The ancient Egyptians believed that makeup, specifically eyeliner, had magical properties. As it turns out, they might have been right. Researchers lead by Christian Amatore at the University of Pierre and Marie Curie have been doing research on the lead-based eyeliner favored by folks in Ancient Egypt, and as it turns out, the thick black makeup contains the mineral laurionite, which boosts production of nitric oxide and, in turn, boosts the immune system.
Bacterial eye infections are very common in wet, swampy areas like Egypt’s Nile River delta, but this special blend of makeup boosts the nitric oxide levels in the area around the eyes by up to 240 percent, making that little smear of paste more than just a fashion accessory. Despite having lead in it, that makeup might have been the perfect preventative for pinkeye and other bacterial nasties. Best not tell Amy Winehouse, though. She tends to overdo these things.
Tags: eye makeup, eyeliner guards against bacteria, Ancient Egypt, nitric oxide, University of Pierre and Marie Curie, bacterial eye infections, immune system boosters, laurionite