Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey: My honest review of the cult-classic

Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey is just one of those lipsticks that's instantly recognisable. After peaking in the '90s and '00s, and as loved by celebs such as Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore and, more notably, Liv Tyler on the set of Lord Of The Rings, the bestselling lipstick had a revival after going viral on TikTok not so long ago. It's even loved by Emilia Clarke.

Seven of the sleek, silver-tubed lipsticks in the shade Black Honey sell every minute. And, while it may have sold out time and time again, demand for Clinique's Almost Lipstick is still going strong. With a sheer, glossy pigment that supposedly adapts to any skin colour, it's a subtle shade that gives a 'your lips but better' appearance. So, perfect if you're after the natural 'no makeup' look.

Since its viral success, Clinique have delved into new iterations: Pink Honey and the limited-edition Black Honey Lip + Cheek Oil, which instantly sold out when it was first launched last year. Since then, the lip and cheek oil has been re-released and is officially here to stay. In our opinion, nothing beats the original, however.

After all, there's a reason why the lippy has been a cult classic for the last 50 years. Black Honey has managed to stand the test of time to remain one of the most coveted lip shades on the market.

Clinique Black Honey: What is it? Where did it come from?

Clinique first launched its shade Black Honey in 1971 in the form of a gloss pot. In the time of the disco era, Black Honey's vampy shade could have been seen as a risk. However, when applied, it turned into a translucent sheer veil that worked with all skin tones. Black Honey had a makeover in 1989 and was launched as a tube of 'almost' lipstick. Easier to apply and throw in your bag than ever, Clinique saw the opportunity to make their lipstick more convenient.

Here at Closer, we put Black Honey to the test, so read on for our full review to see what we thought of the bestselling shade of Almost Lipstick.

Senior Commercial Content Writer, Samantha Price

"Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey has truly become an everyday staple in my makeup bag. It's subtle enough to be worn throughout the day but pigmented enough to transition to the night. It has a balm-like texture that nourishes the lips as you wear it, keeping chapped lips firmly at bay.

I'll be honest: when I first applied it, I was slightly underwhelmed. But the whole point of this lipstick isn't that it's a high-impact shade. My go-to tended to be MAC's Kinda Sexy Matte Lipstick, so a lippy with a sheer finish wasn't something I was necessarily used to. However, the more I applied it, the more I fell in love with it. The beauty of this lipstick is that it can be built up to get your perfect, desired shade.

It's also so forgiving to apply, and it was designed so that you don't need a mirror to apply it, which I can confirm is the case. That's why it's perfect for applying on the go, and the thin, sleek packaging means it doesn't take up too much room in your bag.

I've even spotted the multi-purpose lipstick being used as a blush and a contour over on TikTok, where it's been used on the cheeks, nose and eyelids as a sculpting product. Its pigment is a neutral-cool, making it surprisingly good for adding definition to these areas of the face."

Pros

• An iconic cult-classic shade: Over 50 years old, Black Honey was released in 1971 and still remains an ever-popular shade today. It was loved by the actresses of the '90s and '00s for being a chic, elevated 'your lips but better' shade.

• Adaptable shade that suits 'all skin tones': Its blend of pigments means that this chameleon-like shade supposedly adapts to all skin tones. While this isn't something I can necessarily comment on, I've seen TikTok creators of all different skin tones try this shade, and it truly does look beautiful on everyone.

• Sleek, sophisticated packaging: In a thin silver tube, it's so easy to throw into your bag and doesn't take up too much room. Not only that, but it just looks expensive. I can totally see the appeal, and it makes so much sense as to why it saw its peak during the '90s.

• Multi-purpose and easy to apply on the go: The packaging plays into this point, that it is effortless to apply when you're out and about. Being a tinted balm-like texture, you don't need a mirror to apply it, and it can also be used across the cheeks, nose and eyelids as a contour and blush.

Cons

• May be underwhelming for some: While some may find it underwhelming or not pigmented enough, others who prefer a more sheer, natural 'no makeup' finish will love this shade. You can also apply a few layers to add more depth. But, something to keep in mind for those who prefer more impact.

• Can be prone to feathering and sticking to dry areas: It can cause some feathering around the lipline. It's not something I've done for my review, but sometimes I like to wear a lipliner as a result. It can also stick to drier areas, so I'd recommend exfoliating your lips if you feel the need.

• Premium price point: It's been noted that, for the price point, reviewers expected something more pigmented. Others have compared it to more affordable alternatives, such as the Labello Blackberry Shine Lip Balm, £3.99, which is supposedly close in shade and finish at a lower price point.

Final verdict

In my opinion, Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey is just one of those lipsticks that you have to try. It's a staple in every handbag, perfect for a low-maintenance touch-up when you're on the go. Due to its sheer, pigmented colour, it can be built up for the desired effect, whether you want a more subtle approach or a darker, vampier shade to take you into the night.

Samantha Price is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for Closer. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.