Clinique has unveiled a new addition to its cult-favourite Black Honey lineup, launching a trio of lip pencils designed to complement the brand's iconic, viral Almost Lipstick. The new Quickliner Lip Pencils in Black Honey, Pink Honey, and Nude Honey shades aim to offer a defined finish to the beloved, sheer formulas.
Testing the New Honey-Hued Liners
Beauty writer Lucy Smith, who has covered Clinique for over 15 years, put the new £20 pencils to the test for The Independent. Priced at £20 each and available from Clinique.co.uk, the twist-up liners require no sharpening. Smith tested each shade with the original Black Honey Almost Lipstick to see if they genuinely enhanced the look.
She found the Black Honey Quickliner applied with a bolder colour payoff than the sheer lipstick, allowing for a deeper, more occasion-ready berry hue. "The liner entirely changes the Black Honey Almost Lipstick finish," Smith noted, suggesting it enables a quick transition from daytime to evening makeup.
Subtle Shades for Everyday Wear
The Nude Honey pencil, when paired with the Black Honey lipstick, created a warmer finish similar to the Nude Honey lipstick variant. Smith highlighted it as a great option for those wanting to subtly overline their lips for a fuller look.
Meanwhile, the Pink Honey liner was deemed the most forgiving and subtle, ideal for beginners or for adding symmetry under a clear balm. However, Smith noted its subtlety might not satisfy seasoned makeup users seeking a more pronounced effect.
Are the Clinique Black Honey Lip Liners Worth the Investment?
According to the review, the liners offer value for dedicated fans of the Almost Lipstick collection. While they provide definition and can alter the finish of the original product, they are not designed for smudging and can wipe off. Their strength lies in their forgiving, creamy application that doesn't require precision.
Smith's testing criteria included shade accuracy, wear time, ease of application, packaging, and the final finish. The launch builds on the 37-year-old Black Honey formula's enduring success, which saw a major resurgence in popularity around 2021, prompting the brand to expand the range with new formats.
