Clinique | Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" & Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in "Black Honey Pop": Review and Swatches

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If you know makeup, then you probably know about "Black Honey" from Clinique. An iconic red lipstick that's sheer but buildable, "Black Honey" has pretty much gained cult status over the past few decades and every once in a while, there's a resurgence in its popularity. Coincidentally, I first reviewed the Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" (C$31 for 1.7g) ten years ago (see the post here), so it seems to be the right time to revisit it, along with the more recently released Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in "Black Honey Pop" (C$31 for 3.4 ml). To see some swatches and read my review of both, click......

Clinique | Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" & Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in "Black Honey Pop"

Clinique | Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" ($31 for 1.7g):

Housed in a long and slender silver lipstick case, the Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" is essentially a lightweight balm with a hint of dark neutral red. The formulation is fairly thin and silky and depending on how much is applied, it can provide either a sheer wash of color or a more vampy, but still translucent tint. To be honest, I always felt pretty ambivalent about "Black Honey". Although flattering on all skin tones, the shade feels a bit dull. However, as I've entered my early 30s, I see the color in a more favorable light as I'm gravitating more toward natural and sophisticated lip shades.

Clinique | Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey"

With that said, having tried many tinted balms since I last reviewed the Clinique Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" a decade ago, I do feel that the formulation is a bit lacking. Although the Almost Lipstick glides on like a dream, the thin consistency doesn't provide a whole lot of long-lasting nourishment. After light eating or drinking, the color disappears completely. Personally, I prefer a creamier balm with a bit more cushion and oomph. I would be curious to see if Clinique would consider revamping the Almost Lipstick formulation but keeping the "Black Honey" color. I believe that if Clinique offered the "Black Honey" in an updated, more nourishing formulation, it could see even more popularity.

Clinique | Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in "Black Honey Pop"

Clinique | Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in "Black Honey Pop" (C$31 for 3.4 ml):

Speaking of an updated formulation, the Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in "Black Honey Pop" is somewhat of an attempt to update (or expand) the iconic Black Honey family. Packaged in a simple acrylic tube with a doe-foot applicator, the Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss is formulated with hyaluronic acid, aloe extract, avocado oil, and shea butter. With a fairly lightweight and cushiony consistency that provides a beautiful shine, the Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss feels very comfortable and non-sticky. The color is almost identical to that of the Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey", but the finish is much more plush and shiny. I like how it looks compared to the Almost Lipstick but I'm not a fan of lip glosses in general so I would still pick the Almost Lipstick over this. Ideally, Clinique can create a hybrid between the two, similar to the Romand Glasting Melting Balms (reviewed here).

Clinique | Almost Lipstick in "Black Honey" & Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in "Black Honey Pop"

Availability:

Clinique is available in stores and online at Sephora.