As a longtime makeup lover and commerce writer, I've tried more products than I can count. But one product that has been with me since I was a teen (and would frequently steal from my sister) is none other than the viral Almost Lipstick in Black Honey from Clinique — I basically grew up with this lipstick.
This product has had a massive following for decades, and thanks to social media, younger generations are loving it, too. To paint a picture of its cult following, the #cliniqueblackhoney tag on TikTok has thousands of videos with millions of views and counting. Clinique even says seven are sold every minute. The reason why I've been using it for nearly 20 years? It's simply the perfect shade, that's both buildable and moisturizing. It's safe to say it lives up to the hype.
In fact, it's so loved by the rest of Shop TODAY that the product was even awarded the Best Cream Lipstick in our annual Beauty Awards in 2024.
Why I tried the Clinique Almost Lipstick
As the official name "Almost Lipstick" implies, this product isn't quite a lipstick; it has a balm consistency. As early as I can remember, I've been plagued with dry, peeling lips, so I'm very cautious with the lip products I use. This is one of the few options out there that isn't drying for me; I can pop it on in the morning and continue to apply it throughout the day — it feels like a hydrating chapstick!
This comfortable texture is likely due to the ingredients. According to the brand, it contains an "emollient-rich" formula, which dermatologists previously told us that emollients can help seal moisture. It's also formulated with another star ingredient for hydration: castor oil.
Why I like the Clinique Almost Honey
The shade is perfect
Aside from its feel, what makes this product so well-loved is its shade. At first glance, the color looks pretty intimidating; however, it applies as a sheer, glossy, reddish hue. Clinique even claims that the color will "flatter all skin tones," and based on images and social media videos, they're absolutely right.
I have very fair skin, so I find this color to be the perfect fall or winter red for everyday wear. It complements my skin tone nicely and helps add a pop of color without being overwhelming. I probably wear this shade every day to work — it just goes with everything and helps me feel put together.
It's buildable and can be glammed up
One or two swipes will give you a subtle hint of red, but if you're looking to glam it up a bit, the color is buildable, so you can add more layers to achieve a deeper shade. If I'm going for a nighttime look, I find it matches well with lip liners, from wines to nudes. This helps the lipstick appear more opaque while still keeping the hydrating and glossy finish.
What to consider
One thing to note is that the color can fade fast, especially if you have dry lips, which I do. That's why I sometimes reach for a lip liner to wear underneath; this helps keep the color last longer for nights out.
Plus, I think you get a lot of bang for your buck! Like I said, I wear this product almost every day, but since you don't need too much product to achieve your results, the tube lasts a long time. I'd say a single tube lasts about four to six months, so the $25 price tag isn't too shabby, and it's one of the many reasons why this isn't going anywhere in my makeup bag. You’ll have to bury me in this lipstick.
More Clinique Products to shop
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel says this mascara's formula doesn't irritate her sensitive, dry eyes, and she appreciates its long-lasting results.
Shop TODAY recently got an exclusive look at how this bestselling moisturizer is made with its four key ingredients of urea, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and pro-lipids.
Many editors (including myself) love this cleansing balm; it effortlessly takes off the most stubborn makeup without having to scrub. “I find the cleansing balm highly moisturizing and non-stripping, so after I dry my face, my face never feels tight. You also don’t get any ‘burning’ around your eyes, even when removing tough eye makeup,” says San Miguel.
Nivea Skin Firming and Toning Gel Cream
This cream promises to improve firmness in as little as two weeks.
$13.98
Amazon
LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream
This eye cream promises to reverse signs of aging.
$22.99
Amazon
$29.99
LilyAna Naturals
Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil Serum
Our editors love this oil for hydration without a greasy feel.
$21.49
$23.49
Amazon
Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Nail Treatment & Strengthener
This treatment can be used as both a base and top coat.
$4.48
Amazon
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
We love this affordable formula that doesn’t compromise lift.
$4.99
Amazon
$4.99
Ulta
$4.99
Target
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
One editor has been wearing this classic shade for over 20 years.
$25.00
Amazon
$25.00
Ulta
$25.00
Nordstrom
Brighten under eyes with this balm.
Winner: Most innovative eye cream
$38.00
Tula
$38.00
Amazon
$38.00
Target
Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream
Define curls and tame frizz with this nourishing cream.
$15.39
$21.99
Amazon
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This affordable find is an easy introduction to retinol.
$18.68
$21.99
Amazon
$21.99
Ulta
$18.68
$23.73
Walmart
Laura Geller Baked Color Correcting Foundation
This foundation builds effortlessly to achieve a chic makeup look.
$17.10
$37.00
Amazon
$19.99
$38.00
Laura Geller
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
This spray promises to lock in makeup for up to 36 hours.
$10.98
$13.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
Mielle Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Experts say that rosemary oil can help with hair growth.
$9.97
Walmart
$7.69
$10.99
Ulta
$9.57
Amazon
Why trust Shop TODAY
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Shannon Garlin is an associate editor for Shop TODAY. She has been with the team for over three years, covering a wide range of topics, including product reviews, viral beauty and sales. Garlin has been wearing this Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey for 20 years and continues to purchase and wear it daily.
