You know what? I’ve never worn the iconic Clinique Black Honey lipstick, have you? For some reason, our local Clinique counters don’t carry the Black Honey range, or even the Black Honey lipstick. When I spotted the Clinique Almost Lipstick range, I was quite ironically amused to learn that although it is inspired by and a spin off the wildly successful Black Honey Almost Lipstick, we don’t get Black Honey (the colour) locally. Strange, I know!
That said, there are 6 colours available locally, one of which is Luscious Honey as you see pictured, one of the 2 redder shades. Right up my alley you say? Yes indeedy! 😀
If I were to describe the Almost Lipstick range in one word, it would be – SHEER. Oh boy, is it sheer! You see that bright red in the tube? On skin its almost nothing. I might say that I was a wee bit disappointed even though I expected it. I mean, it is called “Almost” Lipstick after all, not “Extreme” Lipstick or “Super Pigmented” lipstick 😛
Clinique says that the sheer texture allows for the natural lip colour to come through so it is akin, in fact to wearing a tinted lip balm…. but it isn’t. Its “almost” lipstick. However, if you are the sort who have been eyeing up a red lipstick for a while but haven’t had the guts to give a fire red one a go, don’t fret, honey, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Luscious Honey is made for you!
Do you feel just a teeny bit afraid of the lipstick in the tube? Well, treat this as your introduction to red lips. I promise you, it is just a tint of colour on your lips, which I would guess, if you have paler lips will look brighter and if you have more pigmented lips, may not look as bright.
Here’s how it looks on the back of my hand which has no red in it, unlike lips – bear that in mind even if I am stating the obvious 😛
See what I mean? Its this funny wishy washy sheer pinky-red that I would have passed on at the counter because it just didn’t gel with the colour in the tube for me. I’m all about bright, strong colours for the lips where I can. But the difference when you do wear it, is quite marked.
My lips are fairly pigmented to start with, and this is how it looks on my lips. Not too bright, but not too shabby either. It adds just enough colour but is, as you can see, sheer in texture. Its one of those colours I wear when I have a strong eye colour on, or when I don’t feel like putting on too much makeup and go for something a little more “natural”.
Due to the balmy texture, I was expecting the Almost Lipsticks to be moisturizing on the lips. It wasn’t for me but it wasn’t too drying either. That said, I am one of the only people I know who complain that the Clinique Chubby Sticks aren’t moisturizing so really, its a personal thing.
The Almost Lipsticks are more pigmented than the Chubby Sticks (naturally, since they are “almost” lipstick and not lipbalms – oh I better stop with the “Almost” 😛 ) and I prefer them for texture and ease of use. I don’t quite get that whole crayon on lips thing. For me, a lipstick should look and apply like one 😛
In a nutshell
Clinique Almost Lipsticks are sheer lip colours that are supposed to enhance the colour of your lips in a natural way. The texture is balmy and it is light on the lips. Colours are sheer which is something you will either like or dislike. I think they are useful to have for an everyday lipstick where you want just a hint of colour without having lip colour that is too strong. It is also a good way to ease yourself into strong lip colours. But if you have to look more pulled together, you might want to choose a more pigmented lipstick, not one that’s almost one 😛
Pros: Light on the lips, Sheer colour is easy to get used to, Good for an everyday lip colour
Cons: I did not find this very moisturizing although it isn’t drying, Colour is quite deceptive on skin when compared to the tube
I’m not usually one to wear sheer lipstick but I will admit that they have their virtues. Some days, when I don’t quite feel like I’m up to putting a full face on, a sheer lipstick pulls the look together without making you look too over done. Its quite odd to have a plain face and then suddenly a bright opaque lip colour. Also, when you’re easing into the world of lipstick (and if you aren’t already enamoured, why not? I haven’t brainwashed you enough? 😉 ) sheer lipsticks are a good way to start 🙂 Oh and if you’re wondering, I didn’t think these lipsticks very pricey all things considered so price did not factor in my review.
Have you tried any of the Clinique Almost Lipstick shades? Do you like wearing sheer lipsticks? I wish they had Black Honey here. I’ve heard so much about it, that I feel almost left out 😛
Paris B
Clinique Almost Lipsticks come in 6 shades locally (Shy Honey, Tender Honey, Spice Honey, Luscious Honey, Chic Honey and Lovely Honey) Price: RM66 Availability: All Clinique counters
Haha, I *almost* love this on you! (Just kidding. I really do love this on you – Luscious is one of my favourites, too!)
