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Bellissima! Clinique's Black Honey Has Three New Sister Shades

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:00:47 -0700

Although this lipstick range is part of the Fall 2007 Play In The Darks collection by Clinique, that I told you about in late July, these three new shades of Almost Lipstick struck a chord when I realized that they are renditions of the ever-popular cult favorite Black Honey Almost Lipstick. At first I thought there was just one new version out called Black Plum, but I have recently learned about two more shades in Black Raspberry (bright, sheer pink) and Black Raisin (deep wine).

There's a reason I am so excited. These aren't just any lipsticks, they could arguably be some of the best lipsticks ever created. They look intimidatingly dark in the tube, but they glide on smooth and the result is a shiny, sheer and clean stain-like finish.

The shades are universally flattering (I swear, they really are) and one of these skinny tubes is packed with color that will last you a long, long time. Each of the colors are sold separately for $14. How do you feel about these new versions of Black Honey being added to the elite Almost Lipstick sisterhood?

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Quick Quiz: Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

BellaSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 09:00:44 -0700

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. The cult favorite is immensely popular due to its universally flattering, slightly sheer color. But can you guess how popular it is?

Take the quiz

Coming Soon: Clinique Play in the Darks Collection

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:00:00 -0700

If you're part of TeamSugar's Clinique Clique, you already know that Clinique has an easy-to-wear color collection along with its famed skin care line. If not, its fall colors are reason enough to get acquainted with Clinique's eye shadows, mascaras and lip colors.

The new items won't be in stores until August, but I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Clinique's new Play in the Darks collection. It's all about "blackened color," but not in a goth, I-hate-my-parents way. Instead, the hues are rich, saturated and smoldering. I think this collection will be a big hit because its colors are intense but not heavy, so they're wearable whether you're 17 or 71. And if you're a fan of Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, have I got some news for you. To find out what it is, and for a breakdown of the products used to get this makeup look, read more

One of Clinique's best-selling items is Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, a universally flattering deep rose that has a huge cult following. That's why I was so excited to find out about a new limited-edition shade called Black Plum. As a sister shade to Black Honey, it's perfect. It's just slightly darker, but because it's sheer, it isn't too much.

Another new product is Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, a larger and more moisturizing version of Superbalm Tinted Lip Treatment. It comes in eight shiny shades, including a gorgeously glistening magenta called Raspberry that I have to try!

Finally, here are the products used in this photo, which I love:

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Trio in Black Truffle

Brush-On Cream Liner in Graphite

High Definition Lashes Brush Then Comb Mascara in Black

Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Sunset Glow

Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

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The Look For Less: Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:00:54 -0700

Do you remember your first taste of honey? I do, at least when it comes to Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick ($14). Ever since trying the shade in college, I've been hooked. This color looks nearly black in the tube, but on lips, it's a beautiful, sheer shade of brick red. (Think of the color of blackberry pie, but lighter.) It's a shade that flatters just about everyone, and it's super-moist on lips.

But if the economy has you watching every penny, don't despair! I've found a pretty close match to Black Honey for half the price. For the twin, read more.

I recently tried Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Moisture Plump Lip Balm ($6.74) in Sweet Plum, and if it's not a twin, it's a very close cousin to Black Honey. The packaging is plastic rather than metal, but saving a few bucks will put a smile on your face.

Reader Review of the Day: Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie

BellaSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Clinique is endlessly coming out with new products, many of them seasonal. That's why I'm always glad when readers write in to review new releases they've just tried, like this Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie ($17.50). I liked it, but did reader Laratf feel the same way? Here's what she had to say:

I am in love! Absolute Acai is amazing. It's almost like liquid Black Honey (which Clinique attempted with their Superbalm, but executed poorly in my opinion). This gloss beats Stila Lip Glaze in its staying power, plus the pigments are too gorgeous. Every color is wearable and just stays on the lips beautifully. I am a big fan, and definitely see this becoming one of my new beauty staples that sticks throughout the seasons.

Loving your latest purchase? Head on over to our Product Reviews pages and let everybody know. You'll be helping all of us better inform ourselves, and you'll get to read other people's reviews of over 50,000 products. Your review might even wind up featured here!

