Eyeliner: A Cultural History

A dazzling exploration of the global intersections of beauty and power

'Fascinating' NIGELLA LAWSON
'Awe-inspiring' FUNMI FETTO
'A treat to read' KASSIA ST CLAIR

A Sunday Times Style Barometer and New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice

For centuries, humans have been drawn to lining our eyes. The aesthetic trademark of icons from Nefertiti to Amy Winehouse, eyeliner is one of our most enduring cosmetic tools: ancient royals and Gen Z influencers alike have harnessed its power.

Through Zahra Hankir’s kohl-lined eyes, this ubiquitous product becomes proof of the stunning variety among cultures across time and space. By way of intimate conversations – with Chadian nomads, Japanese geisha, Indian dancers, New York’s drag queens and more – Eyeliner embraces the profound significance of its namesake, especially among communities of colour.

Eyeliner is a delightful and unexpectedly moving journey through streets and stages around the world, and a stirring reclamation of a key piece of our collective history.

‘A smoky-eye lover’s paradise’ NEW YORK TIMES

‘Hankir delves into the political contexts that inform our make-up choices’ DAZED

‘A beautifully written deep dive’ GLAMOUR

Featuring stunning portrait illustrations by Mercedes deBellard