Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in 3 Iconic Shades Black Honey, Pink, and Nude Honey | Sheer + Lightweight
Best for
Best tinted balm
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$25.00
Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, Clinique's Almost Lipstick—anchored by the cult Black Honey shade—is treated less as a lipstick and more as a sheer, universally-flattering tint. Byrdie's review describes a 'smooth, creamy consistency that feels hydrating and comfortable,' attributing the feel to candelilla and carnauba waxes in the formula. A high-trust r/MakeupAddiction defender summed up the appeal by noting that 'it has a clear base and therefore fits many skintones really well.' The pushback is real, though, and worth surfacing.
What reviewers liked
- A verified-tier beauty publisher and high-trust subreddit defenders both highlight the universally flattering, buildable sheer color
- Long-running cult shade in Black Honey with reliable shade-flex across skin tones
- Comfortable, balm-like wax-based feel on application
- Buildable from a barely-there tint to a more dramatic stain
Where it falls short
- High-trust subreddit dissenters call it an overpriced tinted chapstick with short wear time
- Several Ulta and Clinique-site reviewers flag the formula drying out faster than expected
- Color payoff is sheer—not for shoppers who want bold pigment
- At $25 it's the most expensive pick in this roundup by a wide margin
Across the reviewers we read, Clinique's Almost Lipstick—anchored by the cult Black Honey shade—is treated less as a lipstick and more as a sheer, universally-flattering tint. Byrdie's review describes a 'smooth, creamy consistency that feels hydrating and comfortable,' attributing the feel to candelilla and carnauba waxes in the formula. A high-trust r/MakeupAddiction defender summed up the appeal by noting that 'it has a clear base and therefore fits many skintones really well.'
The pushback is real, though, and worth surfacing. A separate high-trust r/MakeupAddiction thread bluntly called it 'just a tinted chapstick' with color that lasts 'like 10 minutes' and argued the Black Honey name 'dramatically oversells the color payoff.' A Clinique-side and Ulta-side reviewer also flagged unexpected dryness and fast dry-out for what's marketed as balm-adjacent. r/PaleMUA notes the Pink Honey variant requires a lip liner to read.
The trust-weighted verdict is that this is the right pick if you specifically want a sheer, buildable, no-thinking-required tint with shade flexibility—and the wrong pick if you want pigment, longevity, or value-per-ounce at $25.
- Iconic Black Honey Flatters Every Face
- That’s the magic of our cult-classic shade. It looks incredible—yet different—on everyone.
- Sheer, Buildable Color
- Looks dark in the tube but glides on a glossy slip of lightweight color. Swipe on one coat for a sheer tint. Keep building it for more drama.
- Social Media Star
- Influencers and fans post about it, celebs wear it. 7 are sold every minute globally.* *Based on the internal Clinique data for Black Honey Lipstick, July 2022–June 2023.
- Clinical Expertise
- Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free.
- Built On Dermatological Science
- As a dermatologist-guided brand, Clinique’s commitment to safety starts with skincare science. We partner with the best minds in dermatology and formulate for all skin types, tones, concerns—in service of all skin.
- Received an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2023.
Its not a lipstick, its a almost lipstick . It has a clear base and therefore fits many skintones really well.i love the subtle redish brown.
It's just a tinted chapstick, and the color lasts for like 10 minutes. I feel like the name "Black Honey" itself dramatically oversells the color payoff.
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“Clinique Black Honey vs Pink Honey” · Swatches & Honest Review
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