Earlier this week, Urban Decay came under fire for what *seemed* like an innocent tweet showing swatches of their newest eyeliners on a model’s arm. The problem? Well, we’ll let you see for yourself:
Oh @UrbanDecay no no no…. Bad bad move! Very distasteful! pic.twitter.com/OzpXQJf1MC
— Niamh Dermody (@NiamhDermody) August 25, 2016
Obviously, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen color swatches on the wrist, but all it takes is a quick glance to see where the problem is. Combining the thin, horizontal lines with the words “Razor Sharp” brings up some pretty obvious associations. While some defended the brand, pointing out that “Razor Sharp” is part of the eyeliner’s name, but that wasn’t enough of an explanation for most.
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
@UrbanDecay this is 100% a play on self harm & I’m really shocked – “razor sharp” should not be anywhere near lines on wrists imo
— Sophie (@Sophie_mfc) August 24, 2016
The brand was quick to respond when it realized its mistake. They deleted the original tweet, and responded with an explanation (no apology, though):
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
Debate has gotten pretty heated on Twitter—so it’s safe to say UD won’t be making the same mistake twice.