Make-up artist warns against crayon lip liner hack that could cause bacterial infection

A make-up artist has warned against the latest viral beauty trend of using a crayon dipped in water to create a DIY lip liner pencil on a budget.

Hundreds of beauty bloggers have been taking to TikTok in recent days to demonstrate how to perfect the look - with amazed reactions at how well it turns out.

But Rachael Divers, resident make-up artist at Face The Future, has warned that the method can create an environment for bacteria to grow, risking a skin infection.

Beauty bloggers have been trying out using crayons as a replacement to lip liner (Getty Images)

TikTok user @makeuponriri first shared the make-up hack, saying, "When someone asks what lip liner I'm wearing but it's literally a pencil crayon dipped in water".

The video accumulated more than three million plays and more than 435k likes, resulting in thousands praising the tip.

But others questioned the safety of it, wondering if crayons are actually safe to use on your face.

Just one beauty blogger, Mireya Rios, tried out the hack and before applying said: "There is no way this is going to work".

Once she saw instant results, she added: "I don't even know if this is good for your lips, but oh my god."

Rachel commented: "Pencil crayons are not tested or designed for the purpose of being used as make-up pencils.

"Lip liners can come in pencil or softer crayon form, however, these actual make-up products have to be FDA approved to use on the skin.

"It's also worth noting where your colouring pencils are from, as they may not have the same UK regulation standards if they're imported.

Crayons are not designed to use on skin (Getty Images)

"Make-up lip liners have specific formulations to help preserve microorganisms from growing on the skin, whereas adding a colouring pencil to warm water may be creating an environment for bacteria to grow, risking skin infection.

"If you have sensitive skin, colouring pencils may be especially reactive. The lips are a super sensitive area of the skin as they are more delicate and thinner.

"A colouring pencil doesn't have moisturising agents like lip products, meaning it can also be more drying when applied over a proper lip liner.

"Whilst some colouring pencils may be non-toxic, there is no guarantee they will not cause any reaction including inflammation, redness, itchiness and other negative side effects.

"As great as this hack may look, it's best to avoid substituting your usual lip liner to be on the safe side."

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