Urban Decay is releasing a new Razor Sharp eyeliner and people aren't happy about it
Urban Decay’s new Razor Sharp eyeliners have drawn plenty of attention on social media but probably not in the manner it hoped for.
The company sent a tweet on Wednesday saying, “Ready for some Razor Sharp Swatches, UDers?” alongside an image of colour swatches on a model’s wrist and inner arm.
Considering the product’s name, many were quick to point out the picture could be interpreted as a reference to cutting or self harm. The brand was inundated with a barrage of angry tweets calling out the image for being insensitive, distasteful and even risky.
@UrbanDecay this is not ok… "razor sharp" really? And the placement of the lines on the wrist? Seriously bad taste… This is a trigger.
— Maike (@maike_suzanne) August 25, 2016
The Urban Decay post was damaging, harmful, triggering, careless and disrespectful. There is no counter-argument to be made.
— #NoDAPL (@hannvhl) August 24, 2016
Some acknowledged that while testing and swatching products on the wrist is a common practice in the beauty industry, it’s hard to believe that Urban Decay didn’t make the connection. And others chalked it up to a poor choice of name.
@UrbanDecay @Adweek granted, this is body part where people typically do their swatches… But when u match it up w/ "razor sharp"…risky..
— Gab (@gaburrrito) August 25, 2016
i really find it hard to believe that NOBODY at @UrbanDecay didn't find it wrong to name a product "razor sharp" and then do an arm swatch
— amber discko ♡ (@amberdiscko) August 24, 2016
@nvrenders_ @UrbanDecay yeah I feel like if it wasn't called "razor sharp" it wouldn't be an issue but they should've made that connection
— CourtneyMckenna (@CourtMcKenna95) August 25, 2016
The company initially left the original tweet up and issued an explanation saying, “We swatch on the inner arm to show texture and shades. We didn’t intend to reference self-harm as the product is named Razor Sharp Eyeliner.” Urban Decay eventually deleted the initial tweet. They have yet to issue an apology.
We swatch on the inner arm to show texture & shades. We didn’t intend to reference self-harm as the product is named Razor Sharp Eyeliner.
— Urban Decay (@UrbanDecay) August 24, 2016
Do you think the image was in poor taste or that people are overreacting? Let us know by tweeting us @YahooStyleCA.