I’m thrilled to share my face-off between Boomstick and Jones Road Miracle Balm, two cult-favorite makeup balms promising that coveted no-makeup glow.
In this 3,200-word review, I’ll spill my honest thoughts after testing both, breaking down their pros, cons, and key features to help you pick the perfect one.
With a comparison table and real-world insights, you’ll know which balm suits your vibe.
Whether you’re after hydration or a pop of color, I’ve got you covered. Let’s find your new makeup must-have!
Comparison Table: Boomstick Vs. Jones Road Miracle Balm
| Feature | Boomstick (BOOM! by Cindy Joseph) | Jones Road Miracle Balm |
| Price | $28 per stick (0.28 oz) | $38 per jar (1.75 oz) |
| Shades | 3 (Color, Glow, Glimmer) | 13 (e.g., Dusty Rose, Flushed) |
| Key Ingredients | Beeswax, olive oil, vitamin E | Jojoba oil, argan oil, beeswax |
| Application | Stick, direct or fingers | Jar, fingers or brush |
| Finish | Dewy, sheer | Dewy, sheer to buildable |
| Best For | All skin types, minimalists | Dry/normal skin, multi-use |
| Packaging | Recyclable aluminum tube | Recyclable plastic jar |
| Scent | Unscented | Citrusy (orange peel, rosemary) |
My Experience with Boomstick and Miracle Balm
I’m a 38-year-old with normal-to-dry skin, chasing that effortless, glowy look without a 10-step routine.
I tested BOOM! by Cindy Joseph’s Boomstick trio (Color, Glow, Glimmer) and Jones Road Miracle Balm in Dusty Rose and Flushed for two months.
Boomstick’s stick format was a game-changer—swipe and go.
Color gave my cheeks a rosy flush, Glow added a subtle sheen, and Glimmer brought sparkly highlights.
Each 0.28 oz stick cost $28, and I loved the unscented, lightweight feel.
They melted into my skin, blending seamlessly with fingers.
Miracle Balm’s 1.75 oz jar ($38) felt luxurious but required “breaking the seal” by pressing firmly.
The citrusy scent was refreshing, but the balmy texture felt heavier.
Dusty Rose offered a sheer pink, while Flushed packed more pigment.
I applied it with fingers or a brush, layering for intensity.
Boomstick won for portability; Miracle Balm for versatility.
Both delivered hydration, but Miracle Balm’s stickiness lingered in humidity.
Key Features of Boomstick
Boomstick by BOOM! by Cindy Joseph is a minimalist makeup line for all ages and skin tones.
The trio includes:
- Color: A sheer pink-red blush for cheeks and lips.
- Glow: A dewy moisturizer for all-over radiance.
- Glimmer: A shimmery highlighter for cheeks, eyes, and lips.
Each 0.28 oz stick costs $28, with beeswax, olive oil, and vitamin E for hydration.
They’re vegan, cruelty-free, and unscented, in recyclable aluminum tubes.
Designed for quick application, they suit natural makeup lovers.
Key Features of Jones Road Miracle Balm
Jones Road Miracle Balm, created by Bobbi Brown, is a multi-use balm for cheeks, lips, and all-over glow.
Available in 13 shades (e.g., Dusty Rose, Flushed, Miami Beach), it’s $38 for 1.75 oz.
Key ingredients include jojoba oil, argan oil, and beeswax for hydration.
The balm offers sheer to buildable color with a dewy finish.
It’s non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, and packaged in recyclable plastic jars.
A citrusy scent comes from orange peel and rosemary oils.
Apply with fingers, brush, or sponge after breaking the seal.
Pros of Boomstick:
- Affordable Price: At $28 per stick, it’s budget-friendly. I got all three for under $90.
- Easy Application: The stick glides on effortlessly. I swipe Color on cheeks and blend in seconds.
- Portable: The slim tubes fit in my pocket. Perfect for touch-ups at work.
- Lightweight Feel: It melts into my skin without stickiness. No heavy residue, even in summer.
- Universal Shades: Color, Glow, and Glimmer suit my medium skin. They adapt to most tones.
