Even though Clinique originally launched its viral, cult-favorite Black Honey Almost Lipstick decades ago, the color not only continues to sell… and sell… and sell…. but is having another mini-renaissance, thanks to makeup lovers on TikTok and elsewhere on social media.
This lip color is so beloved that seven tubes of Black Honey Almost Lipstick are sold every minute, and it graced the lips of countless celebs. Read on for more about the Clinique original — and how to stock up on more affordable dupes if the Clinique price tag doesn’t work for you or it’s sold out (again).
To be fair, this lip color has never not been popular. People have loved Black Honey since 1971 – when it first debuted in a cute little pot. In 1989, Clinique began selling it in the slim metallic tube (the same formulation and packaging you know and love today), and it really took off, enough that it’s always been part of the beauty brand’s lineup.
But a few years back, eagle-eyed makeup stans on TikTok discovered that Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick was worn by Liv Tyler in “The Lord of the Rings” — and that caused it to blow fully up. See: #BlackHoney and #CliniqueBlackHoney for more.
A whole new cohort discovered that Black Honey Almost Lipstick gave a subtle, buildable color that flatters across a wide range of skin tones. Though the color looks quite dark in the tube (think Chanel Vamp from back in the day), it goes on rather sheer and berry-like, so it plays up and enhances your natural lip color. Because it’s so subtle, you don’t even need a mirror to apply it. Just swipe and go!
In addition to Liv Tyler, TikTok creators say that stars like Julia Roberts, Zooey Deschanel and Molly Ringwald wore Black Honey in past projects. More recently, so did Troian Bellisario (on “Pretty Little Liars”) and “Game of Thrones” star Emilia Clarke, mother of dragons herself, who shared a video of her trying — and loving — Black Honey.
Whether you can’t get your hands on Clinique Black Honey because it’s sold out or you’re looking for a similar color that is less pricey, there are some excellent Clinique Honey dupes available. Check them out below.
Sheer Stick Lipstick in Black Cherry from popular drugstore brand e.l.f. has a lot of users raving about its similarities to Black Honey.
It’s got that same natural-looking tint, and a non-gloppy, featherlight formula, thanks to ingredients including meadowfoam seed oil and Vitamin E. Some users say it has a bit more pink to it than the OG Black Honey, and also goes on less sheer than Clinique’s version, though it’s still light enough to offer a pretty subtle first coat.
The brand is vegan and cruelty-free.
Another wonderful vegan and cruelty-free dupe, Tinted Lip Balm in Plum Drop is from Jessica Alba’s brand, Honest Beauty. Plum Drop, as the name implies, has a jammy, plummy color that goes on nice and light. The non-drying formula gets hydration thanks to avocado oil, and extracts of pomegranate and acai.
Don’t let the name Red Dahlia worry you. Burt’s Bees shea butter-infused lip balm has a barely-there, just-dark-enough, deep red hue for all-day moisture. This offers a bit less color than Clinique, but it’s equally buildable, versatile, and softening. Plus, it’s from a brand well-known for their natural, clean ingredients, and certified cruelty-free formulations.
Details: This lip tint from Covergirl is vegan and made with such delightful ingredients as pomegranate oil and hyaluronic acid to keep your lips feeling soft and hydrated all day long. This has more color on first swipe than Black Honey, so try dotting it on and seeing what you think before you go for a second — or third — pass.
Unlike the other dupes on this list, TONYMOLY Jelly Lip Tint in Blackberry comes in a super cute little pot, just like the original Clinique Black Honey formulation from ‘71! This is a winner for anyone with chapped lips looking for moisture, because it’s got a whole fruit salad of nourishing ingredients, including passionfruit, berry, watermelon, green grape, strawberry and lychee extracts and vitamin E. Though it looks like a tiny scoop of Jell-O, it feels — and looks — more like an oil upon application.
TONYMOLY also offers this product in other deliciously-scented options, including Passionfruit, Watermelon, Green Grape, and Lychee, but only Blackberry has a tint to it.
While Clinique Black Honey has a strikingly bold, deep, rich-looking color in the tube that goes on surprisingly light and sheer, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey offers that same vibrancy— this time in pink — in the tube that goes on in a more “you, with just a wee bit of added color” once it’s on your mouth.
Both Black Honey and Pink Honey are packaged similarly, with the same pigment depth and the same ingredients. One has that more berry, wine-y undertones with Pink Honey has, obviously, pink.
It’s worth checking out TikTok to see other users try both shades so you can see which one might appeal more to your tastes and style.
The semi-sheer Purrfect Pout Sheer Lipstick in Purrincess from Winky Lux is a spot-on dupe for Pink Honey. The lipstick is made with jojoba oil and vitamin E, and yes, has an adorable cat core in the color, plus a yummy berry scent. This pretty pink is a bit more pigmented than Clinique’s barely-there color, so apply with a light hand, and layer as desired. Winky Lux is a clean, plastic-neutral, and cruelty-free brand.
Can’t get enough Black Honey? Clinique launched a limited edition Black Honey lip and cheek oil. It’s sold out, but should be back in stock soon. Sign up to be notified when it is.
The post All the Best Clinique Black Honey Dupes appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
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