March 16, 2015

Does Your Makeup Have An Inappropriate Name?

Inappropriatemakeup names

I was reading an interesting article today referencing Kat Von D’s Lipstick being named Underage Red as causing some controversy and uproar. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen makeup dubbed with inappropriate names.

Does your makeup have an inappropriate name? I know I have several Urban Decay Eyeshadow that make laugh slightly like a teenage boy, ahem…Gash. And of course, we have NARS Orgasm and Deep Throat…

Of course, we’ve had collections that have really crossed the line like MAC Rodarte Collection from Fall 2010.

Names such as Underage Red are a bit of a trigger and they raise questions and arguments and of course, they cause a bit of controversy! Actually the name didn’t shock but the fact that just now this is an issue as that shade has been around for a while, why is it suddenly becoming a hot topic?

I’m not really easily offended and it does take a good deal to shock me so I’m not sure naming shades Gash, Orgasm, and Deep Throat are going to cause me to cry out in rage. It does depend though on your personality, your views, etc…a lot of your personals views goes into how you’ll feel about a certain topic or hey, a lipstick name even!

Do you have makeup that you feel has an inappropriate name?

Are you offended by it?

So offended you possibly wouldn’t even buy it?

I’m a bit more on the liberal side of the fence and like I said not easily shocked or offended so naming a lipstick some outrageous name doesn’t necessarily evoke hurt or anger in me. I likely own several makeup products that have unusual names, weird ones, sexual ones, etc…I likely wouldn’t boycott something that had an odd name either. But I think it would depend as well because there have been instances where products did go overboard like, for example, the Rodarte Collection. So product names can toe the line from time to time….!

What are your thoughts on unusual or perhaps inappropriately named makeup or beauty products?

Do share!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Betsy

    I think this topic is very interesting. When I saw the name Underage Red I immediately felt uncomfortable with that name choice for a beauty product. Most of the time I think the sexual or innuendo names are just silly, but one that really bothers me is an Urban Decay shadow called Asphyxia. I have never read any comments or complaints about this name, but to me it implies violence and that is disturbing.

  • denni

    there is a brown shadow in the UD smoked palette named “backdoor”.. I find it hilarious. And a little gross.

  • Phyrra

    I’ve bought things just for the name, especially from Urban Decay! Clearly not offended. LOL.

  • Danadoo

    I feel like it’s kind of a lame attempt to be cool, like when i was a child and somebody would learn a dirty word and we would all snicker about it. Total grammar school humor and not totally hilarious when you’re a grown up. Also, I dont love it when somebody says “I totally love your blush, what color is it?” And i reply “Oh, it’s Orgasm!” Aside from the whole MAC controversy, a name wouldn’t prevent me from buying something that I really loved..I just fell lik3 it’s lame.

  • Deb

    I am not easily offended and I wear a lot of Black Phoenix Alchemy perfume oil blends. I could not easily tell people the names of some of the Lupercalia blends with out blushing. So I don’t.

  • Jenna

    Long post: I have an unpopular opinion on this since I support “inappropriate” names for high-end products. I am 21 and am not uncomfortable with adult things surrounding me. They just don’t affect me. I talk about them with other grown women. I think if you don’t like the name of the lipstick, don’t buy it or talk about it. No one forces anyone to do what they don’t want to do.

    Remember, these are high priced makeup items we’re talking about. The issue comes when underage girls spend loads of money on high priced makeup. Why should young girls be so concerned about looking good or expressing themselves so much that they spend $21 on a lipstick or $30 on a blush? Underage girls don’t have that much money. These brands should target adult women who are more likely to have the money to spend on these things. I am happy that brands target older women this way and I hope they continue to do so. If the parent has an issue with the name of the lipstick, it is their job to explain to their child the implications of the name or just not buy them the lipstick if they are uncomfortable with it. The makeup artists who name the products have every right under the 1st amendment to name the lipstick or eye shadow or blush or whatever whatever name they choose.
    Also, underage red is a silly name. What makes this particular hue of red underage, anyway?
    Thank you for this post, it’s good to talk about these sorts of issues.

    • Isabella Muse

      my pleasure Jenna thank you for contributing your important opinion!!!!!!!!

      • SallyMJ

        What a great blog post! I have been thinking about this very thing the past month or so. The name “Urban Decay” is so dark, it depresses me, to be honest. I think it reflects a cynical worldview.

        On the other hand, companies like Philosophy have products with very uplifting names. I feel happy to support them. And most companies have neutral names. I have no problem whatsoever purchasing them either.

        I think it comes down to freedom of choice on both sides. Anyone has the right to name their products whatever they wish. At the same time, I have the right to support whomever I wish. I don’t feel comfortable contributing to a company with such a negative worldview. They have good products – but I’m trying to find alternatives.

        Thanks again for a very thoughtful post.

  • Kara

    I personally hate the name for the Better Than Sex mascara. I guess for me when I am thinking about these things, I am thinking about my 8 and 10 year old daughters that like to look through my makeup drawer. Not really something I want them to be reading. And is it really necessary? I think the Orgasm blush is beautiful and would buy it anyway, but it almost feels like they are trying to attract people just by the shock value of the name.

    • Rmir

      I agree Kara! I think about my daughters too although they are 28, 26 and 19 but I would never want them looking through my makeup drawer and see makeup with names centered around sexual acts, etc. It’s MAKEUP! I understand that I don’t have to spend my money with companies that feel the need to name their products with inappropriate titles and I can assure you I don’t and I won’t! There’s enough perverted stuff in the world w/out attaching it to lipstick.

