If there were a Mount Rushmore of universally beloved lip products, Clinique’s Black Honey would surely be on it. Whether you call it a tinted lip balm, stain, or as the brand says, an “Almost Lipstick,” it’s a buildable, lightweight formula that users say suits all wearers.
Whether you’re a makeup mogul that’s always building your collection, or a bland lip bandit who wants a little more color, Black Honey is a smart next buy, especially when it’s back on sale for 25% off, the lowest price it’s been since December.
“I don’t know [how] Clinique did it, but somehow this lip color looks great on EVERYONE,” one review said. “It’s like a natural lip color, but better. Not warm, not cool, just perfect neutral.”
Created in the 70s, named after the natural sweetener, Black Honey has been back in the public eye, after trending on TikTok. A top seller for HuffPost readers during this year’s Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, Clinique’s Black Honey is a versatile crowd pleaser, that’s currently at a pleasing price.
“It looks dark in the tube but somehow goes on your-lips-but-better on EVERY skintone,” one wrote. “I’d say it’s a light brown-toned mauve.”
Numbers don’t lie. According to the brand, Black Honey is Clinique’s number one selling lip color.
It’s celebrated for being universally flattering and super buildable, perfect for all-season and all-purpose wear. Whether you’re going for an everyday “no makeup, makeup” look or want a strong color for going out, Black Honey can do it all. Called “barely there” or “your lips but better,” reviewers say this product enhances their natural color and even makes their lips look fuller and plumper.
“One swipe adds a hint of color, while a couple more applications adds a dark, wine color that does not overbear,” one reviewer writes. “The best part is you are able to control how much color you want on your lips by limiting the number of applications.”
Deemed a “cult classic” by reviewers, many mention wearing the product for decades, even getting their kids and grandkids into it. Wearers love the slim, packaging and creamy texture, saying it makes their lips feel hydrated without being sticky or tacky. “I’ve been wearing Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey since high school, and it remains my absolute favorite!” one reviewer said. ”...It goes on so smoothly and effortlessly, you don’t even need a mirror for application.”
Some people use it on their cheeks to give a blushy glow, making it one of those “everything” products, you’ll be happy to have in your collection. “For someone who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, this is the only thing I use to add a little color to my face,” another wrote.
Read more reviews to see why readers call Clinique’s Black Honey tinted lip balm “the perfect color for all women,” and grab a tube for yourself while it’s on sale.
“I had heard rave reviews about this product for so long and I’ve always struggled to find the perfect lip color. This is perfect and buildable. One layer is ‘your lips but better’, two layers is just a bit more tinted, and three layers is a creamy burgundy color. It is perfect and doesn’t dry your lips out. It is so easy to apply and throw in your purse for touch ups throughout the day.” — Mary Kate
“This product is gorgeous and hydrating. It is also buildable and you can achieve a bolder color with several layers if that is what you want. I find it to be a great ‘everyday wear’ lip color. I was intimidated by how dark it looked at first, but it does not transfer on dark. It is very flattering.” — Emily Wagner
“I was pleased to see Amazon carried the Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick. It is the perfect ‘every day’ touch of color! I keep a tube in my purse for a quick healthy looking touch up! And what a blast from the past, my fellow Clinique fans. ❤️” — Mark Ferchland
Want more timeless beauty favs? Check out this list of old school beauty products (including some on-sale gems) that users still love, curated by Tessa Flores.
An ultra-rich cream that's been compared to La Mer
Manhattan Beach, California-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen Khalsa previously said that this classic cream in a tin is designed to nourish and hydrate, improve skin barrier function as well as skin texture and appearance. Often compared to the much pricier and high-end Crème de La Mer, Nivea's rich formula has been around since 1911 and shares some of La Mer's same ingredients like glycerin, a favored humectant that draws moisture into the skin and panthenol (provitamin B5), which soothes and heals using anti-inflammatory properties.
Khalsa mentioned that the two moisturizers have a comparable rich and thick consistency, in part to the inclusion of lanolin alcohol and petroleum, an emollient-rich and occlusive combination that works to soften skin and lock-in moisture.
Vaseline healing petroleum jelly
Yadav said that Vaseline has come a long way since its old-fangled origins that date back to 1870. According to her, this multi-purpose jelly can do everything from healing scrapes to alleviating diaper rash to taming unruly hair.
"Most recently it has gotten its acclaim for its occlusive properties via the skin slugging trend," she said. "I personally use it this way, as a top coat over my existing skin care products, in order to help seal in all the goodness." Yadav explained that this popular skin care method helps to prevent transepidermal water loss and can make the active ingredients used in your regimen more effective.
This $10 set provides the larger jar with a bonus lip pot!
The original Dove beauty bar
According to Miami-based board certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, the Dove beauty bar soap is "truly cold cream in a bar." She said that this timeless formulation is a good facial cleansing option that's great for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin because it effectively hydrates while it cleanses. It contains the brand's signature one-quarter moisturizing cream, is pH-balanced for skin and won't strip away all those essential natural oils needed for a healthy complexion.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)