Clinique Black Honey Lipstick Review

Lipstick is a cornerstone of any beauty regimen, and an essential part of any makeup bag. When you think of a standard beauty routine, many people cannot envision a completed look without lipstick. Rich, lustrous lip color can help to finish a look or be a complexion brightener all on its own. With the myriad of products available on the market, finding the perfect product can be challenging. Once you find your preferred composition and shade, the result is worth it. Wearing your perfect shade of lipstick will have you turning heads.

Why Add Lipstick?

The purpose of lipstick is to accentuate and bring color to the lips. Rich emollients, moisturizers, and pigments add texture and shine to your lips while tying your whole makeup look together. Choosing sheer shades of pink and peach or adding drama with rich, deep plums and wines will let you to express who you are and how you're feeling about the world around you.

Lipstick holds a powerful place in a beauty routine and has held a top spot in the hierarchy of makeup. Throughout history, the addition of color on the lips has signified femininity, beauty, independence, and even rebellion as women sought to break societal expectations and define their beauty standards. Its evolution has helped to define history and relationships. After the many redefinitions of the product, we have information and experience that allows us to look and feel our best when stepping out with our favorite vibrant color applied. Let's pay homage to those early lipstick pioneers and what they created–and sacrificed-to ensure that we can feel our best.

 

A Lipstick Timeline

Ancient civilizations used makeup as a status symbol that men and women indulged in. Sumerians used naturally-occurring stains from fruit, henna, rust, clay, and crushed insects to add sensuous, vibrant color to their lips. At the same time, Mesopotamian women elevated the practice by crushing precious gemstones and other minerals to add color and shimmer.

One early derivative of this practice is still included in lipstick creation today. Carmine dye, derived from ground cochineal insects, is still used to create color in lipsticks and other makeup products. Thankfully, other practices such as adding lead flakes and bromine/iodine mixtures that proved fatal for users have been discontinued and replaced with all-natural, botanical ingredients.

Elizabethan Era

Queen Elizabeth ushered in an era of pale white skin and dramatic, red lips. Initially, this availability was limited to noble persons and performers, but it quickly gained popularity with commoners who wished to emulate their royals. It is rumored that Elizabethans believed that lipstick contained magical powers, and that Queen Elizabeth had it applied while on her deathbed. 

1800s 

An early French perfume company, Guerlain, became the first official company to produce commercial lipstick. The chemical composition included deer tallow, beeswax, and castor oil wrapped in silk paper. This gave way to the cylindrical containers made from tin and other metals, which nicely housed soft lipsticks. 

1920

By the 20s, lipstick had made its indelible impression in the daily lives of women across the globe. The invention of the swivel tube in 1923 by James Bruce Mason Jr. set the standard for many of the products we still see on the market today. Fashion icons in silent era movies sported rich cherries, plums, aubergines, and even brown to stand in stark contrast to iconic black and white films of the day. Magazines and newspapers encouraged women to wear contrasting colors as well, and they were happy to oblige. Even late in the decade, Great Depression woes were not enough to stop women from sporting their individuality via color choices.

1930

Makeup giants such as Chanel, Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, and Guerlain started expanding makeup lines to include lipstick. Surveys conducted at this time revealed that nearly fifty percent of teenage girls viewed lipstick as a right of passage, and that any attempt by their parents to squelch this ritual resulted in some pushback. Lipstick remained one of the few luxuries that women could afford during this trying time, and they did the best they could to boost morale as they painted on cheerful, welcoming smiles.

Golden Fifties

The golden age of Hollywood glam gave way to beauty icons such as Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. Women desired to look like their favorite actresses, which translated to the favored stars' lipstick color choices. One popular color of the day was Estee Lauder Envious, a bright and vibrant shade of red. By the decade's end, almost 60 percent of women worldwide claimed that they were regular lipstick and lip color users.

The 70s, 80s, and Beyond

As lipstick grew in popularity, makeup companies found it necessary to cater to younger crowds that weren't yet ready for vibrant color and long-lasting formulas. Various shades, tints, and glosses filled retail shelves, lighting up dance floors and brightening board rooms across the globe. Young girls embraced the trend with colored lip balm and lip smackers, flavored lip glosses that emulated more mature products without making a lasting commitment to color. Everyone was jumping on the bandwagon, using various shades and finishes to express their own personal style.

