How to Use Kohl Powder: A Step-by-Step Guide to Moroccan Eye Definition

Kohl has defined eyes in Morocco and across the Middle East for centuries, and it is easier to use than it looks. Our Moroccan Kohl Powder comes in a handmade brass bottle with a matching brass applicator, called a mirwed. This guide walks you through using it, from your first line to a soft smoky eye.

1. What You Need

• Your Moroccan Kohl Powder bottle and its brass applicator (the mirwed)
• A mirror and good light
• Clean, dry hands
• Micellar water or your usual makeup remover, for tidying up and removal

2. Prepare Your Eyes

Start with a clean, dry eye area. Oil or moisturiser close to the lash line can make the powder spread, so keep the lash line dry. Wash your hands before you open the bottle.

3. Load the Applicator

Open the bottle and dip the tip of the mirwed into the powder. Take very little. Tap off any excess on the rim of the bottle or on the back of your hand. A small amount goes a long way, and you can always build up the colour.

4. Apply Along the Lash Line

Hold the skin at the outer corner of your eye gently taut. Rest the applicator on your upper lash line and draw from the inner corner to the outer corner in short strokes, working close to the lashes. For a more defined look, repeat on the lower lash line. We recommend keeping the powder on the outer lash line and away from the inner rim of the eye.

5. Choose Your Look

• Everyday: a thin line along the upper lash line, finished with mascara if you like.
• Evening: go over the line a second time and extend it slightly past the outer corner.
• Soft smoky: smudge the line gently with a clean fingertip or a small brush while it is still fresh.

6. Remove and Care for Your Kohl

• Remove it at the end of the day with micellar water or makeup remover.
• Close the bottle after each use and keep it dry.
• Keep the applicator for your own use, and clean it with a dry tissue between uses.

7. What Is in It

Our kohl follows an artisanal Moroccan recipe: the ingredients are roasted, ground and filtered through silk. The ingredients are Activated Charcoal Powder, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Pit Powder, Olea Europaea (Olive) Pit Powder, Syzygium Aromaticum (Clove) Powder, Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) Powder and Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil. It is lead-free, tested below 1 ppm.

8. Precautions

• Avoid inhaling the powder, and open the bottle gently.
• Do a small patch test before first use.
• If irritation occurs, stop using it and rinse with water.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Final Thoughts: A Tradition Worth Trying

Kohl takes a little practice, and the learning curve is short. A small amount, a steady hand and a good mirror are all you need for a defined, elegant look.

Ready to try it? Shop the Moroccan Kohl Powder and bring a little Moroccan tradition to your routine.