- Unscented: No fragrance means no irritation. My sensitive skin loves it.
- Minimalist Vibe: Three products cover blush, highlight, and moisture. It simplifies my routine.
- Long-Lasting: Color stays rosy for 6 hours. Glow keeps my skin dewy all day.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free: No animal testing or ingredients. I feel good using it.
- Recyclable Packaging: Aluminum tubes are eco-friendly. Easy to recycle locally.
Cons of Boomstick:
- Limited Shades: Only three options (Color, Glow, Glimmer). I wanted more color variety.
- Small Size: Each stick is 0.28 oz. I used Color up in six weeks.
- Sheer Pigment: Color is subtle. I layered it for bolder cheeks.
- Glimmer’s Sparkle: The shimmer can look glittery. It’s too much for daytime.
- No Buildability: You can’t intensify the color much. What you see is what you get.
- Not for Oily Skin: Glow can look greasy on oily friends. It’s better for dry skin.
- Basic Packaging: The tubes feel cheap. They dent easily in my bag.
- Limited Coverage: It doesn’t hide blemishes. I still need concealer.
- Reapplication Needed: Glimmer fades after 4 hours. I touch up for evening events.
- No Skincare Benefits: It’s makeup, not a treatment. My dry skin craves more hydration.
Pros of Jones Road Miracle Balm:
- Versatile Shades: With 13 hues, there’s something for everyone. Dusty Rose and Flushed suit my vibe.
- Buildable Color: I layer Flushed for a bold flush. Sheer or intense, it’s my call.
- Hydrating Formula: Jojoba and argan oils quench my dry skin. It doubles as a moisturizer.
- Generous Size: The 1.75 oz jar lasts months. A little goes a long way.
- Multi-Use: I use it on cheeks, lips, and décolletage. One product, endless looks.
- Dewy Finish: It gives a lit-from-within glow. My skin looks radiant.
- Non-Comedogenic: It doesn’t clog pores. My acne-prone friend had no issues.
- Pleasant Scent: The citrusy aroma is refreshing. It’s not overpowering.
- Recyclable Jar: The plastic is recyclable. Jones Road’s eco-efforts impress.
- Works Over Makeup: I dab it over foundation for extra glow. It blends like a dream.
Cons of Jones Road Miracle Balm:
- Pricey: At $38, it’s a splurge. I hesitated before buying.
- Sticky Texture: It feels tacky in humidity. My hair stuck to my cheeks.
- Breaking the Seal: You must press hard to access pigment. It’s a hassle at first.
- Heavy Feel: The balmy texture sits on my skin. It’s not ideal for summer.
- Scent Sensitivity: The citrusy smell bothers sensitive noses. A friend found it strong.
- Not for Oily Skin: It looks greasy on oily complexions. My oily-skinned pal hated it.
- Jar Hygiene: Fingers in the jar feel unhygienic. I prefer a brush.
- Sheer Initial Payoff: Dusty Rose needs layering. It’s too subtle alone.
- Not Long-Wearing: Color fades after 5 hours. I reapply for all-day events.
- Plastic Packaging: The jar feels less premium. It scuffs in my makeup bag.
Testing in Real-World Scenarios
I wore both products in various settings: work, beach trips, and date nights.
Boomstick’s portability shone during a busy workday.
I swiped Glow before meetings for instant radiance.
Color added a natural flush, but Glimmer’s sparkle felt too festive for the office.
On a beach day, Boomstick’s lightweight feel was perfect.
It didn’t melt in the heat, though I reapplied Color after swimming.
Miracle Balm excelled for date nights.
I layered Flushed over foundation for a bold, dewy look.
The glow lasted through dinner, but stickiness was noticeable in humid air.
At the beach, Miracle Balm felt heavy.
It attracted sand, and the jar was bulky to carry.
Maintenance Tips for Boomstick and Miracle Balm
- Keep Boomstick Cool
I store my sticks in a drawer.
Heat can soften them, so avoid hot cars.
- Clean Miracle Balm Jar
I wipe the jar’s rim weekly.
This prevents product buildup.
- Use Clean Fingers
I wash my hands before applying either.
It keeps both hygienic.