I was a little disappointed in the moisturizing capabilities of the Almost Lipsticks, too. They’re not drying, per se, but (like the Chubby Sticks), I can’t wear them in place of a balm entirely. I do find the Chubby Sticks a bit more hydrating than the Almost Lipsticks, though – not sure if you’ve noticed the same!
hehehe… I somehow thought you might “almost” like that 😀 I don’t know about the moisturizing properties of the Chubby Sticks vs these Almost lipsticks as I don’t know where the remnants of my Chubby Stick has gone. I do think Clinique could have done a wee bit better with these.
I have Black Honey, but too many layers means it’s too dark on me. I was excited to try the Almost Lipsticks on my SG trip (although I believe they are out in Australian shortly) but I found them…well, a bit bland really. Ended up getting Dior Addict Extreme instead.
I like the Chubby Sticks as a base, or for a quick, no mirror touch up. I still prefer a ‘proper’ lip balm for moisturising properties though.
Dior Addict Extreme trumps these any day, Sam! 😀
Eeeks, I really want to try these!! If only we had Black Honey as well >.< You look good, PB! ^.^
Thanks Hanny and yes, I wish we had Black Honey too!
This ‘almost’ lipstick concept is right up my alley! Best for a no make-up look. 😛
I’m actually kinda curious about Black Honey and it’s a shame we don’t get it here. 🙁
I heard it might be available in Singapore – try checking the Clinique counters? They got the Black Honey collection last year while we didn’t. I do think its perfect for those who like a sheer lip because it ticks all the boxes 🙂
I saw Black Honey at Sephora and it looked crazy dark, but when I swatched it, it was actually pretty sheer and “safe” to wear. =)
By the way, Sephora is having a 15% OFF sale starting tomorrow for VIBs, which might be a great time to grab these Clinique lippies. =D
Yep! I’ve read all the raves for Black Honey because of this wonderful property of swatching sheer and safe while looking vampy and unwearable in the tube. Thanks for the VIB info! We don’t get that programme here yet, darn!
I actually love sheer lippies simply because I can apply them without using a mirror LOL!
LOL that’s a good reason as any to wear a sheer lipstick, Isabel! 😀 I never mastered that art though, sheer or not.
Hmmm. I don’t think I’d run out to buy a sheer lipstick like this, because I find if I paint on one coat of my lipstick with a lip brush over my lip balm, I get the same effect. Actually there are a lot of looks that you can pull off with just one red lipstick mixed with lip balm, powder, etc. . .
That’s a good point! Plus you’d probably find it more moisturizing too 😉
I have one in Shy Honey!! Can’t wait to try it, but it reminded me so much of the Mentholathum shade? Not sure the exact shade but the concept 😀
Aww Shy Honey is such a cute name! 😀 Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.
oh i find the chubbies are quite pigmented! it’s very much like a lipstick to me already, though it’s a balm but i find it not moisturizing enough when i have drier lips than normal.
not sure why but is the trend going towards sheer/ lighter colours? seems like everywhere i read is usually lips of soft pretty spring/ summer colours.
Guess thats why different brands and products cater to different people 🙂 I think the sheer lipstick trend is there to capture the young who prefer something light and balm-like. Its been present already in Japanese/Asian makeup but is only now gaining momentum in Western brands. I love it because I love this texture 🙂
I had Black Honey donkey years ago and it was one of my staples. Believe it or not, they used to sell this locally way back then. Luscious Honey looks really pretty but I have too many similar colours so I’ll probably give these lipsticks a pass.
Now that you mention it, I might have seen it back then. But I usually ignored the beauty halls then too >.<
Paris, for some reason this reminds me of Revlon’s lip butter. Would you say the texture is somewhat the same? Color looks good on you though RM66 is a bit much to pay for a sheer lippie.
Actually I find the Revlon Lip Butters more pigmented and more “sticky”. They are also more “balmy” and if I were to be honest, I think they do just as great a job 😉 The only complaint is that I found the Revlon Lip Butters more drying than these (yes, very strange) and softer.
