Clinique Almost Lipstick Review: What We Love About This Lipstick

Introduction:

The review kicks off by addressing the common struggle of finding the ideal lip gloss or balm: one that offers rich color payoff without the dreaded stickiness. The reviewer humorously describes a scenario of hair getting stuck to lips due to sticky gloss. They then introduce Clinique’s Almost Lipstick as a solution to this issue, promising both impressive color payoff and a non-sticky balm finish.

Clinique Almost Lipstick Review: Key Features

Clinique’s Almost Lipstick is highlighted as a unique hybrid between lipstick and lip gloss, combining the color payoff of lipstick with the high shine of a lip gloss. The product’s formula is built around “transparent pigments” that interact with the natural lip color to create a distinctive shade. The reviewer expresses a fondness for hybrid makeup products, as they offer the advantages of both product types without the drawbacks. They tested both available shades: Pink Honey and Black Honey.

(Pros):

• Universally flattering shade that blends with individual lip color.
• Balmy texture that avoids stickiness.
• Can be applied sheer or built up with a lip liner.
• Compact lipstick bullet design for easy portability.
• Formulated without harmful chemicals or irritants.

(Cons):

• Potential issue with the balm getting stuck when retracting it into the bullet.
• Requires multiple coats for achieving high opacity.
• Limited range of undertones available, leaving users with pink or deep mauve tones.
  

Allergy-Tested and Dermatologist-Developed:

The review points out that Almost Lipstick is allergy-tested and free from potential irritants such as alcohol, silicone, mineral oil, and gluten. Clinique’s commitment to being dermatologist-developed is emphasized, assuring customers that the products are free from any concerning ingredients. The review also encourages readers to explore Clinique’s other offerings by referring to their comprehensive Clinique foundation guide.

Where and What to Buy:

The review discusses the availability of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick shades, mentioning that the brand has streamlined its offerings to focus on two universally flattering shades: Pink Honey and Black Honey. Pink Honey is exclusively available at Sephora, while Black Honey can be found at various beauty stores and counters that carry Clinique products, including Hudson’s Bay, Ulta, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

The reasoning behind featuring Black Honey prominently is explained as its suitability for all skin tones. On the other hand, the review acknowledges that Pink Honey might not show as much pigment on all skin tones, particularly deeper complexions. The reviewer recommends considering both shades, suggesting that ordering from Sephora’s online shop is ideal for getting both colors due to potential availability challenges in physical stores. Sephora’s delivery speed and free shipping on orders over $50 are highlighted as advantages.

For those interested in just the Black Honey shade, the review suggests trying to find it in a physical store to swatch and assess it in person. The reviewer proposes calling stores that sell Clinique products and possibly putting the product on hold if necessary.

My Experience:

The review continues with the author’s personal experience. They ordered both shades of Almost Lipstick from the Sephora website and received them promptly. They share that finding Pink Honey in a physical store proved challenging, reinforcing the convenience of online ordering.

Upon initially seeing the shades online, the reviewer had reservations about Black Honey due to its appearance as a deep purple shade in the bullet. However, upon trying it, they found that their initial impression was incorrect, and they actually preferred Black Honey to the lighter Pink Honey shade.

Swatches and Application:

The review includes swatches of both shades on the hand, noting that the colors may appear different when mixed with the individual’s unique lip tone. The reviewer emphasizes that while Pink Honey looked muted on their hand, the shine payoff was still noticeable. The review then moves on to applying the glosses.

Applying the glosses is described as a fun and easy process that only required a few swipes back and forth. The pigments started blending with the reviewer’s lip tone. While applying both colors was equally simple, the deeper shade of Black Honey required more attention to lip line placement. The review advises glancing at a mirror while applying due to the color pigments, although it’s highlighted that the product can be applied quickly on the go with a small compact mirror.

This section of the review provides a personal account of the ordering process, initial impressions of the shades, and the application experience. It adds a relatable touch by sharing the author’s observations and experiences.

Wear Test: How Does It Stand Up To My Day:

The review moves on to discussing the wear test of the Clinique Almost Lipstick shades. The reviewer states that they wanted to thoroughly test both shades, so they applied them on days that involved a range of activities, including CrossFit classes, errand running, and consuming hot coffee. They note that both balms wore away relatively quickly but left a light stain on their lips, enhancing their natural shape and color. The Black Honey shade, in particular, left a lovely light mauve tone.

Despite the quick wear-off, the reviewer expresses contentment with the lasting stain effect. They also observe that their lips felt moisturized and appeared plumper after applying the product, despite it not containing actual “plumping” agents. The reviewer offers a suggestion to enhance the wear time: using a lip primer and liner before applying the Almost Lipstick. This not only extends wear time but also intensifies the color payoff. They also propose experimenting with different lip liner combinations under the Almost Lipstick shades.

Alternatives:

The review concludes by presenting alternative products that are similar to Clinique’s Almost Lipstick. These alternatives are provided for readers who may want to explore similar options from different brands. The alternatives listed include:

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip:

Highlighted as similar in formula and packaging to Almost Lipstick, this product offers a variety of shades and is praised for its moisturizing properties. A comprehensive review by another contributor is recommended for those interested in more details.

Sephora #Lipstories Balm:

These balms are described as budget-friendly options, with a range of shades infused with mango butter and jojoba oil. They come in satin and shimmer finishes, offer good color payoff, and are not sticky.

RMS Beauty Hydrating Tinted Daily Lip Balm:

This lip balm is characterized by its moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, cocoa seed butter, and Candelilla wax. It provides both a tint of color and hydration, claiming to keep lips moisturized for up to 12 hours. The reviewer notes the presence of a clear balm option and highlights the higher price point due to added beneficial ingredients.

Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm

These balms are endorsed for their high-performing ingredients and absence of harmful chemicals. With a range of shades and a price of $21 each, they are highlighted as a vegan and cruelty-free option.