Eyeliner has a rich and diverse history, stretching across cultures and continents. From the everyday use of New York City subway riders to the runways of Paris, eyeliner has become an integral part of fashion and beauty. But its significance goes beyond aesthetics, as it has also been used as a symbol of rebellion and self-expression. In times of scarcity, women in US prisons have been known to create their own eyeliner using pencil graphite and Vaseline, demonstrating the resourcefulness and creativity of those who value this simple yet powerful tool. The beatniks of the 1950s and the Russian dancers of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes have also embraced eyeliner as a way to express their individuality and add an extra touch of glamour to their looks.
