Kajal Eyeliner (Application, Pros & Cons, Removal)

Kajal or kohl is ageless and eternal. It was a survival potion, a medication, and a symbol of mysticism and superstition.

Now Kajal has its own fair share in the makeup world without a hint of fading away soon. Be it traditional or aesthetic-wise, nothing can overshadow this player. This article gives insight into everything related to Kajal and how after many claims and acquisitions against it, Kajal eyeliner still remains everyone’s favourite.

WHAT IS KAJAL EYELINER

The traditional Kajal, widely known, is basically a burnt remnant of oils, herbs, and seeds that is smeared around the eyes for beauty or as a medicative product and sometimes for the sake of traditional beliefs.

WHAT IS KAJAL EYELINER USED FOR

• GENERAL USE OF KAJAL EYELINER

1. Used on water lines to make the eyes appear bolder and more fierce.
2. Changes eye shape depending on what colour and how you’re using it.
3. A must for smokey eye looks.
4. Used as a dark base for eye shadow.
5. Only tightlining can give the eyeliner effect and save lid space.

• TRADITIONAL USE OF KAJAL EYELINER

1. Used for keeping the eyes cool and clean.
2. For better vision and strengthening of the eyes.
3. Prevention of eye diseases and curing them.
4. Fends off from ‘EVIL EYE’ as most people like to believe.

WHAT IS KAJAL EYELINER MADE OF

• COMMERCIAL KAJAL EYELINER INGREDIENTS –

Kajal eyeliner has film-forming agents, which can also be found in paints. That is why Kajal is pliable and able to cover up the skin. Then followed by thickening agents to increase the quality as well as viscosity. And, of course, mineral pigments and organic charcoal are used to make it black.

For metallic hues that colourful kajals give off, ultramarines and different oxides are used.

• HOMEMADE KAJAL EYELINER INGREDIENTS –

Homemade kajals generally contain sandalwood paste, fine sandalwood powder, and castor oil. These two ingredients should be mixed properly. How homemade Kajal is made is by holding the mixed paste on the tip of a flame until the mixture becomes dark black.

ARE KOHL & KAJALS DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER

KOHLs & KAJALs are not completely different from each other.

The application is the same. Both can be safely used in water lines. The purpose is the same. So Kohl, kajal, and Surma are mostly the same.

The difference may occur in the making process. Kohl eyeliner is known to have lead in it which is mixed with various oils and fats. An old traditional invention. But the kajal happens to be more involved, containing different agents for marketing purposes.

PROS & CONS OF KAJAL EYELINER

PROS	CONS
Keeps the eyes cool and clean. Boosts eyelash health.	Commercial kajals contain different types of agents which may harm the eyes over time but it’s not proven.
Homemade kajals with natural ingredients improve eyesight.	The main concern of this commercial kajal is- lead, a toxicant which affects our body systems and is harmful to younger people.
ITS MID powder which is a type of kajal the powder reduces the yellowness of the eyes.	Not FDA approved.

WHAT DOCTOR’S ARE SAYING ABOUT KAJAL EYELINER?

Maximum of the make-up look, including Kajal, requires tightlining the waterlines. And there are about 20-40 little oil glands on your upper and lower waterline. All these oil glands produce oil so that the water in our eyes doesn’t evaporate. So when coating the water lines with Kajal, it is possible to cover those glands up. Thus, dry eyes and styes happen.

Now according to ophthalmologist Dr Rupa Wong, who is Indian herself, meaning she’s well known for the tradition of Kajal says, 

“You want to be very careful about those products (kajal/Kohl) because there’s this tendency to think they are traditional and therefore they are safe when they’re not.” 

Dr Rupa Wong

The reason behind this statement is the main ingredient, ‘lead.’ So she’s against kajal/or kohl. But supports good commercial eyeliner pencils.

I also found a study by the Oman Journal of Ophthalmology that doesn’t necessarily support Kajal. This study mainly was conducted on young children to older women to see if it concerned their health, and it didn’t. The concerns mainly were regarding the application. Many people still tend to apply Kajal with their fingers, which was considered unhygienic and a minus point against Kajal.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KAJAL EYELINER & REGULAR EYELINER

KAJAL	CRITERION	EYELINER
You can get kajal in its purest form when you burn oils, sandalwood, almonds etc.	FORM	You can get eyeliners in many different forms, like- solid (eye pencil liners), gel, and liquid.
Known to be very good for the eyes and used for medicinal purposes traditionally.	USAGE	Eyeliners are invented solely as a makeup product.
Can be smudged easily.	SMUDGING	Eyeliners mattify soon after application. Bad eyeliner formulas may flake but hardly smudges.
Can be used on waterlines.	APPLICATION ON WATERLINE	Not suitable for the waterline.
Kajal needs extra eyeshadows to set it properly.	SET	Set well in the skin after drying.
lead sulfide is the main ingredient Of Kajal.	INGREDIENTS	Eyeliner contains oils, wax, lanolin, pigments and different oxides for example – iron, titanium, chromium etc.
Can cause styes and inflammation as it’s mostly applied on waterline which means the oil glands are covered.	COMPLICATIONS	The eyes don’t face many issues with eyeliner on.

