Clinique's Black Honey Mascara: A Cult Classic Reimagined for Modern Beauty
Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, fueled by social media buzz that has turned this 1970s cult-classic into a near-impossible-to-find treasure. Capitalizing on this nostalgia, the brand has expanded the beloved berry-burgundy hue into a full range of products, including cheek and lip oils, liners, and notably, the High Impact mascara. This lash-enhancing formula is designed to transform sparse, thinning lashes into natural, defined beauties that command attention. Priced at $27, it's available at major retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, and Sephora.
Why Choose a Colored Mascara Like Black Honey?
For those accustomed to traditional black or brown mascaras, the idea of a colored option might seem daunting. However, Black Honey is celebrated as a universally flattering shade that complements a variety of eye colors. Makeup artists have highlighted that strategically selected colored mascaras can brighten eyes, enhance their natural hue, and draw focus to the upper face. Specifically, Black Honey is particularly flattering for green, hazel, and blue eyes, offering a subtle yet impactful look once applied. As one beauty enthusiast shared, "I myself even have a similar burgundy-toned mascara that I actually prefer to my traditional blackest-black shades."
Customer reviews echo this sentiment. An Amazon reviewer noted, "First time buying mascara that was not pitch black and I was hesitant. It arrived and upon opening the bottle, it just looked brown. But OMG if you have green/hazel eyes.. this mascara color was made for you!" Another skeptic admitted, "I have to admit that I am very impressed with this one and it looks amazing. I have green eyes and I love the way it looks with them."
The High Impact Formula: Gentle Yet Effective
Beyond its enchanting color, the High Impact mascara wins praise for its innovative formula. Fortified with glycerin and provitamin B5, two humectants that condition and strengthen lashes while maintaining flexibility, this mascara resists clumping and flaking even with multiple coats. It features a soft fiber brush that evenly coats lashes, creating defined length and noticeable volume without smudging.
Importantly, the formula is ophthalmologist- and allergy-tested, making it safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. One user reported, "This was the only mascara that didn’t burn after a few hours of wearing, like nearly all other ones they had tried." It's also easy to remove with just a washcloth and warm water, minimizing tugging on the delicate eye area.
Real User Experiences and Versatility
Promising reviews highlight its broad appeal. A customer post-chemotherapy shared, "After chemo, I lost many of my eyelashes. I have tried so many mascaras. Some clump, flake, or run. This mascara is the one for me. Goes on easily, does not flake, clump, and is easy to remove. The look is natural, not like I have fake lashes on." Another with sensitive eyes added, "I have an issue with basically all mascaras burning my eyes after a few hours... I ALWAYS come back to this mascara by Clinique, which is the ONLY one that does not burn my eyes."
For those unsure about Black Honey, the High Impact mascara also comes in classic black and black-brown shades. Additionally, a travel-size option allows for a trial before committing to a full tube, as one reviewer mentioned doing.
Exploring More Colored Mascara Options
If you're intrigued by colored mascaras beyond Black Honey, consider these makeup artist-recommended alternatives:
- Sephora's Conditioning Mascara in Deep Brown: A versatile choice for all eye colors, this deep chocolate brown mascara by Saie offers a natural look with a clean-certified formula that uses beeswax, shea butter, and minerals to strengthen lashes. Priced at $26.
- Amazon's Intense Black Mascara with Blue Undertones: This Covergirl option provides an intense black shade with navy blue hints, suitable for all eye colors, especially green, brown, and hazel. Enhanced with aloe and ceramides, it nourishes lashes at $10-$14.
- Ulta's Volumizing Drugstore Mascara in Deep Violet: Celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney recommends L'Oréal's Voluminous line for experimenting with color. This berry-violet shade is ideal for green and blue eyes, offering budget-friendly volume and length without flaking, priced at $11-$12.
Clinique's Black Honey mascara stands out as a modern revival of a classic, blending nostalgic appeal with cutting-edge formula benefits. Whether you're seeking a gentle option for sensitive eyes or a pop of color to enhance your natural beauty, this product offers a compelling choice in the ever-evolving beauty landscape.
