Clinique’s Black Honey lip color has transcended makeup trends since it’s debut in 1971. The lipstick-balm hybrid has always been a phenomenon thanks to its universally flattering sheer plummy tint, but thanks to a viral resurgence (to date, it’s racked up hundreds of million views on TikTok alone), the cult-classic formula is more popular than ever. In addition to the classic slim-tubed Almost Lipstick and Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss, Clinique just released two limited-edition forms of Black Honey: Pop Lip + Cheek Oil ($27) and as a new shade of their award-winning High Impact Mascara ($26). I was lucky enough to try both before the official launch date. Scroll on for my honest review.
The Black Honey Lip + Cheek Oil
If I’m being honest, I’m smitten with Clinique’s Black Honey Lip + Cheek Oil and it has replaced the OG tube in my makeup bag. The weightless oil not only imparts that familiar vampy sheer tint on lips and cheeks, but safflower, jojoba seed and olive oils replenish dry skin on contact. I love the lighter consistency, which at first glance looks like a stain, but the formula is a thousand times more hydrating. On lips, it has the same versatility as its lipstick predecessor. The first swipe goes on ultra-sheer, then it builds beautifully as it’s layered on for a more intense eggplant-like shine.
On cheeks, Clinique has now sold me on blush oils for the foreseeable future. With just a few dots along the lines of my cheekbones, it melted into my skin for a dewy, non-sticky, pretty wash of berry color. In the way of multi-tasking makeup, it’s all I need for a wearable, full look in minutes.
The Black Honey Mascara
Clinique also reworked the Black Honey shade into one of the hottest beauty trends of the moment: burgundy mascara. Clinique’s award-winning High Impact Mascara is already an editor-favorite thanks to the fiber-infused gel formula that reaches every lash to add a ton of length. (It’s also the 2024 NewBeauty Award Winner for Best Volumizing Mascara.) With the Black Honey addition, the best-seller gets a pretty update for everyday wear. To be honest, I don’t wear mascara often, but I do think the Black Honey shade is more flattering and makes my brown eyes brighter than a typical black.
The Final Verdict
Clinique’s limited-edition Lip + Cheek Oil and mascara shade are worthy additions to the Black Honey legend. The aubergine-hued mascara has inspired me to give more love to my lashes than I normally do, but the pocket-sized, multi-use oil is the star for me. (I’ve had it in tow with me everywhere I go since first swipe.) To get yours, you’ll want to act fast—Black Honey original often sells out, and I predict the same will happen here. Shop them on Clinique.com and Ulta.com.
