What is A Kohl Eyeliner?
Made from Stibnite (Sb2S3), kohl is an ancient eye cosmetic used for making soorma/ kajal and mascaras. Kohl is often associated with inky, creamy and Cleopatra-like texture. Kohl eyeliners are eye pencils or sticks that are widely used by women to accentuate their eyes, darkening it to bring out an intense smokey-eyed look.
In ancient times, stibnite or charcoal was ground t eyeshadows and eyeliners to lend the eyes a more dramatic look. However, with time and modernization, the labouring task of grinding up minerals has been replaced with ready-to-wear eye pencils and sticks. Kohl eyeliners are soft and easy to apply to the eyes without tugging the sensitive skin around the eyes.
Kohl Eyeliner Vs Regular Eyeliner
The use of eyeliners can be dated back to time immemorial. Mesopotamians and Ancient Egyptians used it as long as 10,000 BC ago. They used it not only for the beautification of the eyes but also to protect the visual organs.
The difference between kohl and regular eyeliner is simple and varies only due to modernization. Regular eyeliners are used for lining the eyes, imparting beauty and clarity to the eyes. It is usually applied around the curvatures of the eyes. Regular eyeliners are available in various forms in the cosmetic market: liquid kohl eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, wax eyeliners and gel eyeliners.
Kohl eyeliners are softer in texture as compared to regular eyeliners. Due to its smooth and soft texture, it can be easily applied and smudged according to your personal preference. Kohl eyeliners easily glide over the curves, unlike regular eyeliners. The single stroke of a kohl liner renders a silky and smooth finish which is difficult to achieve from regular eyeliners.
Unlike liquid and gel eyeliners, kohl eyeliners impart a natural look rather than an artificial cosmetic look and since it is oilier, it smudges quickly. Another major difference between kohl and normal eyeliners is that kohl has medicinal properties while others do not.
Kohl eyeliners are also waterproof and last longer, unlike normal eyeliners that can be easily removed.
How to Apply Kohl Eyeliner?
Kohl eyeliners are easy to apply if the tip of the liner is smooth and sharp enough. However, we suggest you test your desired brand on your hand to check for allergies or any irritation.
Kohl EyelinerStep 1: Pull the skin tightly towards the outer corner.
Step 2: Slowly draw a single stroke across the eyelashes from the corner of the eyes to the outside.
Step 3: Half-way trough the line, point the stick at such an angle that creates a thicker line.
Tips for Applying Kohl Eyeliner
A simple stroke of kohl can change your make up game and make you stand out. Here’s how you can ace your eye make-up game every time you step out.
The casual “I don’t put much effort” look
Step 1: Line your booth lashes with a kohl stick.
Step 2: Smudge the line carefully with your index finger.
Step 3(optional): To add more spunk, give the line a thin coat with a liquid eyeliner.
Tightline your eye
Step 1: Take your waterproof kohl eyeliner and sharpen it.
Step 2: Gently pull the upper lid and draw a line on the inner rim of the upper lid from the inner corner to the outside.
Step 3: Follow Step 2 with the inner lid.
Always keep Cotton Swabs to clean your mistakes
Drawing the perfect line is hard and difficult to master. To clean up the occasional blunders, we suggest you keep at hand a light moisturizer and cotton swabs to turn your mistakes into intense smokey eyes.
Experiment with the smoky eyes
Step 1: Rub the kohl pencil at the back of your palm to warm it up.
Step 2: Dot it around the upper and the lower lashes of your eyes.
Step 3: Wet a cotton swab with some moisturizer and smudge the dots with it.
Step 4: Finally finish the look with a sweep of dark eye shadows (preferably brown, purple or deep blue.)
Are Coloured Eye pencils Made of Kohl?
Coloured eye pencils are not exactly made of kohl and are mostly formed with wax. These pencils are as good as kohl pencils, depending on which brand you choose.
5 Best Kohl Eyeliners
Below are the best kohl eyeliners you should buy:
MAC Powersurge Eye Kohl Pencil
The MAC Cosmetics Powersurge Kohl Eyeliner is undoubtedly one of the best products the brand offers. It lives up to its name, giving a generous splash of colour is just a single stroke. It’s easy to use and suitable for all occasions, be it for work or dinner dates. Apply on both the lash lines for a simple daily look. You can also apply it on the eyelid for a creamy eyeshadow effect.
Sephora Long Lasting Kohl Pencil
If you are a Sephora loyalist, this one will not disappoint you. The Sephora Long Lasting Kohl Pencil creates a brightening effect rendering a nice contrast between the whites of the eyes and make the eyes look clear and sparkly. This liner lasts as long as
24 hours with a smudge-proof finish.
Neutrogena Smokey Kohl Eyeliner
This one from Neutrogena allows you to ace the smokey eyes in seconds with its smooth-gliding formula rich with vitamin E. Apply it once or repeat it to build the colour depending on the intensity on the shade you are aiming for. The liner sets in 30 seconds, so blend it fast to achieve your desired look.
Best Budget-Friendly Eyeliner
Here are some of the best budget-friendly eyeliners:
Lakme Iconic Kajal
This one from Lakme accentuates your eyes like no other. It is cheap, easy to use and lasts up to 10 hours. Lakme Iconic Kajal is smudge-free and waterproof and the packaging is convenient. It can easily be applied without tugging or pulling the eyelids and a simple stroke gives you an intense matte finish.
Lakme Iconic Kajal is available in a variety of shades: black, intense black, brown, blue and white.
Maybelline New York Colossal Kajal Super Black
This upgraded kohl liner from Maybelline is one of the best budget-friendly kohl eyeliners you will find in the market. It is soft and the smooth texture easily glides on the eyes (even on the waterline.) In just two strokes of this one stays strong for as long as 12 hours and can only be removed with a make up remover. You should opt for this one if you have sensitive skin.
Also Read; Eyeliner Woes: Tricks To Make It Easier
