Eyeliner: A Cultural History

A brilliant, genuinely world-spanning history of eyeliner. A fun, ingenious prism for brilliantly researched, impeccably reported stories and celebrations of world histories and cultures, reframing perceptions of beauty in a global context.

A dazzling exploration of the intersections of beauty and power around the globe, told through the lens of an iconic cosmetic

‘Awe-inspiring and fascinating’ Funmi Fetto
‘A treat to read’ Kassia St Clair

From the distant past to the present day, humans have been drawn to lining their eyes. The aesthetic trademark of figures ranging from Nefertiti to Amy Winehouse, eyeliner is one of our most enduring cosmetic tools; ancient royals and Gen Z beauty influencers alike would attest to its uniquely transformative power. It is undeniably fun – yet it is also far from frivolous.

Seen through Zahra Hankir’s (kohl-lined) eyes, this ubiquitous but seldom-examined product becomes a portal to history, proof both of the stunning variety among cultures across time and space and of our shared humanity. Through intimate reporting and conversations – with nomads in Chad, geishas in Japan, dancers in India, drag queens in New York, and more – Eyeliner embraces the rich history and significance of its namesake, especially among communities of colour. What emerges is a delightful, surprising, and unexpectedly moving journey through streets, stages, and bedrooms around the world, and a thought-provoking reclamation of a key piece of our collective history.

Format: Hardback
Pages: 368
Imprint: Harvill Secker UK
Publication date: 16/11/2023