My Mom, Sister, and I Always Keep This Clinique Lipstick in My Bag, and Shoppers Confirm It ‘Feels Like Lip Balm’

The concept of one size, style, or shade working for everyone rarely holds up. But once my mom, sister, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and I—all of whom have varying complexions—tried the viral Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick, the hype actually made sense. Not only is this universally flattering shade a hit within my family, but women have sworn by this color-changing lipstick for decades, and it just keeps gaining popularity thanks to platforms like TikTok.

Since Clinique launched the shade in the ‘70s, Black Honey has become the brand’s top-selling lip product. The soft, buildable formula falls somewhere between a lipstick and a balm and gives a natural, rich color that looks a little different depending on who is wearing it. While the product’s social-media virality has caused it to sell out multiple times, you can get it right now at Target.

Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick
Based solely on the deep color in the silver tube, Clinique’s Black Honey Almost Lipstick appears to be a shade that I would typically shy away from, as someone who tends to reach for pinks and nudes. Once applied, though, it transforms into a less dramatic, natural shade that is perfect for everyday wear. It looks good on its own for a subtle look, but I also like to layer it over lipsticks with stronger pigments for a sheer, glossy finish. Another plus, especially as the weather gets cooler, is that it hydrates my lips in addition to adding some color, making it an essential in my bag wherever I go.

Shoppers agree, with one saying they love that it “feels like lip balm” and gives their lips a “transparent tint rather than a thick opaque color.” While the product’s social media fame might make you think this product is meant solely for a younger generation, it has become a staple for women of all ages. Once one shopper found out their granddaughter hadn’t tried Clinique’s Black Honey, they said they “knew exactly what [they were] buying" for her next present.

If you’re in the market for something with a little more shine, Clinique also makes its Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in the shade Black Honey. These lip products have a history of selling out, so we recommend snagging them while they’re in stock. In the event they do sell out again, we included more lipsticks with similar shades to Black Honey below.

Clinique Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss
Wet n Wild Rose Oil Comforting Lip Color