• Home
  • About
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Best Coast Beauty

We’re about makeup and skincare for real life.

Clinique Almost Lipstick

July 22, 2020

Some makeup products transcend time, and Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey is one of them. Originally launched in 1981, this balmy wash of color is one of only two Almost Lipstick shades available today (the other is Pink Honey). In fact, Black Honey is so popular, one reportedly sells every two minutes. But what makes it iconic?

Price: $19.50

Find it HERE

Tested July 2020

Liz originally introduced me to Clinique’s Almost Lipstick, so long ago now that she probably doesn’t even remember doing it. On one of her trips to Seattle, we visited the Clinique counter at the flagship Nordstrom and honestly I don’t even remember the year. Don’t worry, I’m not still using the same tube. Actually, I had run out of this and for whatever reason had not recently repurchased. When Liz and I talked about go-to items to review for this site, Almost Lipstick came up for me. This shade is the perfect “bitten” color in the easiest formula. So I wasted no time in repurchasing “for the blog”.

Lea Wearing Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Let’s start with the obvious “almost” in the name. I would say Black Honey is almost as pigmented as a traditional lipstick and almost as long wearing. Because it’s more balmy than most, this formula wears away faster and goes on a little sheer. For me, these are actually pros because it means I can swipe this on and go and don’t have to worry about whether or not it has worn off evenly (a common problem for my chronically dry lips).

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Clinique’s official statement on this product is vague; perhaps they feel it needs no introduction? Here it goes: “Transparent pigment merges with the unique, natural tone of your lips to create something wonderful and yours alone.” Unlike those gimmicky shade-adjusting-based-on-pH lipsticks that always seem to end up Barbie pink regardless (Liz reviewed one here), this sheer and glossy formula simply lets your natural hue shine through. The Clinique website swatch looks vampy, as does the bullet itself, but I promise the wine/raisin shade of this balm is the most wearable lip color I own. I really need to quit hunting for “that perfect red wine hued lip stain” because Black Honey is that but without the drying/patchy effects of a stain.

I must have a type because I recently picked up a Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in the shade Red Dahlia, which looked to be the exact same color as Black Honey (definitely not the same price tag though, Burt’s is only $4.99). Clinique still reigns supreme, however, because the Burt’s shade is barely tinted and has as much staying power as chapstick (maybe less because it feels extra emollient). Still, I enjoy it for no makeup days. I’ve received compliments on both when I’ve worn them so I’ve include swatches side by side.

Piggybacking on the popularity of this Almost Lipstick shade, Clinique now offers Black Honey in a range of products and formulas. I haven’t tried these, but know of: Cheek Pop, Moisture Surge Pop™ Triple Lip Balm, Superbalm™ Moisturizing Gloss, The Best Of Black Honey All About Shadow™ Palette, and even Chubby Lash™ Fattening Mascara, all in the shade Black Honey.

The weightless feeling of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick is the part I can’t really describe. I hate feeling like I’m wearing makeup of any kind. This isn’t “like nothing”; instead, it’s somehow better. My lips feel moisturized but not slippy or greasy and certainly not sticky. I’m surprised by how pigmented I can build it up to be and it always lasts longer than I expect. Also, I don’t think Clinique planned this but they somehow created a formula that doesn’t melt when left in your car’s cup holder during the summer. I should know, that’s where I keep it. If my husband suggests a last minute dinner or I decide to meet friends on the fly, Almost Lipstick makes me feel a little more pulled together and vibrant (it also doubles as cheek/eye color in a pinch). This is one of those “you just have to try it” things, but there’s a lot of product in this slender tube so you won’t regret it. Plus, Clinique often has sales and free gifts, which is the perfect time to pick this up!

Lea’s Verdict: A must try. If you want to test the shade before the formula, Burt’s Bees Red Dahlia is similar.


Clinique Almost Lipstick is one of Lea’s top ten products!  Check out the rest of her favorites here.

Reader Interactions

you may also like
Sephora Sale Picks December 2020
Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate
Beauty Stocking Stuffers
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Latest ‘Grams

Boost your skin’s hydration in the winter months Boost your skin’s hydration in the winter months ❄️ with @clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate! New review on the blog, 🔗 in bio!
..
#clinique #moisturesurge #cliniquemoisturesurge #dryskinremedy #hyaluronicacid #skincarereview #superchargedconcentrate
🎁Beauty stocking stuffers under $20 🎄 New po 🎁Beauty stocking stuffers under $20 🎄 New post on the blog with a handful of our top picks. 🔗 in bio
.
.
.
.
.
#harperari #maybelline #ultabeauty #soldejaneiro #neutrogena #realtechniques #stockingstuffers #beautystockingstuffers
Steal Alert: @colourpopcosmetics Super Shock Shado Steal Alert: @colourpopcosmetics Super Shock Shadows are cream-to-powder eyeshadows for just $6. But do some shades shine brighter than the rest? NEW REVIEW at BestCoastBeauty.com ⭐️
..
#colourpop #colourpopme #singleeyeshadow #supershockshadow #eyeshadowreview #crueltyfreebeauty
We’ve been testing unique and gorgeous @goscratc We’ve been testing unique and gorgeous @goscratchit nail wraps, designed by @ninanailedit 🤩 Scroll through for photos of our at-home manicures and check out BestCoastBeauty.com for our full review!
..
#goscratchit #scratchnailwraps #nailart #nails💅 #athomemani #nailwraps
Part TWO of our @elfcosmetics Best Coast Brand Hau Part TWO of our @elfcosmetics Best Coast Brand Haul is live at BestCoastBeauty.com! Bonus: everything Lea tested was $8 or less!
..
#elfcosmetics #elfmakeup #brandhaul #veganmakeup #under10 #rideordielipbalm #bbcreamreview #elfingamazing
We tried so many @elfcosmetics products for our NE We tried so many @elfcosmetics products for our NEW Best Coast Brand Haul that we’re doing TWO posts! 🎉 Liz is first up to review a bunch of goodies from this uber-affordable brand at BestCoastBeauty.com!
..
#elfcosmetics #bitesizeeyeshadows #affordablebeauty #16hrcamoconcealer #brandhaul #makeupreview #eyeslipsface #crueltyfreecosmetics #elfingamazing
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.
2020 © Best Coast Beauty