- Close Tightly
I secure Boomstick caps and Miracle Balm lids.
This prevents drying out.
- Avoid Over-Applying
I use a light hand with both.
Too much makes them greasy.
Boomstick Vs. Other Products
Boomstick Vs. Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek
Milk’s Lip + Cheek ($24) offers creamier texture and bolder pigment.
Boomstick is more portable and sheer.
I prefer Boomstick for quick touch-ups, Milk for vibrant color.
- Miracle Balm Vs. Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows
Burt’s Bees ($10) is lighter and less sticky.
Miracle Balm’s shade range and buildability win.
I choose Miracle Balm for versatility, Burt’s for budget.
- Boomstick Vs. Merit Flush Balm
Merit’s Flush Balm ($30) has a satin finish.
Boomstick’s stick format is easier to apply.
I pick Boomstick for simplicity, Merit for elegance.
Application Techniques
For Boomstick, I swipe Color on cheeks and blend with fingers.
Glow goes on cheekbones and temples for sheen.
Glimmer is dabbed lightly on eyelids and cupid’s bow.
Miracle Balm requires warming with fingers.
I apply Dusty Rose in thin layers for a natural flush.
Flushed gets blended with a brush for even coverage.
I skip moisturizer before Miracle Balm to avoid greasiness.
Skin Type Compatibility
Boomstick suits all skin types.
My dry skin loves Glow, but oily friends find it shiny.
Color’s sheer tint works universally.
Miracle Balm is best for dry or normal skin.
Oily skin types complain it’s too dewy.
Flushed’s pigment pops on all tones.
Durability and Wear
Boomstick’s Color lasts 6 hours on my cheeks.
Glow’s sheen holds for 8 hours.
Glimmer fades after 4 hours.
Miracle Balm’s Flushed stays vibrant for 5 hours.
Dusty Rose needs touch-ups by mid-afternoon.
Both hold up in mild weather but slip in humidity.
Packaging and Portability
Boomstick’s aluminum tubes are sleek and travel-friendly.
They fit in my jeans pocket.
Miracle Balm’s jar is bulky but sturdy.
It’s better for home use.
Both are recyclable, but Boomstick’s tubes feel more premium.
Cost Vs. Value
Boomstick’s $28 price feels fair for 0.28 oz.
The trio simplifies my routine, saving time.
Miracle Balm’s $38 for 1.75 oz is a better per-ounce deal.
Its versatility justifies the cost for multi-use lovers.
Customer Service and Returns
BOOM! offers a 30-day return policy.
I swapped a damaged Glimmer stick easily.
Jones Road’s 30-day guarantee requires return shipping.
Their team was responsive when I inquired about shades.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Bobbi Brown Miracle Balm
Why Choose Boomstick?
Boomstick is your go-to for minimalist makeup.
The stick format and universal shades make it foolproof.
At $28, it’s a steal for daily glow.
It’s perfect if you hate complicated routines.
Why Choose Miracle Balm?
Miracle Balm is a multitasker’s dream.
With 13 shades and buildable coverage, it’s endlessly versatile.
The hydrating formula suits dry skin.
At $38, it’s a long-lasting investment.
My Final Verdict
Boomstick wins for portability and ease.
It’s my grab-and-go for busy days.
Miracle Balm shines for customizable looks.
It’s my pick for date nights or dry winter days.
If you’re a minimalist, grab Boomstick.
If you love experimenting, try Miracle Balm.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Senzio Miracle Balm
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can, but I skip it for a natural look.
I apply it after for glow, or alone for sheer tint.
It can feel tacky, especially in humidity.
Yes, but I use it sparingly to avoid greasiness.
Final Thoughts
You’re ready to glow, and I’m here to nudge you toward Boomstick or Jones Road Miracle Balm.
My testing shows Boomstick’s simplicity rules for quick, natural looks, while Miracle Balm’s versatility steals the show for customizable radiance.
Whether you’re swiping a $28 stick or layering a $38 jar, both elevate your makeup game.
Head to BOOM! or Jones Road’s websites, grab your fave, and shine bright. Your perfect no-makeup look awaits!
