Shape Changing......Make up for the eyesFrom historical records it seems that Kohl or a substitute may have been first used as a aid to deflect the sun from the eyes. Modern cosmetic 'kohl' does not have these benefits. |
| Ancient Egyptian Queen Nefrit ....3,300 year old painted stucco coated limestone |
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| Queen Nefetari, a painting in her tomb, XIX th Dynasty......the eye as depicted here is very similar to the symbol for the Eye of Horus depicted below |
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| The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power and good health
I was told recently that men in Morocco rim their eyes with kohl to keep out the sun, sand and dust in the desert.
Amazigh Berber nomad, Sahara desert
It seems that Kohl was worn in countries where the sun was stronger, there does not seem to be any historical records of it being worn in northern countries until it became a fashionable make up feature in modern times.
Portrait of a young lady by Petrus Christus 1465 - 70
Minoan Lady about 1400 BC originally from Knossos
with
Eye make up and lip colouring
Queen Elizabeth 1580 artist unknown
again eyes are not emphasized
The traditional make up of the Keisha
and a western parody of it
False eyelashes are added for more emphasis
Alice Prin a flapper
... and Twiggy, eyelashes are painted on the skin
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People whom you are used to seeing with eye make up look almost undressed with out it.
And to finish some steam punk make up...an art form in itself....
And to finish some steam punk make up...an art form in itself....
