‘Im’permanence of the black

Synonyms with beauty, sensuousness and traditional appeal, the dark line makes a comeback in a colourful fashion.

                 Kohl, kajal, surma, the striking black eye paint, has changed historically in the way it looks to the way it makes people feel. In most traditional families it works more as an element to ward off evil spirits than a cosmetic product.  The term originated from the word ‘coal’ and has its roots in an Arabic phrase meaning ‘shining eyes’. Lamb black the common form has gone back to age’s .Originally, an adornment for the eye that originated during the Bronze Age, the kohl gradually became a sign of hierarchy and in time of the Egyptians. From adornment, to hierarchy to therapeutic qualities, to a product of mass consumption the kohl has achieved a full circle. In today’s time can you think of anything more magnificent to make your eyes sparkle than a bold line drawn on the lower eyelid?  Maybe, rainbow colours to brighten and give a dazzle to your eyes.  With designers reinventing the use of kohl, it is hard to pick and stick with one colour for long.

                The vibrancy of colour can hardly be denied. And how well can you carry bright purple ‘kohl’? Do you wonder whether to add these colours to your eye wardrobe? If that’s the case it’s just about time to shed all inhibitions and experiment with the boldest of hues—peacock green, fuchsia, electric blue, ornage, vermilion  These shades have moved into the world of eye adornment with ease. From being used on the ramp for an accentuated look, they are being picked up by the youth for a dramatic look. It is almost a must- have for all who love colour. The introduction of the glitter element has also made the cosmetic widely popular.

                 From feather to a wood stylus, and now a pencil, the applicator of ‘kohl’ may have changed gradually, yet its effect remains intact. Used both by men and women by communities in different parts of the world, especially Asia and Middle East, the black eye paint always had a unisex appeal. Not surprising the men of today also sports it with equal confidence. So, as ‘kohl’ enjoys its evergreen appeal the colours create a new place for themselves quite unwittingly.   

Make your own Kohl – Grandmom’s Recipe

If you are someone who shares a fascination for home-made techniques then here’s a perfect way to give your eyes a sensuous smoky look. All you need are two small diyas, three small cubes of camphor and a few drops of castor oil. This is how it goes…

Set the camphor cubes on fire in one of the diyas. As it starts emitting smoke, use the other diya as a cover to trap the smoke. After a few minutes use your finger to scrape the soot that has accumulated on the diya placed on top .This is the traditional and homemade Kohl that can be used as a perfect eye shadow. To give this black remnant a greasy and shiny look, add two or three drops of castor oil. Now you can apply this paste to the lower lids of the eyes. But, make sure the substance does not enter the eye.