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Kajal is a staple cosmetic for almost every woman, regardless of if you know how to do make up or not, a kohl pencil or kajal can always enhance your look. Just a few strokes of one of the best eyeliners in India on your eyelids or waterline can make your eyes look super-attractive!
Eyes are supposed to be windows to your soul, they can subtly draw attention towards you. Who doesn’t want those beautiful eyes? Kajal gives a sensuous look just by adding that pop of black line to highlight your eyes.
Importance of Kajal
We know how crucial eye make-up is, it can make or break your entire look. You can never go wrong with using kohl as it is one of the most basic makeup items which has zero usage hassle. To glorify eyes further you can use eye shadows, mascara, eyeliners etc.
Kohl or Kajal have been a part of women’s makeup for centuries now. Kajal is an ancient eye cosmetic used by women. It was used to protect the eyes from pollution and eye ailments. Even to this day many tribal men and women are seen wearing kajal.
Though kajal is mainly used for beautification nowadays, anciently it was used as a means of protection for eyes from the harsh rays of the desert sun and other eye ailments. Kohl is also applied to infants’ eyes after birth. Some believed it could prevent the child from being cursed by the evil eye, hence kajal has been associated with superstitions too.
Origin of Kajal
The term kohl was derived from the Arabic name ‘Kuhl’ and kohl was originally used in Egypt. It was used by ancient Egyptians to decorate their eyes, and also as a cure for any eye ailments.
People used kajal to line their lower and upper lash lines as it was said that it shielded the eyes from the dangerous rays of the Sun. Kohl was also used by ancient African tribes to decorate their faces.
Kohl has also been used by traditional dancers in several parts of India as part of their attire. Since time immemorial Bharatanatyam, Kathakali and other dancers have used kajal to heavily line their eyes, to draw attention to their eyes, to enhance eye gestures and movement.
How was Kajal Made Anciently
A white, thin muslin cloth is first dipped into sandalwood juice, then dried under the sun. This is done many times a day.
A wick is made out of the cloth, which is then used to light a lamp made up of mud and castor oil. A Brass vessel is used to cover the lamp with a small gap left open in between the flame of the lamp and brass vessel.
The lamp is left overnight and soot is collected on the vessel. Later a few drops of ghee or clarified butter are added to the soot left at the bottom of the lamp. After this, putting the mixture in a dry and clean container makes it ready to be used.
What is kajal made up of?
Kajal is traditionally of deep black color and this color originates from an ingredient present in it known as lead sulphide. Kohl is not the safest option as it contains a high level of lead.
It is also believed that Kohl comprises substances like Galena, carbon, magnetite and zincite which are very harmful to our eyes.
Various Kajal options available
Nowadays kajal is easily available in the market, there are various brands and numerous types to choose from. Pick one that you know will meet your requirements.
Kajal is available in two major forms one is a retractable pencil and the other one is in the form of a sharpening pencil. The retractable pencil is easier to use as well as carry around in your bag or pouch, for a touch up on the go.
The sharpening pencil is not easier to carry around because of the mess and stains it might leave, it’s suitable to use during your in-home makeup. Almost all the top brands have kajals in both these forms.
Originally kajal was available only in black colour. Due to recent advancements and need for unique makeup options, kajal is now available in almost all colours including white. This lets you play around with your makeup and have fun creating funky looks.
To add up to the experimental and fun quotient, even shimmery kajals are available in the market. Various colours of glitters lets you create a shimmery and dramatic look.
Using Kajal to create different looks
From simple to the more dramatic kind, a kajal can be used to achieve any kind of eye makeup.The most basic way to use a kajal is to trace a subtle line around eyelids and the waterline of your eyes.
Kajal can also be used to create a dramatic cat eye or even simple smokey eyes. Creating a loud cat eye look is a lot easier using kajal because it’s easy to use and gives you complete control over the pencil.
Apply kajal around your eyelids and gently smudge it to achieve that subtle yet beautiful black smokey eye. Creating that perfect winged eye look is extremely easy using a retractable kajal pencil as you are in complete control of it.
Kajal smudges easily leaving black colour around your eyes. Hence it is important to choose smudge proof or long lasting kajals that stay on for a long time. There are various brands offering different ranges of kajal with different features in variable price points.
Kajal is a staple makeup commodity for many women out there. A subtle stroke of kajal around your eyes can completely change your look, leaving you with bold and prettier eyes. Kajal enables your eyes to do all the talking!
