The Sultry, Smokey, KOHL-RIMMED EYES

This Beautiful Eye Make-Up Look Is Sported By Icons- Madhubala, Rekha, Rani Mukherjee, And Finally, Deepika Padukone. The Worldwide Appreciation Of This Make-Up Look Through The Industry Of Bollywood Itself Has Been Quite Prominent.

- BY ANUSHRI BOKADE

Kohl or kajal is one of the oldest items in Indian makeup. Kohl was originally used for eye protection, but its cosmetic use enhances the eyes. Kohl-rimmed eyes are one of the cultural iconographies that symbolize mystery, depth, and drama. The popularity of this look is not a recent affair in India, but international fame comes to this look via Bollywood. This eye-catching look has been seen on famous actresses such as Madhubala, Rekha, Rani Mukherjee, and most recently, Deepika Padukone. Global outreach from Bollywood has helped the kohl-rimmed eye look spread around the world.

This trend, however, became an international phenomenon with international celebrities like Adele, Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis, and Rihanna, who sported Smokey Eyes-a modern twist of the classic kohl look. The international celebrity wedding of Anant and Isha Ambani highlighted the trend further when the guest list included a couple of A-listers Priyanka Chopra and Beyoncé, among others, sporting kohl-rimmed eyes in their Indian trousseau, replete with the old glamour.

This sultry eye makeup has been taken around the world and transformed into the smoky eye look that dominates Western fashion runways and celebrity makeup. Adopted both by Hollywood celebrities and international makeup artists, the kohl- rimmed eye makeup trend morphed into different varieties of smoky eye trends and has proven itself versatile in universally appealing beauty.