Kajal/Kohl Eye Makeup

Eyes are one of the most alluring and noticeable features, using Kohl/Kajal eyeliner helps define them. Various colour options means Kohl/Kajal can be used lightly for a daytime look and more intensely for an evening look. Use brown for a subtle daytime look or a more natural look.

The use of Kohl on eyes by women and men is thought to originate from ancient Egypt, being applied generously and often extending outwards from the corner of each eye.

Kajal was traditionally made in South Asia by women in their homes. A mixture of soot from an oil lamp and pure castor oil would product pure Kajal. The castor oil gave provided a cooling effect to eyes. Kajal powder was applied with fingers or a thin wood, bone silver or ivory applicator. The applicator would be dipped in water, rosewater or olive oil before dipping into Kajal pot. Other names for Kajal include Al-kahl, Surma and Anjur.

Application method today is simpler and can be carried in your bag for re-application.

Q: I love to wear kajal but my problem is that when i wear kajal by afternoon it spreads all over and makes my eyes look dark.

A: Try using an kohl eye pencil instead of kajal. If you don't want to switch, first apply compact powder under your eyes, dust out the excess powder, and then apply the kajal. The kajal should not spread. You could also try applying kajal to your eyes at night, and then wiping out the excess in the morning when you wake up. What is left in the eyes doesn't leak out.