Posted on Wed, 31 Aug 2011
Clinique Goes Black-Honey Sultry!
I must say that I really like Clinique’s colour offering this Summer. The new ‘black’ as they have called it, is a universal shade inspired by the colour of black honey for eyes, cheeks and lips that flatters all skin tones and reads ‘sultry’.
Original, innovative and just what the make up industry needs away from the usual pinky browns and orangey tans that are beginning to make me yawn. This is perhaps also just what the brand needs to lift it from Aunty-dom into what I call ‘glamour-puss-ness’, said with all respect from a pair of eyes that belong to a Nars, Mac, Lorac and Bobby Brown generation – of a brand that only all our Mum’s and elderly Aunts ever aspired towards.
I liked the sleek shiny packaging and the actual product colour immediately. My package of ‘honey-infused’ samples arrived yesterday as I opened them with glee with the anticipation of taking the look to my daughter’s school PTA meeting in an attempt to glam up my otherwise soccer mum appearance.
My product of choice was the Gradient Blusher and I decided to ‘smear’ (read apply gently with tips of fingers) some of the luscious looking colour on my lids (instead of my cheek). I always do that as I like how the blusher actually gives good contour and definition and sometimes brightens a dull complexion especially around the eye area, the windows to one’s soul. In this case the effect was just that! Expect great colour pay-off, a smooth finish that feels more cream than powder and applaudably long wearability (despite the punishing summer humidity and heat). After a quick application of highlighter and then the actual eye colour from the compact travel-handy Eye Colour Quad, the look was complete, natural and yet with enough of that sultry tease to say that I was at least trying to look my best. And for a minute as I stepped out of the house, I thought I looked passably and confidently – a shade more like Eva Longoria than I ever did. I always say that — as a desperate housewife, one can only dream.
Apparently ‘black honey’ is not a new thing for Clinique. Unveiled in 1971, this is a classic, revamped. It took the market by storm then as a colour for a new lip gloss and then gained a cult following as a berry-ish shade that flattered almost every skin tone. In 1989, it was revamped and born again as a lip stick. Brought out of the closet, a decade (or two) later, it has finally been given a full showing and has been reworked into a range of quad shades for Eyeshadow, Gradient Powder Blush and a Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss. Top marks for all products and I safely say to you with firm nod of approval- GO BUY!!! See: www.clinique.com
