The earliest known use of eye makeup can be attributed to the ancient civilizations of southern Iraq and Egypt.
While we can't pinpoint a single inventor, archaeological evidence indicates that both men and women in these regions were using kohl around their eyes as far back as 4000 BCE. According to the provided reference, they used kohl for two primary purposes:
- To make their eyes appear larger
- To protect themselves from the evil eye
The practice wasn't limited to just one person or a small group; it was a widespread custom across these ancient cultures. This shows eye makeup was a cultural and widespread practice rather than the creation of a single individual. This historical use of kohl also serves as the earliest evidence of cosmetics use.
Here's a summary in table form:
| Region | Time Period | Purpose | Makeup Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt and Southern Iraq | ~4000 BCE | Enlarging eyes and protection from the evil eye. | Kohl |
