Clinique's Almost Lipstick Gains a Perfect Partner: The Quickliner Lipliner
Clinique's Almost Lipstick, a beloved tinted lip balm, has long been a staple in beauty routines, frequently topping bestseller lists. In a strategic move, the brand has now launched a matching lipliner, the Quickliner, available in the same three iconic shades: Black Honey, Nude Honey, and Pink Honey. This new product promises to be long-lasting and help keep the Almost Lipstick in place, sparking curiosity among beauty enthusiasts.
The Almost Lipstick: A Hydrating Classic
The Almost Lipstick is renowned for its sheer, buildable formula that strikes a balance between a traditional lipstick and a nourishing balm. Infused with emollients like seed oils, it provides hydration and comfort for daily wear. The shade Black Honey, with its deep berry tones, has achieved social media fame, with Clinique claiming it sells seven tubes every minute. Pink Honey offers a rosy pink hue, while Nude Honey delivers a brownish nude effect, often described as "your lips but better."
Introducing the Quickliner: Enhanced Precision and Longevity
The Quickliner is Clinique's pencil lipliner, designed to be non-drying and prevent lipstick from feathering. Previously available in various shades, it now comes in Black Honey, Pink Honey, and Nude Honey, launched in January 2026. Priced at $25, the same as the Almost Lipstick, it aims to complement the balm by improving wear time and definition.
Testing the Duo: Insights from Beauty Experts
In wear tests, the Almost Lipstick alone received praise for its comfort and customizable color. Senior shopping writer Tessa Flores noted, "It really does strike the perfect balance between feeling like a nourishing balm that gives a perfect sheen, without feeling sticky like a gloss." However, some testers, like those with chapped lips, preferred wearing lip balm underneath for extra hydration.
When paired with the Quickliner, opinions varied. Senior wellness reporter Jillian Wilson observed, "I think these lipsticks look best when worn with the lipliner. They pop more with the lipliner!" Shopping analytics editor Lily Alig found that the effect depended on the shade, with Black Honey becoming too intense but Pink Honey enhanced beautifully. Senior shopping writer Lourdes Uribe highlighted the versatility: "The balm on its own offers a little slick of color and hydration... while the addition of the liner makes it perfect for... a more dramatic, emphasized lip combo."
Application and Suitability: Beginner-Friendly and Hydrating
The Quickliner's swivel design eliminates the need for sharpening, making it easy to use, especially for lipliner novices. Alig, a first-time user, called it "super easy to use," while Wilson appreciated how both products "glide on evenly without much effort." Uribe suggested it could be suitable for mature skin due to its hydrating properties, noting, "Liners can also be really drying, but I feel like this one only adds to the hydrating effect of the balm."
However, Flores expressed reservations about the combination, stating, "The liner doesn't last long under the Almost Lipstick formula, nor was it the easiest to work with together, because the lipstick is so emollient-rich." She preferred using the liner with less hydrating lipsticks or wearing the Almost Lipstick alone for everyday looks.
Longevity Tests: Balancing Hydration and Wear Time
Wear tests revealed that the Almost Lipstick alone requires reapplication, especially after eating or drinking. Flores explained, "You will sacrifice a bit in terms of longevity and transfer during eating and drinking... but this doesn't really bother me since this is such a low-maintenance product." Alig added that it would transfer to coffee cups, fading quickly during meals.
The Quickliner improved longevity for some testers. Alig said, "I think the overall effect lasted longer when I used the liner plus the balm... It faded nicely." Uribe agreed, noting, "I find that the liner definitely adds to the longevity." This makes the liner a worthwhile addition for those seeking reduced reapplication.
Shade Preferences: Skin Tone Considerations
Shade suitability varied based on skin tone. Black Honey, while marketed as universal, appeared intense on paler, cool-toned skin, especially with the liner. Uribe, with olive skin, found Pink Honey less flattering, while Wilson, with warm yellow undertones, favored Nude Honey. Alig was surprised by how the liner could transform a shade from subtle to noticeable.
Marquaysa Battle, managing editor of shopping and sales strategy, tested Pink Honey and Nude Honey on her deep, warm-toned skin and noted they didn't work well without a brown liner. She said, "Despite the colors not being the best, the actual formula slid on easily and felt good and moisturizing on my lips. I'd be willing to try other shades."
Final Verdict: Is the Quickliner Worth It?
Overall, the Quickliner is a beneficial addition for those looking to enhance the Almost Lipstick's longevity and definition. It's beginner-friendly and hydrating, though personal preference and skin tone play significant roles in its effectiveness. While the Almost Lipstick remains a cult favorite for its smooth application and buildable color, the Quickliner offers an extra layer of precision for more polished looks. Whether purchased together or separately, both products deliver on comfort and style, making them worthy additions to any beauty collection.