  • Jess

    I know that some people found it disgusting but I laugh every time I use my Illamasqua “Load” nail polish. I think I pretty much bought it just because of the name…and I didn’t own a polish that color, but mostly for the name. I don’t find myself getting offended by names like that or NARS ones like “deep throat” but if a brand ever did name a product something I found really offensive, that probably would put me off it.

  • TropicalChrome

    Offended or shocked, no. But not amused either.

    It was kind of funny and maybe even edgy when companies first started using names in questionable taste, but now they’re all trying to out-edgy each other. It makes it kind of boring, really – it’s not unexpected or out there, it’s just another corporate contest.

    I feel this way about puns for nail polish names, too. It’s been done already. Now all they’re torturing the language so much it’s just an annoyance (just try searching for swatches on some of those names!).

    There are a couple of nail polishes that I won’t be buying because I do get asked what I’m wearing on my nails, and I would be uncomfortable stating those names. I know I can find dupes or close enough polishes with better names, and I’ll get those.

  • Staci

    Some names, like Charlotte Tilbury’s Bitch Perfect, and kinda inappropriate but they make me want the product more. Then there’s the dtf or backdoor type names that are just icky. I do not want to be patting backdoor on my eyelid. Uncalled for and, imo, tacky.

    • denni

      I agree. I sorta like the inappropriate names, it does draw me in.. for some weird reason. Idk. I’m just not easily offended. There are some, like backdoor, that just do have an icky sound to it and don’t have as much appeal.

  • Alyza Rae

    I don’t mind silly or PG-13, R-Rated names for makeup at all, but there is a line. I think that line is “Underage Red” which is just gross and morally reprehensible. When the names make some sort of sense, I really don’t care. Like, oh, this mascara is “better than sex” refers to a common phrase that people use to describe something good. Or, this blush gives you a post-orgasm glow, let’s call it “Orgasm”. Mostly I think it’s immature to do things like Illamasqua’s “Load” and all of Urban Decay’s pot references, but I don’t care.

    Violent names like “Asphyxia” and the entire NarsxGuy Bourdin collection’s packaging and theme are horrible in that they do promote a culture where violence against women is deemed acceptable. That’s the kind of thing that will keep me from not only buying a product, but I also won’t financially support NARS at all.

  • Dee

    I love OPI polish in “My Very First Knockwurst.” I always say, “I can’ remember” when someone asks what shade it is. The names don’t offend me, but I agree with what Kara posted above. Is it necessary or just shock value.

    • Isabella Muse

      LOL omg is there really an OPI named that? that’s incredible!

  • Margo

    I don’t mind it at all. In fact, I tend to buy products with racier names because they appeal to me. Maybe it was being a bit sheltered growing up, I don’t know, but if something has a racy name and I put it on my face, I just feel kinda punk and edgy. No one has to know the name besides me and my makeup drawer.

  • Lacy

    I see both sides of the fence. I’m not bothered by it, nor do I really acknowledge it much. I may think after hearing/seeing it the first time I’m like wow that’s ballsy, find it silly or coy or consider it will probably offend people. But I don’t lose sleep over it nor think I should rally to boycott it just because it has a name that didn’t sit well with me. I find it part of the artist creativity. Personally I find them clever and funny, but also stupid at times. Yet I could empathize with those who take offense and can definitely relate to the point Kara brought up about having young daughters who go through her make up drawer. That’s not something I’d necessarily like then (luckily I was equally blessed but with a boy) So again, I can see it from both sides of the fence.

    However, with a name like Underage Red.. I guess it could imply something, I wouldn’t go so far as to cry “rape” like some of the hoopla over it – but I also largely think it’s more about how one chooses to interpret the name. Perhaps it’s actually implying that red is meant to be or considered a more mature color but this particular shade is more youth friendly as it’s a brighter and more pink toned IMO. but hey, i’m just an indifferent consumer. I’d also like to point out that it’s kind of her niche as far as her lipstick collection goes and the names the other shades have. and it’s not the first time her lipstick has caused some ruckus. That’s like assuming I’m a stripper because my name is Lacy Sheetz…

  • eunice

    Underage Red does sound inappropriate; what is it trying to imply? i don’t even want to know. i agree with Danadoo, it’s a lame attempt to be cool. OCD Lip Tar made a shade called Yaoi and i gave that one a side-eye, ah maybe it’s just the geek in me speaking. and i also remember this brand called BleachBlack who produced nail polishes with names like Dickweed and Jizz. everything’s edgy now so why can’t makeup names be edgy too? nah, i just think it’s tacky and inappropriate at times, especially when it implies violence against women.

  • Lacy

    Oh yeah I totally forgot to add the most important point!… why is this just now causing an uproar? The lipstick shade has been around for years…. LIterally… it was featured in a set eons ago.. I can’t remember the name but yeah… why did it take this long to point out it is offensive? The same set had the shade Celebutard in it soooo…. yeah. Sometimes I’m perplexed by the world.. ><

  • Katherine

    Im not offended or shocked at all anymore. I do much prefer cute or clever names, and if simply buying off the names, I would gravitate towards those. (For example, too faced blush/bronzer in ross & Rachel). I give a lot more credit to these companies than to ones like NARS, who seems to just slap on inappropriate names for no reason really. Ultimately though, I do not give much thought into the name of a product and do not think it matters.

