When you hear Kohl eyeliner, you probably think of dark, intensely bold eyeliner that can seamlessly elevate a makeup look. You may not know that there is no such thing as real Kohl eyeliner on the shelves of makeup stores today. So, what is kohl eyeliner?
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The History and Culture of Kohl Eyeliner
Kohl liner dates back to ancient Egypt, where Egyptians used it regularly to give themselves the beautifully dark-pigmented, smoky eyes often seen in movies and depictions of ancient Egypt. They also used it to protect their eyes from the sun and from disease.
Today, traditional Kohl is called “Surma” by Muslims, who use it for religious purposes. Kohl is often worn as eyeliner during Ramadan. Kohl is a cultural and cosmetic staple throughout the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. In traditional Muslim households, newborns’ eyes are dabbed with Kohl to repel the evil eye and the glare of the sun and protect them against diseases.
Many believe that Kohl has healing properties to help rejuvenate and cleanse the eyes. Practitioners use Kohl to make preventative treatments for eye infections. In South Asia, traditional Kohl protects against the evil eye– a jealous gaze that many believe can cause harm and injury.
The Controversy With Kohl Liner
Kohl eyeliner is one of the oldest forms of makeup and is most commonly made from galena or antimony. Both are natural ingredients used in ancient times. Still, they are heavy metals that typically contain high concentrations of black iron oxide and pigments containing lead sulfide, which can be toxic and should be avoided in cosmetics. When used, several potential health risks may arise.
The prolonged application of lead can cause excessive lead storage in the body, negatively impacting the brain and leading to neurological disorders. Because of this, lead-hazardous eye makeup is not sold in the United States.
Today, Kohl is a mineral not approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics in the United States. So, what does it mean for the Kohl eyeliners on store shelves if it’s not FDA-approved to be in cosmetics?
Kohl Eyeliner Sold Is Safe
Since Kohl is not FDA-approved for cosmetics, when you see the word “Kohl” on a makeup product, it typically refers to the cosmetic’s dark, black color.
Kohl is a marketing term for eyeliner with a creamy texture. These formulas offer a silky application and are available in intense black pigments. Kohl eyeliner’s new advanced formula makes it easy to smudge, elevating your makeup look and giving you a dramatic effect.
Kohl eyeliner may appear bold and dark black, but it’s actually a grayish black. When it’s being made, Kohl eyeliner is mixed with black, yellow, gray, and red pigments to achieve the desired color match. Then wax is added to solidify the liner, just as with all other eyeliner pencils. Kohl eyeliner is easily blendable and comes in many forms, including a creamy stick, a pencil, or a squeezable tube.
You can also find kohl liners in various formulas, from waterproof formulas to gel and pencil liners. Kohl powder remains a popular product, and you can apply kohl powder just as you would any other powder-style eyeliner. Liquid liner offers the same soft texture as kohl powder, but with the convenience of a liquid liner.
However, because it is not a true Kohl liner, it doesn’t offer the same medicinal properties as liners sold in other countries, such as South Asia.
How Can You Wear Kohl Eyeliner?
Regardless of the form, Kohl is most often applied along the waterlines of the eyes. This gives the eyes a bold, pronounced look that can quickly complete a makeup look.
Kohl eyeliner has a soft, creamy texture that makes it easy to line the eyes. It glides seamlessly over the curves of your eyes, giving your makeup a silky, smooth look. Kohl is also used in many cultures as an essential makeup product.
To apply Kohl eyeliner smoothly, the trick is to slightly pull your eyelid taut and apply your liner in small dashes from the inner corner of your eye outward. This will give you a beautiful, smooth line.
With Kohl eyeliner, you can create an effortless and sexy smoky eye. Here is how you can create a sexy, smoky eye makeup look:
- Rub the kohl eye pencil on the back of your hand to create friction and heat.
- Dot it along your upper and lower lashes using small dashes.
- Dab a cotton swab with moisturizer, then carefully smudge the line of dots with it.
- Add dark eye shadow to your eyelids to complete the look.
- You can also add pearl powder to the inner corner of your eye for a glamorous smoky eye.
Once your look is complete, you’ll want to ensure your makeup stays long-lasting and looks great all day. To prevent your Kohl eyeliner from creasing, use your eyeshadow as a primer to set it. Run the eyeshadow (dark shades preferably) along your eyelid against your lashes, and then trace over the eyeshadow with your liner. This will keep your eyeliner looking great all day long.
The Best Kohl Eyeliners
With so many kohl eyeliners on the market, it can be hard to choose one. First, decide on the type of formula you prefer, such as a gel formula or a waterproof formula. Then, check out these Kohl liners.
Our Recommendations
Final Thoughts
Kohl eyeliner is a cosmetic staple used for centuries across various cultures. If you’re looking for a liner that will give your eyes a bold look, Kohl eyeliner is the perfect solution.
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