Clinique Black Honey: Why This 1971 Icon Still Beats Every Modern Dupe

TikTok thinks it discovered something new, but your mom—and probably your grandmother—already knew the truth about black honey lipstick by clinique. It’s the weirdest product in the beauty aisle. In the tube, it looks like a bruised, blackened raisin. It’s intimidating. It looks like something a goth teenager in 1996 would wear to a Cure concert. But then you swipe it on.

It disappears.

Well, it doesn't actually disappear, but it transforms into this sheer, berry-stained glow that somehow looks different on every single person who touches it. That’s the "Almost Lipstick" magic. It’s not a lipstick, not a gloss, and definitely not a balm. It is its own category.

Launched in 1971 by Carol Phillips, the founding editor of Vogue who helped create Clinique, Black Honey started as a gooey pot of gloss. It was the era of Woodstock and free love, and people wanted to look like they’d just been eating blackberries in a field. By 1989, Clinique put it into the sleek, silver "Almost Lipstick" tube we recognize today. It’s been a bestseller ever since, but the 2020s gave it a second life that nobody, not even the marketing geniuses at Estée Lauder, saw coming.

What Actually Is Black Honey Lipstick by Clinique?

If you’re looking for high-pigment coverage, look elsewhere. Honestly. This isn't the product for a crisp, defined lip line. The formula is famously heavy on emollients and light on pigment. It uses a specific blend of blue, red, and yellow pigments that merge with your natural lip tone.

Because the base is so transparent, your own lip color provides the "background." If you have pale lips, it looks like a soft raspberry. If your lips are naturally deep or pigmented, it adds a moody, wine-colored depth.

It’s the ultimate "no-makeup" makeup.

The Science of the "Universal" Shade

Clinique didn't just stumble onto this. The balance of primary colors in the pigment allows it to flatter both warm and cool skin tones. Usually, a lipstick is one or the other. You’ve probably spent twenty minutes in an Ulta trying to figure out if you have "olive" or "neutral" undertones just to pick a nude lipstick. Black Honey ignores all that. It just works.

1. It’s sheer enough that your skin’s natural chemistry dictates the final hue.
2. The emollient-rich formula mimics the texture of healthy, hydrated skin.
3. The "blackened" tint provides a low-light contrast that makes teeth look whiter.

Why the Internet Obsession Won't Die

In 2021, the hashtag #BlackHoney exploded. We’re talking hundreds of millions of views. Gen Z discovered that the "Arwen" look from Lord of the Rings—that ethereal, blood-flushed lip—was achieved using this exact product. Makeup artist Peter King used it on Liv Tyler because it looked like her lips were naturally stained, rather than painted.

The "Arwen Lip" became a viral sensation, leading to massive shortages. For a while, you couldn't find a tube of black honey lipstick by clinique anywhere. It was sold out globally. People were auctioning tubes on eBay for triple the price. It was chaos.

The Dupe Problem

Whenever something goes viral, the "dupes" follow. You’ve seen the videos. "Save $20 and buy the Elf version!" or "The Nivea Blackberry Shine is the same thing!"

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I've tried them. They aren't the same.

The Elf Sheer Slick in "Black Cherry" is close-ish, but it’s heavier on the wax. It sits on top of the lips. The Nivea balm is basically just tinted Vaseline. It lacks the complex blue undertone that makes Black Honey sophisticated. The Burt’s Bees "Red Dahlia" is a decent budget alternative, but it fades in twenty minutes.

Clinique's version has a specific "slip" to it. It’s thin. It’s elegant. You don't need a mirror to apply it, which is the whole point. You can be walking down the street, whip out the silver tube, and swipe. You won't look like a clown.

How to Wear It Without Looking Like a 90s Throwback

While it’s a classic, there are ways to make black honey lipstick by clinique feel modern. It doesn't have to be a "minimalist" look.

• The Layered Look: Apply a matte nude lipstick first, then tap Black Honey in the center. It adds dimension without the stickiness of a traditional gloss.
• The "Clean Girl" Aesthetic: Pair it with brushed-up brows and a bit of cream blush. No eyeliner. The lip becomes the focal point.
• The Grungy Stain: Apply three or four layers. The color builds beautifully. It becomes a deep, vampy plum that still looks soft around the edges.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s not long-wear. Don't expect this to survive a burger or a long coffee date. You will have to reapply. But honestly, the ritual of the silver tube is part of the appeal. It feels expensive. It feels like you know a secret.

Real Talk: The Texture

Some people hate the texture. Let's be real. It’s a bit "slick." If you hate the feeling of anything on your lips that isn't bone-dry matte, you will probably find this annoying. It also doesn't have a scent, which is a win for most people, but some miss that "lipstick smell."

Clinique is famous for being 100% fragrance-free and allergy-tested. This makes it a godsend for people with sensitive skin or eczema around their mouth. No itching, no weird tingling. Just moisture.

The Verdict on the Hype

Is it worth the $25? (Or whatever the price has crept up to this year).

Yes.

In a world of over-complicated 12-step beauty routines and "transformative" filters, there is something deeply refreshing about a product that hasn't changed its formula in decades. It’s reliable. It’s the white t-shirt of the makeup world.

It’s also one of the few products that genuinely bridges the age gap. You’ll see teenagers in the mall wearing it with baggy jeans, and you’ll see CEOs wearing it in boardrooms. It doesn't discriminate. It just makes you look like a slightly better, more hydrated version of yourself.

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Quick Tips for Best Results

• Exfoliate first. Because it’s a sheer stain, it will cling to dry patches. A quick scrub with a washcloth makes a world of difference.
• Don't over-line. Lip liner can make this look "mucky." If you must use a liner, use a clear one or a "your lips but better" nude.
• Check the lighting. In fluorescent office lights, it can lean a bit more purple. In natural sunlight, it’s a warm berry.

The beauty industry is obsessed with the "next big thing," but black honey lipstick by clinique proves that sometimes, the first big thing was already perfect. It survived the 70s, the 80s, the 90s, and the rise of the influencers. It’ll probably survive whatever comes next, too.

Actionable Steps for Your Next Beauty Haul

If you're ready to try it, don't just grab the first tube you see.

Check the "Black Honey" family first. Clinique recently expanded the line because of the viral success. There is now a Black Honey Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss and even a Black Honey Cheek Pop Blush.

The blush is particularly interesting. It’s a "baked" powder that looks terrifyingly dark in the pan but goes on like a natural, post-workout flush. If you have fair skin, use a light hand. If you have deep skin, this might be your new holy grail everyday blush.

To get the most out of the lipstick:

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1. Skip the Primer: This formula needs the warmth of your bare skin to melt properly.
2. Blot Once: If you want a matte "stain" look, apply, blot with a tissue, and apply again. This pushes the pigment into the lips for a longer-lasting effect.
3. Mix Your Own: Try it over a red lipstick to tone down the brightness for daytime wear.

The beauty of this product is that there are no rules. It’s meant to be lived in. It’s meant to be messy. It’s meant to be yours. Go get a tube, throw it in your bag, and forget about your mirror. You’ll be fine.