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Clinique's Iconic Black Honey Lipstick Is Trending (Again), and It's Actually the Perfect Shade for Fall

The '90s favorite is *so* back

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The Clinique Almost Black Honey Lipstick on different skin tones.
Design for PureWow

If your lipstick changes with the seasons, you might currently be looking for a new fall shade. Well, if you want a lippie that checks all the boxes—one that's rich yet lightweight, long-lasting yet super easy to take off before bed—look no further than oldie-but-goodie favorite, Clinique Black Honey ($25), which is going viral on TikTok yet again. If you ask longtime fans of the iconic product, it's the only lipstick a woman needs, as it has a transparent pigment that supposedly adapts to your natural lip tone to create a customized look that's just for you. On that note, the universally flattering berry hue also happens to be the *perfect* shade for fall.

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But is the lipstick really as good as it was in the '90s? PureWow's former Beauty Director tried it the last time it made a resurgence and was not disappointed. "Truly, the last time I wore this lipstick was when I was 14, so it’s been 20 years," she shared in her review. "And now, after years of being a beauty editor and trying every lipstick under the sun, I can speak to the nuances of the lipstick. You know, things like texture (sheer and balmy) and finish (a subtle sheen). Color payoff (almost translucent to start but easily buildable) and the application itself (breezy thanks to the slim, ovular bullet)."

All in all, she said she wore the berry-meets-mauve shade much better as an adult than she did in her tweens, and that has a lot to do with its secret blend of blue, red and yellow pigments, which come together to flatter all skin tones and still look unique on everyone. That explains the massive fan club it has on TikTok, where it has garnered millions of views among OG obsessives and new fans alike.

BTW, the last time this lipstick went viral on TikTok, it sold out everywhere, so if you want in, you better head over to Target RN while it's in stock. But if you need more convincing on why you should make this your go-to fall shade, here's why one buyer is obsessed: "There is nothing like this out there. The color [is] your lips but better. The balmy, not too glossy sheen it adds, amazing. I have like five of them because it's just so uniquely amazing and works so well for my skin undertone and desired look." What they didn't mention is how comfortable it is for long wear, and how buildable it is with just a couple of extra swipes.

Clinique

Needless to say, you just found your new fall lippie that's sheer, glossy and lightweight. The best part? It's totally unique to you. With all that said, I'm obviously going to buy this throwback lipstick RN—see you at checkout!



Destinee Scott Editor Bio Pic

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

  • Stays on top of the best sales and deals across the internet
  • Over 3 years of experience in commerce (covering tentpole sales, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Way Day)
  • Studied Journalism at St. John's University

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