Why do people wear black eyeliner?

Author: Anibal Weissnat  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Black Eyeliner: The Classic Choice It's perfect for those who want their eyes to stand out and make a statement. Drama: Whether you're going for a classic winged look or a dramatic smoky eye, black eyeliner is your best bet. It adds an element of drama and intensity that's hard to achieve with other shades.

Who should wear black eyeliner?

Looks great on anyone. Unlike brown tones, which tend to pop more on lighter eyes and skin tones, anyone can use black eyeliner to amp up their look. "Pretty much anyone with any eye color can wear black liner—it's up to preference," says Giglio.

What is the psychology of eyeliner?

Studies have shown that people who wear eyeliner are perceived as being more confident, intelligent, and attractive than those who do not. This is likely because eyeliner is seen as a sign of grooming and attention to detail.

What does eyeliner symbolize?

Eyeliner's first-known use was in ancient Egypt, and its purposes have evolved over thousands of years: It has medicinal virtues, protecting the gaze from sunlight in harsh desert environs; spiritual significance, as a method for warding off the evil eye; and cosmetic value, beautifying men and women alike.

What is the history of black eyeliner?

Eyeliner, Egypt, 4000 BCE

In southern Iraq and in Egypt, men and women alike painted kohl around their eyes to make them look larger as well as to protect them from the evil eye. This thick black ointment, made of ground lead sulfide or antimony sulfide, is still used today.

THE REVERSE EYELINER TRICK FOR HOODED, DROOPY, AGING EYES | Nikol Johnson

What is the purpose of black eyeliner?

Black Eyeliner: The Classic Choice

It's perfect for those who want their eyes to stand out and make a statement. Drama: Whether you're going for a classic winged look or a dramatic smoky eye, black eyeliner is your best bet. It adds an element of drama and intensity that's hard to achieve with other shades.

What is the spiritual meaning of kohl?

Spiritual Kohl in ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptian men and women across all social strata wore kohl, created from a sooty powder, in thick black lines around their eyes. Culturally, beautification was treated as an art and spiritual or healing ritual; wearing it both honoured and sought protection from the gods.

What does black makeup around the eyes mean?

Eye black is a grease or strip applied under the eyes to reduce glare, although studies have not conclusively proven its effectiveness.

What culture wears eyeliner?

Eyeliner originated in ancient Egypt, and it's been used for thousands of years across cultures. In Chad, young men from nomadic clans wear kohl eyeliner to attract wives. Indian Kathakali dancers wear kajal to tell stories through their eyes. In Iran, women use eyeliner as a symbol of resistance.

Why do Muslims wear eyeliner?

Some Muslims consider the wearing of kohl to be Sunnah — meaning the way of the Prophet Muhammad — given he was said to have worn a form of it to treat his eyes medicinally.

Which eyeliner is most attractive?

The Best Eyeliner
  • High performance and affordable: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. ...
  • A beginner's go-to: Danessa Myricks Beauty Linework Paintbrush Fluid Liquid Eyeliner. ...
  • Standout drugstore star: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil.

Is it good or bad to wear eyeliner?

Eyeliner does not damage your eyes, but applying it too close to the eye could lead to harm. Particles of eyeliner could get into the eyes and also cause problems if you have sensitive or dry eyes. It is even more affecting for those who wear contact lenses, especially when eyeliner is put on the inner lid margin.

Why is dark eye makeup attractive?

If we look to research done in this area and the most prevalent connotations, dark makeup can invoke mystery, seductiveness, and maturity. While recent trends like the "clean makeup" look opt for a lighter feel with emphasis on skin, void of dark eye makeup and black eyeliner.

Should an older woman wear black eyeliner?

If you are wondering what eyeliner colour an older woman should wear, brown or black is the answer. These classic colours provide a timeless look and lend a touch of youthfulness to your eyes.

Why do guys wear black eyeliner?

Men have worn eyeliner since the dawn of civilization — just take it from King Tut. Kohl, typically made from lead sulphide, had both fashionable and practical purposes: not only did it enhance the eyes, but it also deflected the harsh desert sun.

When not to wear eyeliner?

"The reasons eye doctors do not recommend to wear eyeliner on the waterline of your eye is because there are specialized glands there that produce and excrete oil. "The oil should be an olive oil texture, but as you can see here it looks more like toothpaste.

What is the symbolism of eyeliner?

The origins of eyeliner trace back thousands of years, with its use dating to ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt. The practice of adorning the eyes wasn't merely cosmetic but held spiritual significance and served as a form of protection against the evil eye.

Why do Chinese people wear red eyeliner?

I think since 2018 red eyeliner and red eyeshadow are kinda popular in China. This kind of bright red is thought to be sexy and fierce (I think). Traditionally there is something called 桃花妆/taohuazhuang (plum blossom make up) but it is more like a blush makeup that continue until the eyes.

Why do people tattoo eyeliner?

Permanent eyeliner can be a good alternative for people who are allergic to traditional makeup. Poor eyesight or unsteady hands can make it hard to put on eyeliner. Eyeliner tattoos can solve this problem. People who like to wear makeup but don't always have time to apply it may appreciate permanent eyeliner tattoos.

Why do people put black lines over eyes?

The hit TV show, MythBusters, tackled the question in an episode aired in 2008. The showrunners determined that while the reduction of glare was minimal, the black stripes were helpful while distinguishing between light and dark, e.g., when a dark ball was being thrown at them through the light sky.

What do two dots under your eye mean?

Various causes of under-eye bumps include milia, styes, and chalazia. Milia are mostly harmless, sometimes referred to as “chicken skin” due to appearance. Styes form from infected eyelash glands and usually go away by themselves in a few days. Chalazia are a more serious infection which requires medical attention.

Why do Indian babies wear eyeliner?

A lot of Indian parents use kajal to make the eyes of their babies look bigger and more beautiful. The fondness for Surma remains unchanged through villages, towns and metropolitan cities in India as the elders in the family insist on putting it on the newborn baby.

What is kohl in the Bible?

From Manners and Customs of the Bible:

This is literally, “put her eyes in paint,” and alludes to the very ancient custom, still observed in the East, of coloring the eyes with a black powder called kohl.

What are the risks of kohl?

Lead-contaminated kohl use has been linked to increased levels of lead in the bloodstream, putting its users at risk of lead poisoning (also called lead intoxication). Complications of lead poisoning include anemia, growth retardation, low IQ, convulsions, and, in severe cases, death.

Is kohl a religious thing?

In the past, Muslim women and men applied smoky kohl, not only for protective and religious purposes, but also to make their eyes look attractive and mysterious.

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