Clinique Nude Honey: The New Must-Have Neutral Lipstick Reviewed
We test and break down Clinique's latest buzz—Nude Honey—an effortlessly flattering nude lipstick evolving from the cult-classic Black Honey.
When it comes to iconic makeup releases, few can rival the storied legacy of Clinique’s Black Honey. For more than five decades, this deep berry shade has transcended trends, finding a place in purses, on vanities, and in the hearts of makeup lovers and celebrities alike. But can its newest sibling, Nude Honey, live up to such legendary status? We put Clinique’s latest launch through its paces, comparing it to the classic and digging into every detail you need to know before the buzzed-about shade lands in your collection.
Introducing Clinique Nude Honey
The debut of Almost Lipstick in Nude Honey marks a fresh chapter in Clinique’s beloved lip category. Where Black Honey is cherished for its buildable, berry-tinted finish, Nude Honey brings a modern, neutral twist. The shade leans more mauve and neutral, with a soft brown hue and an undertone that hovers somewhere between creamy beige and a subtle pink-orange. Fans of “no-makeup makeup” are likely to be instantly intrigued—it’s the kind of shade designed to flatter a spectrum of skin tones, giving every wearer their own tailored, your-lips-but-better look.
- Shade Category: Soft brown with balanced mauve, pink, and orange undertones
- Texture: Semi-sheer, between a balm and a lipstick
- Finish: Not glossy, not matte—just natural
- Adaptability: Formulated to adjust to your natural lip tone, mimicking the universally flattering spirit of Black Honey
Think of Nude Honey as a lip version of a pH-adaptive fragrance, like Glossier You: it subtly enhances without masking, offering a uniquely personal twist for everyone who applies it.
The Iconic Legacy: Black Honey and Its Successors
To understand Nude Honey’s significance, it’s crucial to revisit the impact of its predecessor. Black Honey wasn’t just a bestselling shade—it was a cultural phenomenon. The formula’s claim to fame is its transparency, which interacts with your natural lip pigment, making the finish unique for each wearer. Over the years, Black Honey gained acclaim for its ability to look fresh and flattering on everyone, a true rarity in the world of pigment-packed lipsticks.
Building on this DNA, Clinique expanded the lineup with Pink Honey, a warm candied pink, and now, Nude Honey, which strikes a happy balance between brown and mauve for a more neutral, everyday appeal.
The Editor Experience: First Impressions of Nude Honey
Our testers approached Nude Honey with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Here’s what they discovered by swiping on the newcomer for everything from morning coffee runs to evening meet-ups:
- Similarity to Black Honey: At first swipe, the resemblance is uncanny—sheer, lightweight, and easy to layer.
- Wearable Neutrality: With more layers, it transforms into something distinct: a soft brown base with hints of orange-pink, offering gentle enhancement instead of dramatic color.
- Precision Applicator: The slim bullet allows for effortless tracing, even without a mirror, making mess-free application possible on the go.
- Feel and Comfort: The formula is neither overly glossy nor matte, hovering in that sweet spot where lips feel hydrated but not sticky. Emollients in the mix give a conditioning touch.
For lipstick minimalists, Nude Honey is a revelation: it takes your natural lip color deeper, richer, and yet stays comfortably neutral and work-appropriate. The subtle finish is perfect for everyday wear but builds up for something bolder without ever veering into heavy or cakey territory.
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Beauty Editor Insights
Assistant Beauty Editor Jasmine Hyman found the shade to be an instant favorite: “It looks like someone took my natural lip color, bottled it up, and turned it into a slightly bolder lip product.” Even for those who don’t normally gravitate toward lipstick, the precise stick and comfortable formula were a hit. Beauty editor Beth Gillette added, “It’s the same shade as my natural lip color, but makes them look plump, smooth, and a little glossy.”
A Week With Nude Honey: Real-World Results
We didn’t want to stop at a single application. Our editors wore Nude Honey for a week, in an array of lighting and with various looks. Here’s what stood out:
- Sheer, Buildable Color: One layer delivers a faint, clean wash for barely-there enhancement. Multiple layers deepen to a chocolatey nude, never veering orange or purple.
- Suitability: The blend of cool and warm pigments means all skin tones get in on the fun—no ashy finish, no odd undertones.
- Zero Patchiness: The formula glides smoothly, never clinging to dry patches or settling into lines.
- Soft Sheen: There’s a slight shine, sitting between a balm and lipstick, but not a true glossy finish—easy to top with a clear gloss for extra shine.