I haven’t tried any of Clinique’s product because my facialist told me that their range are not actually good for sensitive skin, so I don’t have much of a good impression. Hmm, maybe one day I should try! =D
I am not fond of sheer lipsticks. I normally use gloss if I want things sheer.
I can’t use the Clinique 3 Step if that’s any consolation 🙂 However, I like the Even Better brightening serum and Moisture Surge. I don’t think the whole range/brand is bad, just that the original 3 Step is just too harsh but the rest aren’t too bad.
I have never been a fan of the lipsticks but I loved this one…when I saw the lipstick int he tube, I loved the gorgeous color but when it goes sheer on the lips, it turns even more beautiful 🙂
Its great to know that this one appeals to you Swati! 😀 I think its a great way to get into lipsticks!
Black honey was one of my first lipsticks to try out back in school. It was launched here waaaay back and I’m almost sure Malaysia should have it too back then. I love it to bits that I actually finished up two sticks. My friend bought me another stick last year from the states just to be nostalgic. Still loves it. On the nostalgic note, the other lipstick of my time, I’m not sure if anyone even remembers… Elizabeth Arden lip spa series lipsticks.
Now that you mention it, it might have existed here back then too but I just never paid attention back then. Ah pity >.< I came onto the scene too late
Black honey was my first ever lipstick! It was available years ago in Malaysia as the only reason I had it was because my mum got it as a GWP. I was probably in Form 1 or something maybe mum had it even way before as she cleans out her stash yearly n would pass ‘appropriate’ makeup on i did not fancy the shade then and just chucked it aside and a few years ago I found it during a visit home mum made me do a massive cleanup n I found it! It’s been properly chucked out now
Ah! Now I feel a bit backward LOL! I never paid attention to makeup when younger so Black Honey must have slipped past me. Pity, pity! 🙁
You won’t believe this but I did a clean out of my backups drawer this morning and found a brand new in box of Black Honey almost lipstick! It was purchased in KL maybe 2008 as the sticker on the box notes it’s imported bybSuria Meriang Sdn Bhd n the manuf date is 04/2007! Lol I wonder why I purchased it probably reminiscing my 1 st lippie or something!
Wow! What a coincidence! 🙂 Guess its too old to use now though.
Is it just me, or do you find that the shape of lipstick bullets launched recently is similar? For example, the Revlon lip butters, Dior Addict Icon and now, Clinique’s almost lipstick. This lipstick looks nicely natural on you. 🙂 And yeah, it’s weird that we don’t get black honey here considering that it’s been in Clinique’s range for some years now.
Count Chanel in too 🙂 I love this shape actually. I find it much easier to apply lipstick because it covers my lip more evenly as opposed to the traditional sharp tip. I never understood that, because the sharp bit always applied a bit darker and deeper. But yes, maybe the brands have twigged that this is the way to go 😉
I’m not usually a fan of sheer lipsticks, but I really love this shade. It’s very pretty and easy to wear. 🙂
Its pretty right? Something I can pull out at any time of the day
Wow, just from how it swatches I wouldn’t expect it to be so pigmented on your lips! It looks great on you!
I’m a big fan of sheer lippies. There’s just something so friendly and no-brainer about them! Also, I get to try crazy colors without feeling too intimidated. It’s good for lipstick beginners like myself 🙂
I think these lipsticks apply differently on different toned lips which is sort of great. I do wonder how it will look on paler lips though 🙂 I love sheer lipsticks too *high5!* Its easy to wear, looks good and yet makes us look polished. Yay!
Ahh I haven’t tried the original Black Honey either but I’m not particularly interested in it or the new Almost Lipstick range. I don’t understand where the “honey” in all of the names come from. Is it in the ingredients or taste??
Erm… I think its in the translucency? Like honey? Hehe… its all a spin off the Black Honey anyway so that might explain the honey theme – no bees involved though!
Ooh yea.. Sheer lipsticks are right up my alley. And I do love the Almost Lipstick range. I picked the Chic Honey from this collection, and I still have my Black Honey and Plum Honey from previous collections. =)
I thought I remembered you picking up something from this collection 😀 I hear Chic Honey is a very pretty neutral too!