Back in the day, nary a single ’90s ingenue could be seen out and about without a swipe of Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, Courtney Cox, Kate Moss — they all swore by it. With its jammy, berry-like shade that is truly flattering on everyone, this legendary lippie has remained a bestseller for over 30 years. And thanks to the recent love it’s gotten on TikTok, it’s constantly selling out. But good news: It’s back in stock. If your lips are feeling a little adrift, this shade will give them the revival they need. How do we love this iconic color and moisturizing formula? Let us count the ways.
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming tube: This is among the most-loved lipsticks of all time.
While the feel of this lipstick is great (more on that later), it’s the color that makes it shine — literally. Black Honey is a deep berry shade that suits, well, everyone. No matter your skin tone, eye color, hair color or age, you can’t go wrong, which is why it sells out over and over again.
In its tube, the color looks like something Wednesday Addams might wear, but the rich hue goes on sheer. Blue, red and yellow pigments mix into a creamy base that melts into lips, playing up their natural color. Think of it like watercolors but for makeup.
One coat adds a little oomph to your natural lip color, or you can swipe on a few coats for a richer berry tint. It’s this makeup magic that made Black Honey so popular in the first place.
When it comes to texture, Almost Lipstick is exactly that — the emollient-rich formula feels more like a nourishing lip balm. It’s moist, glossy without being too glossy, and light enough to feel like you’re not wearing anything. It’s an ideal, everyday sweep of color. Want to go bolder come evening time? It pairs beautifully with a lip liner, giving any shade a more robust glow.
This shade has been a steady favorite since it debuted back in 1971 and it’s so versatile it’s been hailed as the “black turtleneck” of lipstick. Amazon shoppers agree with Black Honey‘s beauty icon status. It’s amassed over 5,700 five-star reviews.
“The color just seems to accent my lips in a positive way, with just the right amount of color,” said one fan. “I do add some clear lip gloss over top because I like a bit more shine, but that’s a personal preference. It looks very dark in the tube, but it is not that way on my lips. I’m pretty amazed, quite honestly. It truly is as advertised. I will buy it again without hesitation.”
“I’ve never spent $20-plus on just lipstick ever, but I took the plunge and it doesn’t disappoint,” wrote a Black Honey-loving convert. “It’s sexy! I can’t describe it, but it’s a gorgeous color. It glides on smoothly and stays on for many hours. Just buy it, you won’t be sorry.”
“I was skeptical when this lipstick went viral — but I ordered it anyway after thinking about it for months,” said a third fan. “I am so happy I purchased this. It’s subtle enough that I can wear it to work without feeling overdone, but still feel like I have a darker, moodier color on.”
Not fully convinced? Check out this final five-star review: “I am a 60-year-old woman with a light complexion, so when a much younger friend recommended this product to me I was a bit concerned, especially after seeing how dark the color looked. However, her knowledge of Clinique’s products convinced me to give this product a try and I’m so glad I did! This is my new ‘go-to’ lip color when I’m looking for something light to wear on my lips.”
Black Honey is so forgiving that you don’t even need a mirror to apply it. No mess, no stress!
This lipstick is often hailed as the ultimate daytime lippie, but if you want something bolder for night, try it with a lip liner underneath.
A little combo goes a long way to making the iconic Black Honey the only lipstick you’ll need in your makeup bag.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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