The 11 Ultimate Clinique Black Honey Dupes: Get The Viral 'Your-Lips-But-Better' Look For Under $10

The iconic, universally-flattering sheer lip color is back in the spotlight, but its price tag can be a barrier. As of December 15, 2025, the hunt for the perfect, budget-friendly Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick alternative is more intense than ever, especially with new product innovations hitting the drugstore shelves that perfectly mimic its unique "your-lips-but-better" finish. This cult-classic shade, a beautiful blend of plum, berry, and raisin, has maintained its status as a must-have for decades, yet savvy beauty shoppers are consistently proving you don't need to splurge to achieve the same effortlessly chic, translucent dark berry tint.

The original Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick is revered for its unique, sheer, and buildable formula that somehow looks incredible on every single skin tone. Its high-end price point, however, keeps the demand for affordable dupes high. Fortunately, the beauty industry has responded with numerous alternatives—from hydrating core balms to clean-beauty tints—that capture the essence of Black Honey's sheer, glossy, and deeply moisturizing finish for a fraction of the cost. We’ve rounded up the freshest and most accurate alternatives that have gone viral across social media and earned the stamp of approval from beauty experts.

The Cult Classic: Why Clinique Black Honey is Impossible to Replicate (But We Found 11 That Come Close)

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is not a traditional lipstick; it’s a sheer, emollient balm with a rich, dark color that somehow appears translucent on the lips. This unique formulation is what makes it a "cult classic." The color itself is often described as a deep, reddish-plum or a sheer raisin shade.

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The magic lies in its ability to adapt. Because the formula is so sheer and buildable, the final color is a combination of the product's pigment and your natural lip color, making it truly personalized and universally flattering. It gives a polished, stained look that is never too heavy or opaque. The original product typically retails for around $25, prompting the search for more accessible, budget-friendly alternatives that offer the same sheer, moisturizing, and dark berry payoff.

Key Characteristics of the Original Black Honey:

• Shade: Sheer, deep reddish-plum/raisin.
• Finish: Glossy, natural, "barely there" allure.
• Formula: Highly emollient, hydrating, and buildable.
• Price Point: Premium (approx. $25 USD).

The 11 Best Clinique Black Honey Dupes You Can Buy Today

The following list includes the most accurate and popular dupes, ranging from high-end alternatives to viral drugstore finds. We’ve prioritized products that match the sheer finish and the deep berry tint, focusing on the current best-sellers that offer the most value.

1. e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic

This is arguably the most talked-about and accurate drugstore dupe. The e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine features a heart-shaped core infused with Vitamin E, delivering a sheer wash of color with intense hydration. The shade Ecstatic is a near-perfect match for the sheer, deep berry of Black Honey.

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• Why it's a Dupe: It nails the sheer, balm-like texture and the glossy finish. The color is a very close deep berry.
• Formula Notes: Lightweight, hydrating, and more glossy than the original.
• Price Comparison: Significantly lower, often priced around $6-$7 USD.

2. Honest Beauty Moisturizing Vegan Tinted Lip Balm in Plum Drop

For those seeking a clean-beauty alternative, the Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm in Plum Drop is an exact match for many users. It’s highly moisturizing and sheer, aligning perfectly with the original’s emollient nature. It has been hailed on Reddit and other platforms as a superior dupe, especially for those with pale skin tones who find the original too dark.

• Why it's a Dupe: It provides the same sheer, buildable coverage and deep moisturizing properties.
• Formula Notes: Vegan, clean, and super moisturizing.
• Price Comparison: Mid-range for drugstore, usually around $10-$12 USD.

3. Covergirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm in Bliss You Berry

A major TikTok sensation, the Covergirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm in Bliss You Berry offers an incredible color match at a true drugstore price. It’s a lightweight, non-sticky formula that provides that same translucent, berry-stained look.

• Why it's a Dupe: The shade is nearly identical, offering the sheer, berry tint that works on everyone.
• Formula Notes: Clean, lightweight, and buildable. Two coats give the perfect amount of color.
• Price Comparison: Extremely affordable, often found for under $6 USD.

4. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia

A long-time favorite for its natural ingredients and sheer color, Burt's Bees in Red Dahlia is a reliable, accessible alternative. While it leans slightly more red than plum, it captures the "barely there" allure and the moisturizing feel of the Black Honey formula.

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• Why it's a Dupe: Excellent for matching the sheer, tinted lip balm texture and natural finish.
• Formula Notes: 100% natural, conditioning, and very comfortable on the lips.
• Price Comparison: Budget-friendly, typically around $5-$7 USD.

More High-Quality and Luxury Black Honey Alternatives

While the goal is often affordability, some alternatives offer a similar luxury feel, a cruelty-free formula, or a different texture (like a gloss or plumping pen) while still providing the iconic Black Honey shade.

5. Glossier Ultralip in Ember

For those who prefer a more high-end, modern take on the sheer lip, Glossier's Ultralip in Ember is a top recommendation. It’s a comfortable, cushiony formula that has been cited as an almost exact color match, fitting the hydrating and buildable criteria perfectly.

• Why it's a Dupe: The color match is nearly exact, and the formula is deeply hydrating and glossy.
• Formula Notes: Cushiony, high-shine, and formulated with four different oils.

6. e.l.f. Sheer Slick Hydrating Lipstick in Black Cherry

Another strong contender from e.l.f., the Sheer Slick line offers a slicker, more traditional lipstick format while maintaining the sheer finish. Black Cherry is the shade that closely mimics the deep, almost-black berry color of the original.

• Why it's a Dupe: Delivers a similar sheer wash of berry color and a natural, slick finish.
• Formula Notes: Vegan and cruelty-free, with a very lightweight feel.

7. Wet n Wild Perfect Pout Lip Color in 99% Chance Of Wine

This is a more pigmented option for those who want a deeper, more noticeable stain while keeping the dark plum/raisin tone. The Wet n Wild formula is known for its smooth application and excellent color payoff, making 99% Chance Of Wine a great choice for a bolder "Black Honey" look.

8. Nivea Blackberry Lip Care (Blackberry Shine)

For the ultimate budget and balm-focused option, the Nivea Blackberry Lip Care (also known as Blackberry Shine in some regions) is a simple, effective dupe. It offers a sheer, dark berry tint and the familiar moisturizing properties of a classic lip balm.

9. Elf Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen in Wicked Cherry

A newer, trendy alternative, the Elf Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen in Wicked Cherry offers a glossy, slightly plumping finish. Reviewers note that it leans a little more brown than Black Honey but still provides the desired sheer, dark berry color with a modern, high-shine twist.

10. LA Colors Shea Butter Lip Balm in Sheer Black Cherry

An extremely affordable alternative, the LA Colors Shea Butter Lip Balm in Sheer Black Cherry is a surprisingly effective dupe. It offers a sheer, moisturizing formula that mimics the iconic Black Honey look without the high cost.

11. Catrice Melt & Shine Juicy Lip Balm (Shade Varies)

The Catrice Melt & Shine Juicy Lip Balm line has been mentioned in recent discussions as a great formula match for its juicy, high-shine finish. While the exact shade match may vary, a dark berry shade from this line will provide the same sheer, comfortable, and glossy texture.

Choosing Your Perfect Affordable Black Honey Alternative

When selecting your perfect dupe, consider the specific feature you love most about the original. Do you prioritize the sheer color, the moisturizing balm texture, or the natural, glossy finish? By focusing on these entities, you can find the ideal, affordable alternative:

• For the Best Color Match: Choose Honest Beauty Plum Drop or e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic.
• For the Best Value (True Drugstore Price): Go with Covergirl Bliss You Berry or Nivea Blackberry Lip Care.
• For a Clean/Cruelty-Free Formula: Opt for Honest Beauty Plum Drop or e.l.f. Sheer Slick Lipstick.
• For a Modern, High-Shine Finish: Try Glossier Ultralip in Ember or the Elf Pout Clout Pen.

The beauty of the Black Honey shade is its versatility. Whether you choose a classic drugstore staple or a viral TikTok favorite, these affordable alternatives ensure you can achieve the timeless, universally flattering sheer berry tint without breaking your budget. The "your-lips-but-better" effect is now more accessible than ever, proving that cult-classic style doesn't have to come with a premium price tag.