Kohl

    Haifa Wehbe (Lebanon)
I do not use much eye shadow or mascara but I love kohl.  My everyday makeup look usually consists of only thick kohl around the eyes.  I like that it gives you a "look" while still giving a somewhat natural appearance. Kohl is an ancient cosmetic that is used in Africa, the Middle East, and India.  It was initially used to protect eyes from the glare of the sun in Africa and the Middle East.  Berber and Bedouin women additionally apply kohl to their faces in the form of vertical lines from the nose to chin.  In the Horn of Africa women use kohl not only for beautification but also to ward off evil spirits and to cleanse the eyes.  Iman (Somalia)
 Kohl is also widely used in West Africa by both men and women, especially during Islamic festivals and weddings.  Some Muslims believe that makeup is haram but the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) allegedly applied kohl to his own eyes every night before going to sleep and approved its usage among his followers.