If you’re not into following makeup trends and love tried-and-true products that have stood the test of time, you’ve likely heard of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey. In the late ’90s and early ’00s, it was everywhere, including on the lips of A-listers like Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore and Courteney Cox. But the popular berry-coloured hue has been around since 1971 — and continues to be a shade women reach for when they want a universally flattering pop of colour.
Clinique’s Black Honey has earned more than 15,000 Amazon Canada reviews from shoppers who vouch for its “one-size-fits-all” formula that’s suitable for just about every skin tone and undertone. If you haven’t tried it — or need to restock your makeup case —now’s the perfect time, because it’s just one of Clinique’s fan favourite products that’s on sale.
The details
Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is the brand’s bestselling lip product — a cult classic, if you will. It’s a must-have if you’re looking for a natural, flattering pop of colour. Don’t be intimidated by its dark appearance in the tube — it boasts a sheer, glossy and lightweight finish, making it perfect for everyday.
It has an emollient-rich formula that melts into your lips for gentle nourishment. It’s also free of phthalates and parabens.
What reviewers are saying
Beauty products are very subjective, depending on a person’s features, skin type, and undertones. However, Clinique’s Black Honey shade is often praised for looking great on just about everyone. But let’s see what shoppers have to say.
⭐️ 4.4/5 stars
💬 15,000+ ratings
🏆 “This shade is so universally flattering.”
One five-star reviewer said, “Such a lovely and moisturizing sheer swipe of colour.” They praised the “slim tube” design and called the product “buttery” and “moisturizing.”
Another person described the shade as “deep but sheer,” adding that “you can apply multiple, buildable coats if you want more intensity.”

Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in Black Honey. (Photo via Amazon)
$29 $34 at Amazon
A third claimed it’s an “awesome colour for anyone.”
“It is the one shade of lipstick that looked good on all my girlfriends when we were in high school and college,” wrote another person who has been using this shade since the ’90s. They also said, “It wears pretty much like a balm,” but it “doesn’t last long.”
If scent is a game-changer for you, one person warned, “It smells like cheap lipsticks.” Many other reviewers echoed that it has a “plastic scent.”
The verdict
If you’ve been curious about this lipstick, now’s your chance to put it to the test while it’s on sale for just $29. If you’re worried about how it might look on you, rest assured: the consensus is that it generally looks “awesome” on everyone. However, keep in mind that it’s sheer (yet buildable), and shoppers have reported a “cheap” scent.
More Clinique sale picks
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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