeswax and honey, which I appreciated given my sensitive skin.
However, the textures left much to be desired. Boomsilk, billed as an all-over moisturizer, felt like slathering petroleum jelly on my face.
It was thick, greasy, and took forever to absorb, leaving a shiny residue that made my skin look oily rather than dewy.
Boom Cotton, marketed as a shine-control moisturizer, was equally disappointing.
Its wax-like consistency felt heavy, and the “beads” in the formula didn’t dissolve well, leaving a gritty texture on my skin.
A reviewer on moisturizers.com gave it a 2/5 rating, citing its slow drying time and oily finish, which mirrored my experience.
I ended up using it only at night because it interfered with my morning makeup routine.
These textures might work for extremely dry skin, but for my combination skin, they were overwhelming.
I expected lightweight hydration from a brand that champions simplicity, but instead, I got products that felt dated and cumbersome compared to modern, fast-absorbing moisturizers.
The organic ingredients are a plus, but they don’t justify the heavy, impractical feel.
High Price for Small Product Sizes
At $28 per Boomstick and $32 for a 2 oz jar of Boom Cotton, BOOM!’s prices are steep for the quantity you get.
The Boomsticks are tiny—barely larger than a lip balm—and I ran out of the Color stick in just a few weeks of daily use.
Boomsilk’s 4 oz jar, priced at around $44, didn’t last long either when used as an all-over moisturizer.
Many customers, including myself, feel sticker shock when comparing BOOM!’s value to drugstore or mid-range alternatives.
A reviewer on MakeupAlley called the Boomsticks “overpriced for what they are,” pointing out that similar multi-use sticks from brands like Milk Makeup or NARS offer more product for the price.
I agree—$28 for a stick that’s smaller than my chapstick feels excessive, especially when the performance doesn’t match the cost.
The high price might be justifiable if the products delivered exceptional results, but with the quality and application issues I encountered, I felt like I was paying for the brand’s marketing rather than the product itself.
For budget-conscious shoppers, BOOM!’s cost-to-value ratio is a significant hurdle.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics
Subpar Customer Service Experiences
When I contacted BOOM!’s customer service about my faulty Boomstick Color, I expected the prompt, friendly support the brand touts on its website.
Instead, I waited over a week for a response to my email, only to receive a generic reply asking for more details.
After providing photos and explaining the issue, I was offered a replacement, but the process took nearly a month, and I had to pay return shipping.
This experience isn’t unique.
A Trustpilot reviewer described BOOM!’s customer service as “the worst I have ever experienced,” citing delays and unhelpful responses.
While BOOM! offers a 60-day return policy, the lack of clear communication and slow resolution process left me frustrated.
For a brand that prides itself on customer care, these missteps undermine trust.
I wanted to love BOOM!, but their service made me question whether they value their customers as much as their marketing suggests.
Limited Shade Range for Diverse Skin Tones
BOOM!’s “universal” shade philosophy is a major point of contention.
The Boomstick Color’s berry tone is marketed as flattering for all skin tones, but my experience and others’ reviews tell a different story.
On my fair skin, it looked too dark and unnatural, while users with deeper complexions reported it appearing ashy or barely visible.
A MakeupAlley reviewer with an olive complexion said the color made them “look kind of sick,” which I could relate to.
The newer Boomstick Trio Cheek and Lip, with shades like Rose Nude and Peony Pink, is a step in the right direction, but it’s still a limited range.
Brands like Fenty Beauty or Jones Road offer diverse shade options that cater to a broader spectrum of skin tones, making BOOM!’s one-size-fits-all approach feel outdated.
For a brand targeting women of all ages, the lack of inclusivity in shade offerings is a glaring oversight.
I wanted a product that enhanced my natural beauty, but the limited options left me feeling excluded rather than celebrated.
Questionable Marketing Claims
BOOM!’s marketing is compelling, with its pro-age message and promise of a radiant, natural glow. But some claims feel exaggerated.
The Boomstick Color is said to mimic the flush of happiness, but its patchy application and fading pigment didn’t deliver that joyful look for me.
Similarly, Boomsilk’s claim of being a one-stop moisturizer for face, body, and cuticles oversells its practicality—its greasy texture wasn’t versatile enough for my needs.
A reviewer on beautytipsforministers.com called out the “universal color” claim as “nonsense,” arguing that no single shade can suit every skin tone.
I agree—the marketing sets unrealistic expectations, making the products’ shortcomings feel more pronounced.
While I admire the brand’s ethos, the gap between their promises and reality left me skeptical.
I wanted to believe in the “pro-age revolution,” but the products didn’t live up to the hype.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Bare Minerals Cosmetics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cindy Joseph, the founder of BOOM! Cosmetics, passed away from cancer in 2018.
Yes, you can apply a cream-based foundation first, let it set, then use Boomstick Color or Glimmer for a natural glow.
The brand continues to operate after Cindy Joseph’s passing, offering the same pro-age cosmetics and skincare products.
Boomstick’s quality varies; some love its simplicity and hydration, but others find the color payoff weak and textures greasy.
Final Thoughts
Using BOOM! Cosmetics was a rollercoaster.
I was drawn in by the brand’s empowering message and sleek, portable packaging, but the reality of inconsistent quality, poor blending, and heavy textures left me disappointed.
The high prices and subpar customer service only added to my frustration, and the limited shade range made me question whether BOOM! truly caters to all women.
While some users, particularly those with dry skin or a preference for minimal makeup, rave about the brand, my experience highlighted more flaws than benefits.
If you’re considering BOOM!, weigh these complaints against your needs.
You might love the simplicity and natural ingredients, but be prepared for potential issues with quality, application, and value.
For me, the search for a better makeup and skincare routine continues, but I hope my insights help you make an informed choice about whether BOOM! is right for you.
