Kohl

Eye liner onBarbra Streisandshows the general effect

AVaranasifood seller with his granddaughter wearing kohl

Kohlis an ancient eyecosmetic,traditionally made by grindingstibnite(Sb₂S₃). It is widely used in theMiddle East,North Africa,andSouth Asiaaseye liner,to contour and/or darken the eyelids, and asmascarafor the eyelashes. It is worn mostly by women, but also by some men and children.

Kohl is very ancient, and is seen in depictions of high status women and godesses inAncient Egypt.It has also been used inIndiaas a cosmetic for a long time.

The content of kohl and the recipes to prepare it vary greatly. In North Africa and Middle East, homemade kohl is often made by grindinggalena(lead sulfide). In the west,sootor organiccharcoalmay be used instead of lead.Plantoils and the soot from various nuts, seeds, andgumresinsare often added to thecarbonpowder.Unfortunately, the non-lead products do not give such a good result as the older, traditional varieties. Handmade, lead-based kohl continues to be popular.