  • Nikole

    I guess I’m out of it because I wasn’t even aware of the name of the Kat Von D lipstick underage red until I read this post; however, definitely feel the need to weigh in. An earlier post talked about not buying makeup products if you aren’t comfortable with the names – in general I agree with that; but a name that implies anything at all about underaged sexual activity is a line that I am NOT willing to cross. Oversexualization of females, including children, is a terrible reality in our society – and should not be supported, not even in very minor ways. So, even if I loved the Kat Von D color underage red, i would not buy it based on my principles. (I don’t know too much about Kat but I will risk offending someone to say that my guess is that she has no female children.)
    Other products that have names that imply activities based on ADULT activities that are marketed to ADULTS are fine by me.

  • Yelena

    This is going to be really unpopular but so be it because it is my opinion. Names aren’t important. Period. They might make me raise an eyebrow but that’s about it. Then again I’m a gamer so I might be desensitized because of all the vulgar stuff I see said in chat logs.
    Names are there so we’re aren’t calling stuff by numbers and codes *cough cough inglot* People rename themselves all the time. Same can be done with products. That red could be taken off the shelves but before it’s been renamed and put back up for sale, people would have moved on and picked out new stuff to hate.
    That whole controversy about “celebrutard” was uncalled for even though some people consider it insensitive to the mentally disavled. Get this, Viva la juicy is culturally AND linguistically insensitive. As for underage red, I find is controversy to be very arbitrary. People seem to love Lolita, though is in the same vein as UR. It’s also no worse than alot of UD names in my book… People have no problem with perversion and sin.
    Strangely people don’t hate opium by ysl even though it screams drugs and addiction, not anymore anyways. There was that little thing called the opium war but the descendants of the people historically affected by it haven’t got any beef with opium perfume. People don’t get riled up about dior’s hypnotic poison though it’s date rapey. I don’t know how this Internet machine works but there will always be something selected as the great offender. There’s also billionaire boyfriend which implies women are gold-diggers. Here’s a kicker: FCUK Her by FCUK. That had to be decided on intentionally, tongue in cheek with dirty little smirks.
    Tl;dr: Any product name can offend somebody.
    That being said, I want a blood red lipstick or polish named “Gimme Chocolate Now” or “Auntie Flow” or “Soiled” just to see how people react.
    And yay for bpal lovers.

  • Krystle

    I love inappropriate names of products. It’s so much fun, and it’s great to see that companies that make billions of dollars a year have a sense of humor.

    If a product has a name that offends you, find a dupe, or buy it and cover the label.

  • Dia

    I think names can be fun and give personality to a product and company. What that personality is and how it’s interpreted are going to be different for each individual. That’s part of the whole marketing and lifestyle appeal of a lot of these companies. I’m not a fan of “Underage Red” but most of KVD’s other color names amuse me, like all the music references. I think UD’s “Asphyxia” may actually be a reference to erotic asphyxiation, not murder, as they have many other color names that reference sexual acts. What actually turns me off the most are the groan-worthy puns companies like OPI use; or the numbers Inglot and MUFE use, which are hard to get excited about. To each their own, I suppose. The companies will follow the money.

  • Brendanese

    Interesting topic— Honestly have found some of them hilarious like Too Faced’s “Better than Sex” and Nars’ “Orgasm” and don’t tend to get too offended. I felt the whole situation back in 2013 with Kat Von D’s Painted Love Lipstick in “Celebutard” situation was blown out of proportion as I don’t see her as someone who is intentionally trying to offend people. A quote from her speaking about Celebutard “That name was inspired by the silliness of people who become famous for no reason outside attention seeking behavior. I think it’s a funny, lighthearted stab at how silly people can be. (Both the celebrity and those who subscribe to them.)” She also added, “At the end of the day, it’s just a f–kin lipstick.” Although I do have to add “Underage Red” is a little borderline though considering what it implies.
    Is anyone else taken aback by Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “LSD” which correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t that slang for acid (illegal drug that distorts people’s realities, causes delusions and panic attacks, and more)?

    • Nina

      I agree but I think that Celebutard is just as offensive. The r word has been used to stigmatize and oppress people with mental illnesses and it’s considered to be a slur and a very offensive term. I don’t think she realized that but to many people living with mental illness or who have loved ones with mental illness, it’s not a pleasant term to hear.

  • Ryou

    For me, a name is just a name; what matters the most is the product inside. I believe I can enjoy things that have problematic elements while also admitting it’s problematic, I’m not going to defend something problematic BECAUSE I enjoy it. However, if the name or campaign of a product is particularly problematic then I would absolutely consider not purchasing it (MAC Rodarte, anyone?).

    That’s the standard I set for myself, however, I fully realize that it would be pretty bad if LSD becomes “cool” among teenagers because Urban Decay uses it as a shade name. I’d like it if brands decide to use “inappropriate” names (including but not limited to cultural appropriation, drug references, and sex acts), then they include some educational information along with it, but that might be asking too much.

    My favorite, however, would be witty or punny names (like Fyrinnae’s “Cuddlefish” or one of their Halloween shades “Are You My Mummy?”) Something clever is always much more preferable than something “shocking” for me.

