The Oldest Eyeliner Found in an Ancient Prehistoric City in Turkey

The earliest known kohl stick, a kind of ancient eyeliner, was discovered lately by archaeologists at the Yesilova Höyük archeological site in Turkey. This finding demonstrates that cosmetics has been worn by humans for over 8,000 years.

The Oldest Kohl Stick Discovery

• An ancient kohl stick Circa 8200 BC — the world in which cosmetics began.
• Utilized by the Egyptians, Levant and Anatolians.
• The stick was used for cosmetics or medicine.
• Of a size about 10 cm long and similar to thin pen.
• It was probably used primarily to put on makeup, presumably dipped in kohl powder.
• The substance on the tip of the stick, most likely manganese oxide, as seen in many formulas for aged kohl.
• Kohl was also applied for eye care, thought to cure specific ocular issues and guard eyes against sunlight.
• the find highlights both how far back makeup use can be traced in human history and the technological skill level of a bygone era