A cosmetic product applied in a line around the eyes to define and enhance their appearance.
A modern English compound from 'eye' and 'liner' (something that lines or marks). The product itself became widely available in the early 1900s with the development of modern cosmetics.
Eyeliner is one of humanity's oldest beauty practices—ancient Egyptians wore thick black kohl around their eyes 5,000 years ago, and they might have done it for sun protection as well as looks!
Eyeliner became gendered feminine in 20th-century Western advertising despite ancient use across genders in Egypt and elsewhere. Marketing created the false association of cosmetics as inherently feminine expression.
Use descriptively without gendering; cosmetics are worn by people of all genders. Avoid phrases like 'women's eyeliner' or marketing that implies gender requirement.
["eye makeup","kohl","cosmetic liner"]
Ancient Egyptian women and men used kohl for function and status—gendering it feminine erases this shared history.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.