Image Credits: @ananyapanday
Intense kohled eyes is a signature look every Indian woman loves to flaunt. Whether you are a makeup fanatic or not, Kajal is that one staple makeup product no can do without. Eye makeup is incomplete without the touch of kajal application. Even on the days when you do not feel like wearing any makeup, a simple kajal eye makeup can elevate your look. While kajal looks stunning, a little apprehension of it smudging and giving us panda eyes, refrains us from donning striking and bold eye makeup looks. Every problem has a solution, and below we will give you tips on how to master smudge-free kajal application. These tips will guide you on how to do eye makeup with kajal.
Master the Art of Smudge-Free Kajal Application – The Basics
Skin prep is essential for makeup application. Likewise, before applying kajal or any other eye makeup, prepping the eyes is an important step. This will not only ensure for long-lasting eye makeup but will also prevent kajal or kohl from smudging. Read on below to understand how you can achieve well-defined eyes with smudge-free kajal eye makeup tips.
Master the Art of Smudge-Free Kajal Application
Tip 1: Clean Your Eyes
Our eyelids are naturally oily and can transfer or smudge the eye makeup. A clean canvas is important for long-lasting, smudge-proof makeup. Oils, moisturisers or residual makeup on the eyelids can interfere with the longevity of kajal and increase the chances of smudging. A dry surface ensures a seamless and precise application, enhancing the overall appearance of the eye makeup.
Tip 2: Prep the Eyelids
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Prep the eyelids using an eyeshadow primer or a concealer to create a smooth surface for the kajal to adhere to. This further helps in controlling excess oil, prolonging the wear of the kajal. For under-eye area, apply a lightweight, hydrating eye cream to nourish the delicate skin. Conceal dark circles or discolouration, if any. Set the under-eye area with a light dusting of translucent setting powder. This will prevent any creasing and reduce the likelihood of smudging and transfer of kajal onto base makeup.
Tip 3: Set the Eyelids
Since primers and concealers are cream or liquid-based, the product can move and settle in the creases during excessive eye movement. This can also make eyeshadow and kajal application patchy and difficult to blend. After applying primer or concealer on the eyelids, set your eyelids with a setting powder to increase the longevity of kajal.
Tip 4: Pick the Right Formula

A lot of kajal pencils have the tendency to smudge due to their ultra-creamy pigment. To ensure long-lasting durability of the kajal, choose transfer-proof, smudge-proof and waterproof formulas like new and improved Lakme Eyeconic Kajal. With this highly pigmented kajal, you can achieve statement eyes with a single-stroke application that will last up to 24 hours. The easy twist-up kajal pencil is convenient to carry, and you can easily amp up your day-time office makeup to night-time glam makeup within minutes. The new Lakme Eyeconic Kajal is available in eight vibrant shades – classic brown, regal green, turquoise, royal blue, sparkling black, forest green, white and midnight blue.
Tip 5: Choose the Right Application

It is important to determine what kind of look you want to achieve with kajal. The most popular usage of kajal is tightlining the eyes. Remember, when tightlining, always start applying kajal from the outer corner and work your way inwards. Since inner corner is watery, it can make the pencil wet. Intensify the kajal according to your preference. Do not forget to tightline the upper waterline for a subtle and complete eye look.
To add drama and colour to your smokey eye makeup, choose intensely pigmented Lakme Eyeconic Kajal in forest green or midnight blue, for the added oomph quotient. Apply a thick line of kajal on upper lash line and quickly smudge it using fingers for a softer smokey effect. Repeat the same process on the lower lash line. You can also use kajal to highlight the inner corner. This technique helps brighten and open up the eyes. Use Lakme Eyeconic kajal in shade white for inner corner highlight. Create perfect colourful and bold winged liners using vibrant shades from the new Lakme Eyeconic kajal range.
Tip 6: Set the Kajal

It is important to set the kajal with powder or an eyeshadow, especially during rainy season or humid weather conditions to prevent sweat from ruining your kajal. Setting the kajal with an eyeshadow further prevents the kajal from smudging or transferring throughout the day. The powder acts as a barrier and absorbs excess oils and moisture. It also helps in intensifying the colour payoff. Use a similar shade of eyeshadow which adds an extra layer of pigment to the kajal, making it appear vibrant.
Tip 7: Clean up the Edges
Kajal pencil is not as sharp as a liquid eyeliner owing to its creamy consistency. Hence, to enhance the sharpness, cleaning the edges will help achieve a crisp and precise look. If you’ve created a winged liner using kajal, clean up the edges using a cotton swap dipped in makeup remover or take a small amount of concealer on an angular brush and gently swipe the ends to remove any uneven lines.
Tip 8: Avoid Touching or Rubbing
After applying kajal, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Excessive touching can transfer the oils on our fingers onto the eyes and break down the pigment, causing it to smudge and transfer on the other areas of your eyelids.
FAQs about Master the Art of Smudge-Free Kajal Application
Q1. How to apply kajal on hooded eyes?
A. Apply a thinner line of kajal and as close to the lash line as possible to prevent smudging. Opt for white or nude kajal on the lower waterline for a more wide-awake appearance.
Q2. How to remove waterproof kajal?
A. Look for a makeup remover specifically formulated for waterproof makeup. These removers are typically oil-based which help effectively break down and remove waterproof products.
Q3. What is the difference between kohl and kajal?
A. Kohl is made from mixture of galena which is a mineral containing lead and other natural ingredients like charcoal. On the other hand, kajal is typically made from soot and mixed with other ingredients such as almond or castor oil.
By following the above steps, you need not steer away from applying kajal. Don’t forget to have fun while experimenting with different looks and techniques using kajal for those eye-catching makeup looks.
Written by Sania Dhirwani on Jul 21, 2023