The Tradition of Eye Makeup in History

In Eastern societies, large and dark eyes have always been prominent. Women used sticks made by thinning ebony wood, ivory, and various animal horns to color their eyelids, aiming to emphasize their beauty. Recent research indicates that, beyond being a beauty product in ancient Egypt, eye makeup had more profound meanings. According to a report on Science Daily, this fascinating eye makeup not only served an aesthetic purpose but also acted as a kind of armor protecting the eyes against various diseases. Manuscripts that have survived from ancient times suggest that the makeup, when applied and in contact with the skin, formed a protective barrier against bacterial eye infections causing conjunctivitis due to the tropical swamps of the Nile and other contagious diseases.