Clinique Black Honey is back: Effortless glow is yours

Clinique Black Honey is an icon, and for good reason. Not only is social media obsessed—it's been one of our bestsellers for years. We’re proud to say it's ready to flatter everyone, everywhere.

Here's a primer on our forever classic, as well as our Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey. We like to think of it as a magic wand for all. Get set for everything you need to know about your classic — and newest — Black Honey obsession.

The history behind Black Honey.

Clinique Black Honey looks good on everyone

The shade was originally created in 1971 in a gloss pot. In fact, Clinique founder Carol Phillips named it Black Honey because the texture of the gloss looked like an actual pot of honey. In 1989, Clinique gave Black Honey Almost Lipstick an updated spin to make it even more lovable. Almost Lipstick put the much-loved Black Honey color in a sleek, chic tube that could fit in any bag and be applied in a flash. A cross between gloss and lipstick, Almost Lipstick feels like nothing on your lips, is shiny without being sticky, and gives lips that just-ate-a-plum look.

Ever since then, beauty-lovers everywhere have returned to this easy staple—ideal for a quick day-to-night look or when you just want to look a little more polished. Things really took a turn when it became a popular beauty trend. Gen Z became quickly obsessed with the no-makeup makeup look, along with the fact it truly looks good on everyone, making it inclusive and a joy to everyone who slicked it on. Pretty soon we couldn’t keep it in stock, and that’s when the real Black Honey resurgence happened.

What’s the magic behind Black Honey?

Clinique Black Honey looks good on everyone

Have you heard about our newest member of the Black Honey family? Meet our Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey. It's your favorite magic shade reinvented. The two-in-one tinted oil delivers a dewy pop of our iconic Black Honey shade for lips and cheeks, in a multipurpose oil formula developed for lips and cheeks.

Clinique's commitment to the Black Honey shade runs deep—because it suits everyone. The deep, dark raisin color shocked and surprised anyone who got their hands on it when it first launched in 1971.

Why? Well, it appears to be a goth-like dark stain, but the second you slick it on your lips, it transforms into a sheer veil that makes everyone’s lips look amazing. That’s because Black Honey is a perfectly calibrated blend of blue, red and yellow pigments in a creamy, balmy base (not quite a lipstick, but more than a sheer gloss), that melts into your lips and bumps up their color.

It’s truly the best version of what you already have, and it works for every skin tone. It makes your lips look gorgeous, and it’s very forgiving. You don’t even need a mirror when you put it on. It’s functional, yet so wearable. Plus, there’s just no such thing as a true Black Honey dupe.

Get the Black Honey full look.

Feeling inspired by the Black Honey shade? We love a monochromatic look, too. Here’s a quick and easy way to get glowing with Black Honey from lids to lips.

Step 1: Eyes

All About Shadow Octet in The Best of Black Honey

Our All About Shadow Octet in The Best of Black Honey is also flattering on all skin tones while being versatile for day or night looks. Use the brush-tip side of the applicator to sweep one shade across your entire lid, lashline to brow bone. Then use the sponge-tip side for a more intense application. Layer and blend color into the crease and/or along your lashlines.

Step 2: Cheeks

Cheek Pop Blush in the shade Black Honey

Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey is the perfect, easy way to get a beautiful wash of color on your cheeks. The same Black Honey hue you love now comes in a dewy formula that helps condition lips with a nourishing blend of ingredients including safflower oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and castor oil.

Even better? Applying it is easy. Its soft, tapered applicator delivers the perfect swipe of color to cheeks (and lips—but more on that later). The oil formula slips on to cheeks with ease—just swipe and blend into skin with your fingertips. You'll be glowing with a sheer wash of color and a natural, dewy look instantly. Or, you could also swipe on Cheek Pop Blush in the shade Black Honey and swirl color onto a brush then sweep over the apples of your cheeks. Gently blend color upwards towards your cheekbones and temples. Reapply if you want to build brightness.

Step 3: Lips

Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey

We meant it when we said it was easy—just swipe your Black Honey on your lips and you'll be all set. You can choose our Black Honey Almost Lipstick for a light wash of color, and Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey for a sheer wash of glossy and dewy natural color that instantly lights up everyone.

The beauty never ends with Black Honey. How are you wearing yours?