Fans, makeup brand try to rescue designer Cynthia Rowley from ‘iconic’ but ‘insane’ eyeliner hack

New York City designer Cynthia Rowley has revealed “the best long-wear eyeliner out there”: Sharpie.

The 55-year-old shocked her followers, who called the cosmetic hack “insane,” “next level” and “iconic,” in a video posted to TikTok this week, amassing over 85,000 views.

“‘Why do you use Sharpie as eyeliner?’” Rowley wrote on the clip, which used the now-viral audio of Kim Kardashian saying, “‘Cause it’s iconic, and I love to do iconic s–t.”

“Although not approved by the FDA, I do believe that it’s harmless,” Rowley, who is also mom to 24-year-old influencer and former “Bachelor” contestant Kit Keenan, wrote in the caption.

Rowley is the founder of her namesake lifestyle brand based in New York City. FilmMagic

“Approved by CR not the FDA,” quipped one TikToker.

“Omg insane!! Does it stay on for days,” inquired a viewer.

“Icon behavior,” wrote another.

“This is next level,” commented creator Brigette Pheloung, better known by her username @acquiredstyle.

“This is so unhinged i love it so much,” applauded someone else.

While the official Sharpie account commented, “ICONIC,” and the verified Sephora profile addressed the marker brand, writing, “Have your people call our people,” other viewers were horrified and feared for Rowley’s eye health.

“Y’all, NO!” exclaimed one person.

“Girlfriend, I need confirmation that this is in fact satire,” implored another. “You’re giving me anxiety.”

“How do you get it off,” asked someone else.

“Respectfully, this feels insane,” slammed another.

“This is irresponsible not iconic lol,” chided one viewer.

Viewers were divided over the designer’s long-wear eyeliner trick, some calling it “iconic” while others deemed it “irresponsible.” Cynthia Rowley/TikTok
Experts have previously warned against the use of permanent markers as makeup, citing health concerns. Cynthia Rowley/TikTok

And they might have a point — experts have warned about the dangers of using permanent markers near the eyes after pop sensation Taylor Swift previously revealed she, too, once wore Sharpie as eyeliner in her teenage years.

While the office supplies company has cautioned against using the pens “anywhere where a consumer could possibly ingest ink” — such as decorating dishware — the permanent markers contain dyes, butanol, propanol and other chemicals, according to Women’s Health Magazine, which cited the National Institutes of Health.

Under “normal use conditions” — like writing on a piece of paper — the pens are considered safe, but to apply as makeup is another story.

“I would steer clear of the Sharpie,” dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara previously told Women’s Health, where she also serves as an advisory board member. “There are so many cosmetically elegant eyeliners out there — you can get the look without it.”