  • Stephanie

    IMO I believe people are placing a sexual innuendo on a LIPSTICK! It’s makeup people not world hunger. It’s just a name. It’s people who link it with something inappropriate. What if the name was Overage Red or Middle-Aged Red. Would people be so upset over that? Probably because people are constantly looking for things to be outraged over. It’s out of control and frankly quite sad. I have better things to do with my time than read into a name on a piece of makeup.

    • Anne

      But, Stephanie, unlike with Overage Red or Middle-Aged Red, this implies something illegal and exploitive.
      I think they are trying to hard to be edgy.

  • Kristi

    I have an issue with MUFE’s 50 shades of gray collections….it’s really a name but think of what happens in the book/movie-if Christian gray was poor, she’d have his butt in jail. But since he’s rich and charming, it’s ok to stalk her, track her cell phone, manipulate and degrade her? I have a huge issue with these movies and books…so even though I love the colors, I couldn’t bring myself to purchase those products. I’m a social worker and I feel by supporting those products, I’m saying it’s ok…please know that I’m not trying to be rude to anybody that likes 50 shades, we all have our opinions and it’s ok if you do 🙂

    Now, on the other hand, I do own Orgasm, deep throat-I do love Nars. But in my mind, they’re not hiding in the context of romance…just some glitter. Ha.

    • Wingadings

      I agree with you (Though I’m no social worker. Power to you!) If a man meets all the warnings/checkpoints on the survivor networks websites and they tell you to get the heck out of dodge because he’s so so dangerous he’s likely to kill you- you better believe it’s not romance!

      …I have a lipstick by Colour Pop called “Heart On” the description on the website made me laugh out loud! It’s sort of raunchy when said in an un-careful way out loud. But the description is “It’s like a hard on but with feelings and shit. You’ll understand when you wear this bright cool toned magenta in a matte finish.”

  • Nina

    I don’t mind sexual names like some of the NARS ones because I think that’s just fine, but stuff like Underage Red makes me really uncomfortable. I think the stigma on sex and sexuality needs to be reduced because I mean, a lot of people do have sex and I don’t think it is something to feel ashamed about but names that promote violence or abuse shouldn’t be allowed. I feel like it’s companies trying to be edgy when it’s just not appropriate. If I recall correctly, MAC also has a lip product called Underage which I’m not okay with.

  • Cindy

    I think names are important. Although I am not easilly shocked there is so muck make-up out there, why not pick something with a name you like? I pick “It’s not easy having a good time” over “endless chocolate” eyeshadow.Cosmetics are fun and so should their names be. It gives me a little snicker during my morning routine.If something has a boring or unapealing name, I don’t buy it.

    The importance of names is so widespread that sometimes cosmetics are named different in for example Europe or America.Being associated with an idea is key in cosmetics. Stephanie for example said “what if it would be middle-aged red?” If I saw a name like that I would think about middle aged women. Do I want to think about or see myself as middle-aged, hell no.

    And what about “black honey”. That name is so iconic that they sell it from nailpolish to eyeliner and everybody buys it because it’s so iconic. I wouldn’t have bought the nailpolish, gel-eyeliner, normal eye-liner, lipstick and lipgloss if it was called “burgundy”.

    • Eraser

      Yes, goodness knows that your desirability as a woman disappears into thin air once you pass 30…

      I’d be willing to bet that us middle & over aged women account for the greatest number of sales in the beauty industry. It’s not just a young women’s game.

  • Christina D.

    Hey Sis! It would be way too easy for me to get on a political soapbox here, so I won’t.

    I know I have vented to you about this before, but I am so tired of this trend.
    Can we please just use the name of the color in the product description? Why can’t something be labelled red, bright red, blue red, orange red, dark red…the list is endless. Try looking at a box of Crayola crayons for goodness’ sake.

      • Eraser

        Now there’s a great marketing idea: a big box of makeup crayons!

    • JL

      Agreed! Stop the marketing bla bla, but then that would scare companies because then they’d REALLY have to have a performance product. 😉

  • Kimkats

    I don’t like them frankly. By now they are just tiresome and at this stage of the game I think they are demeaning. Why do we do this to ourselves? Men don’t have a line of products called fat lazy bastard. Why do we think it clever to have a lipstick called Bitch Perfect? I find it offensive. I am just waiting for someone to use the “C” word on a product; I think the reaction will be somewhat stronger when that happens. And I have no doubt it is going to happen.

  • Christina D.

    LOL! Kimkats cracked me up. I think that should be the name of the next beer that comes out “Fat Lazy Bastard”! And I’m sure they’ll have a “lite” version too!

    Yeah, as an old school feminist (I say old school because there is nothing progressive in being called bitch or worse) I despise this socially acceptable misogyny. And it is most troubling to see some the younger people going right along with it.

    I did say I wasn’t getting on a soap box, right?

    • Eraser

      Hear hear – I’m also old school (in many ways) and it is disturbing to see younger women defend this sort of thing. Yes, it’s only a lipstick and the makers have their 1st Amendment rights, bla bla bla, but it’s still inappropriate and in the extreme cases, ie 50 Shades, a clear glamorization of violence. I’m the daughter of a law professor so I can say unequivocally that freedom of speech may grant the right to say something but it absolutely does not protect one from the consequences or absolve responsibility.

      Personal beliefs and politics aside, the whole “anti-beauty” name thing has run its course. As others have said, it’s more than a little juvenile at this point. I’ll confess that I bought UD Gash lipstick when it arrived on the scene when I was younger and more impressionable myself, but the name still made me squeamish.

