What Is Kohl Eyeliner?

Fans of eyeliner generally fall into one of two camps: super sharp winged eyeliner or soft smudged eyeliner (though that’s not to say you can’t switch up your makeup routine every now and then.) If you’re in the latter group, then you’re probably already familiar with kohl eyeliner.

Smooth, smudgeable, and highly pigmented, kohl eyeliner is one of the best choices for creating a smokey eye look and rimming the waterline aka tightlining. However popular they are, there’s still some confusion surrounding this makeup kit staple.

Kohl eyeliner has been around for several millennia, having been immortalized by the likes of Cleopatra and Queen Nefertiti. But the kohl used by the ancient Egyptians is vastly — if not completely — different from the kohl pencils we have today. Moreover, when it comes to the kohl vs. kajal vs. regular eyeliner debate, most of us don’t really know the difference.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about kohl eyeliner, including the differences between kohl, pencil eyeliner, and kajal.

Where Does Kohl Come From?

The earliest uses of kohl can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt, where it was applied liberally around the rim of the eyes as a form of protection against the harsh desert sun and wind. Applying kohl eyeliner helped reduce the sun’s glare, trapped dust and dirt, and provided a cooling relief from the heat. It also boasted antimicrobial properties that helped prevent eye inflammation and infection.

Kohl refers to the black powder that was made by grinding up galena (aka lead sulfide), a dark metallic ore that was abundant in ancient Egypt. The kohl powder was mixed with other ingredients, such as animal fats, gum, milk, oil, or water to create a spreadable consistency which was then applied to the eyes.

However, kohl is not approved for cosmetic use in the United States because the mineral contains lead, a toxic heavy metal that can cause lead poisoning. But there’s no need to panic because the kohl eyeliners that we have today are not the same as the ones used by ancient Egyptians.

What Is Kohl Eyeliner?

Contrary to its name, kohl liner doesn’t contain kohl at all. Rather, it’s an ode to the dark charcoal color of its predecessor (which is actually more similar to pencil lead than pure black.) However, many makeup brands have started producing kohl eyeliner in different colors, ranging from deep jewel tones to stark white. Basically, kohl eyeliner can refer to a highly pigmented liner with a creamy formula.

So long as they’re FDA-approved, the kohl eyeliners you’ll find in stores do not contain lead compounds and are safe to use.

What’s the Difference Between Kohl and Regular Eyeliner?

Kohl eyeliner is known for its super smooth and pigmented formula, which is why it’s often advertised as the eyeliner for creating a smokey eye. But the truth is, there’s not that much difference between a kohl pencil and pencil eyeliner. The distinction lies in the formula.

Kohl eyeliner is made with high quality ingredients that make it easier to apply and smudge than a regular pencil eyeliner. As with anything, this has its pros and cons.

The soft texture of kohl glides on delicate skin, making it easier to apply than pencil eyeliner. However, this also means that kohl eyeliner smudges more easily, which can be a problem. It also creates a soft and natural look, whereas pencil liners create more distinct lines.

When choosing between kohl and pencil eyeliner, it ultimately boils down to preference. Consider what eye makeup looks you want to create, then decide which liner will help you achieve it.

What Is the Difference Between Kohl and Kajal Eyeliner?

Although ‘kohl’ and ‘kajal’ are often used interchangeably, traditionally, there are a few differences between the two.

Kohl goes by various names across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. ‘Kajal’ is the Hindi word for kohl. However, they are not made of the same materials. As mentioned previously in this article, the ancient Egyptians made kohl from a mineral called galena. Kajal, on the other hand, is traditionally made with a combination of soot and other natural ingredients.

Like kohl, kajal was believed to possess medicinal properties and was used to protect the eyes from the harsh rays of the sun. Hence why in some South Asian cultures, it’s common practice for mothers to apply kohl on their infants’ eyes.

Traditional kajal is still used to this day, but many beauty brands have begun producing eyeliners marketed as kajal in reference to the dark black pigmentation of the original.

Present-day kohl and kajal eyeliners are essentially the same thing i.e. super pigmented eyeliner with a creamy, smudgeable formula. Both products are great options for creating a smokey eye look, applying on the lash line, and tightlining.

Pro Tip: When purchasing kohl or kajal eyeliner that is not FDA-approved, always check the ingredients to ensure the formula is free of heavy metals and other toxic materials.

source https://degreesofvanity.com/what-is-kohl-eyeliner/