Eyeliner

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

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

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

'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 Pick

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.

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Hardback
ISBN13: 9781787303300
Published: November 2023

Number of pages: 368
Width: 144 mm
Height: 222 mm
Depth: 34 mm

Publisher: Vintage Publishing