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The term ‘kohl’ was derived from the Arabic word ‘kuhl’ and interestingly enough, despite the terminology having an Arabic origin, the history of kajal dates back to the first use of kohl by the Egyptians in 3100 B.C. It was believed that this black powdery substance could protect the eyes from harsh sun rays and act as a cooling agent. This technique, known as galena eye paint in Ancient Egypt, was later popularized as kohl.
Kajal also has religious and cultural significances. In many parts of India, it is believed that kajal wards off evil spirits, which is why a small dot on children’s heads is applied every morning—to protect them from the ‘evil eye’. On the cultural side, kajal is a beauty product that you will see on most Indian dancers—from Bharatanatyam to Kathak—this holy grail product is applied in interesting ways in each of the dance forms.
In modern times, the main purpose of kajal is to accentuate and add definition to the eyes. This broad style began in the 1930’s with a fairly thin and simple cat-eye, inspired by the women in the Middle East. In India at the time, women didn't wear a full face of makeup and only focused on accentuating their eyes with kajal. The 1950’s and 60’s witnessed the emergence of the classic ‘winged’ liner with kajal. A Brigitte Bardot-inspired, dramatic winged eye look took over the Hollywood screens in the 1970’s. Soon, Bollywood followed. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the Indian film industry returned to the basics with just a few strokes of kajal on the upper lash line and tight-lining on the lower lash line. The biggest trend was seen in the early 2000’s, when kajal was complemented by smoked-out brown, grey or black eyeshadow for a pronounced look that gave way to the now hugely popular ‘smokey-eye’ trend. Kajal has since diversified and evolved into an essential eye makeup item for not just Indian women, but women all over the world.
Comment below your views of Kajal.👁👁
Kajal also has religious and cultural significances. In many parts of India, it is believed that kajal wards off evil spirits, which is why a small dot on children’s heads is applied every morning—to protect them from the ‘evil eye’. On the cultural side, kajal is a beauty product that you will see on most Indian dancers—from Bharatanatyam to Kathak—this holy grail product is applied in interesting ways in each of the dance forms.
In modern times, the main purpose of kajal is to accentuate and add definition to the eyes. This broad style began in the 1930’s with a fairly thin and simple cat-eye, inspired by the women in the Middle East. In India at the time, women didn't wear a full face of makeup and only focused on accentuating their eyes with kajal. The 1950’s and 60’s witnessed the emergence of the classic ‘winged’ liner with kajal. A Brigitte Bardot-inspired, dramatic winged eye look took over the Hollywood screens in the 1970’s. Soon, Bollywood followed. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the Indian film industry returned to the basics with just a few strokes of kajal on the upper lash line and tight-lining on the lower lash line. The biggest trend was seen in the early 2000’s, when kajal was complemented by smoked-out brown, grey or black eyeshadow for a pronounced look that gave way to the now hugely popular ‘smokey-eye’ trend. Kajal has since diversified and evolved into an essential eye makeup item for not just Indian women, but women all over the world.
Comment below your views of Kajal.👁👁