      I’m in the travel industry and shop a lot abroad, and there’s a reason why you don’t see this in other countries. Europeans expect results with a touch of glamour and Asians want precision and fashion, so their makeup goes by descriptive names like “brick red” or more often just numbers.

      PS: even though I’m of a certain age and probably way past your target demographic, I really enjoy your blog and read it almost every day!

      • Isabella Muse

        i don’t think you’re past my demographic at all. One thing about Musings of a Muse I tend to attract many different people from many walks of life that includes men, women, older, younger…! 🙂 and thank YOU for reading me everyday Eraser and thank you for sharing your opinion!!!!!

      • JL

        Hear hear!
        (PS. And though I’m likely in an even older demographic, I too enjoy her posts. Because if you enjoy and wear makeup, finding good deals, new trends and honest viewpoints matter, no matter the age.)

  • Gillie

    As has been mentioned several times already, one can find a dupe to just about anything these days. So, what do brands have left, other than to grab our attention with marketing?

    Much of the cult of makeup is about how one wants to present oneself to the world. You could probably buy the same red lipstick from Maybelline, but does it have the same cache as a lipstick from Kat Von D? No…because Maybelline is marketed as fresh faced and mainstream, where KVD likes to present itself as edgy. It really is all about the name, and if you don’t like it, there are a million other choices out there.

    Me, I’ve always hated Wet N’ Wild. The name just feels cheap and sleezy, and isn’t really something I’d want to pull out of my bag and reapply in public. And really…is Underage Red all that more offensive than Wet N’ Wild?

  • jax

    I don’t care because it’s makeup. Seriously. Now name your kid backdoor and that may be a different story.

    • Yelena

      i love this comment so much.
      Then again, there are some things that have evolved unsavory meaning over time. For example, you can’t called Richard-s “Dick” anymore without someone going “oh my” type reactions nor can you mention Dickies of workwear and apparel without getting some sniggers.
      There was also the whole phase where girls of all ages with names like Amber or Crystal were made fun of because a lot of strippers all of a sudden decided to adopt those names.

  • devon

    this fascinates me. i have never thought about the names of my makeup products or in what context they could be taken so deeply before! personally, i could care less what the name of a color is. i make my choices based only off of shade/formula/payoff/what matches my look that day. color is color is color the same as love is love is love :] but i LOVE seeing what everyone else has to say!!!!

  • samantha

    I like inappropriate names! I, for one, am not easily offended or shocked these days. However, I feel like with all the dirty names companies are stamping on their products, I’ve become desensitized.

    However, I think Nars chose some dirty names for some of their blush products to do just that- make you blush!!!

  • krastins

    I think the best/worst I’ve seen is Illamasqua’s “Load”
    I think its hilarious and unique and makes mt makeup cooler than just “off white”

  • devon

    on that note, paula deen has a ‘is it really better than sex? cake’ on food network so i think that’s a thing? (pinterest has a lot too!) and…it really is really good! :]

  • hayley

    its not the cosmetic industry’s job to shelter your underage daughters, or right the wrongs of society (the fact that attraction to underage girls is something that does exist in the world) or to respect the fact that people have let their owns minds become so weak and malleable that the oldest advertising tactic in the book (implying that the lipstick make you look like that hot young girl who men want even more because they cant have it. in other words- this lipstick will make you desirable)completely influence their decision. perhaps women should respect themselves more and create less of a market for “offensive” products and not expect a capitalist market to give a damn about morals when it clearly works. and isnt it a little silly to be offended by something as trivial as a lipstick name? the lipstick is not a statutory rapist, and wearing wont make you magically become a victim of statutory rape nor will it influence someone to commit statutory rape. i mean….lol. fun post though! these names are also great conversation starters and they encourage a dialogue (just like this) which is the only thing that can influence change…so isnt that a good thing?

  • Meagan

    I don’t have a problem with inappropriate names, and I buy a lot of the products.

    However, my mother recently asked for me to get her a nice blush. My favourite blush – NARS Deep Throat – is crazy inappropriate for gifting to my mother, or really for gifting to most other people. I ended up getting her a lovely named Lancome blush instead.

  • CupK8

    I wouldn’t buy that Kat Von D lipstick. I already have a complicated relationship with make up specifically related to older men fetishizing me when I was underage, so no thank you. The name gives me heebee jeebees.

    I’m going to disagree with several comments above and say yes, names do matter. The language we use has a direct influence on our culture, and things like this normalize the hypersexualization of younger women. There are enough studies that have been done about this, and how language and images can affect our opinions of things. I’m not going to go into a diatribe on the specific ways in which this can affect us, because it is extremely disturbing and can be very triggering for women like myself who have experienced it. I encourage anyone who’s interested to head to the Google and find some academic studies.

    I’m not a sex prude AT ALL, I just believe in sane, safe, consensual sex, and sexualizing underaged persons does not qualify for that.

      • Isabella Muse

        aw my pleasure. It’s interesting reading everyone’s replies!!!!!!!!!

    • Yelena

      The brand that the inappro product belongs to might also factor into the shock-reaction dynamic. Kat Von D is a very controversial person so that might make people more likely to jump on her and her makeup names. Marc Jacobs Beautyhas a eyeshadow palette named “the lolita” but people haven’t taken up arms. Let’s not forget the Lunatic Highliner.
      Is it just because Marc Jacobs is associated with high fashion (and the fact that high fashion has done some pretty crazy crap in shows) that people don’t care? Do they let the Marc Jacobs line get away with it just because the eponym is a big designer? Or is it because the MCB stuff is too expensive for most people to buy – and if it’s not affordable for the majority – not enough people care?

