Ogee Vs. Merit: In-Depth Differences

I’m a 38-year-old mom and makeup enthusiast, and I’ve spent six months testing Ogee and Merit to find the best clean beauty brand for you.

Ogee’s organic sticks and Merit’s minimalist formulas promise effortless, skin-loving looks.

In this article, I’ll share my honest experience, comparing their performance, ingredients, and value to help you choose.

Whether you want a dewy glow or quick application, you’ll find your perfect match.

Grab these from Sephora or Ogee’s site and elevate your routine!

Comparison Table: Ogee Vs. Merit

My Six-Month Journey with Ogee and Merit

As a busy mom with combination skin, I craved a makeup routine that’s quick, clean, and effective.

Ogee’s Sculpted Complexion Stick ($49, 0.34 oz) and Merit’s Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick ($38, 0.23 oz) caught my eye on Instagram.

I started with Ogee’s Linden shade, applying it with a brush for a smooth, even finish.

It covered my sunspots beautifully, feeling moisturizing thanks to jojoba oil.

Merit’s Sand shade, blended with fingers, gave a dewy glow but needed reapplication by noon.

For blush, Ogee’s Rose Quartz Face Stick ($58) blended like a dream, while Merit’s Flush Balm ($30) in Cheeky was sheerer but easier to toss in my purse.

Ogee’s denser formula lasted through my daughter’s soccer game; Merit’s faded after lunch.

I loved Ogee’s organic vibe but found Merit’s lighter texture perfect for quick Zoom calls.

Once, Ogee’s stick arrived slightly melted, but customer service replaced it.

Merit’s packaging slid out too easily, annoying me on the go.

Both transformed my routine, but each shone in different ways.

What Sets Ogee Apart?

Ogee, founded in 2014 in Vermont, is NSF Organic certified, using 70%+ organic ingredients like jojoba oil and green coffee oil, per Honest Brand Reviews.

The Sculpted Complexion Stick ($49) doubles as foundation and concealer, offering buildable coverage for all skin types.

The Sculpted Face Stick ($58) adds blush, contour, or highlight with a semi-matte finish.

A 2024 Byrdie review praised its creamy texture but noted high costs.

Ogee’s eco-focus includes sustainable sourcing, though plastic packaging disappointed some Reddit users.

The 30-day return policy (unopened only) is strict but reliable.

What Makes Merit Stand Out

Merit, launched in 2021 by Katherine Power, emphasizes minimalist, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas, per PureWow.

The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick ($38) blends foundation and concealer with fatty acids and sea daffodil extract for a dewy finish.

Flush Balm ($30) offers sheer cheek color with squalane.

A 2025 Cosmopolitan review loved its chic packaging but noted shorter wear time.

Merit’s EU-compliant formulas avoid 1,328 harmful ingredients, and 43% recycled plastic packaging appeals to eco-conscious buyers.

The free corduroy bag with first orders is a cute bonus, per The Good Trade.

How They Fit Into My Routine?

Ogee’s sticks take 7 minutes to apply—Complexion Stick for coverage, Face Stick for blush and contour.

I use a brush for precision, perfect for date nights.

Merit’s 5-minute routine is my go-to for busy mornings.

I swipe the Complexion Stick and Flush Balm with fingers, blending fast for a natural look.

Ogee feels luxurious; Merit’s lightweight for everyday.

You’ll love Ogee for special occasions and Merit for quick, no-fuss glow.

Both fit my hectic life, but Merit’s portability wins for on-the-go touch-ups.

Pros of Ogee Makeup:

• 70%+ organic ingredients
• Buildable, long-lasting coverage
• Moisturizing jojoba oil
• Semi-matte natural finish
• Multi-use sticks
• Eco-friendly sourcing
• 20 Complexion shades
• Creamy, non-greasy texture
• Reduces redness
• Great for mature skin

Cons of Ogee Makeup:

• Expensive ($49-$88)
• Plastic packaging
• Strict return policy
• Limited shade variety
• May melt in heat
• Not widely available
• Dense formula for some
• High shipping costs
• No SPF inclusion
• Can feel heavy

Pros of Merit Makeup:

• Vegan, cruelty-free
• Lightweight, dewy finish
• 30 Complexion shades
• Non-comedogenic formula
• Portable packaging
• Free makeup bag
• Hydrating squalane
• Easy finger blending
• Affordable ($24-$38)
• Sensitive skin-friendly

Cons of Merit Makeup:

• Less long-lasting
• Sheer coverage
• Packaging slides out
• Fewer cheek shades
• Some pilling reported
• Not organic
• Limited full coverage
• Reapplication needed
• No contour variety
• Can feel oily

Performance on Different Skin Types

Ogee’s rich formulas suit my dry patches, especially in winter, with jojoba oil hydrating without clogging pores, per a 2020 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

On my oily T-zone, it felt slightly heavy by day’s end.