Today's Blends

Today's variety of colors and formulations are truly mind-blowing, with an estimated $3500 spent per consumer over their lifetime on lipstick alone. Nudes, pinks, and bold, daring options like yellow, green and black allow an individual to showcase makeup artistry and reveal qualities about personality and preference like never before.

Choosing The Right Shade

Finding the right shade is not as complicated as you might think. The days of moving from hot pink to dark brown to burgundy can be streamlined to a few simple steps for finding the perfect blend of color and moisture that conditions your lips. Follow these tips for vibrant color and head-turning perfection.

Stick With Complementary Colors

The most flattering lip color will be one or two shades darker than your natural lip color. Find a shade that looks good on your bare skin before applying the rest of your makeup. To test shades, apply lip color to just one lip and compare it to the unpainted one. If your chosen color is just a shade or two darker than your bare lip, then you've found an ideal shade.

Many color swatches found on lipstick packaging are true to their product; if you are shopping at a grocery store or retail store that does not offer samples, simply hold the color swatch up to your lips and see if it is a match. Some stores offer liberal return policies on lipsticks. Check with your local retailer to see if it's possible to exchange shades that don't belong in your makeup bag.

Thinner Lips Should Avoid Dark Shades

If you have thin, delicate lips, stick to light or medium shades of color. Dark shades will only exaggerate the look of thin lips, so if you must sport a ruby red, consider using a formula that has added shine or moisture, as this can give the appearance of fuller lips.

Picking The Perfect Red

Many women hold the misconception that they can't wear red lipstick. In actuality, red lipstick is one of the most timeless and classic colors found throughout history. The secret to finding the right red is all about undertones. If you sport pink undertones in your skin, stay away from cherry lip color. Those with olive or green undertones can boldly sport fire engine shades, and dark skin looks fantastic with deep wines and burgundies. Should you decide to go bold and red, know that you'll be getting a great deal of attention for your choice of color.

Dealing With Disappointment

Don't throw out those old lip colors that were busts after you opened them. You can still create a viable color by blending colors that don't work independently. For instance, if a bright orange isn't doing it for you anymore, tone it down with a nude or a tan shade for a deeper, more classic sienna.

To Brush Or Not To Brush?

While most lipstick applicators will do the trick for applying color to your lips, there are times when a lip brush will be most effective for delivering bold color to lips. Use a mirror and take your time to avoid coloring outside the lines.

Using Lip Liner

To keep lip color from feathering and fading fast, outline lips with lip liner before applying lipstick. This will act as a framework for bold color, keeping your product in place longer than if you use lip color on its own. For the most natural look, follow the natural outline of your lips and slowly build color and coverage as you decide how defined you'd like your pout to be.

Other Shades To Consider

While the safe bet is to go a few shades darker than your natural lip color, let's delve deeper into the vibrant world of color as it pertains to skin tone.

Fair-skinned women look outstanding in nudes with a slight tint, such as apricots, pinks, and light corals. In general, those with fair skin should steer clear of browns, which will wash out a complexion quickly.

Medium skin tones can go a bit bolder and darker. Mauves, berries, and deep pinks are great colors for medium skin, and if you choose to go red, consider a burgundy rather than a cherry red, which could bring out more undertones than you bargained for.

Deep plums, chocolates, and reds are fantastic for deep or black skin tones. Warm tones such as walnut or caramel are ideal for daytime wear; switch to brown, purple or deep red for a dramatic evening look. 

Clinique Black Honey Lipstick: Superior Color, Formula, and Effect

Clinique Black Honey Lipstick is a game-changing product that can boast a sale every three minutes (and that was before it became popular on TikTok). Once very hard to come by, it's now back and better than ever before, ready to flatter your lips and bring out your inner lipstick diva.

Photo source: Clinique.com

Black Honey Background

Reportedly, Black Honey lip color was originally created in 1971 in a gloss pot. Clinique founder Carol Phillips named it "Black Honey" because of the product's texture and the fact that it resembled an actual pot of honey. Creators took their cues from market demand and began repackaging the formula into a sleek, chic tube that can be applied on the go. A sublime blend of both gloss and lip color, this product feels weightless on the lips and uses color-adjusting technology to transform your lips into plum-kissed perfection. 

Beauty-lovers everywhere have returned to Black Honey tinted lip balm for an ideal day-to-night transformation or when they want to look polished and presentable. With its recent resurgence on TikTok, Gen Z became obsessed with its "no-makeup" look that enhances natural beauty as its luscious honey color is applied to the lips. Celebrities such as Liv Tyler and Olivia Rodrigo sing the praises of this beauty product that simultaneously enhances natural beauty and adds a rich, unique black honey shade to the complexion.

