The next adornment as a part of shringaar is the
application of kaajal in the eyes.
Kaajal or kohl can lend extra beauty to the eyes by
defining them. It is a makeup essential for the Bharatnatyam dancers, to draw
attention to their eye gestures and movements. It is even applied to the
eyebrows and eyelids to further enhance the eye.
Egyptian queens and noble men have used kohl even in the
BC era. In fact, the word Kohl is an Arabic word and its substitute ‘surma’ is
derived from the Persian word sorme.
It was used as a protection
against eye ailments. There was also a belief that darkening around the eyes
would protect one from the harsh rays of the sun.
Benefits of applying kaajal
are many, provided, it is made of natural ingredients. It is believed to act as
a cleanser and coolant for the eyes and also helps lengthen eyelashes. The home
made kaajal is used even for infants because it is believed that it protects
them from ‘buri nazar’.
Tips to apply kaajal
1.
Start
the application of kaajal from the outer corner working inwards. It is to be
applied in short strokes and to get a better effect, press it on the waterline.
2.
For
women who have watery eyes, kaajal may not stay for very long.; the best substitute available to them is a gel
liner.
3.
For
an intense look, dip the kaajal pencil in the gel liner and apply on the
waterline.
4. To prevent smudging, one
can apply a bit of black or brown eye shadow just below the waterline covering
only 3/4th of the eye.
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