It’s a bit frustrating when the products we love take forever to restock. That’s why I started actively looking for alternatives to the tinted lip balm I usually use.
Finally, I discovered Hekatar, a tinted lip balm from a local handmade cosmetics brand in Indonesia. Actually, this tinted lip balm comes in two variants: the one I have, which is coconut oil-based, and another lanolin-based one, offering a more pigmented color, almost like wearing lipstick! The prices differ slightly, likely due to the differences in ingredients.
As a fan of tinted lip balms, I prefer sheer colors. My expectation from a lip balm product is more about moisturizing benefits rather than bold colors.
Packaging
This product comes in a chapstick-style tube, just like most lip balms, with a twist-up base at the bottom to raise or lower the product. It’s handy and travel-friendly. Each tube contains 5 grams of product.
Ingredients
Looking at the ingredient list, the formula is relatively simple, with a few key ingredients standing out: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, and Synthetic Beeswax.
These ingredients are commonly found in lip products to provide moisture and create a protective layer on the lips. Coconut oil and castor oil help soften and condition the lips, while synthetic beeswax provides structure and helps lock in moisture.
Overall, the formula feels lightweight without a few additional actives.
The color comes from added colorants, and it also contains flavor or fragrance, which may not be suitable for some people who are sensitive to scented lip products. I myself do not really like the strong scent of lip product, and this one is quite mild.
For reference, here is the full list ingredients:
Cocos Nucifera Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Synthetic Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Flavor/Aroma, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract. May contain: CI 77491, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 73360, CI 16035, CI 15850, CI 42090, CI 15985.
Texture, Scent, and Swatches
The texture of this is thin yet quite creamy and glides on smoothly. When applied, it feels lightweight on the lips without any stickiness. It provides decent moisture that lasts around 3-4 hours.
After that, you’ll need to reapply for both hydration and color, which is expected since this is a lip balm and will not last as long as lipstick.
The scent of this Chocolate shade reminds me of sweet chocolate biscuits. However, it is quite subtle and not overwhelming, and it is almost similar to Hurraw! Lip Balm (if you ever tried Hurraw).
There are four shades available for the Sheer Color Balm variant. The one I have is in the shade Chocolate, described as terracotta orangey brown.
On my medium neutral-to-warm with golden undertone, the color appears true to the brand’s claim. As shown in the photo below, even with just a single swipe, the color payoff is quite intense for a tinted lip balm. Layering it multiple times results in a color that’s as opaque as lipstick.
Final Verdict
As a lip balm lover, I definitely think this product is worth trying. The shades available are wearable enough for daily use, and surprisingly quite opaque for a tinted lip balm. It’s perfect for days when you’re heading to the supermarket and don’t want to look pale but have no time for full makeup. For me, the color payoff deserves a 5 out of 5!
In terms of hydration, it could be slightly better. I would rate it a 4 out of 5, but it is still comfortable and does the job well for daily wear.
As this is a local brand from Indonesia, you will surely have it only via Shopee Indonesia for only IDR 20,000 or USD 1.16!
If you’re a fan of minimal makeup or love collecting lip balms, you’ll want to try a few shades from Hekatar here.
Talk to you soon,
Pika 🌼
References:
Synthetic Beeswax
Can You Use Castor Oil on Your Lips?
Coconut Oil for Lip Balms?
