Finding a lip product that doesn't feel like a science experiment or a greasy mess is harder than it looks. Honestly, most of us have a "graveyard" of lipsticks that were too drying and balms that were basically just expensive Vaseline. Then there's the Catrice Care In Colours Lip Balm. It’s one of those drugstore finds that makes you question why you ever spent thirty bucks on a "prestige" brand.
It’s a weirdly perfect hybrid. You get the buttery, cushioned feel of a heavy-duty treatment, but with a wash of color that actually shows up. It’s not just a "hint" of tint that disappears the second you take a sip of coffee. This stuff lingers, in a good way.
What Is the Catrice Care In Colours Lip Balm, Anyway?
Basically, it's a solid lip oil in stick form. Catrice designed this to bridge the gap between makeup and skincare, which is a big trend right now, but they actually pulled it off. Most "tinted balms" either lean too hard into the waxiness (making them feel stiff) or too hard into the pigment (making them patchy).
This formula hits a sweet spot. It uses a blend of vegetable oils and plant waxes to create a barrier that keeps moisture in without feeling like you've smeared candle wax on your face.
The finish is what I’d call "healthy juicy." It isn't a blinding, sticky gloss finish that’ll catch every stray hair on a windy day. Instead, it’s a natural, dewy shine that makes your lips look significantly more hydrated than they probably are.
The Ingredient Breakdown (No Fluff)
If you flip the tube over, you aren't going to see a bunch of scary fillers. The heavy hitters here are Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter.
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- Shea Butter: This is the MVP for softening. It’s packed with fatty acids that sink into the skin.
- Cocoa Butter: This acts more like a shield. It’s a bit thicker and creates that protective layer against the wind and cold.
- Castor Seed Oil: This is why it glides. If a balm feels "draggy" on your lips, it's usually lacking a good oil base like this.
- Sunflower Seed Wax: This provides the structure so the balm doesn't melt into a puddle in your pocket.
One thing to note—it does contain Ethyl Vanillin, which gives it a subtle, sweet scent. If you’re someone who hates scented lip products, it’s fairly faint, but it’s definitely there.
Real Talk on the Shade Range
There are about eight shades in the lineup, though availability can fluctuate depending on where you're shopping. What’s cool is that they didn't just stick to "light pink" and "slightly darker pink."
010 Everyday 24/7 is the "no-makeup" makeup choice. It’s a very sheer pink that basically just makes your natural lip color look evened out.
040 Hot Take and 050 Wild Rebel are where things get interesting. Wild Rebel is a deep berry that looks intimidating in the tube but goes on like a sophisticated stain. People often compare it to much more expensive "black honey" style balms because it adapts well to different skin tones.
060 Half Baked Cookies is the sleeper hit. It’s a rosewood/nude shade that is basically the "your lips but better" holy grail for anyone with warmer undertones.
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Why It Outperforms the "Big Names"
I've seen people on Reddit and TikTok comparing this to the Clinique Almost Lipstick or even the Dior Lip Glow. Is it a 1:1 dupe? Not exactly. The Dior has that pH-reacting tech, and Clinique has that specific gel-like slip.
However, for $6, the Catrice Care In Colours Lip Balm offers a level of comfort that matches them. The pigmentation is buildable. One swipe gives you a tint; three swipes and you’ve basically got a moisturizing lipstick.
The longevity is decent for a balm. You’re looking at maybe two to three hours of wear before the shine fades, though the pigment usually sticks around a bit longer. Because it’s a balm, you don’t need a mirror to reapply. You can just swipe it on while walking to your next meeting.
Is There a Downside?
Nothing is perfect. A few users have mentioned that if your lips are extremely flaky, the pigment can sometimes settle into those dry patches, especially in the darker shades like 050 Wild Rebel.
Also, the packaging is functional but definitely "drugstore." It’s a simple plastic tube. It’s not going to feel heavy or "luxurious" in your hand, but then again, you’re paying for what’s inside the tube, not the weight of the cap.
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Some reviewers have noted a "waxy" smell after a few months. Since it’s a vegan formula using natural butters, it doesn't have the heavy preservatives that some other brands use to mask the scent of oils over time. My advice? Use it up. Don't let it sit in a drawer for two years.
How to Get the Most Out of It
If you want the color to look seamless, do a quick lip scrub first. Even just rubbing a damp washcloth over your lips works.
Apply a single layer for a casual look. If you’re heading out for dinner and want more "oomph," line your lips with a neutral liner first, then fill them in with the Catrice Care In Colours Lip Balm. It gives a plump, blurred effect that looks very "editorial" without the effort.
- Prep: Ensure lips are clean and slightly damp.
- Apply: Start from the center and move outward.
- Layer: Let it sit for 30 seconds before adding a second coat to allow the oils to "set."
The Verdict
This is a "buy two" kind of product. Keep one in your car and one in your handbag. It's rare to find a vegan, cruelty-free balm at this price point that actually delivers on both the "care" and the "color" parts of its name.
If you're tired of sticky glosses or lipsticks that make your lips peel by noon, this is the solution. It’s cheap, it’s effective, and honestly, the shades are just really flattering.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the current stock at retailers like Amazon, Ulta, or Catrice’s official website. If you’re unsure about color, start with 020 Feelin' Pretty for a safe, universal mauve or 060 Half Baked Cookies if you prefer a nude-brown vibe.