And, much like the product itself, the history of kohl eyeliner is deeply rich.
Kohl eyeliner dates back to roughly 3000 BC, and its utility purposes went far beyond beautifying.
The importance and popularity of kohl eyeliner in these cultures cannot be overstated.
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It permeated all of societysocial standing, political affiliations, and age aside.
Is Kohl Eyeliner Safe?
And decades of research and scientific literature back up those safety concerns.
Public health studies have overwhelmingly supported this hypothesis.
But that doesn’t mean kohl and kajal have left common cosmetic vernacular, particularly when it comes toeyeliner.
This means your favorite kohl liners are likely not actual kohl at allwhich can be confusing.
But there’s a particular set of standards inherent in any eyeliner described as “kohl.”
That formulation makes kohl liner particularly great for smoked-out, diffused liner looks.
Riddle says that most kohl liners also feature waterproof, quick-drying formulas that make them waterline-friendly.
And virtually any expert you ask will agree.
“As a physician, my concern for preparations containing lead is high,” Dr. Galaria says.
In terms of modern-day (not-actual-kohl) kohl eyeliners, there are a few considerations to remember.
The first factor to think about is packaging.
While most kohl eyeliners you’ll find today are in pencil form, several are offered in a pot.
Regarding finishes, kohl liners generally come in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes.
Kohl liners are available in various colors, from white to black to pink.
Meanwhile, white and nude shades look great in the waterline and help make eyes look more awake.
Regardless, Henney suggests first cleansing your eye area withmicellar waterto create a clean base.
Then, apply cream and powder shadows as you c’mon before using your liner.
As far as system goes, Riddle prefers going straight in with the pencil.
He usually starts in the waterline before applying directly to the lash line.
Then, he’ll use a small, dense brush to smudge it out.
While removing eye makeup, Riddle says it’s important to be gentle to avoid irritating the area.
How Long Does Kohl Eyeliner Last?
The Final Takeaway
Kohl eyeliner is a cosmetic product with a dynamic cultural history.
Al-Ashban RM, Aslam M, Shah AH.
Kohl (Surma): a toxic traditional eye cosmetic study in Saudi Arabia.Public Health.
2004;118(4):292-298.
Goswami, K. (2013).
Published online February 28, 2022.
