Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is a universally flattering lip product that combines the sheer color of a tint with the hydrating comfort of a balm. Launched in 1971 as a gloss pot and re-released in stick form in 1989, this iconic shade adapts to individual lip chemistry, creating a personalized “my-lips-but-better” berry tint that suits nearly every skin tone. Its enduring popularity is highlighted by sales of one Black Honey Almost Lipstick every minute globally.
What Makes Black Honey “Almost Lipstick”?
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Our Picks for the Best Lip Stick in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Berry Parisienne , 1 Count |
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| 2 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Brazil Nut , 1 Count |
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| 3 | Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Lipstick, Rose & Dagger |
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| 4 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Fairest Nude, 1 Count |
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| 5 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Blushing Berry , 1 Count |
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| 6 | Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Lip Tint, Long Lasting Matte Lipstick For Up To 12HR Wear, Kneehigh, 1 Count |
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| 7 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Blazing Lava , 1 Count |
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| 8 | Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick, Moisturizing Lip Balm Pack, Relieves Dryness, 0.17 Oz Stick, Pack of 2 |
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| 9 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour, Ballerina Shoes [135], 1 Count |
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| 10 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, British Red , 1 Count |
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Clinique aptly named this product “Almost Lipstick” because it defies traditional categorization. It’s not quite a lipstick, nor is it merely a gloss; instead, it offers the best of both worlds with the comforting texture of a tinted lip balm. This innovative formula melts onto the lips, providing a sheer wash of color that feels incredibly lightweight and comfortable. Its emollient-rich composition ensures a smooth application and a soft, glossy finish that never feels sticky.
The Chameleon Effect: A Shade for Everyone
The true magic of Black Honey lies in its chameleon-like ability to flatter virtually every skin tone. In its sleek silver tube, it appears as a deep, moody raisin or plum shade, which might initially seem intimidating. However, upon application, it transforms into a sheer, berry-toned tint that subtly enhances the natural color of your lips, creating a personalized “my-lips-but-better” effect. This universal appeal is attributed to a meticulously balanced blend of blue, red, and yellow pigments that seamlessly merge with your unique lip chemistry.
Beyond Color: Key Features and Benefits
Black Honey is cherished not only for its iconic shade but also for its exceptional formula. It boasts 95% conditioning ingredients, providing impressive hydration and comfort throughout the day. Lips feel nourished and look plush, making it an ideal choice for daily wear, especially in changing climates. Clinique maintains its commitment to skin safety, ensuring the Almost Lipstick is 100% fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and free of parabens and phthalates, making it suitable for even sensitive lips. Its buildable nature allows for versatility: a single swipe delivers a delicate hint of color, while multiple layers intensify the shade for a more dramatic, yet still natural, berry-stained look.
A Legacy of Love: From 1971 to Viral Sensation
The story of Black Honey began in 1971 when it was first introduced as a gloss pot. It quickly gained a loyal following for its groundbreaking ability to provide a flattering, adaptable tint in an era dominated by bold, opaque colors. In 1989, it was reimagined and launched in its current “Almost Lipstick” stick format, further cementing its status as a beauty innovator. Decades later, Black Honey experienced an unprecedented resurgence, captivating a new generation through viral trends on social media platforms like TikTok, proving its timeless relevance and confirming its status as a true cult classic. Its enduring popularity is evident in astonishing sales figures, with a Black Honey Almost Lipstick reportedly sold every minute globally.
The Perfect Pout, Effortlessly Achieved
One of Black Honey’s most lauded characteristics is its ease of use. It glides on so smoothly and forgivingly that precise application, or even a mirror, is often unnecessary. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle daytime sheen or a more intense evening berry, Black Honey effortlessly delivers. It pairs beautifully with a bare face for a touch of polished naturalness or can be layered over other lip products to add depth and a unique tint.
In a beauty landscape overflowing with choices, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey remains a steadfast favorite. Its unique color, comfortable feel, and universal appeal make it more than just a makeup item; it’s a confidence booster, a touch of understated magic that continues to enchant and empower.
This product is definitely a classic for a reason. I love how sheer it is, making it super easy to apply without a mirror. The hydrating comfort is a huge plus for me, especially since my lips tend to get dry. It’s a great everyday option when I want a little something but nothing too heavy.
I’ve been hearing about Black Honey for ages and finally decided to try it. The ‘my-lips-but-better’ description is spot on! It really does adapt to my lip chemistry and gives me a perfect berry tint without being too bold. It’s so comfortable to wear, like a balm, but with just enough color to make a difference.
My wife got me into Black Honey, and I actually really like it. It’s not too much, just a subtle tint that makes my lips look healthier. The fact that it’s been around since 1971 and still sells so well really says something about its quality. It’s definitely more of a tinted balm than a heavy lipstick, which is perfect.
I was really excited to try the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, especially with all the hype about it being universally flattering. While I do like the sheer color and how lightweight it feels, I found that the tint didn’t last as long as I hoped. I had to reapply pretty frequently throughout the day to maintain the color.