Nude Honey: Clinique’s New Take on a Cult Classic

Clinique released the Nude Honey shade as a part of their ‘Almost Lipstick’ collection on June 20th. It joins the brand’s famed Black Honey and more recent Pink Honey, and is already receiving positive reviews. In 2021, Black Honey sprang back into the public eye (and our makeup bags) after garnering TikTok fame, but how did it become a cult classic in the first place?

Origins

The brand’s founder, Carol Philips, launched the shade in 1971 as a part of a six-shade line-up of glosses known as ‘The Honeys’ – the name originating from the smooth, shiny texture of the product. The gloss was potted and came with a brush for easier and precise application. Its sheer base gave the plum-toned pigments an intensity which allowed the natural lip color to shine through, lending the product the quality of ‘your lips but better’.

This unassuming yet buildable formula gives the product the chameleon-like ability to suit all skin tones, but Black Honey stands out from the crowd of ‘self-adjusting’ lip balms in that it doesn’t lean pink, rather a deep, sophisticated blackberry. Its blue pigments create a lifting effect that can transform the entire face as it brightens the whites of the eyes and teeth.

In 1989, Clinique relaunched this product in the sleek, silver packaging we now associate with it. This packaging shift reflected consumer preference – the stick is more ergonomic and hygienic. Additionally, the product went through a reformulation which ensured it had a less gloopy finish: perfect for the stick form. The new-and-improved design elevated the product, giving it a premium allure to match the understated berry tones.

Pop Culture Legacy

Since its release, Black Honey has quietly woven itself into the fabric of pop culture. It was reportedly worn by Troian Bellisario in 2010's Pretty Little Liars as well as Zooey Deschanel in 2011's New Girl. Additionally, Julia Roberts can be seen passing the lipstick to her onscreen daughter in Stepmom (1998). These onscreen appearances, in cumulation with beauty editors often citing Drew Barrymore as a fan of the product in the ‘90s, cemented the product as a cool-girl essential.

Online Re-emergence

In 2021, the product went viral on TikTok after fans of The Lord of the Rings identified that Arwen Evenstar’s (Liv Tyler) ethereal lip-colour was the result of Black Honey. This rumour spread across the beauty community: the lipstick sold out almost instantly.

This makeup moment aligned with the post-Pandemic minimalism (a pendulum swing from looks designed for pixelated squares and ring lights rather than face-to-face encounters). With the preference for ‘less-is-more’, as well as a heightened focus on skincare, Black Honey’s lightweight, hydrating versatility was perfectly positioned for revival. 

Off the back of this virality, Pink Honey followed in 2023. It was Black Honey’s less grungy, rosier sister.

Nude Honey

The latest addition stands apart from its predecessors – neither wine-tinted nor rosy, but a more orange-toned nude. According to reviewers, it has the familiar hydrating, glossy feel, as well as the same adaptable buildability. While Black Honey gives your pout a ‘just-bitten’ flush, and Pink Honey a soft nude, Nude Honey is a sun-kissed coral tint ideal for summer.

Despite its premium price point, Clinique’s ‘Almost Lipstick’ range will remain a staple piece for makeup lovers. While Nude Honey may never reach the same prestige as the timeless and historical Black Honey: Clinique's new shade is definitely a welcome addition to the collection.