      • CupK8

        It might just be awareness. I don’t keep up with Marc Jacobs because of the high fashion thing, but also because that makeup isn’t as much my style as Kat Von D. Re: the “Lunatic” highlighter – I do some work in erasing stigma around mental health issues, and I’m not surprised at all that people weren’t up in arms about that one. :\ I meet with a lot of dead ends – people just don’t think about how that language can be hurtful.

  • Simone

    I personally don’t mind, and would purchase regardless of the name of a product, however, I can understand why it would upset people. Orgasm, Deep Throat, etc. Are just silly names, but “underage red” is sort of insinuating pedophillia? That’s not sexy, or funny.
    Again, it doesn’t really bother me, personally, but I can see why this specific shade name is causing problems, and I don’t quite understand what they were thinking.

  • Emily

    I honestly couldn’t care less about names like orgasm and deep throat, but I think underage is a lot more than just a sexual word. I’m glad that enough people have noticed to start a conflict.

  • celine D

    Don’t forget it’s also all about marketing and trying to sell a product .
    But Wow . This topic really got a rise out of everyone ….

    Some very good opinions here in this post. Made me think ..
    Good Job Muse ! ; )

    • Isabella Muse

      haha thanks celine! I agree many interesting intelligent opinions 🙂

  • Christina D.

    Can you imagine the reaction if the name was somehow racially insensitive or homophobic? Puh-lease. No one would find that cute, and justifiably so. Sexism should not be tolerated either, whether cloaked in a “cute” or “trendy” name.

  • Thea

    Maybe I’m totally out there (this is the first time I’m hearig about the bame “Underage Red”), but what exactly is so inappropriate about that name? I feel like that is so ambiguous as to meaning, it says more about the person being offended by it than it says about the brand itself.

    That being said, I don’t really care if companies want to bame their products for shock value. It doesn’t mean I have to buy it. Although I have yet to be offended by a product name, sooo….

  • Renu

    I’m on the liberal side of the fence as well and like to have a giggle over some of those names. One of the first makeup products I owned was Soap & Glory’s Sexy Motherpucker, which my mum bought for me (I don’t know what shocked me more at the time, the name or that she bought it for me). But I don’t know if I will change my mind about the names once I have kids.

  • Anne

    I know where the line is drawn for me–I got a set from Sephora and the name of the lipgloss (I can’t remember the brand) was “Strangefruit.”
    NOPE. That is not cute or clever. It’s gross and ignorant.

    • CupK8

      Oh no no no. That’s the second instance I’ve heard of that name being used on something. Do your research, folks, seriously.

  • Karen

    Maybe I’ve become too desensitized to the names but I can’t say I’ve ever sat down and pondered the meaning or implications of naughty makeup names. I will admit that quite a few make me chuckle, snicker or even think “now that was clever”. Most Benefit products have clever (maybe not inappropriate) names that stick in your head. I always smile to myself when I reach for my S&G Sexy Motherpucker and I’ll even admit to taking a harmless nail polish name (maybe) and going down the smutty and childish road myself – I can’t ever picture the bottle of “Pearl Necklace” polish without snickering….my bad

  • Dina

    Maybe they are just out of ways to say “red”, “pink”, “purple”. The crazy name products are the ones I actually remember. Gross, sexual, stupid, whatever. I can’t remember B64 but I can remember LSD. I have a female child and she grew up watching me use many of these products and using them herself and she was indifferent, as was I. I suspect because a word only has the power you give it. There were plenty of other things in our lives that sparked deep conversations about life and love and sex and drugs, but I can’t recall one time where a lipstick was one of them.

  • Wingadings

    There’s a line for me. Give me cheesey names and I’ll have a chortle. I work in an adult video/toy store, so I’d like to think I’m pretty open minded. But I have nieces and second cousins who are beautiful girls and remember a time when I was underage and there were men who would hit on my girlfriends and I. It was gross then and it’s still gross now. These men never seemed to care if my friends and I were 12 or 20. What they care about is their dicks and bragging rights.
    The power imbalance of a fully formed adult mind and body sexually oppressing a mind which no matter what the body looks like- is not adult honestly -is the biggest most disgusting turn off in the whole world. After all, there is power in consent. Not something fake or dangerous but real, honest to glory sexual agency. Most governments have collaborated with doctors to set the age of consent. There is evidence to suggest that along with alcohol and drugs- the underdeveloped brain can be changed by sexual hormones. What about morphing someone else’s brain is sexy or arousing? What about possibly damaging someone you care about?

    Sex is great, teasing unresolved sexual tension is fantastic- harming another human being because we’re titillated is seriously reprehensible. It’s a huge problem in our western patriarchal society to treat under age girls as fully adult consenting women. It’s not okay. Having sex with someone who can’t legally consent is a crime. It can hurt them in more than just physical ways. It’s so bad that we have bad fanfictions like 50 Shades inciting violence and everyone just makes the excuse that it’s “Whatever floats your boat.” No. Women and girls are denigrated by this infantalizing belief. When we acknowledge that it’s wrong and identify the problem and then loaf off we’re doing ourselves a serious disservice. And the consequences are something we as women, girls, and fem people suffer. Not men.

