This iconic, universally flattering Clinique lipstick is down to $19

Yahoo

21-04-2025

Whether you're a makeup aficionado or just like a pop of color on your lips, you've probably heard of Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. While plenty of beauty products can claim icon status, few are quite as beloved as this one. The no-fuss, hyper-moisturizing lipstick that looks good on everyone first hit the market in 1989, and beauty lovers of all ages have been scooping it up ever since — so much so that it always sells out. However, the longtime sensation is not only in stock now but on sale for just $19 at Amazon.
Clinique is on the pricier side, so when we heard that its most famous lipstick was marked down by a solid 25%, our ears perked up. The lippie is constantly selling out even when it's not on sale, so we suggest grabbing it while you can. And if $19 is still too rich for your blood, check out some more affordable, editor-approved Black Honey alternatives.
While the feel of this lipstick is great (more on that later), it's the color that makes it shine — literally. Black Honey is a deep berry shade that suits, well, everyone. No matter your skin tone, eye color, hair color or age, you can't go wrong, which is why it sells repeatedly.
Even though on first glance the shade looks like something Wednesday Addams might wear, the rich hue goes on sheer. Blue, red and yellow pigments mix into a creamy base that melts into lips, playing up their natural color. You can think of it like watercolors but for makeup.
One coat adds a little berry boost to your natural lip color, or you can swipe on a few coats for a richer tint. It's this makeup magic that made Black Honey so popular in the first place.
When it comes to texture, Almost Lipstick is exactly that — the emollient-rich formula feels more like a nourishing lip balm. It's moist, glossy without being too glossy, and light enough to feel like you're not wearing anything.
Amazon shoppers agree with Black Honey's beauty icon status. It's amassed over 7,100 five-star reviews.
"The color just seems to accent my lips in a positive way, with just the right amount of color," said one fan. "I do add some clear lip gloss over the top because I like a bit more shine, but that's a personal preference. It looks very dark in the tube, but it is not that way on my lips. I'm pretty amazed, quite honestly. ... I will buy it again without hesitation."
"I've never spent $20-plus on just lipstick ever, but I took the plunge and it doesn't disappoint," wrote a Black Honey-loving convert. "It's sexy! I can't describe it, but it's a gorgeous color. It glides on smoothly and stays on for many hours."
"I was skeptical when this lipstick went viral — but I ordered it anyway after thinking about it for months," said a third lippie lover. "I am so happy I purchased this. It's subtle enough that I can wear it to work without feeling overdone, but still feel like I have a darker, moodier color on."
Not fully convinced? According to this review and media coverage, this lipstick is also Liv Tyler-famous: "I first discovered this color during undergrad, when I learned this was the lipstick for Arwen in The Lord of the Rings movies."
While shoppers cannot stop raving about the chameleon-like color, some note that it doesn't always play nice with warmer weather. "It doesn't do well with heat," explains this customer. "If you wear it at the beach or an outdoor summer wedding, it does that 'gather at the corner and edges of your mouth' thing."
Some shoppers said they were looking for a more pigmented lip color. "Unfortunately, the results were too light for me," explained one reviewer — but they do have a fix! "I still use it and put a deeper color over it."
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.