Eyeliner has been around for thousands of years and is one of the most timeless products in the beauty world. Here is a quick journey through its history and a guide to finding the right type for you.
From Ancient Egypt to Hollywood
Eyeliner's roots go back to ancient Egypt, where kohl was used by both men and women to protect the eyes from the sun and ward off evil spirits. It was also a sign of status — the more eyeliner, the higher the rank. That same tradition lived on in cultures around the world, from geishas in Japan to communities in India and Pakistan, long before eyeliner reached Western mainstream.
It wasn't until the 1920s that eyeliner became accessible to everyday women in the West, when the first makeup counters opened and Hollywood stars set the trends. The cat-eye look took shape in the 1950s, the 1960s saw Twiggy experimenting with white eyeliner to open up the eyes, and since then styles have varied — but eyeliner has never lost its place in the makeup bag.
Which Type Suits You?
There are three main types, and the right choice depends on the look you're going for and how experienced you are with application.
Liquid eyeliner in pen form gives the sharpest lines and is our favourite for most looks. Easy to control, highly precise, and perfect for winged liner and cat-eye looks. It suits both beginners and seasoned makeup lovers.
Gel eyeliner delivers a dramatic, pigment-rich result with long-lasting wear. It's applied with an angled brush and requires a little more technique, but gives fantastic results once you get the feel for it.
A kajal pencil is the softest and most forgiving type. Perfect for a natural line along the lash line or for a smudged smokey eye. It lacks the precision for sharp wings, but is invaluable for relaxed and soft looks.
Always Remove Your Eyeliner Properly
Whichever type you choose, it's essential to remove it every evening. Eyeliner left on overnight can contribute to skin ageing around the eyes and cause irritation. Our Caring Eyes Make Up Remover gently removes all makeup without stressing the delicate skin around the eyes.
Follow up with Xlash Eyelash Serum each evening to keep your lashes strong and healthy, and to give the eye area the nourishment it needs after a day of wearing makeup.