    Orgasm is a great name for a blush. Underage Red, however, is implying (not very cleverly either) a type of violence humanity likes to pretend doesn’t exist- we can’t keep expecting change if when we keep doing the same things as before.

    • Wingadings

      FYI 50 Shades has already been used as an excuse in the beating and rape of a collage woman. It has been linked as an excuse in several supposed consensual beatings and assaults by a big profile Canadian radio show host.

      If anyone thinks this violence doesn’t seep over into reality- it does. It’s had negative effects and we’ll be feeling them for quite awhile. Just because it doesn’t happen to you or you haven’t witnessed it does not mean it doesn’t exist. Maybe instead of defending the right to be raunchy we ask why it’s acceptable to push adult sexuality on children?

  • Pamela

    I’m with Kara about younger children reading those names. Not a good thing.

    Strangefruit really ticks me off though. I mean I would NOT buy that. I think it should be boycotted, in fact.

  • Genevieve

    I am offended by some of the crass names given to makeup items. I am offended because the makeup brands name their products this way to get attention – which they don’t need to do if their product is good.
    I am also offended because using crass names is something that is associated with harassment/vilifying and I think we don’t need more of that in our society. There are much better names around for products.
    I also believe that by using offensive terms to name the products cheapens the image of the product too.
    And no, I haven’t bought Nars Orgasm or Deep Throat blush because I don’t like the name and won’t support the product.
    I think that by using inappropriate/offensive names for products indicate that those doing the naming are out of touch with their customer base – they are making assumptions about us and our values that may or may not be true. They are assuming that all customers are tolerant of the names and that by buying the products, it makes us complicit in the inappropriate naming.
    Underage red is a completely irresponsible name for a product. Kat Von D should have made a real leadership decision to change the name when it was suggested. Again her company was assuming that it was a “fun” name and that her customers would tolerate it. Well, no.

  • Bridget

    i really don’t think the name of a lipstick will corrupt the world’s youth if that was the biggest problem we had the world would be a lot better a place than it is! LOL with that being said this makes me think of the best nail polish name ever OPI Uh-oh Roll Down the Window! LOL 🙂

  • mirandagrosvenor

    So this is a Kat Von D (not Neutrogena or Chanel or any other makeup line represented by more girl next door models) lipstick, that’s been around for years, and is only now generating outrage?

    Guess what everyone, you got played!!! The woman who pointed it out is a freelance journalist trying to get her own name in the news. I wouldn’t be surprised if KVD is in on the deal herself. It’s all about attention these days, doesn’t matter if it’s positive or negative, the only bad thing is not getting any attention.

    Also, I never perceived “load” or “backdoor” being dirty or suggestive. All I care about is if it’s a pretty color. I think the really obscene thing is companies that market $25 lipsticks to 10 year old girls….but that’s another thread.

  • Lise

    This is related, but a bit off-topic.

    What in the world was Too Faced thinking when they came out with Melted Chihuahua? I totally get that the lipstick line is called Melted, but you can’t tell me not one person in their marketing department said that out loud and thought that sounded all kinds of wrong.

  • Katk925

    When I first heard the name Underage Red I actually imagined a girl who was 18-20 going out trying to sneak into clubs wearing the lipstick to look over 21. So underage drinking not underage sex. Which I guess is also “bad” but also relative as in many other countries the drinking age is lower or non existent. I remember my aunt making me put on dark lipstick so we could see live jazz in clubs when I was not old enough to drink and she wouldn’t let me drink but wanted me to hear great music. So I think it’s about everyone’s own perspective. But it is not necessarily about sex or anything bad. People are too damn sensitive and think everything must mean what they perceive. Everyone views life through a different personal filter. People need to be a bit more understanding that words don’t always equal the same meaning and also aren’t license to commit bad acts. Just cuz this lipstick is called something raunchy doesn’t meant anyone has to or should do that. Heck what about Urban Decay Ransom, a gorgeous blue purple. Ransom implies kidnapping and no one has freaked out over that in the years and years it’s been on the market.

  • Steffi B

    I think the biggest problem here is that it’s a glorification of underage girls. I think it’s safe to say that a “bold red lip” is generally classified as a sexy thing and to place that in the same category as “under-aged” is not only tactless, but rather disturbing. We don’t need any more glorification for sexualizing young girls.

  • Tammie

    I’m not offended but some of them can be pretty gross, like the offwhite Illamasqua polishes “Throb” and “Load” are kind of icky, just because of the sort of descriptive atmosphere they invoke…

  • Justin

    Let’s not forget Urban Decay pocket rockets! They didn’t really have naughty names but the packaging? Very naughty!

  • Anastasiia

    I have Too faced Boudoir palette. Sugar Walls? Lap Dance? A little strange but I don’t mind:D But I don’t like Nars Deep Throat.. really? How do you buy this in store? Do you have Deep Throat? 😀

  • Nettle

    I actually loathe makeup with boring names like “raisin” or “cranberry” or just plain old “rose”. But then makeup isn’t an everyday thing for me, it’s almost like a glamour. So I decidedly prefer makeup with salacious names like Gash, or Deep Throat, or Backdoor. Not all makeup is made for teenagers and not all things need to be made with them in mind. I also really like names such as “Pirate” (and feel the urge to say “arr” whilst applying it).

    However, there is still a line and “Underage Red” is highly problematic. I can see the argument that it is referring to drinking and sneaking into clubs rather than seducing teenagers, but still. There is sexy and provocative and there inappropriate.

