A dark cosmetic powder used around the eyes, traditionally made from antimony or lead sulfide.
From Arabic kuḥl meaning 'fine powder', through Medieval Latin alcohol. Originally referred to any fine powder, but became specifically associated with eye cosmetics. The word 'alcohol' comes from the same root, originally meaning any fine powder before referring to the chemical substance.
Kohl connects us to ancient beauty practices spanning 6,000 years - from Egyptian pharaohs to modern makeup users. Fascinatingly, the word 'alcohol' comes from the same Arabic root, showing how alchemical terms for 'fine powders' evolved into completely different meanings.
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