The Magic Behind The Honeypot

Cliniques Black Honey lipstick sports a rich, raisin hue that surprises almost everyone when applied. First appearing like a goth-like stain, it transforms itself into a sheer veil of subtle color that adjusts to your skin tone. Perfectly calibrated blends of yellow, red, and blue pigment are captured in a creamy base that melts into lips and bumps the color. Teeth appear whiter and brighter, lips look lush and full, and it's so easy to apply that you may not even need a mirror to perfect your look. From start to finish, this Black Honey line of lip color is a go-to product for putting the finishing touches on a most perfect makeup presentation.

Find your perfect product and revolutionize your beauty regime with these unique and innovative options.

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss: 16 Black Honey

"Superbalm" doesn't even begin to describe Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Black Honey Lip Gloss. Equal parts moisturizing and glossy, this highly-pigmented formula can be applied with a brush or fingertip for hours of long-lasting, black cherry color and high shine that will be downright distracting to those who see you. Gorgeous hues of plum-purple make lips look healthier and well-conditioned, and the low-transfer formula will not wear off with eating and drinking. Transfer your flawless look from day to night as you use this go-to shade for all activities and events.

Photo source: Amazon.com

 

 

Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey

Not quite a lipstick, not quite a gloss, the texture of Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey is more like a healing balm that builds gorgeous layers of sheer, shimmering color. Black Honey is a color that works with your unique skin shade and skin tone, providing you with a one-of-a-kind color that complements every aspect of your complexion. Its soft, sheer shine can be worn alone or with additional bursts of color for a unique look that encapsulates your unique beauty. Paraben-free, fragrance-free, and phthalate-free, this formula works to condition and improve the health of your lips with every application. 

Photo source: Amazon.com

 

Clinique Almost Lipstick: Black Honey Deluxe Travel Size

Now your favorite cult classic lip color can travel the world as you set new standards for beauty. Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey Deluxe Travel Size is perfect for on-the-go application, fitting easily into any compact, carry-on, or purse as you commit to looking your best while traveling. Easy-to-open applicator case will not fall apart when placed in carry-on luggage, and with long-lasting color and conditioning that favors all lips, you won't have to search for it too many times as you move about.

Photo source: Amazon.com

 

Clinique Black Honey Lipstick And Makeup Remover Set

Enhance your Black Honey look with this comprehensive set that includes iconic Black Honey Lipstick color and Clinique's high-quality line of makeup remover products. This complete set includes a deluxe-sized Black Honey Lipstick, Clinique High Impact Mascara, and Clinique Take It Away Remover Balm And Wipes. All you need for a total transformation and clean-up, this set will be your go-to as you seek to bring out your natural beauty while cleansing and conditioning your skin. Use makeup remover balm and cleansing wipes for a quick refresh of skin after a long day or total cleansing that will improve skin's texture while efficiently and effortlessly removing excess makeup and impurities. 

Photo source: Amazon.com

 

Clinique For You, For Me Sharable Duo: Almost Lipstick Pink Honey, Black Honey

Now let your mood guide your beauty expression with this completely kissable duo of color and moisture. Clinique combines two of its superior lip products, Pink Honey and Black Honey, to provide a complete set that will transform days and nights with bursts of sheer, moisturized color. Pink Honey sports a lightweight, sheer, shy honey pink hue that conforms and works with your unique skin tone, while Black Honey provides a more dramatic backdrop for those occasions when a bit more color and pizzaz are needed. Easy to carry, compact tubes are ideal for a quick application that will last for hours through eating, drinking, and beyond. Transform your lips and bring out your own best beauty features with this sharable duo of kissable color. 

Photo source: Amazon.com

 

Black Honey Almost Lipstick: Superior Color, Innovative Beauty

Clinique has always been committed to providing valued customers with high-quality beauty and skincare products that transform and care for the skin. Innovative formulas, high-quality ingredients, and long-lasting wear make their beauty products some of the best in the business. Black Honey Lipstick is an innovative lip product that works for everyone. It brings the best of conditioning and color into one superior formula that adds confidence and clout to your beauty routine. Consider adding Black Honey products to your beauty arsenal, and look forward to a refreshing, invigorating experience with each application.