Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m sharing my FULL experience with CoverGirl’s Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm in Bliss You Berry. I’ve been using this for months now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS. If you’ve been eyeing this affordable tinted balm (especially as a potential dupe for Clinique’s famous Black Honey), keep reading!
First Impressions
When I first got this lip balm, I was honestly shocked by how dark it looked in the tube! The deep berry-plum shade had me worried it would be WAY too intense for everyday wear. But don’t let that fool you – it actually applies much more sheer than it appears.
The packaging is simple and functional – nothing fancy, but for under $5, what do you expect? The twist-up mechanism works smoothly, and the cap stays on securely in my bag (though some reviewers mentioned having issues with loose caps).
Application & Feel
The texture is where this product REALLY shines! It glides on super smoothly without any dragging or tugging on your lips. It feels lightweight – somewhere between a traditional chapstick and a lipstick. There’s no sticky or greasy feeling AT ALL, which is a huge plus for me.
One of the best things about this balm is that it’s completely unscented and flavorless. I can’t stand lip products with strong fragrances right under my nose all day, so this was a major win!
Color & Pigmentation
The color payoff is surprisingly good for a tinted balm! With one light swipe, you get a subtle berry flush that enhances your natural lip color. The magic is that you can build it up with additional layers for a more dramatic look – 2-3 swipes gives you a beautiful rich berry shade that’s still wearable for daytime.
The finish is natural – not matte, not glossy, just a subtle sheen that makes your lips look healthy. It’s that perfect “your lips but better” look that’s so hard to find!
What’s cool about Bliss You Berry is how it seems to adapt to different skin tones. I’ve seen it on friends with various complexions, and it somehow looks flattering on everyone. If you’re super pale, it adds just enough color without overwhelming your face. For deeper skin tones, it adds a beautiful tint that’s noticeable without washing you out.
The Black Honey Comparison
Let’s address the elephant in the room – is this REALLY a dupe for Clinique’s iconic Black Honey? As someone who’s used both, I’d say it’s very close but not identical.
Bliss You Berry is slightly more pigmented than Black Honey and has a bit more red/berry tones compared to Black Honey’s brownish-purple undertones. The formula is different too – this CoverGirl balm has a more traditional balm feel, while Black Honey has that signature glossy slip.
That said, for about 1/3 of the price, it creates a very similar effect on the lips! If you’ve been curious about the Black Honey look but don’t want to spend the money, this is absolutely worth trying.
Hydration Factor
CoverGirl markets this as a hydrating lip balm, and I’d say it’s… decent. Not amazing, not terrible. It feels comfortable and moisturizing when first applied, but I wouldn’t rely on it alone if you have extremely dry or chapped lips.
If your lips are already in good condition, this provides enough moisture for comfortable wear. But if you have very dry lips (like me in winter!), you might want to layer a more intensive lip balm underneath or apply a more hydrating one first.
Several reviewers noted that they apply regular chapstick underneath, which is a good strategy for extra hydration. The color still shows up beautifully over another balm.
Staying Power
This is probably the biggest weakness of the product. The staying power is just okay – about what you’d expect from a tinted balm. You’ll definitely need to reapply after eating or drinking.
The good news is that even as the balm wears off, it leaves behind a subtle stain that keeps your lips looking naturally flushed. And since it’s so easy to apply without a mirror (unlike lipstick), touching up throughout the day isn’t a hassle.
Versatility
One of my favorite things about this balm is how VERSATILE it is! Several reviewers mentioned using it as a cream blush on their cheeks, which works surprisingly well. The sheer, buildable formula creates a natural flush that coordinates perfectly with your lip color.
I’ve also found it plays well with other lip products. You can use it:
- Alone for a natural tinted look
- Under clear gloss for more shine
- Over lip liner for more definition and staying power
- Blotted down for a subtle stain effect
Who Will Love This Product
This balm is PERFECT for:
- People who dislike traditional lipstick but want some color
- Those seeking an affordable Clinique Black Honey alternative
- Anyone who prefers fragrance-free lip products
- Makeup minimalists looking for easy, no-mirror application
- People who want something between clear balm and full lipstick
Who Might Want to Skip It
You might want to pass if:
- You need serious moisture for very dry lips
- You’re looking for long-wearing color that lasts through meals
- You prefer completely clear balms with no color
- You want a glossy, high-shine finish
Value & Price Point
At under $5, this is an INCREDIBLE value! The amount of product you get will last for months of regular use. The quality is comparable to tinted balms that cost 3-4 times as much.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m giving this CoverGirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm in Bliss You Berry a solid 8.5/10. The beautiful buildable color, comfortable wear, and budget-friendly price point make it a standout drugstore find.
The only things keeping it from a perfect score are the average staying power and the fact that it’s not quite as hydrating as marketed for those with very dry lips.
If you’re on the fence about trying this, just buy it! At this price point, there’s very little risk, and you might just discover your new everyday lip essential. I’ve already purchased backups to keep in my purse, car, and desk!
Pros:
- Beautiful buildable berry color that flatters many skin tones
- Smooth, comfortable application
- No scent or flavor
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Works as both lip color and cream blush
- Incredible value at under $5
- Great dupe for Clinique Black Honey
Cons:
- Average staying power
- Not super hydrating for very dry lips
- Cap could be more secure
Have you tried this tinted lip balm? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 💋
Buy on Amazon: Here