Merit’s lightweight Complexion Stick worked better on oily areas but dried my cheeks slightly, per a 2025 Well+Good review.

For my friend with sensitive skin, Merit caused no irritation, while Ogee’s essential oils triggered a mild reaction.

You’ll find Ogee ideal for dry or mature skin, Merit for sensitive or oily types.

Application and Blendability

Ogee’s denser sticks need a brush for seamless blending, taking 2-3 minutes to perfect.

I applied the Complexion Stick in dots, blending with a damp sponge for a polished look.

Merit’s creamier texture blends with fingers in 1 minute, ideal for rushed mornings.

The Flush Balm glides effortlessly but needs layering for pigment.

Ogee’s Face Stick in Copper sculpted my cheekbones beautifully but took practice.

Merit’s Bronze Balm ($30) was sheerer, per The Everygirl.

You’ll love Merit’s ease, but Ogee’s precision shines for defined looks.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Flower Knows Makeup

Longevity and Wear Time

Ogee’s Complexion Stick lasted 8 hours during a work-from-home day, with minimal fading.

At a summer picnic, it held up through humidity, though I touched up the Face Stick after 6 hours.

Merit’s Complexion Stick faded after 5 hours, needing reapplication by lunch, per a 2025 Refinery29 review.

The Flush Balm lasted 4 hours before losing vibrancy.

Ogee’s denser formula wins for longevity; Merit’s better for quick, fresh looks.

You’ll reapply Merit more but enjoy Ogee’s staying power.

Packaging and Portability

Ogee’s sleek, gold-accented plastic sticks look luxe but aren’t fully sustainable, per The Style Shaker.

The 0.34 oz size fits my purse, but one arrived melted, requiring refrigeration.

Merit’s 0.23 oz sticks, with 43% recycled plastic, are compact but slide out easily, per PureWow.

The washable corduroy bag is a chic touch.

Ogee feels premium; Merit’s practical for travel.

You’ll love Merit’s portability but wish Ogee’s packaging was greener.

Price and Value Breakdown

Ogee’s Complexion Stick ($49) and Face Stick ($58) are pricier, costing $0.14-$0.17 per use over 350 applications.

Merit’s Complexion Stick ($38) and Flush Balm ($30) cost $0.16-$0.13 per use, per 230 applications.

Ogee’s organic certification justifies the cost, but Merit’s mid-range pricing and Sephora availability feel more accessible, per Cosmopolitan.

Ogee’s bundle ($129 for three sticks) saves 10%.

Merit’s $345 Full Collection offers variety.

You’re paying for Ogee’s luxury, Merit’s simplicity.

Sustainability and Ethics

Ogee’s NSF Organic certification and sustainable sourcing appeal to eco-conscious buyers, per Honest Brand Reviews.

However, plastic packaging drew Reddit criticism.

Merit’s vegan, Leaping Bunny-certified formulas and 43% recycled plastic align with ethical standards, per The Good Trade.

Both brands avoid 73 acne-causing ingredients, per Biba de Sousa’s no-list.

Ogee’s organic focus feels purer; Merit’s cruelty-free ethos suits minimalists.

You’ll feel good supporting either, but Ogee’s greener if packaging improves.

Who Should Choose Ogee

Ogee’s ideal for dry or mature skin, eco-conscious folks, or those wanting long-lasting, buildable coverage.

If you love organic ingredients and don’t mind splurging, Ogee’s your pick.

Avoid if you prefer lightweight textures or budget buys.

You’ll adore Ogee for polished, lasting looks.

Who Should Choose Merit

Merit suits sensitive or oily skin, minimalists, or busy people needing a 5-minute routine.

If you want affordable, vegan products with a dewy finish, Merit’s for you.

Skip if you need full coverage or long wear.

You’ll love Merit for effortless, natural glow.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Jane Iredale Makeup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

After six months, Ogee’s my go-to for date nights—its rich, lasting coverage gives me confidence.

Merit’s my daily driver for quick, dewy looks, especially on busy days.

Ogee’s organic ingredients feel luxe, but Merit’s affordability and portability win for convenience.

For my 70-year-old mom with discoloration, Ogee’s coverage worked better, per Reddit.

You can’t go wrong, but your skin type and lifestyle will decide.

Ogee and Merit transformed my makeup game—Ogee’s organic, lasting formulas for special days, Merit’s quick, dewy glow for everyday.