IS KAJAL EYELINER SAFER THAN EYELINER?

Both KAJALs & EYELINERs are safe.

You just have to choose what’s convenient for you depending on the look you’re going after. And you need to know about the right way to apply EYELINER and the right way to apply KAJAL in your eye.

Doctors and various studies discourage kajal usage of lead sulfide from Galena because lead consumption is harmful. But the fact is that there aren’t many reports about the toxicity of these products either. 

Instead, the records about the benefits kajal holds are pretty logical. The lead used in kajal is low in bioavailability, to begin with, and the amount people usually apply is really low as well. In addition, the cornea of our eye is not a noteworthy route where leads from kajal can get inside our body.

The correct application of traditional kajal can not cause lead poisoning. Studies show that kohl cannot raise lead levels in our blood and isn’t toxic for the eyes.

WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR KAJAL EYELINER?

Those who have HOODED EYES can be benefited from Kajal to a great extent.

Hooded eyes have less lid space, to begin with. So tightlining the waterline saves space. And you can tight line only with kajal. Also, a good combination of different colours makes small eyes appear more prominent.

HOW TO APPLY KAJAL EYELINER (STEP-BY-STEP)

• PREPARATION FOR THE EYES –

Your eyes must be clean; that’s an obvious step. But an additional step you may take is to ice the skin a little bit. This will help to reduce smudging problems.

• THINGS YOU NEED –

1. Kajal.
2. Alcohol pads/ makeup removal pads.
3. Thin, angular brush.
4. Same colour eyeshadow.

• STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –

1st STEP: First, If you’re using a kajal pencil, wipe off the tip with an alcohol pad to remove the accumulated bacteria.

2nd STEP: Then, lightly pull down your lower lid to reveal the waterline. Move the kajal/kajal pencil applicator several times from the inside corner to the outside corner. Make sure you use your dominant hand to apply kajal to avoid accidents.

3rd STEP: Finally, take the same colour eyeshadow on a thin flat brush and just stamp the eyeshadow on top of the kajal and along the waterline. Don’t blink much.

• EXPERT TIPS –

1st EXPERT TIP – A pencil kajal is best because it’s more convenient and doesn’t need eyeshadow to set it.

2nd EXPERT TIP – Use a white one to make the eyes more prominent and a black one for a more fierce look.

3rd EXPERT TIP – Finally, Don’t apply black kajal boldly all around the eyes if you have small eyes.

DIFFERENT WAYS OF APPLYING KAJAL EYELINER

• KOHL-RIMMED EYES –

Kohl rimmed look is basically like reversed cat eye makeup, just without the sharpness it comes with. You have to tight line both the upper and lower waterline and only bolden the lower eyelid using eyeshadow and Kajal. Make sure you’re following all the tips to prevent Kajal from smudging.

• WINGED EYELINER – 

Using a kajal for winged eyeliner means you’re in control. You can even control the shape with your nails by dragging the wing out.

Those who want a sharp kajal pencil every time to draw a wing can freeze the Kajal for 10-15 minutes and then sharpen it accordingly for more convenience.

• TIGHLINING WATERLINE – 

Nothing can substitute Kajal for tightlining. You must use a black kohl pencil to the waterline for perfect application. Avoid rapid blinking until the kohl dries up a little unless it transfers to the lower water line. 

Take the same colour eyeshadow and press it into the base of your upper lashes, just above your waterline but not on it. Next, do the same with the root of your lashes while looking down. This way, the lashes appear super bold.

• SUBTLE SMOKEY EYES –

Stamp a fair amount of Kajal in the outer corner of your upper lid and blend that towards the middle. 

Next, top it with a lighter shade of eyeshadow and for the lower lid, put a dot of Kajal on the outer corner and smudge it along the lash line.

• CLASSIC BLACK SMOKEY EYES –

Prime the eyes and blend the crease with shades of brown. Then go with any basic kajal and apply it all over the eyelid. Next, take black eyeshadow on a brush and blend the Kajal with it. 

