This article contains press samples and affiliate links, I may receive a commission on any sales I generate from it.
There isn’t a lip product on earth with more buzz around it in 2024 than Clinique’s Black Honey Almost Lipstick, with seven selling every minute globally. But all of that could be about to change with the launch of its cooler, summer-ready younger sister – the Black Honey Pop Lip + Cheek Oil.
Originally launched in 1971, the Black Honey Almost Lipstick’s semi-sheer, balm-like texture and suits-all plum tint have earned it a cult status, making it a must-have in countless makeup bags, including celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Emelia Clarke.
And while it’s remained an understated staple in the Clinique beauty catalogue for more than 50 years, it was catapulted back into the limelight thanks to TikTok in 2022, where the hashtag #blackhoney has, at the time of writing, amassed more than 700 million views.
Famed for its chameleon-like ability to suit all skin tones, yet look different on everyone, it boasts the perfect blend of blue, red, and yellow pigments that enhance the natural lip colour, creating a personalised, flattering tint.
Now, building on the success of the Almost Lipstick, Clinique has introduced a limited edition Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey, using the same innovative colour theory with an even more lightweight and juicy formula. Available exclusively at Boots for £23.50, the versatile, multifunctional tinted oil is designed to deliver a sheer wash of colour and a natural, dewy finish for a cohesive lip and cheek look.
As someone with a fair complexion who instinctively reaches for the palest shade of foundation and concealer in any given range, I initially hesitated to try Black Honey, fearing it might be too bold or dark for my skin tone, despite claims of it being universally flattering. However, the buzz around the new Pop Lip + Cheek Oil piqued my curiosity, and I decided to give it a go, and I can’t tell you how quickly it became my new obsession.
Using it first on my lips, I was left speechless at the shade. Despite its deep and vampy hue inside the bottle, it actually created a beautiful hue that enhanced my natural lip colour, giving me a flattering, customised look that I absolutely loved. The soft, tapered applicator allowed for precise application, but much like the Almost Lipstick, you don’t have to be too careful about how you apply it, making it ideal for on-the-go.
The oil felt really nourishing, thanks to the blend of safflower and jojoba oils, making it seriously comfortable to wear all day. I can sometimes find with some lip oils that the inner centre of my lip gets flakey and dry throughout the day, but the Clinique oil maintained a soft and smooth feel for hours.
I was a little more apprehensive to try it on my cheeks, because while the formula is non-sticky, it also doesn’t ‘dry’ on the lips either, so I worried there would be a tackiness on the skin, but that’s not the case at all. I conservatively added two small daps of the oil to each cheek and blended it out with a brush. The two-in-one product blended effortlessly, creating a soft, dewy blush that looked incredibly natural, and so I felt confident enough to go in for a second layer. The formula is super buildable and it blends beautifully with both a brush or your fingers, never feeling sticky, but adding a gorgeous dewy glow without disrupting the makeup I had already applied underneath.
Unlike some of the cheaper lip oils I’ve tried, Clinique’s is much thinner in consistency, with a serum-like texture that truly feels like skincare. It delivers a high-shine, glassy finish on the lips, but a more subtle, glowy appearance on the cheeks, which makes for a really fresh and radiant look. What’s more is that it lends itself to any occasion, whether you’re opting for a minimalist clean girl aesthetic, or want to build intensity for something a little more glam.
Lightweight and moisturising without being sticky, it’s such an effortlessly stunning and modern twist on the beloved Black Honey shade. There is a reason this colour went viral, and with its new lip oil form, it’s no doubt going to be the must-have beauty product of the year.
I can confidently say that this new lip and cheek oil lives up to the hype and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their makeup game with minimal effort. You can buy it here for £23.50 exclusively from Boots.
