Indian kids under 2 wear smoky eye makeup  Locals: It's for eye health

▲It's common to see Indian children with lined lower eyelids. When asked, the father of one local child confirmed that this eyeliner is indeed a traditional remedy.

Reported and photographed by Reporter You Ru / India
 
Indians' striking facial features and thick eyelashes are often people's first impressions of India. Travelers visiting India may frequently notice a sight—many Indian children have "smoky eye" makeup applied to their lower eyelids. According to locals, this eye makeup isn't actually meant to make their eyes look bigger or more beautiful, but rather has a miraculous therapeutic effect on eye protection.


▲Children under two can get their lower eyeliner done.

The smoky eye makeup on Indian children's lower eyelids is called Kajal Surma. Ruida, a local guide from Qiqun Travel Agency, pointed out that Indian parents have been applying smoky eye makeup to their children since they were babies, starting from just a few months old until their eyes are fully developed. A special oil made from local herbs is ignited and burned on a wooden board, and then the resulting black soot is applied to the lower eyelid line.

"It feels hot and spicy when applied, but the sensation goes away quickly," Ruida noted. Most Indian families practice this remedy, and it can still be seen today. It's understood that this traditional lower eyeliner therapy can also reduce sun radiation. Travelers looking to try it can inquire specifically at local markets and such places. However, the actual efficacy is unverified, and those interested in trying should be especially cautious about potential allergies or discomfort.

%Spinal? Leaning? Meal?? Awakening? Thin.
 

Transportation info: China Airlines flies to India 3 times a week, with a flight time of about 6 hours