It's no secret that Clinique's Black Honey is the shade of the season. Having achieved cult status, the bestselling lipstick did the rounds on TikTok and quickly became a viral sensation. Thankfully, there are a few pretty similar Clinique Black Honey dupes out there, some of which we'd even consider the best beauty dupes.
It may have sold out time and time again, but demand for Black Honey is still going strong. With a glossy finish and pigment that adapts to any skin colour, it's a subtle shade that's perfect to add to your clean girl make-up routine. We're all about embracing the natural make-up look lately, so anything to achieve the effortless off-duty model vibe is appreciated.
Clinique have even delved into new shades, Pink Honey and the limited edition Black Honey Lip Oil which, of course, TikTok went crazy for. Black Honey Lip Oil has sold out almost everywhere online but thankfully is able to be snapped up at ASOS. However, nothing beats the original, of course.
heat's best Clinique Black Honey dupes at a glance:
Best bestselling Black Honey dupe: Burt's Bees Red Dahlia Tinted Lip Balm, £6.49 on LookFantastic
Best trending Black Honey dupe: Nivea Tinted Lip Care in Blackberry, £7.20 on iHerb
Best viral Black Honey dupe: e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic, £7 on e.l.f.
Best cheap Black Honey dupe: Catrice Power Full 5 Lip Care Balm in Addicting Cassis, £2.98 on Perfumes Club
The original Black Honey
www.lookfantastic.com
Did you know one tube of Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is sold every three minutes? TikTok can’t get enough of this viral lip phenomenon. A transparent pigment merges with the unique, natural tone of your lips to create something yours alone. Sheer, glossy, lightweight.
Here at heatworld, we put Black Honey to the test, and here's what we have to say about the cult-classic shade. 'Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey truly has become an everyday staple in my makeup bag. Subtle enough to be worn throughout the day, but pigmented enough to transition to the night. It has a balm-like texture that nourishes the lips as you wear it, keeping chapped lips at bay. If you've always wanted to give the bestselling lip shade a try, now is your chance.'
Pros
- Has a buildable formula
- Adapts to all skin tones
- Wearable yet glossy texture
Cons
- May be underwhelming for some
While we're absolutely obsessing over the cult classic shade, a £24.50 lipstick is also a bit of an investment. And, since we love a good beauty dupe (much like the viral Dior lip oil dupe we found on TikTok), we're going to let you in on the best Clinique Black Honey dupes that are available to shop at the moment.
If you don't fancy splashing out on the real deal, we've heard through the grapevine that these dupes might just be as good as the original. The catch? They're a lot less likely to break the bank, starting from just £2.90 from brands like Burt's Bees, e.l.f. and more. (We've even thrown in a Glossier dupe for good measure!) So, take a look at the best Clinique Black Honey dupes that we could find.
SHOP: The best Clinique Black Honey dupes
Best bestselling Black Honey dupe
www.lookfantastic.com
Possibly the most famous dupe for Black Honey, Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in the shade Red Dahlia is a staple in every lip kit. In a soft and subtle burgundy shade, the formula is moisturising for that irresistible pout. With thousands of reviews, this makes it one of the most highly rated and bestselling Black Honey dupes. Reviewers praise its moisturising and natural-looking effect on the lips.
Pros
- An affordable price point
- Made from natural ingredients
- Has a moisturising formula
Cons
- May be underwhelming for some
Best trending Black Honey dupe
uk.iherb.com
Sold out almost everywhere, the Nivea Tinted Lip Care Balm in Blackberry is also a popular dupe for the Black Honey shade. A hint of moisturising colour is just enough for that paired-back look. With thousands of reviews, it's been seen everywhere on TikTok making it a great trending Black Honey dupe. One reviewer revealed that this is a great dupe for Clinique's Black Honey and that they preferred this over the original because it's less glossy and more like a natural stain.
Pros
- An affordable price point
- Comes in a two-pack, great value for money
- Has a natural pigmentation
Cons
- Not as hydrating compared to others on our list
Best viral Black Honey dupe
www.elfcosmetics.co.uk
e.l.f.'s range of lipstick shades has often been compared to the cult classic Black Honey. We've seen this shade quickly sell out over various sites as it went viral on TikTok for being a dupe of Black Honey. The sheer balm applies as a subtle burgundy gloss on the lips, with a slight brown undertone. Infused with Vitamin E, it's definitely a lip saver. One reviewer commented on how pleased they were with the shade and how perfect it is to use in their everyday routine.
Pros
- Infused with Vitamin E
- Made from vegan-friendly ingredients
- Has a glossy, moisturising formula
Cons
- Slightly more cool-toned than Black Honey
Best cheap Black Honey dupe
www.perfumesclub.co.uk
Not only is the Catrice Power Full 5 Lip Care Balm in shade Addicting Cassis the most affordable Black Honey dupe on our list, but it's also said to be the closest dupe yet. The shade is sold out on JustMyLook, but we've managed to bag a bargain with this one. A reviewer revealed it's a great everyday product for beautiful natural lips.
Pros
- An affordable price point
- Infused with hyaluronic acid for moisture
- Made from vegan-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Slightly more pigmented than Black Honey
Best luxurious Black Honey dupe
uk.glossier.com
We have to say, we're loving the look of Glossier's Ultralip in the shade Ember. Despite being relatively affordable, the sheer texture yet subtly pigmented formula looks oh-so luxurious. In a buildable plum shade, this one has to be our personal favourite when it comes to a Black Honey dupe which is why it's landed a spot on our shortlist. One commenter revealed that the shade Ember is close in shade to Clinique Black Honey lipstick, and the colour is buildable for a versatile look.'
