The Private Lives of Muslim Women
‘Kohl was made from a variety of sources including burnt frankincense, almond shells or Safflower plants.’
An important ingredient in the application of eye make-up was kohl, made from a variety of sources including burnt frankincense, almond shells or Safflower plants. Believed to have medicinal benefits, kohl was also considered a powerful protection against the ‘evil eye’ and was kept in small decorative containers containing an applicator stick.

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Kohl Container

Hegira 8th–9th century / AD 14th–15th century
Mamluk
Museum of Islamic Art
Cairo, Egypt
An elegant kohl container which includes a stick attached to the lid for applying the substance to the eyes and eyebrows.