In traditional Indian beauty practices, women did not use modern eyeliners or mascaras to enhance their eyes; instead, *kajal* and *surma* were integral parts of their beauty regimen. Beyond enhancing beauty, *surma* helped keep the eyes clean and provided a cooling effect.

Many women continue to embrace this traditional makeup style today. If you are among them, here is how you can make *surma* at home.

**How ​​to Make Surma at Home**
The process of making *surma* at home is quite simple, though it requires a bit of caution. You will need a few specific items; let’s look at the ingredients and the correct method:

**Ingredients**
1 small clay or metal *diya* (lamp)

4–5 tablespoons of castor oil, sesame oil, or *ghee* (clarified butter)

1 thick metal plate

**How ​​to Make It?**
First, take a clay or metal *diya* and clean it thoroughly.

Once it is completely dry, fill it with 4–5 tablespoons of high-quality castor oil, *ghee*, or sesame oil.

Next, place the *diya* between two elevated supports, such as bricks.

In the next step, position a clean, thick metal plate in such a way that the rising flame of the *diya* touches the underside of the plate.

Ensure that no flammable objects are kept near the *diya*.

Throughout this process, the soot from the *diya* will gradually accumulate on the underside of the plate. This may take at least 40–50 minutes.

Now, extinguish the *diya* and set the plate aside to cool down.

Afterward, use a spoon to scrape off the accumulated soot from the plate.

Mix a small amount of *ghee* into the soot to create a thick paste. Remember to add only a very small quantity of *ghee*.

Your homemade natural *surma* is ready; store it in a small container. In many places, burnt almonds or carom seeds are also mixed into the *surma*. In fact, this gives the *surma* a deeper color.

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