3 Amazing Lip Stains For Back-to-School Beauty

BellaSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:00:39 -0700

Recently, I asked celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman for some of his back-to-school beauty tips, and he delivered, by providing ideas for changing up your bronzer to adapt from warm- to cool-weathered times. Now, he's sharing another back-to-school tip, whether you're hitting the books for the start of a new school year, or you're looking for some different approaches to makeup.

"Lip glazes make a big difference," he said. Not only do they add a deep stain of color, but they offer pigment-staying power with a touch of shine, perfect for long days at class or even at the office, when touch-up time is limited. Get his recommendations for the perfect popsicle-stained lips after the jump.

How-To: Bring a Pimple to a Head

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:00:36 -0700

Pimples under the surface of the skin can be painful, annoying, and just plain stubborn. Recently, a reader contacted me about an unfortunate case of an under-the-surface pimple on the chin. "I've tried a deep-cleansing pore mask, alcohol wipes, and soaking it with hot water and no luck," she said. Making a hot compress to apply to the problem area is one of my favorite ways to bring a pimple to a head, but since it doesn't seem to be working in this instance, I've done a little research on the topic. Find out how to get that pimple out fast when you read more.

Honey and Dirt: The Curious Scents of CB I Hate Perfume

BellaSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:00:24 -0700

I've long been intrigued by CB I Hate Perfume. For one thing, there's that name, and for another, the "CB" is Christopher Brosius, the man responsible for some of those way, way too accurate Demeter scents like Tomato, Dirt, Wet Garden, and Thunderstorm. I had a hard time imagining what it would be like if his penchant for verisimilitude was unleashed on an entire, more complex scent. So I finally broke down and ordered a couple samples off their website. To find out how they measure up to his Demeter work, read more.

Reader Review of the Day: Clinique Almost Lipstick

BellaSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:02:43 -0700

It's not quite a lipstick and it's not quite a lip gloss. It's the cult-favorite Clinique Almost Lipstick ($14), with the award winning Black Honey as probably the most popular shade. Reader Breesays calls it her daily must-have. Here's what she had to say:

I don't wear much lipstick, but I've been through about four tubes of this since I started wearing it. I like that it's not super-glossy, can be mixed with liner for a more dramatic look, and isn't impossible to get off.

We've got lots of products for you to check out on our Product Reviews site. Fill out some reviews while you're there and let us know what you think.

How-To: Jennifer Hudson's Superb Super Bowl Makeup

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:00:27 -0800

I'm not so into football, but I still sat down with some pals to tune into the Super Bowl last night. I'll admit to you - don't tell Mr. Bella! - that I was more excited to see Jennifer Hudson sing the national anthem than anything else. Granted, she has a phenomenal voice, but I could barely get past how wonderful she looked on stage before the big game. With pulled-back hair and oversize hoop earrings, I thought this overall look was dramatically divine.

Since her makeup was my favorite part, I could barely wait for the game to end to test it out. Check out my suggestions when you read more.

Start by applying a creamy foundation (like MAC Select Moistureblend) with a sponge or synthetic brush.
Outline the top and bottom lash lines by picking a liquid liner that allows a very thin line, such as Vincent Longo Vibrant Eye in Nerino.
Choose shadows in complementary hues, both light and darker. Since I used three shades for my look, the NP Set Eye Palette in Atlanta Plum works wonderfully.
Start with the lightest shade and sweep from the base of the eyelid to the browbone. After that, take a darker color and blend in the crease of each eye.
Next, use the darkest color to make a horizontal "V" shape on the outer and inner thirds of your eyelid. (Make sure to blend the colors well.)
Smudge shadow into the bottom lash line, if desired. Apply your favorite lengthening mascara, like L'Oreal Lash Out.
Line lips with a pencil slightly darker than the lipstick you'll use. For example, the Too Faced Luster Liner in Caspian would work well before before filling in with the glossy LipFusion in Beauty, which offers a touch of color along with re-plumping formula.
Finally, a light touch of blush (Black Radiance in Soft Honey) can bring definition to cheekbones.
You can't tell here, but I noticed Jennifer also wore black nail polish as she held onto the microphone last night - I'm digging OPI's nail lacquer in Black Onyx to finish out this look.

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