March 23, 2026
Let’s be honest: most of us have that one eye makeup product we simply can’t live without. For millions of beauty lovers, that hero product is eyeliner. Whether it’s a razor-sharp wing, a soft smudged kohl look, or a bold graphic design, liner is the undisputed GOAT of the makeup bag.
But the history of eyeliner is far more fascinating than most people realise. Long before TikTok tutorials and liquid pens, eyeliner began as a spiritual and protective cosmetic used by ancient civilisations. Over thousands of years, it has transformed from sacred ritual to red-carpet staple and today, it remains one of the most powerful tools of self-expression in beauty.
So, let’s travel through time and explore the evolution of eyeliner, from ancient kohl to modern graphic liner trends.
The story of eyeliner starts over 10,000 years ago in ancient civilisations like Mesopotamia and Egypt. Back then, eyeliner wasn’t just about looking good. It had spiritual, cultural, and practical purposes.
Early eyeliner formulas were made from ancient kohl, a dark powder created from minerals such as stibnite or galena mixed with soot or oils. This mixture was applied around the eyes to create dramatic, almond-shaped lines. But the look wasn’t purely cosmetic. Ancient Egyptians believed eyeliner protected them from the “Evil Eye”, a curse thought to cause illness or misfortune. Kohl also helped reduce glare from the desert sun and may have offered antibacterial benefits that protected the eyes from infection.
And here’s a fun fact: both men and women wore eyeliner. Beauty in ancient cultures was far more gender-neutral than many people assume today. Royal figures like Cleopatra famously wore dramatic eyeliner looks that are still referenced in beauty trends thousands of years later.
Despite its ancient popularity, eyeliner didn’t stay in fashion continuously. During the Middle Ages and Victorian era, heavily painted faces were often frowned upon in Western societies. Makeup was sometimes associated with vanity or deception, meaning eyeliner faded from mainstream beauty routines. That changed dramatically in the early 20th century.
In 1912, archaeologists discovered the bust of Nefertiti, and in 1922 the tomb of Tutankhamun was uncovered during the famous Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb. The discoveries triggered a global cultural obsession known as “Tutmania.”
Fashion, jewellery, and beauty suddenly embraced Egyptian aesthetics and dramatic eyeliner returned to the spotlight. Hollywood quickly amplified the trend. Film stars adopted smoky eyes and dramatic liner to make their expressions more visible on black-and-white screens. The modern evolution of eyeliner had officially begun.
Fast-forward to today and eyeliner is more creative than ever. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have accelerated the evolution of eyeliner, turning makeup techniques into viral trends overnight.
Two viral looks dominate modern beauty tutorials:
Then there’s graphic liner, which exploded in popularity thanks to the visual artistry of the HBO series Euphoria. Think floating liner shapes, neon colours, negative space designs, and creative eyeliner used as literal face art.
Modern eyeliner techniques also focus heavily on inclusivity, with tutorials tailored for every eye shape, from hooded eyes to monolids.
While Western beauty trends often get the spotlight, eyeliner traditions around the world have existed for centuries.
These traditions strongly influence modern runway trends, including the popular inner-corner liner look seen in high fashion today. In many ways, the global beauty industry is rediscovering techniques that have existed for thousands of years.
A wing is powerful, but a wing with lashes? That’s a whole moment. Eyeliner and false lashes work together to create definition, depth, and drama.
Why MUAs pair liner with lashes:
If you’re recreating iconic looks from the history of eyeliner, the right lash can elevate the entire vibe.
Explore the MODELROCK Lash Collection to complete your look and bring these iconic liner styles to life.
How do you wear your eyeliner currently? Let us know in the comments below.