Finally, blend the edges with lighter shades to soften Kajal’s pigment. Do the same layering with the lower lid, too. Just keep it close to your lower lash line.

• GLAM SMOKEY EYES –

This look demands any shimmer eyeshadow with Kajal. Do a subtle smoky eye first. Then, apply your shimmery eyeshadow in the inner part of your upper lid where the Kajal is less intense. and before using the eyes shadow, don’t forget to dampen the brush with some setting spray.

• SOFT GLAM SMOKEY EYE –  

This look is the same as a Classic black smokey eye; you just have to use brown Kajal instead of black. And apply black eyeshadow close to the lash line with a fine thin brush. Soft glam smokey eyes with only eyeshadows differ from doing this look with a brown kajal. Kajal keeps the whole eye look intact.

• MULTICHROMATIC SMOKEY EYES – 

Kajal is no longer about that traditional black look. Instead, there are many colours like- blue, green, orange, etc. You can use all these colours as the base and blend to achieve this look.

• POP OF COLOR –

You can give your eyes a pop of colour by putting a dot in the inner corner, drawing a straight line on the lid, or water lining with a different coloured kajal. This will make your eyes stand out more.

• EVERYDAY CAT EYE – 

Take Kajal on a thin, angular brush and draw a light wing on the outer corner. Repeat this process with the inner corner as well. Gel kajal is the best candidate because you can just reshape it however you want without being harsh on your eye area. Set the wings with some eyeshadow.

• REVERSE CAT EYE – 

Apply Kajal on both your top and bottom waterline. First, Bolden your lower waterline, as this look focuses on the lower lash line. Next, elongate the Kajal from the softer lead by flicking it upwards and making a wing. 

Then start smudging and smoking the Kajal with the same colour eyeshadow. Draw a wing on the inner corner too. Connect both wings with the upper lid with a little bit of eyeshadow.

• DOE’S EYE LOOK – 

Line your top lash line and keep the Kajal within it. Next, take a tiny amount of Kajal on an angled brush and stamp it very close to your lower lash line, and later with a blending brush, smoke it up. Finally, use a white kajal on your lower waterline to brighten the eye.

• FELINE SMOKEY LINER- 

At first, take the Kajal close to your upper lash line and draw a bold line to the inner corner. Then, tight-line your upper lids and get into all nooks and crannies to ensure no skin is showing. 

Next, draw a wing with Kajal. It doesn’t have to be perfect but still, try to be precise. Start smudging the Kajal with a small brush. The technique is that you have to smudge downwards and ensure the Kajal doesn’t spread and reach the crease. 

When smudging the inner and outer corners, smudge the Kajal towards the centre to maintain the gradient effect. Go for a second kajal application near the lash line to increase intensity. Then tightline and smudge the lower lash line the same way. Do a final smudging overall. Next, draw an inner wing with a liner. Clean up both wings a little with concealer to make them spikey.

• SIREN EYES –

For the seductive siren eyes, the only places you need to apply Kajal are your waterline’s inner and outer corners. Then pull out a slight wing in the upper lash line. Now with black eyeshadow, start intensifying and smoking out that wing. 

Then you need to set and smudge the lower line, giving an elongated wing to the outer corner of your eyes. Then with a pointed brush, the extent of your inner corner.

• AS A DARK BASE – 

Eyeshadow base is such a game-changer. You won’t know an eyeshadow’s true potential until you pair it with a correct base. 

Apply and blend black Kajal properly on your eyelid as a base. Then, apply any dark shimmery eyeshadow or colourful glitters and see how a simple black kajal base takes those colours to a whole other level.

• FOR DRAWING EYESHADOWS – 

Pencil kajal gives shape and fullness to your liking. A few strokes and blending with a soft-bristled brush do the work.

• GRAPHIC LINERS – 

Now graphic eyeliner look is something that a pro can quickly draw with an eyeliner with their nimble fingers and fine strokes. 

But for the norms wanting to get artistic with their eyes, Kajal is the perfect substitution. Kajal won’t get mattified like eyeliner within seconds. You can give your stroke of Kajal whatever shape you want by using a cotton bud or something like that and set the look with eyeshadow on top of the Kajal.

• GOTHIC LIPS – 

People with goth aesthetics know how crucial it is to have a touch of black colour on their lips. Be it lip lining, mixing black with a different colour of lipstick, or simply a dark black lip, Kajal is a great option.

HOW TO PREVENT KAJAL EYELINER FROM SMUDGING?

• PREP AROUND THE EYES- 

So, for prepping, you have to cleanse the eye area and use ice. For ice treatment- wrap an ice cube with a clean cotton cloth and then use it around your eyes. 

