One or two moons ago I was working for a women's magazine, responding to readers' letters (yes, it was THAT long ago) on beauty problems. One of the most common moans was about how cosmetic companies 'suddenly discontinued' a favourite colour and whether said shade  of lippy, or whatever, could ever be found again. Well the practice continues, of course it does – while classics remain mostly in place, things have to move on as tastes and trends change.
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Clinique knows all about this. Back in 1971 – three years  after the brand was launched – it introduced a lip gloss shade  called Black Honey. It was, by all accounts, an instant success. Its popularity carried on through the Biba, glam rock, punk and new romantic years until the little pot of Black Honey became a lipstick in 1989. Since then the formula may have changed a little from time to time, but the iconic deep berry shade has stayed put. Hurrah! No moans about Clinique then. In fact now that single lip colour has inspired an entire collection of warm, dark berry tones for autumn 2011.

If you study the catwalk images for this season you'll know that black lips are  a key make-up trend – but not necessarily easy to wear or for all tastes. Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick (£15) looks pretty gothically dark, but the clue is in the name. It's 'almost' dark as well as being something between a lipstick and a gloss. The colour is there, but it's sheer rather than densely pigmented and heavy. So, softly shiny rather than scary – a really lovely compromise. And if you want a little more shine there's also a dual Ended version featuring Almost Lipstick at one end and Long Last Glosswear SPF15 at the other (£17).

I find almost all of Clinique's eye palettes to comprise of sympathetic shades, but I particularly like this new Black Honey Surge Eye Shadow Quad (£23). Rather than the deep, blackened berry shade of the lipstick, the colours are slightly more muted and warm – ranging from a highlighting icy pink to a deep nutty brown with a wine overtone – every one a winner, which is unusual in a palette. The colours have great depth to them and they glide on smoothly for a really luxurious effect.

For added drama there's also Black Honey Brush-On Cream Liner (£13.50) which works as a fine line or something thicker ad heavier, depending on the effect that you want. It's also water proof, which is handy. The pot comes with a little brush, but I find that a long handled liner brush is better for my unsteady hand. The line is completed by a Gradient Powder Blush (£24), High Impact Mascara (£15) in black and a blush Brush (£15).

Stockist info: 0870 034 2566 www.clinique.co.uk