- Mood Matching: Effortless enough for daily wear, but still delivers subtle drama for evening looks with extra layering.
| Feature | Nude Honey | Black Honey |
|---|---|---|
| Shade | Mauve-neutral soft brown | Berry with purple undertones |
| Finish | Semi-sheer, subtle sheen | Semi-sheer, glossy |
| Best For | Everyday, understated looks | Bold, statement lips |
| Wearability | Adapts to most skin tones | Adapts but skews deeper |
| Layering | Natural to bolder nude | From sheer wash to berry drama |
Formula Deep Dive: What Makes It Unique?
Clinique’s Almost Lipstick formula is meticulously crafted for comfort—something beauty editors and fans repeatedly highlight:
- Moisturizing Emollients: These ingredients keep lips feeling soft and nourished throughout the day. While not the most hydrating formula on the market, it never dries lips out and provides a conditioned feel.
- Dermatologist-Developed: In line with Clinique’s signature, the formula is allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and gentle on sensitive skin.
- Lightweight Texture: The lipstick feels barely-there, making it ideal for non-lipstick lovers and those on the hunt for laid-back, undemanding makeup.
It’s very forgiving, allowing for touch-ups throughout the day without ever looking cakey—a rare feat for a tinted lipstick.
Application Tips: Making Nude Honey Work for You
While Nude Honey is designed for effortless use, there are ways to customize its look and maximize impact. Here’s what the pros suggest:
- For a subtle look, swipe once and blend with your fingertip for a sheer tint.
- To build color, layer with 2-3 more swipes for a richer, brown nude effect.
- Pair with a liner (either nude or brown) to add definition—perfect for a 90s-inspired full lip.
- If you crave extra shine, add a clear gloss on top to transform the finish from satin-matte to dewy-glossy.
- Apply before leaving the house, and toss in your bag for quick, foolproof touch-ups without a mirror.
How Does Nude Honey Compare to Similar Shades?
Beauty fans have been eager to compare Nude Honey to previous launches. Where Black Honey provides a vampy flush and Pink Honey offers soft brightness, Nude Honey stands out for its wardrobe versatility:
- Not overly warm (no orange cast) nor too cool (no grayish tones)
- More universally flattering among nudes, thanks to its multi-toned formula
- Pairs well with minimal makeup looks, but can also anchor a bold eye
If Black Honey is your nighttime confidence boost, think of Nude Honey as your daily go-to for any setting.
Pros and Cons: Our Verdict
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flattering for all skin tones | Semi-matte finish—not glossy |
| Easy, precise application | Some may want more hydration |
| Buildable color intensity | Needs a gloss topper for extra sheen |
| Lightweight, comfortable wear | Slim bullet may finish quickly |
| Fragrance-free & dermatologist-developed | Not ultra-long wearing |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Clinique Nude Honey suitable for all skin tones?
A: Yes. The formula’s clever balance of cool and warm pigments ensures it blends with and flatters every complexion, just like the original Black Honey.
Q: Does Nude Honey dry out the lips?
A: No. While it’s not the most intensely hydrating formula, it contains enough emollients to keep the lips soft and comfortable throughout wear. For extra hydration, consider prepping with a balm or adding a gloss on top.
Q: How long does the color last?
A: Nude Honey has moderate longevity, lasting a few hours before touch-ups are needed—typical for a balm-like lipstick with a buildable, lightweight finish.
Q: Can it be worn with lip liner or gloss?
A: Absolutely. It pairs beautifully with nude or brown liners for definition and works well with a clear or tinted gloss for a glassy finish.
Q: How does it compare to Black Honey?
A: While Black Honey offers a deeper, berry-mauve tint ideal for statement lips, Nude Honey is softer and more neutral, making it easier to wear daily and with a broader array of makeup looks.
About the Editor
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, passionate about discovering the latest trends and must-have products. Her approach centers on user-friendly beauty with a keen focus on comfort and functionality. Follow her beauty adventures—and her evolving lipstick collection—on social media for more firsthand reviews and product picks.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a65079933/clinique-nude-honey-review/
- https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/make-up/clinique-nude-honey-review
- https://www.whowhatwear.com/beauty/makeup/clinique-nude-honey-almost-lipstick-review
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4X-eWAmqLc
- https://www.clinique.com/product/1605/4772/makeup/lipsticks/almost-lipstick-in-black-honey-pink-honey-and-nude-honey
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