Kajal or Kohl is the most important part of your eye makeup routine. It has been a cosmetic staple for centuries. Kajal is an integral part of your daily personal care regimen. Kajal is used and loved by women around the world as it accentuates their eyes and makes them look more attractive and beautiful. Kajal enhances the eye and beautifully changes any appearance. Let’s take a detailed look at the history, development, and different application methods of this product.
1. A preview of the history of Kajal
2. The evolution of kajal in Indian culture
3. Different ways of applying kajal
1. A Preview of the History of Kajal
The term “kohl” is derived from the Arabic word “kohl” and, although the term is of Arabic origin, the initial use of kohl is believed to have been by the Egyptians in 3100 BC. C. In addition to being a cosmetic product, it was believed that it could protect the eyes from the strong rays of the sun and act as a cooling agent for the eyes. This was known as the Galina eye painting in ancient Egypt, which later became known as kohl.
It is widely used in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, West Africa, and the Horn of Africa as an eyeliner to define and darken the eyelids, and also as a mascara for eyelashes. Even the ancient Egyptian ruler Cleopatra was also a fan of kajal, as seen with the bold kohl wings in her sculptures, paintings, and drawings.
Kajal is made from a mixture of amorphous charcoal or organic charcoal, natural waxes, vegetable oils, soot from various nuts, seeds, and raisin gum.
2. The evolution of kajal in Indian culture
Kajal is the most popular makeup product in India. Kohl is known by many names in India, including kajal in Hindi, Surma in Punjabi, Kajol in Bengali, and kajal in Marathi, and is variously called in many other languages.
Kajal has a religious and cultural significance in India. In many parts of India, Kajal is believed to ward off evil spirits. Many women place a small black dot on the baby’s forehead to protect it from the “evil eye” or “Buri Nazar” as they call it. Speaking of its cultural aspect, kajal is used as a beauty product by most classical Indian dancers in various forms, from Kathak to Bharatanatyam. See Also – 5 texturizing sprays that are a blessing for fine hair
Indian women used to make their own kajal at home by dipping cotton into ghee and lighting it to make a flame. The flame is covered with metallic tin. Soot that is often mixed with camphor and sandalwood is removed and applied with fingertips and cotton around the eye area. Due to its calming properties, it was a great product to use in summer. Over the years, the kajal-making process has evolved.
Along with the changing eras of the Hindi film industry, various kajal styles have also developed. From the subtle, simple kohl eyes of the 1930s, to the classic winged cat eyes of the 60s, and the subtle lift of the lower lash line in the 90s, Bollywood has seen it all. A cult favorite trend is a smoky look that was initially made with the use of kajal.
3. Different ways to apply kajal
There are many ways to apply kajal. But the most important part is choosing the right Kajal pen. Always choose the one that is durable and resistant to stains.
Kohl Eye
For the classic eyeliner look, start by prepping and moisturizing your lids to ensure your eye makeup lasts longer. Take a dark eyeliner pencil and move it along the upper and lower waterline, from the inner corner to the outer corner. Using a clean, flat brush at an angle, sweep over the line and blend into the top cap to smooth and blend the lines. Spread the kajal in the same way on the bottom lid. Finish the look by applying layers of mascara.
Winged Eyeliner
Winged eyeliner is the most popular when it comes to eye makeup. To get this look, you need to draw a little sideways motion and then connect it to the center of the upper lash line. You can extend it to the inner corner of your eyes if you want. You can blend it slightly to give it a smoky look.
Tighten the Waterline
This makes the eyes look bigger and more beautiful. Use your ring finger to gently lift the upper eyelid so, that the waterline below the lash line is visible. Take an eyeliner pencil and slide it along the upper waterline. Apply mascara to finish this look. Getting used to this method takes time and practice.
Hidden Smoky Eyes
Smokey eye is a distinctive eye makeup that gives you a dramatic look and makes your eyes pop. It is ideal for a night out, a party, or even a date night. Start by moisturizing your eyelids with a primer so your makeup stays in place. Use a black eyeshadow and blend the entire eyelid. Apply kohl to the upper lash line, lower lash line, and waterline. Take a pointed brush and smudge the black shadow on your lower lash line to smoke it out. Draw a sharp brim with an eyeliner. Apply a generous amount of mascara to complete this look.
Burst of Color
Upgrade your basic black kajal by adding a pop of color. There are kajal pens available in different colors like blue, purple, brown, peach, and more. Ditch the black and opt to make your eyes pop!
Reverse Cat Eye
The classic cat-eye look can never go out of style. However, the current trend that is circulating is cat eye makeup upside down. It is only reversed to focus attention on the lower lash line. Take an eyeliner and run the pencil to the lower lash line and use an angled brush to keep it in the corner. The trick is to bring it to the inner corner of your eyes. Stretch that inner corner, then tuck it toward the outer corner. Then smoke it with a brush. Now take a detailed brush with some eyeshadow and spread the edges. Finish off the look by applying mascara to the upper and lower lashes.