National Eyeliner Day

Young woman applying eyeliner with precision, silver metallic eyeshadow, urban street setting with graffiti backdrop.. — National eyeliner day illustration

Ah, eyeliner! The magical tool that can turn even the sleepiest of eyes into radiant works of art. National Eyeliner Day celebrates this incredible cosmetic creation and the countless individuals who have mastered the art of application. So grab your favorite eyeliner and get ready to explore the fascinating history and impact of this beloved beauty essential.

When is Eyeliner Day?

It's national eyeliner day on the 29th July.

A Brief History of Eyeliner

Eyeliner has a long and colorful history, dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians were among the first to embrace the power of eyeliner, using a combination of kohl and soot to enhance their eyes. Not only did they believe that it protected their eyes from evil spirits, but they also believed it had medicinal properties. Talk about multitasking!

As time went on, eyeliner made its way across cultures and continents. The ancient Greeks, for example, created a mixture of burnt almonds and honey for their eyeliner needs. Meanwhile, in Asia, eyeliner took on different forms, with black ink being a popular choice in China and India.

Fast forward to the modern era, and eyeliner has become a staple in makeup bags around the world. From traditional pencils to liquid liners, there are now countless options available to help us achieve the perfect winged look or smoky eye.

The Rise of Eyeliner on the Internet

With the advent of the internet, the world of eyeliner has exploded. Beauty gurus, makeup enthusiasts, and everyday people looking to up their eyeliner game can now find a wealth of tutorials, tips, and product recommendations online. Social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram are particularly popular for sharing eyeliner techniques, with hashtags like #eyelineronfleek taking the beauty community by storm.

Eyeliner enthusiasts have also taken to the internet to share their love for this versatile cosmetic. Online communities dedicated to all things eyeliner have sprung up, allowing people to connect, share their favorite looks, and even trade tips on mastering the perfect cat-eye.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2017, National Eyeliner Day received the most online mentions on July 29th. It seems the world couldn't get enough of those perfectly lined eyes!

History behind the term 'Eyeliner'

4000 BCE

Defining Beauty in Ancient Mesopotamia

Eyeliner, also known as kohl, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The first evidence of eyeliner usage can be traced back to 4000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, where both men and women used it to enhance their eyes. Mesopotamians believed that eyeliner had mystical powers and could ward off evil spirits. They created the eyeliner by grinding up minerals such as lead sulfide or antimony and applying the resulting powder around their eyes.

3100 BCE

Ancient Origins

Eyeliner can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was worn primarily for religious and cosmetic purposes. Egyptians believed that applying eyeliner helped protect them from evil spirits and also had practical benefits such as reducing glare from the sun. They used a black powder called kohl, which was made from a mixture of lead, copper, and burnt almonds.

500 BCE

The Exotic Beauty Ritual of Ancient Egypt

One of the most iconic civilizations associated with eyeliner is ancient Egypt. Around 500 BCE, Egyptians developed elaborate cosmetic practices, including the use of eyeliner. They used black kohl made from a mixture of soot and galena. Egyptians believed that eyeliner not only enhanced their physical appearance but also protected their eyes from the harsh desert sun. This beauty ritual became an integral part of Egyptian culture, with both men and women wearing eyeliner to signify their social status and devotion to the gods.

12th Century CE

Medieval Europe

During the medieval period in Europe, the use of eyeliner declined. It was deemed inappropriate and associated with witchcraft and promiscuity. The Church disapproved of cosmetics, including eyeliner, as they were believed to enhance natural beauty rather than relying solely on God's creation.

1920s

Hollywood Influence

Eyeliner made a comeback in the 1920s, largely due to the influence of Hollywood films. Actresses such as Clara Bow and Greta Garbo popularized the dramatic and seductive look of heavily lined eyes. The silent movie era created icons that would redefine beauty standards for generations to come.

16th Century

The Renaissance Rebirth of Eyeliner

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the use of eyeliner faded from mainstream culture. However, during the Renaissance in the 16th century, eyeliner made a comeback in Europe. Influenced by the beauty ideals of ancient civilizations, European women began applying eyeliner to achieve a wide-eyed and alluring look. They used a mixture of burnt almonds and walnut oil, applied to the eyelids using small brushes. This marked a revival of eyeliner as a symbol of beauty and femininity.

1920s

The Cinematic Impact of Silent Films

In the 1920s, eyeliner gained popularity once again, thanks to the emergence of silent films. The film industry was booming, and actresses heavily emphasized their eyes to communicate emotions to the audience. To enhance their eye expressions, actresses like Clara Bow and Theda Bara started using dark, dramatic eyeliner looks. This trend soon captivated the general public, leading to a surge in eyeliner sales and its widespread adoption as a beauty product.

1960s

The Mod Culture

The 1960s witnessed a significant shift in makeup trends, and eyeliner played a prominent role. Icons like Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick popularized the mod culture, characterized by bold, graphic eyeliner. Thick, black lines were drawn above and below the eye, emphasizing the eyes and creating a striking look.

Today

The Versatile Beauty Staple

Eyeliner has come a long way from its ancient origins. Today, it is available in various forms like pencils, liquids, gels, and powders, with an array of colors to suit different tastes and preferences. Eyeliner has become an essential tool in modern makeup routines, allowing individuals to create endless looks and trends, from subtle and natural to bold and avant-garde. It continues to be a symbol of self-expression and enhancing the natural beauty of the eyes.

1990s

Alternative Styles

In the 1990s, eyeliner became a symbol of rebellion and self-expression. The alternative and grunge subcultures adopted a more unconventional approach to makeup. People started experimenting with different colors, textures, and application techniques. This era saw the rise of smoky eyes, winged liner, and a variety of creative styles.

Present Day

Versatile and Diverse

Eyeliner has evolved into an incredibly versatile cosmetic product. From subtle, natural looks to bold, dramatic statements, there are countless options available. Liquid eyeliners, gel liners, pencils, and felt-tip pens offer various ways to achieve precise lines or artistic designs. Eyeliner continues to be a staple in the beauty industry, empowering individuals to express their unique style.