Never put ice on your skin because it can cause cold burns. Instead, icing soothes your eyes and controls oils and sweat, making your skin less slippery. So whatever product you choose to use won’t bleed.

• SET THE SKIN WITH SOME LOOSE POWDER –  

You must set the eye area for a detailed, smudge-free kajal look. Loose powder is a must to put makeup overall, and you know how well it does its job. However, now many of y’all may have talc allergies. You can use cornstarch instead in that case. Cornstarch is deftly sifted and works just like any loose powder would.

• SET THE KAJAL WITH SOME EYESHADOW – 

Setting the kajal with the same colour eyeshadow right after applying it will mattify the kajal. You can use this trick on your waterline too. Simply press the eyeshadow over kajal gently with a small thin brush.

• TRY TO OPT FOR WATERPROOF PRODUCTS – 

It’s better to use a good waterproof kajal, at least for special occasions. Otherwise, normal kajals are great, too, if you just set it with the same colour eyeshadow afterwards.

• PREPARE FOR THE WORSE – 

If you’re a hardcore kajal wearer, always carry cotton buds in case any smudging happens. But aside, if you follow all the tips, there won’t be any smudging even if you cry or accidentally rub your eyes.

Now that all these tips make the kajal this smudge-proof, how will you remove it? Here’s a most common but effective way to remove kajal.

HOW TO REMOVE KAJAL EYELINER

• REMOVAL PREPARATION –

Remove lash strips, falsies, and contact lenses beforehand.

• THINGS YOU NEED –

1. Micellar water/Facial oils
2. Cotton pads
3. Cotton buds
4. Cleanser
5. Lash Cleanser.

• STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –

1st STEP: At first, soak a cotton pad with a generous amount of micellar water and slowly start erasing your eye makeup along with kajal. You can massage facial oils instead, too.

2nd STEP: You can use cotton buds for stubborn kajal particles.

3rd STEP: Then proceed with any cleanser to cleanse off the whole face.

4th STEP: Finally, End the routine with a lash cleanser to eliminate debris.

Lash cleansers are an excellent investment for keeping the eyes healthy.

• EXPERT TIPS –

For people with sensitive eyes, rose water is a great substitute. It removes eye makeup effectively and soothes too.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FOR SULTRY SMOKEY EYES, WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU PICK?

ANSWER: You should always pick KAJAL for SULTRY SMOKEY EYES.

Because sultry smokey eyes are all about layer after layer, accompanied by smudging and blending. So, that’s why you need something creamy or soft and super pigmented too. Thereby, KAJAL is a must for this look.

FOR DRAMATIC WINGED EYES, WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU PICK?

ANSWER: A kajal which comes in a container or which you may know as gel eyeliner is the most suitable option for dramatic winged eyes. Even if you mess up or shape the strokes, use concealer.

You should use eyeliner if you’re great with the eyeliner application skill.

KAJAL or EYELINER: WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR EVERYDAY EYES?

ANSWER: If the Kajal is natural or homemade, you should choose to wear Kajal without hesitating.

Kajal has been around for so long. People used it as medication for the eyes and to protect the eyes from inclement weather. 

Even some kajal powder like- ITS MID powder is still used to cure eye problems. In my opinion, Kajal is easier to apply than eyeliner.

IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO APPLY KAJAL WHEN I AM WEARING LENSES? 

ANSWER: KAJAL application is not restricted at the time of wearing LENSES but should be applied cautiously.

Wear your Kajal after you put contact lenses on, and make sure that your Kajal is water and smudge-proof.

IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO USE LIP LINER ON MY WATERLINE?

ANSWER: Not at all. You Should Never use LIP Liner on your WATERLINE.

Because colours and chemicals in lip liners aren’t safe for the eyes. Waterline and lip skin is different. And other than this, you don’t want bacteria from your mouth on your eyes.

IS IT WISE TO APPLY KAJAL TO INFANTS/BABIES?

ANSWER: Refrain from doing so.

Because the consumption of lead is harmful. Kajal can get from hands to mouth if applied to babies.

FINAL VERDICT

Now you have insight about less or more every topic related to Kajal, and I hope you found answers plus new information related to it. If you eventually stick with kajal/kohl, choose authentic products. 

Remember, you’ll often use this for your precious eyes, so don’t go cheap. You have to be consistent with taking care of your eyes. Never go to sleep with Kajal on and always use a suitable remover. Do a patch test of your Kajal on your hand before using it. Finally, be very gentle while applying, and make sure the applicator isn’t too harsh on your eyes.