Kohl: A Natural Eyeliner Alternative For Autumn

By Amber Hamid

Photography by Marcelo Chagas

How we are always on the hunt for natural and traditional makeup alternatives in an already saturated beauty industry? Well, kohl is about to be your new beauty bag ride-or-die.

Ever since I rediscovered it, I’ve been completely obsessed with this traditional makeup gem, and I just had to share it with you. Kohl has been making quite a bold comeback in many circles, and works great as a natural makeup alternative for those regular eyeliners you see in the stores.

Conventionally prepared from soot and herbs, and on occasion, antimony, kohl has been in application for centuries among diverse cultures of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. It is known not only for its jet black pigment, but also for its healing properties.

Not All That Glitters Is Gold

But here's the tea—not all kohl is created equal. When you're shopping for this magic powder, you have to look for the real deal. If you test some natural and authentic kohl on your hand, it should not easily wash off. If it disappears with just a splash of water, it's probably full of yucky stuff you wouldn't want near your gorgeous peepers.

So Why Choose Kohl for Your Autumn Makeup Looks?

● Less irritating for sensitive eyes

● Versatile use as eyeliner, shadow, or brow filler

● Long-lasting wear

● Instantly creates a great smoky and bold eye without all of the steps

● Connection to historical beauty practices

Health Effects of Traditional Kohl

As a natural makeup alternative, kohl offers several advantages over conventional eyeliners:

1. Protective Agent for the Eyes:

Kohl has been traditionally applied to the eyes for protection against dust and sunlight. The dark pigment may act like sunglasses, reflecting light away from the eye and reducing glare, especially in strongly illuminated environments.

2. Antimicrobial Properties:

Some studies go on to say that kohl may possess antimicrobial properties, hence helping to keep some bacterial infections that could befall the eyes, like conjunctivitis or blepharitis, at bay. In many cultures, kohl is not only a cosmetic product but also an age-old remedy for several eye problems. It has been applied to infected eyes and irritated ones for centuries.

3. Vision Improvement:

Traditional kohl is often said to boost the vision due to its healing elements. It may also give strength to the eyes and generally boost eye health.

4. Less Irritation of the Eyes:

Kohl tends to be less irritating for many users when compared to mainstream eyeliners, especially for sensitive eyes. It is also traditionally used to freshen tired eyes and cure symptoms related to eye fatigue.

5. Enhance Growth and Strengthening of Eyelashes:

This traditional product is also often said to be applied regularly in order to give strength to the eyelashes and make them grow longer, hence giving a better look to the eyes. In any case, the heavy pigment is going to make your lashes pop!

Now, let's talk about incorporating kohl into your makeup routine, while balancing it with the rest of the elements, to really let your other natural features shine through.

Incorporating Kohl into Your Autumn Makeup Routine

When selecting kohl as a natural makeup alternative, keep these tips in mind:

Always Eyes First

Begin with the kohl-framed eyes. You can go for that soft, smudgy look-it's the lived-in vibe this autumn. If your kohl game is strong, but you want to take it even further, build on it with the use of warm eyeshadows. Think coppers, bronzes, and deep burgundies. The key is to blend, blend, blend!

Lashes for Days

With kohl, you might find you need less mascara. A couple of coats on your top lashes and you're golden. The kohl will make your lash line look naturally fuller. You won’t even need to think about putting on falsies!

Skin That Glows

Keep your base light and dewy. We want that kohl to be the star, so think tinted moisturizer or a light foundation. Cream blush in a warm peach or terracotta will give you that perfect autumn flush.

Brows on Fleek

So define those brows but keep it natural. The kohl brings enough drama, so just fill in the sparse areas and set with a clear gel.

Lip Love

Now this is where you can get a little playful! A bold berry lip can look so stunning paired with the kohl-lined eyes. If you want to keep it more low-key, go for your-lips-but-better nude with a hint of brown.

The Finishing Touch

Just a hint of highlighter across the cheekbones, a dab on the tip of your nose, and your cupid's bow will see you through with that wistful autumn glow. Just don't overdo it—we're going for "secretly a woodland fairy," not "disco ball".

Balancing kohl with a full face is all about letting the focus be your eyes; everything else is playing support.

Considerations When Using Kohl

Though kohl does have its merits, what is most necessary to consider is that the specific product in question is indeed genuine and without any harmful additives. Many brands have been known to be lead-based, which has been a concern in many traditional formulations. Here are some tips to help you choose a safe kohl:

Choose natural brands:

Go for a kohl, which, by a well-labeled declaration, is free of lead and other natural ingredients, such as antimony or plant-based components. Always read the ingredients, especially if you have any allergies, because recipes between brands sometimes differ.

Authenticity Test:

A simple test is to put a little kohl on the skin and then wash it off. The genuine one will leave behind some mark while the chemical ones will be easily washed off.

Use with Caution:

While kohl does have its advantages, it needs to be applied with caution and must not be used on the waterline for reducing the chances of irritation or infection. Also, don’t poke your eye out with the stick!

My Final Words!

Trust me, once you go kohl, you will never go back. It is going to be the perfect addition to your autumn traditional makeup routine, giving you that mysterious "I woke up like this" vibe we’ve always wanted. Plus, it is a natural alternative to makeup that might care for your eyes while making them pop. Win-win!

So next time you're getting ready for a cozy coffee date or just a night out with the girls, reach for that kohl. You'll be serving the looks and taking the names while keeping it natural and taking care of those beautiful eyes of yours.

Now, who's ready to slay this fall? Kohl yeah, we are!

FAQs about Kohl as Natural Make Alternative

Is kohl really better for my eyes than my trusty liquid liner?

Girl, yes! Kohl isn't just pretty; it's actually filled with goodness for the eyes. Unlike modern eyeliners that eventually dry out your peepers, kohl does its magic to soothe and protect them. Skincare and traditional makeup in one!

What's up with pseudo-kohl? Is it that bad?

Not all that glitters is gold, nor all that is black is kohl. Some less-than-savory companies sell flimflam products laced with all kinds of horrid nasties, including lead. Yuck! Never cut corners for anything but pure quality to keep your peepers both safe and joyous.

How would I know I get the good stuff?

Spotting real kohl is just like finding that perfect pair of jeans-you've got to know what to look for. For one thing, look out for the really well-renowned brands; for another, check the ingredients—lists are better when they're shorter! Finally, there's the water test. Real kohl will not be washed off once you try it on your hand.

Is using kohl daily too much of a good thing?

Overall, kohl is about as harmless as your favorite coffee shop, but in the interest of peace of mind, all eyes are different, so when you feel some irritation, give them a rest. And, of course, take it off before bed!

I once heard that kohl actually prevents eye problems. Is this true?

It sounds like magic, but it might be true! Kohl has been used for centuries to protect the eyes against the sun and also fight off infections. It is but a small guard for your eyes, helping them stay shiny and healthy.