In the beauty world, few products can claim true icon status, but Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($25) is one of them. More than 50 years after its debut, the universally flattering shade continues to capture the hearts of makeup artists, A-listers and everyday beauty lovers alike. Equal parts lipstick and lip balm, the cult favorite has appeared everywhere from red carpets to social media feeds, earning a reputation as that rare makeup product that somehow looks good on everyone.
Today, the Black Honey universe expands in an exciting way with a limited-edition collection that transforms the beloved berry-brown hue into a full beauty look. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Shade That Started It All
Part of Black Honey's enduring appeal is its ability to be both dramatic and understated at the same time. While the tube reveals a deep raisin-brown color, the sheer formula adapts to each wearer's natural lip tone, creating a personalized wash of color that somehow feels effortless, not overdone.
"Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey has remained a consumer favorite for more than five decades because it delivers something incredibly special: It looks beautiful yet different on everyone," says Christie Scatler, senior vice president of global marketing for Clinique Global. "Clinique cofounder Carol Phillips originally created Black Honey in 1971 as the 'black turtleneck' of lip color. What appears to be a deep, dramatic shade transforms into a sheer color that enhances your natural lip tone, making it uniquely yours."
That versatility has helped the shade transcend generations and trends. "Part of Black Honey's enduring popularity is that it continues to feel both nostalgic and relevant," Scatler says. "As younger generations rediscover iconic beauty products and trends, Black Honey has found a new audience while remaining beloved by longtime fans."
The New Collection
While the original Almost Lipstick remains the hero product, this new limited-edition collection gives fans several new ways to wear the iconic shade:
High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara in Black Honey ($30)
You may remember Clinique’s first Black Honey mascara that launched in 2024, but this is the brand’s newer formula—High Impact Hi-Fi volumizing mascara— available as a limited-edition. Rather than a stark black, the berry-black shade adds subtle depth and dimension to lashes while complementing a wide range of eye colors.
"The incredible passion consumers have for Black Honey continues to inspire us to evolve the collection in new and unexpected ways," says Scatler. "With this new collection, that meant introducing High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara in Black Honey, giving fans a new way to experience the iconic color through one of our most-loved mascara formulas."
All About Shadow Quad in Black Honey ($44)
This matte eyeshadow palette expands the Black Honey story with coordinated shades designed to create everything from a soft daytime wash to a more dramatic evening look. Rich plums, berries and neutrals work together to capture the multidimensional nature of the original lip color.
Color Rich Nail Polish in Black Honey ($18)
The collection's most surprising offering may be the new nail polish, which translates Black Honey into a glossy mani. "We also wanted to do something unexpected with the Black Honey Nail Polish—a playful extension of the shade that allows consumers to wear Black Honey in an entirely new way," Scatler says.
