If you're like me and obsessed with beauty (or TikTok), you're probably already aware of Clinique's iconic Black Honey Lipstick ($25). Regardless, let's refresh ourselves on its history. It originally hit the beauty scene in the '70s. Though, it didn't gain global popularity until later. It was *the* lipstick for '90s starlets and supermodels. Everyone from Drew Barrymore to Courteney Cox and Julia Roberts wore it in the decade of slip dresses, grunge music, and mood rings. Cut to modern day, and it's still as beloved as ever. It recently had a resurgence on TikTok after Gen Z became aware of its sheer formula and unique and universally flattering raisin-esque color.
I've been a fan of it for years—long before I ever held the title of beauty editor. I discovered it back when I was a teenager. I used my meager babysitting earnings to purchase a tube, and I've been wearing it on and off ever since.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered the rest of Clinique's Black Honey makeup collection. Yep, that's right. The brand offers more than just the iconic lipstick. And each Black Honey item is just as good as the OG. Together, they create a subtle yet moody look, and I think it's the perfect modern nod to the '90s.
Editor Kaitlyn McLintock wearing Clinique's Black Honey makeup collection.
The Iconic Lipstick
It looks dark purple in the tube, but once applied to the lips, it's a sheer (yet buildable) raisin-like color that looks slightly different on everyone who tries it. On some people, it veers pink. On others, it veers mauve. On others still, it looks almost cherry-colored. It's truly the one lipstick I think of whenever someone asks me for a shade that's "universally flattering."
One swipe will deliver a soft, sheer, and satin-like color. You can leave it as is, or you can build it up for a more dramatic effect. Regardless, you'll be wearing an iconic, timeless, and It girl–approved makeup product. Just don't sleep on the rest of the Black Honey makeup collection, because it's just as good—trust me. Keep scrolling to see every other iconic item!
The Rest of Clinique's Black Honey Makeup Collection
Clinique's The Best of Black Honey All About Shadow Palette contains eight shades that were each inspired by the iconic, original lipstick color. The pressed powders are silky, which makes them easy to apply and blend. They're long-wearing thanks to a crease- and fade-resistant formula. Finally, they're versatile. With both neutral and bold shades, you can mix and match them to create a natural everyday eye makeup look, a smoky look, or something in between.
In the picture above, I'm wearing a light dusting of the light, neutral-brown shades.
I love Clinique's High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner. When it comes in the iconic Black Honey shade, well, even better. The highly pigmented formula glides on smoothly and stays put for up to 12 hours on the waterline and up to 24 hours on the eyelids. I like to apply it to the outer corners of my eyes, flicking it up and out into a subtle winged shape.
Some mascaras have wet formulas. Other have drier formulas. This is the latter. It's easy to manipulate on the lashes to create subtle definition or built-up high definition. However, in my opinion, the best part isn't the formula—it's that unexpected yet subtle raisin color. I think it feels fresher than traditional black mascara and makes my blue-green eyes pop.
While I usually opt for cream blush, I was pleasantly surprised by this powder one. It's formulated to give a "just-pinched" look to the cheeks, and I'd definitely say it delivers on that. The effect is very subtle and natural. I felt like it tied the whole look together. However, if you prefer bolder, more highly pigmented blushes, it might not be for you.
I stuck with the original Black Honey Almost Lipstick for this look, but it's worth noting that the brand also offers a Black Honey lip gloss. It has a cushiony texture that feels so comfortable on the lips and a hydrating formula to keep moisture in check. It's all thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe butter, avocado butter, and shea butter.
What really sets this lip gloss apart from others for me is the applicator and the unique, high-shine finish. Let's talk about the applicator first. It has a cool hourglass-shaped design that allows you to apply the gloss precisely—unlike other giant, doe-foot applicators that are messy and hard to use. Once it's on the lips, the shine is wild thanks to special light-reflecting esters.
Last but not least is Clinique's Pop Lip + Cheek Oil. It contains a blend of safflower, jojoba, olive, sunflower, and castor oil to moisturize the skin and provide the perfect amount of slip for even, sheer color application. Use it on the lips or cheeks (or both) for a dewy, monochromatic look.
Shop More Iconic '90s Beauty Products
This genderless fragrance is fresh and citrusy with notes of bergamot, cardamom, pineapple, papaya, amber, and green tea.
This lip liner was reportedly a favorite of '90s supermodel Linda Evangelista.
I swear every '90s and early 2000s girl had one of these in their backpacks.
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