Pros
- Infused with antioxidants
- Made from vegan friendly ingredients
- High-impact glossy texture
Cons
- Reviews say the lid can be hard to close
Best lasting Black Honey dupe
www.elfcosmetics.co.uk
Another dupe from e.l.f. is the Glossy Lip Stain in the shade Berry Queen. It's slightly more pigmented, but stains as a subtle berry shade. The best thing is that it's buildable for a more intense look. A definite contender for Black Honey, this lip stain supposedly stays on all day. One reviewer said that they saw this viral stain on TikTok, and that it doesn't disappoint.
Pros
- Highly recommended on TikTok
- Has a long-lasting effect
- Made from vegan friendly ingredients
Cons
- More pigmented than Black Honey
Best new Black Honey dupe
www.asos.com
Barry M have entered the arena with their Sheer Splash Moisturising Tinted Balm. Honestly, the shade Mulberry Mist is a sure dupe for Black Honey, and this is the first time this is being brought to our attention. Reviewers say despite being a balm, it's a long-lasting colour. Its tone and finish is highly similar to the bestselling Black Honey shade.
Pros
- Has a long-lasting effect
- Infused with shea butter and Vitamin E
- Has a buildable formula
Cons
- May bleed a little with it being a balm
Best recommended Black Honey dupe
www.elfcosmetics.co.uk
Another one from e.l.f? Clearly, we can't get enough, and neither can the internet. Redditors recommend the brand's highly-rated Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen in Black Cherry as a Black Honey dupe. It looks great on all skin tones, add a subtle wash of colour and adds a cooling tingle to plump lips while you're wearing it. Reviews say that the colour is sheer but layers well.
Pros
- Highly rated and recommended
- Suits all skin tones
- Has a buildable formula
Cons
- Application can be messy with it being a click pen
Best upcoming Black Honey dupe
www.boots.com
We were convinced that Rimmel's Kind and Free Multi-Stick in Berry Twist was an upcoming dupe for Black Honey. Lo and behold, shortly after, we spotted this all over TikTok when people started catching on. Nailing that understated natural lip colour look that Black Honey does so well, Berry Twist provides a dewy kiss of colour in a multi-purpose stick that can be used as a blush too. Reviews praise the subtle and natural feel of this shade - the perfect barely there look.
Pros
- An affordable price point
- Made from vegan-friendly ingredients
- A multi-purpose balm stick
Cons
- Not great lasting power
Best Black Honey dupe for all undertones
www.boots.com
According to customer reviews, either the shade Bewitched, Sassy or Caramel Kiss in No7s Sheer Temptation Lipstick make a pretty spot on dupe for Black Honey. We'd say if you're looking for a cooler undertone, then opt for Caramel Kiss and for a warmer undertone, then opt for Bewitched or Sassy - and reviewers seem to agree, saying they look remarkably similar.
Pros
- Infused with vitamins
- Has added SPF15 protection
- Wearable yet glossy texture
Cons
- Not great lasting power
Best pigmented Black Honey dupe
www.boots.com
Apparently, if you layer just enough of NYX's Butter Lip Gloss in the shade Rocky Road, it's a close match to Black Honey. Just remember to blot afterwards for that 'just bitten' look. This lip gloss has a creamy formula that can also be used as a blush, if you're brave enough. And it comes highly rated, with reviewers saying Rocky Road is a pretty burgundy tone. It may be more pigmented than Black Honey, but you can wear it as subtle or as deep as you want for a versatile look.
Pros
- Highly rated and recommended
- Creamy consistency that can be used as a blush, easily blendable
- Has a buildable formula
Cons
- Much more pigmented than Black Honey
Best everyday Black Honey dupe
www.johnlewis.com
From Swiss brand, Mavala, we're sure this Tinted Berry Lip Balm is a fab dupe for Clinique's Black Honey. While the very subtle, almost sheer berry pigment could pack more of a punch, its infused formula, affordable price point and SPF15 protection make for a fab everyday lip balm. A customer said they prefer wearing tinted lip balm every day instead of lipstick and that the colour isn't too overpowering, looking really natural.
Pros
- Infused with antioxidants
- Has added SPF15 protection
- Has a natural pigmentation
Cons
- Extremely subtle pigmentation
What's the history of Clinique's Black Honey?
Clinique first launched its shade Black Honey in 1971 in the form of a gloss pot. In the time of the disco era when everyone loved bright colours and flashy fashion, Black Honey's dark shade could have been seen as a risk. Although, when applied, it turned into a translucent sheer veil that worked with all skin tones.
Black Honey had a makeover in 1989 and was launched as a tube of 'almost' lipstick. Easier to apply and throw in your bag than ever, Clinique saw the opportunity to make their lipstick more convenient. And, it's seen popularity ever since. Each decade Black Honey has its' moment, making it a cult classic through the generations.
Of course, the vampy shade even saw a revival in the '90s when dark lips were in (around the time Estee Lauder's double wear foundation was launched). So we're going to say this was a good era for cult classic beauty products.
The product owes its renewed popularity on social media to eagle-eyed TikTokers who spotted Liv Tyler sporting the shade in 2001’s Lord of the Rings film, The Fellowship of the Ring, in which the actress played Arwen. Unlike other ‘00s trends, Black Honey has managed to stand the test of time to remain one of the most coveted lip shades on the market.
Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at heat magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.