Eye liner is a cosmetic used to define the eyes. It is applied around the contours of the eye to create a variety of aesthetic illusions. Although primarily aimed at females, it has broadened its appeal to the male market, known commonly by the portmanteau guyliner.
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Eyeliner was first used in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia as a dark black line around the eyes. As early as 10,000 BC, Egyptians wore various cosmetics not only for aesthetics but to protect the skin from the desert sun.[1] Research has also speculated that eyeliner was worn to protect the wearer from the evil eye.[1] The characteristic of having heavily lined eyes has been frequently depicted in Egyptian art. They produced eyeliner with a variety of materials including lead, copper ore and antimony (see Kohl (cosmetics).[1]
In the 1920s, Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered, introducing the use of eyeliner to the Western world. The 1920s were an era commonly associated with many changes in women's fashion, and women felt more free to apply makeup more liberally.
In the 1960s, liquid eyeliner was used to create thick black and white lines around the eyes in the makeup fashion associated with designers like Mary Quant.
Eyeliner, also called Khij in India is easily available in the market. Drugstores, department stores, and designer brands all carry eyeliners.
In the late 20th and early 21st century, heavy eyeliner has been associated with Gothic fashion and Punk fashion. Eyeliner of varying degrees of thickness, particularly "guyliner" on males, has also become associated with the emo subculture and various alternative lifestyles.
It can also be used for showing depression in photographs, such as the famous "Bleeding Mascara".[2]
Depending on its texture, eyeliner can be softly smudged or clearly defined. There are four main formulas available on the market: each produces a different effect.