Eyeliner: A Cultural History
English
By (author): Zahra Hankir
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 Hankirs 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 Yorks 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 lovers 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