Crayola To Beauty Vlogger: Don't Use Our Colored Pencils as Eyeliner
That's what makeup is for.
Crayola has debunked beauty vlogger Rachel Levin’s theory that their colored pencils can be used as eyeliner, lip liner, or any other kind of makeup.
In a video that’s been viewed more than 1.8 million times, Levin shows viewers how to use Crayola colored pencils as an alternative to real makeup brands. Because the pencils are nontoxic, she confidently says they’re just as safe as her usual makeup. She even goes so far as to compare the pencils to major makeup brands, saying that, in her opinion, there’s no difference between them.
There is one big difference, however: Crayola isn’t makeup.
In the clip, Levin calls the Crayola hotline and gets confirmation that the pencils can go on the skin. But the hotline doesn’t directly recommend using the product on the face. And now Crayola has released a pointed statement saying you should not use their product in this manner:
Although our products are nontoxic, we do not recommend using them to make eyeliner, lipstick or other makeup, and strongly discourage their use in this manner. The products were never intended to be used on the skin or face in this manner.
Makeup goes through specific and rigorous testing because it is intended to be used on the skin. Because they were never meant to be used as makeup, our colored pencils or crayons have not been tested in the same way and should not be used as a cosmetic. They are not designed, tested or approved for this purpose.
Thumbs up and three cheers for this proactive step. Not only is Crayola protecting adults from this advice, but they’re also taking responsibility for their brand, protecting it from damage. Moreover, since children are major users of their products, making sure that the word is out that kids shouldn’t be using this in place of their mother’s lipstick, is critical. Next thing you know, you’ll have viral videos showing the injuries sustained from following Levin’s lead.
Every brand knows it’s important to keep tabs on how their brand is talked about online. But acting on that information is the next best step. Even though this clip is largely positive (it’s quite a compliment that a beauty aficionado would positively compare a product to a big designer brand like MAC), you don’t want to wait for something negative to happen.
