A new trend has emerged on TikTok, where users are turning to Sharpie markers as an affordable alternative to traditional lip liners. Videos showcasing this unconventional beauty hack have garnered millions of views, sparking both fascination and concern.
One TikTok user, Bexon Neyman, shared her experience with the Sharpie lip liner. "It lasts long and doesn't rub off or smudge. I use it very often now, almost every time I do my makeup," she told Business Insider after trying the viral trend. Neyman's endorsement shows the appeal of a long-lasting and budget-friendly makeup solution.
Influencers like Rachel Carlisle have also embraced the "Sharpie lip liner" trend. Carlisle's video, in which she uses a Sharpie in the shade Cabochon Coral, has amassed over two million views. "I felt it was the perfect shade, and the markers said non-toxic. It worked extremely well," Carlisle told Business Insider. She has since posted several videos incorporating the Sharpie pen into her makeup looks and now judges lip stains by how well they match the Sharpie look.
The trend reflects a shift among Gen Z users toward accessible and unconventional beauty products. Lin Dai, the CEO of Superordinary, commented on this phenomenon. "They are skeptical of traditional brands and attracted to indie brands and unconventional TikTok-viral products that give them a sense of identity, relatability, or belonging," he told Business Insider.
However, medical experts are raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with using permanent markers on the skin. Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, expressed her apprehension about the trend. "The risk is not worth it," she told Fox News. Jeffy finds the trend concerning due to the chemicals present in permanent markers, which are not intended for cosmetic use.
Sharpie's website provides a clear warning: "While Sharpie markers are safe for artistic purposes, caution is advised against using them on skin, as they are not designed for that application," and they are "not intended for medical or body use." This caution emphasizes the potential dangers of repurposing art supplies for beauty routines.
Dr. Jamie Alan, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology, also cautioned against the practice. "Do not do this at all. These products are not designed to be applied to the skin, and their safety is not guaranteed," she told Femme Actuelle. Alan emphasized that the most concerning effect would be an allergic reaction. "The long-term effects of using this method daily are unknown, both for the skin and for health, because one ends up ingesting a small amount of the product with each use," she added.
Dermatologist Dr. Ife J. Rodney described the trend as "terrible" in an interview with Femme Actuelle. She warned that the alcohol in the markers can lead to dryness of the lips and damage the skin barrier, causing chapping and irritation.
Some TikTok users have reported adverse effects after trying the hack. One user noted in a voice-over, "My lips were not burning, but I could definitely feel my lips drying out. I wouldn't recommend doing this regularly... I can definitely taste and smell the chemicals on me," as reported by Fox News.
Despite the warnings, the trend continues to gain traction, with many commenters praising the permanent marker as an economical alternative to traditional lip liners. However, some content creators found the hack unsuitable for them. Gabriela Arias, a US-based cosmetologist, tried the Sharpie lip liner because it seemed like a fun and unconventional tool but expressed concerns. "Even though I don't see myself using it in my routine, I do think it turned out really nice and am curious to try out brands that might carry something that performs similarly," she told Business Insider.
Experts advise users to exercise caution and consider the potential health implications of such trends. "I would just have concerns that some of these potential toxins would get absorbed to a level that might be concerning for overall health risks," Jeffy cautioned. She does not believe that those who have already participated need to be "super worried" but advises them to discontinue the practice. "I don't think there's anything for them to specifically do [to combat potential health risks]. Just stop doing it," she told Fox News.
Produced with the assistance of a news-analysis system.