Have you ever heard of the lip color Black Honey by Clinique? To put it simply, it’s a viral legend in the beauty world that took social media by storm a few years ago. Famously worn by Liv Tyler in The Lord of the Rings movies, this shade became an overnight sensation fueled by our collective love for Arwen and the rise of the "clean girl look."
The Black Honey shade itself is truly fantastic, I truly love it! I decided to pick one up because it closely resembles my natural lip color, though for my taste, it was just a touch too warm. Currently, Clinique produces three versions of the legendary Almost Lipstick: Pink Honey, Nude Honey, and Black Honey. However, after a little research, I decided to skip those in favor of a more hydrating alternative: the Dior Addict Lip Glow. I was convinced by the online reviews that it is more nourishing, and my lips can use some care at this time.
Meet another legend that happens to be a perfect alternative and a potential dupe for the Clinique Black Honey: the Dior Addict Lip Glow. I invite you to take a closer look at its formula, shade, and texture with me to find out if it truly lives up to the hype.
The Dior lip balm that is the perfect combination of lip care and makeup.
About Dior Addict Lip Glow
Dior’s Lip Glow is a hydrating lip balm offering sheer coverage and a texture that features a pH-activated hue. The brand promises a 'custom color' reveal, as the formula reacts to the natural pH of your lips. It also claims an astonishing 48 hours of deep hydration – an almost impossible task, if you ask me. Still, with an ingredient list featuring cherry seed oil and shea butter, the formula sounds incredibly promising.
- Where to buy?
You can find it almost everywhere: at the official Dior store, as well as on Sephora and Amazon. For 3.2 g (about 0.11 oz), it retails for $49. While that is a significant jump from the $25 price tag of Clinique’s Black Honey, the question remains: is the Dior formula’s superior hydration and chic packaging worth the splurge for that perfect berry pout?
Packaging:
Let`s start by looking at the legendary packaging! The Dior Addict Lip Glow is housed in what can only be described as the "cool girl" of lip balm tubes. It features a weighted, translucent soft-pink case with a crystalline finish that catches the light beautifully on a vanity.
The most recognizable detail is the silver "knob" or "stud" at the base – a signature of the Dior Addict line – embossed with the CD logo. The same logo is embossed on the lip balm itself, though it melts away after the first application. Once you pull the silver sleeve from the pink housing, the bullet is revealed in a sleek, mirrored metal tube.
Texture and Scent:
My color of choice, 073 Blackberry, is described on the official Dior website as a blackberry shade with a cool undertone. I went back and forth between 020 Mahogany and 073 Blackberry, as they appear quite similar, and the lip swatches I saw on different people looked almost identical. Ultimately, I settled on this cool-toned shade to better suit my color season.
The lip balm feels buttery-soft on the skin; it glides very smoothly and becomes one with your skin. Howeverm if you have dry chapped texture, it will surely emphasize the unevenness. The hint is very natural; it is almost my true nude lip (yes, my natural lips are slightly purple). The texture is lightweight, but it can be slightly layered for a brighter, deeper appearance. It also has a very mild, refreshing scent of mint or menthol.
If you’ve seen the video campaign featuring Anya Taylor-Joy, Willow Smith, and Jisoo, you might be surprised by how shiny and vivid their lips appear. In reality, the Blackberry shade doesn't possess that same juicy, almost glassy shine. Instead, it offers a subtle, natural glow, or a 'wet' look that fades about 30 minutes to an hour after application.
Ingredients:
The ingredients are great! Basically, in the formula, you'll find oil on oil and topped with another oil, which I love! Castor Oil for that iconic "glide" and shiny finish, Sunflower Oil for a hydrating touch, and promised Cherry Seed Oil, rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E. In a lipstick, it adds a touch of luxury and helps soothe chapped skin. Enfused with shea butter and jojoba esters, the fantastic formula not only seals up all the nutrients, but also works on restoring the damaged skin barrier.
How to Use Dior Addict Lip Glow
Use it alone for a fresh, 'I woke up like this' vibe, or pair it with a nude lip liner for a more defined shape. You can also dab it onto your cheeks as a hydrating blush or use it as a base for your eyeshadows. I use it for my favorite bjd doll look, which I modify for everyday wear.
Final Verdict…
Hydration: 👍👍👍👎(7/10)
Texture: 👍👍👍👎(7/10)
Overall: 👍👍👍👎 (7/10)
To summarize this wealth of information in a short verdict: Is the Dior Addict Lip Glow good? Yes, it is a wonderful balm for dry lips. Does it look like Clinique’s Black Honey? Yes, it does closely resemble the shade and has a similar 'barely-there' feel.
However, does it hydrate lips better than a regular balm? Honestly, no. If you are simply looking for a tinted lip treatment and aren't specifically chasing these iconic colors, you can certainly find cheaper and more effective alternatives.
