Clinique’s New Nude Honey Lipstick Looks Great on Everyone

Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is the white T-shirt of lipsticks. Effortlessly cool and endlessly loved, it’s one of those rare shades that works across skin tones and ages—I was 14 when I stole my mom’s tube and never gave it back.

Since its debut in 1989, Black Honey has firmly established itself as an intergenerational beauty staple. Fast forward a few decades, and it’s also been joined by Pink Honey, and a whole range of Black Honey products, from gloss to mascara. And on June 20, the Clinique Honey family is getting another member, as Nude Honey joins the Almost Lipstick lineup.

Ahead, more on the launch of Nude Honey, and team Byrdie’s honest review.

The Product

Black Honey and Nude Honey share a common magic: their neutral undertones, which allow each shade to flatter a wide range of complexions and enhance the natural tone of the lips. Not to mention they also share the same Almost Lipstick formula, a buildable, hydrating balm with a my-lips-but-better finish—the formula’s candelilla and carnauba waxes create a soft, nourishing finish.

Shade-wise, Nude Honey is an easygoing, sunkissed nude, whereas Black Honey is a darker plum and Pink Honey is a true pink. Just like the other colors, Nude Honey applies sheer and can be built up to your choosing.

The Reviews

Olivia Hancock, Senior Beauty Editor

“Clinique’s Almost Lipstick is an iconic, viral product for a reason. The existing shades, like Black Honey and Pink Honey, look stunning on everyone and add a beautiful wash of color to the lips. Plus, the balmy formula glides on so effortlessly, and feels so comforting once applied. All that to say, I was excited to try the newest version, Nude Honey. The sheer, glossy brown color looks absolutely gorgeous on the lips and you can easily build it up to your desired intensity (Disclaimer: I added a clear gloss on top of Nude Honey in this photo, but without it, it’s just as stunning.) I’m excited to add another Almost Lipstick to my lip combo lineup this summer—and I can already tell I’ll be using it a ton.”

Bella Cacciatore, Senior News Editor

“I’m a big fan of Black Honey—what can I say, I’m a ’90s girl through and through—so I was eager to give Nude Honey a try, too. This shade has just as much of a ’90s slant to it, though in a different way. While Black Honey gives you Liv Tyler just-kissed berry lips, this is giving you more of a Gwyneth Paltrow sheer brick. On me it’s a little more browny-red than a true nude, which I honestly prefer. If that sounds intense, don’t worry, it’s so sheer that it’s easy to wear and adds such a pretty warmth to my face. I can’t wait to pair it with a tan and not much else this summer.”

Derek Deng, Associate Content Editor

“I like to think of Nude Honey as Black Honey’s sun-kissed little sister. In the colder months, I rely on Black Honey—its moody tint plays perfectly with my neutral undertones. But summer calls for something a little bronzier, which is precisely where Nude Honey comes in. It’s a tad more warm-toned than Black Honey, giving my lips a beachy flush that pairs perfectly with an Aperol spritz and salt-sprayed hair. Formula-wise, it’s the same sheer, cushion-y finish I’ve come to rely on—even in my Accutane days, my dry lips were no match for the buttery glide and balmy hydration of the Almost Lipstick.”