The History of Kohl Pencil
Kohl pencil has been a beauty staple since the dawn of time. It allows to make up the eyes intensely and to show a graphic and worked look. If all cosmetics companies are selling it today, we suggest that you review the history of kohl pencil. You will see that this beauty accessory has more than one trick in its bag, comes in many versions, and that its use is not new. Here is everything you need to know about this topic.
The origins of kohl pencil
The most important thing to know is that the khôl pencil is not originally used for styling. It was indeed used by Egyptians to relieve all kinds of inflammations and infections of the eye. Moreover, they used it to protect themselves from the bright light and the wind laden with sand very present in the desert. But other peoples also adopted it very early in history. The Semites, Couchites and Amazighs recognized its medicinal virtues and began to use it in ancient times.
Composed of sulfur, animal fat and a mixture of lead, or copper sulphate, calcined alum, Zenjar and cloves, it allowed to take care of the eye area and treat it as needed. It acted as a true antibiotic, and was used by both women and men and children. Gradually, the users, and especially the Egyptian pharaohs, found him an aesthetic function.
The kohl allowed them to have a mysterious and powerful look that they particularly liked. Thus it became a make-up product in its own right, as the iconography of ancient Egypt can attest. Other civilizations (Greek, Roman, Arab or Berber) adopted it by mimicry. Nowadays, it is still widely used in arid areas, such as the Sahara, where it continues to combine eye protection and eye beauty.
The evolution of the makeup composition
To understand how makeup changes, you first need to know the difference between kohl pencil and kajal, often confused. Kohl was presented at the base in the form of powder or paste, composed of cloves, alum and sometimes olive oil. This mixture, black or grey, was placed on the eyes with a wooden stick called mirwed.
Kajal, meanwhile, comes from India where it was also used for its ophthalmic benefits. It is found in the form of a solid cone, existing in different shades.
Today, kohl is a mixture of oils, waxes, vegetable butters and natural mineral pigments. It is in the form of a pencil with a more or less creamy texture, more convenient to apply than in time. But it also exists in other formats (cream or brush gel).
Khôl Pencil Application Modes
Unlike eyeliner, which is very liquid, kohl is fatter and thicker. It can therefore be applied more easily and even be faded or degraded. It is usually placed at the level of the inside of the eye, directly on the mucosa, in order to give a lot of structure and strength to the gaze. One can also draw a more or less pronounced line at the level of the upper eyelid or be worked in smoky eyes. It can be used alone or on an eye shadow, but you will always have to finish her eye makeup with one or two layers of mascaras.
However, beware of the unsightly drips of your kohl pencil. It can indeed flow if it is confronted with water or tears. For long-lasting wear, use a matte eye shadow to attach your makeup to the kohl. Professional makeup artists recommend applying kohl to the outer corner of the eyelid and to the base of the lower lashes if you have small eyes. This technique will enlarge them visually. Conversely, if you have large eyes, it is best to apply your kohl pencil to the root of the upper lashes as well as to the mucous membrane for a deep and mesmerizing look.
Eye makeup has been a staple for centuries
Why do we love kohl so much? If eye makeup has been a must-have for centuries, it multiplies the benefits:
- Whatever its shape, antique or current, the kohl is very easy to install. All women, including the youngest, novices in the art of emphasizing their eyes, quickly appropriate it. You put it down and work it in one move.
- You can create many makeup styles with a simple kohl pencil. Graphic line, thin or thick, short or stretched: anything is possible. In addition, you can also make more technical beauty treatments such as gradients with this makeup product.
- A kohl pencil is very inexpensive. This cosmetic is therefore within reach of all the purse making it a basic part of our makeup kits.
- Kohl pencils come in many different colour variants, from the classic (black, brown, grey or white) to the eccentric (pink, blue, yellow, etc.), you will find the right version for your personality.
- Khôl can be purchased anywhere, whether in supermarkets, pharmacies and parapharmacies, perfumery or on dedicated websites, Khôl pencil is everywhere!
- Removing makeup when wearing kohl is quick and easy. All you need is a cotton pad soaked in make-up remover or greasy lotion and remove your makeup in a single step.
As we have just seen, kohl has been used for its various virtues, medical or aesthetic, since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. Cleopatra had made it her favourite beauty product. If the history of kohl pencil has gone through the ages to be as present today, it is because it is well integrated into our practices and customs. And with the constant progress of cosmetics, this journey is far from over.
