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.
While we're absolutely obsessing over the cult classic shade, a £24 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.
heat's best Clinique Black Honey dupes at a glance:
Best moisturising Black Honey dupe: Burt's Bees Red Dahlia Tinted Lip Balm, £6.79 on Sephora
Best upcoming Black Honey dupe: Kind and Free Lip Balm in Berry Twist, £7.30 on Notino
Best viral Black Honey dupe: e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic, £7 on e.l.f.
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 £2.82 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
The original Black Honey
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
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.
Customer review: "Obsessed! I love this! I have bought two more so I have one in make-up bag, car and bag. It gives my lips a beautiful unique colour that matches my complexion. It gives me a natural look. People have asked if I have had my teeth whitened, which I haven't. I absolutely love this product and plan on buying more!"
Pros
- Buildable formula
- Adapts to all skin tones
- Glossy texture
Cons
- May be underwhelming for some
Best moisturising Black Honey dupe
www.sephora.co.uk
Description
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.
Customer review: "These are a fantastic alternative to lipsticks. They really keep your lips soft and moisturised and add just the right amount of colour. My favourite is Red Dahlia."
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Natural ingredients
- Moisturising formula
Cons
- More sheer than expected
Best upcoming Black Honey dupe
www.notino.co.uk
Description
We're convinced that Rimmel's Kind & Free Lip Balm in Berry Twist is the new upcoming dupe for Black Honey. Mark our words, you'll see this all over TikTok when people start catching on. Nailing that understated natural lip colour look that Black Honey does so well, Berry Twist provides a dewy kiss of colour.
Customer review: "This is such a nice, comfortable lip balm, with that extra tint of colour. I found it moisturised my lips nicely, while giving a subtle "my lips but better" colour. It's a good size to slip into your pocket or bag and reapply whenever needed. I would definitely recommend this!"
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Vegan friendly
- Glossy texture
Cons
- Not great lasting power
Best viral Black Honey dupe
www.elfcosmetics.co.uk
Description
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.
Pros
- Infused with Vitamin E
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Moisturising formula
Cons
- Some might not like the smell
Best trending Black Honey dupe
uk.iherb.com
Description
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.
Customer review: "This is a great dupe for Clinique's Black Honey. The colour is perfect - it gives a just-bitten look - and the texture is super light yet moisturising. I actually prefer this lip balm over the Clinique Black Honey because it's less glossy, more natural like a stain."
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Comes in a two pack
- Natural pigmentation
Cons
- Not as hydrating for some
Best lasting Black Honey dupe
www.elfcosmetics.co.uk
Description
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.
Customer review: "TikTok made me buy this and elf once again doesn't disappoint. Definitely worth the price!!!"
Pros
- Buildable formula
- Lasts through the day
- Highly recommended
Cons
- More pigmented than Black Honey
Best affordable Black Honey dupe
www.perfumesclub.co.uk
Description
Not only is the Catrice Power Full 5 Lip Care Balm in the 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 also available on JustMyLook, but we've managed to bag a bargain with this one.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Infused formula
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- No reviews
Best Black Honey dupe for all undertones
www.boots.com
Description
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.
Customer review: "I've had Pretty Please for the summer but now swapped to Caramel Kiss which is remarkably like Clinique Black Honey on me. They're sheer but real colour and moisturising. Very easy to wear. And I'm a return purchaser for these lipsticks."
Pros
- Infused with vitamins
- SPF15 protection
- Glossy texture
Cons
- Colour payoff is very subtle
Best everyday Black Honey dupe
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
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.
Customer review: "I prefer wearing a tinted lip balm every day instead of lipstick or lip-gloss, and this one is super lovely. The colour or tint isn't too overpowering and looks really natural, the texture is really smooth and creamy, and it smells delicious. The case is really pretty too to have in my handbag."
Pros
- Infused with antioxidants
- SPF15 protection
- Natural pigmentation
Cons
- Extremely subtle pigmentation
Best luxurious Black Honey dupe
uk.glossier.com
Description
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.
Customer review: "Got the shade Ember to try to dupe the Clinique Black Honey lipstick. It's close in shade and I love how buildable the colour is. It's also very moisturising."
Pros
- Infused with antioxidants
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Gorgeous glossy texture
Cons
- Reviews say the lid can be hard to close
Best nourishing Black Honey dupe
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
A nourishing lip oil from Versed in shade Fig, apply a glossy coat of this to achieve a beaut subtle shade of burgundy on the lips that could rival Black Honey any day. It's infused with vitamin E and antioxidants that hydrate the lips while offering a hint of colour.
Customer review: "I really love this lip oil. It is so pigmented and makes lips look so pretty and smooth. It doesn't smell or taste like anything. Perfect for sensitive skin."
Pros
- Infused with antioxidants
- Can be used as a blush
- Free from parabens, silicones, sulphates
Cons
- Some found the texture sticky
Best sustainable Black Honey dupe
ethique.co.uk
Description
To be used as a buildable balm or blush, the Sugarplum Nourishing Lip Balm is a natural-looking tint that adds a bit of colour to the lips. Infused with natural hydrating ingredients with a refreshing burst of peppermint, we're loving how the packaging is completely compostable. Stunnin'.
Customer review: "After a few swipes, I get a nice berry colour. Feels hydrating and definitely helps my chapped lips. Smells of peppermint which is pleasant. One star off for not being the same shape as the lipsticks (slanted) as that'd really be handy."
Pros
- Infused formula
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Contains natural ingredients
Cons
- Consistency is a bit crumbly
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 was loving 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. Although, there's no denying that there were some questionable beauty trends at the time, too.
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.