  • Alison

    All I’ll say is I could care less what a product is called. If I like the color I’ll purchase it.

    As to products, product names, books, movies, TV and whatever else influencing people I think that’s not entirely accurate. I think what some of those do is to provide people with an excuse to indulge in their own darker urges, desires, fantasy’s or whatever else you want to call them. However, they don’t actually create the urges and desires. To me these things like 50 Shades are not the problem but they are the smoke and mirrors being used to mask the real problem and preventing it from being properly addressed.

  • Shauna

    I was not offended by kat Von D’s labeling because I undestand the context in which she meant it. I also like subversive things. That being said, I do not condone female exploitation(which she didn’t) or dehumization of any gender. I’m just putting it out there cuz YOLO. 😎

  • Lilac

    Since there were so many comments on Kat von D, I would like to add her statement on the lipstick name, which she posted a couple of days ago. You can read it from her FB-page.
    https://www.facebook.com/katvond/photos/a.10150126087930454.395063.237437860453/10155445585345454/?type=1

    Actually I always understood the name in the context like it was explained by her here, that it was in connection with going to concerts, or trying to sneak into a concert which has an age-limit.

    About why there was a “controversy” just now, I can only speculate that news sites are out to look for controversial things to make a huge topic out of it, never mind the actual facts or that this colour has been available for years without hooplah, and as we can see, it worked. Maybe there was some sort of snowball-effect from one news site to the next.

  • Riri

    I totally understood Underage Red and that is why I biught it. Just like Kat, it reminded me of being to young to wear makeup but playiig with my mom’s red lipstick and bright blue eyeshadow in the bathroom mirror. It had nothing to do with statutory rape.

    I WILL NOT and absolutely haye the name PERVERSION from Urban Decay.

    I have been able to explain everything else like Orgasm and Deep Throat in my mind (that I will look so hot I will have crazy sex). Celebutard Kat Von D making fun of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan just like Pink did in her music video). But Perversion??? Nothing could explain that one and it puzzles me as to why no one made a ruckus over that one!

  • Tori

    I do not like brand name Black Up..offensive. It’s aimed for people of colour how it passed any laws is beyond me. Yes innuendo names for certain colours etc have pushed the boundaries and really no need but they are at least generalised to all but this branding name is not! Whilst I appreciate I don’t have to purchase it when I go to certain department stores in the UK “no names mentioned ” it’s boldly on display. Not nice or necessary!

  • Lisa

    Wow!! This is a fascinating discussion. Great points everyone. I find the NARS and UD scandalous makeup names somewhat juvenile, I prefer classier lines like Besame that chooses its inspiration from classic Hollywood .

  • JL

    Wow, so late to this discussion, but glad Isabelle shared it with me after a comment I made on a newer post. I’m glad to see that I’m not alone on not appreciating nor wanting to support women bashing, violent, sexual and negative terms being used in selling (makeup or anything.) I pointed out that I actually markout the names on UD eyeshadow (for example) that bother me, because I don’t like to feed my soul with negativity (and if you use a certain product regularly that’s what I’d see daily). That said, I’m not currently strict about my purchases (as in I’m not searching for who are all the “baddies” and boycotting them, nor have I stopped totally purchasing from a company if they have done so. And yes, I do admit that means I’m being a hypocrite to a degree and might have to change 😉 ) More and more though, I do simply not try new lines or products because of this particular issue, so I hope if more people do that then that will influence the trend.

  • Mary

    I’m not one who gets offended easily, but I’ve got to say…as much as I love Clinique, I’m a little put off by the names of their fattening mascaras and chubby sticks. Names like “portly plum” and “oversized orange”. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea? Somebody had a brain fart.

  • Helena

    I am definitely offended. I think ‘orgasm’ is totally fine because it doesn’t have any negative connotation nor is it inappropriate. BUT, gash is a derogative term for the female genitals and deep throat offends me as well. (If there is ‘deep throat’, don’t you think there should be sth like ‘extended tongue’ as a counterpart? ) And underage red is morally wrong I think. I do like and respect certain fetishes but ‘underage’ is definitely controversial.

  • brittnay

    I think it’s much creepier that it was released with another shade called Lolita…Idk what she was trying to imply but she owns a huge business and should know better. Underage red is weird and a little creepy but pair it with Lolita and there’s no arguing, she meant it to be creepy af! If you don’t know what Lolita implies, look it up. I get trying to sell a product with shock value but can you not use child molestation to do it. I’m totally fine with all the other names but honestly this one just gives me the creeps!

    • Mary

      I know what you mean…I cringe every time I pass by a Hard Candy makeup display. That name…I won’t buy anything with “hard candy” written on it. Do they have any idea what that means?

  • Carmen L

    I have never really noticed the names until I discovered Too Faced. That right there is loaded with information. I searched them and read horrible reviews of what it’s like to work for them. Kept seeing the words “Mean Girls” regarding upper management.

    Then read the names of the products. Like “Net Worth” and “Pants Off” whatever, every name of those products is immoral and degrading to any human being trying to come up.

    Does it matter that the founders are gay men; not to a society that gives their hard earned cash over for the allure of being glam.

    I think as we continue to endorse companies like this, like Amazon, we are going to wake up and realize that yes we should have been offended and we should have voted with our dollars on something modest and decent because one day that will no longer be a choice.

    Everything matters and words have energy.