Beauty Q&A

By Shweta Govindarajan

Q: I’m curious about kajal. What is it and is it any different from regular eyeliner?

A: Kajal is a thick black paste often made with castor oil. It’s commonly worn as eyeliner, but it’s also used on babies to ward off the evil eye. Its dark, dramatic quality appeals to those who favor a heavier, bolder look, and worn properly, kajaled eyes can look dramatic and alluring. (Think Aishwarya Rai in Hum Dil De Chukke Sanam.) Some women prefer kajal because its waxy texture makes it easier to apply than a drier eyeliner stick. But be forewarned: It’s is not for the faint-hearted make-up wearer. Kajal smudges and smears easily, and can turn you into a raccoon when you’re not looking. It’s available in a little pot that you can dip your fingertip or brush into and also as an eyeliner pencil.

The best way to apply kajal is with a regular, synthetic make-up brush that has a pointed tip. Dip the tip of the brush in the kajal and run it along the top of the eyelid, starting from the inner corner. Draw a thin line first. Then progressively thicken the outer part of the line until you get the look you desire. Do the same with the lower lid, but keep the line thin; kajal spreads. If the brush is hard to maneuver along your lower lash line, try using your fingertip. To finish, take a cotton swab and lightly smudge the line so it doesn’t look too harsh.

Q: I have curly hair and I’m at the end of my rope. When I wash and go, I look like I’ve been electrocuted. I don’t like how it looks when it’s straightened but when I wear it naturally, my hair looks frizzy and unkempt. What’s the best way to deal with curly hair?

A: The key to managing curly hair is infrequent washings (sounds gross but you’ll thanks us for it) and lots o’ product. You have to give curly hair what it wants before it gives you what you want. And it’s easiest tamed when wet – never fuss with curly hair when it dries. In the shower, use a shampoo plus conditioner and then apply a heavy-duty conditioner. Afterward, take a wide-toothed comb and run mousse through your hair. Let it air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer – never apply heat directly from the nozzle. The curl should maintain its shape without looking frizzy.

Q: Not only is my skin oily but it’s sensitive as well, and the cleansers I’ve bought at the drugstore seem to dry my face out. I’m looking for something that’s gentle enough to soothe my skin but tough enough to get the oil out. Any advice?

A: Look no further than your kitchen cabinet! Besan or chick pea flour has been used for centuries as a mild facial and body cleanser that extracts oil and exfoliates the skin without irritating it. And it’s safe enough to use daily. Instead of cleanser, mix about 3 tablespoons of besan flour and water in a small bowl to make a thick paste. Apply the mixture all over your face and rinse. Your skin should feel the same as if you used a store-bought cleanser – without the irritation.

Shweta Govindarajan is a Washington-based journalist who secretly desires to be a makeup artist. In addition to feeding her Sephora addiction every chance she gets, Shweta writes about all things beauty for ABCDLady.

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