8 Best Kajals For Women In India That You Need To Check Out In 2024

By Shammi Mondal

From ‘Kajra re’ to ‘Kajra mohabbat wala’ the essence of a kajal beautifying your eyes has been endlessly romanticised by songs, films, and poetries. Rightly so! They define your eyes and add so much character to it. Kohl pencils, eyeliners, or kajal, form the bedrock of any eye makeup for Indian women. Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Deepika Padukone have confessed their love for this makeup staple and have inspired millions to create the smudged kohl look. To help you navigate through the different formulations and kohl options, we’ve chalked out a guide to help you pick the best kajal for your needs.

Kohl rimmed eyes is a classic and we don’t think it will ever go out of trend, it accentuates your eyes in just one simple line. Kajal is beyond cosmetics, it’s almost attainted the status of an essential, it’s the go to makeup for days when you are running out of makeup ideas or are feeling and looking lifeless. A kajal slips into your personality and becomes a part of your body in no time, chances are you might find it omni present in the beauty drawers of most households. Here is our full proof kajal buying guide that will escort you in the process.

Where does kajal come from

We’ve been smothered with kajal right from infanthood as an attempt to keep away ‘nazar’ or the evil eye. Its origins can be traced back to Egypt in 3500 BC, where noble men and women were known to wear kohl around their eyes to protect them from the sun and prevent eye ailments. Yes, Cleopatra too was fond of applying kohl to soothe and protect her eyes.

Back in the days, kohl was made at home by dipping cotton in clarified butter (ghee) or using the monosha plant, which was then lit to collect the soot from the flame. The soot was the mixed with cooling and nourishing ingredients, like almond oil, camphor and aloe vera. The natural oils in this preparation often caused the downward smudginess. But with the upgrade in technology, the formulas and how we apply kajal has significantly changed to improve application methods and longevity.

Are all kajal pencils the same?

Kajal is often a loose term used for almost all creamy black pigments that can be used to tightline your eyes. However, there is a distinction amongst the several versions of it. If you’re trying to find what’s the best kajal for your needs, here are three different formulations you need to consider:

1. Gel eyeliners

These have long lasting and smudge-proof creamy pigments and mostly come in the form of a pencil. Gel eyeliners are packed with colour, have very dense pigmentation and often have silicone and propylene carbonate as their main ingredients. They go in easy, have little room for blending, and then set in the spot giving no scope for smudged lines. If you want your kajal to stay in place all day, this is the formulation for you.

2. Kohl pencils

These are upgraded versions of the classic kajal, and unlike the earlier version they don’t smudge as easily. These cream-based eye pencil formulations are super rich, buildable and they stay smear-proof for a long time. If you want to create a soft sooty eye look, these kajal pencils will be your best bet.

3. Pot eyeliners

This is another form of a gel kajal, they’re packaged in small pots and come with an angular brush for precision. Pot eyeliners are extremely soft and are the most versatile when it comes to application. You can apply them as a base for your smokey eye, tight line your eyes with it or create a feline flick. You can go as thin or as broad as you want. These kajals give you enough time to blend the edges for your soft smudged eye look, but once it sets, it lasts the longest.

Now that you know about the distinct types of kajal, lets discover our best kajal picks for you.

Watch: Celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni creates the classic smokey eye

Smudge-proof kajal

Best smudge-proof kajal

M.A.C In Extreme Dimension 24Hr Kajal Eye Liner Black - 0.8 g

If you’re looking for something that gives you a crisp line in one swipe and stays budge-proof till you want remove it, this M.A.C kajal pencil is your best bet. The formulation has silicone, making it easy for the pencil to glide across your eyelid without any tugging or pulling. It has a high colour payoff, and it is enriched with jojoba oil, that does not dry your eyes.

Tear-proof kajal

Faces Canada Eye Pencil Solid Black 02 - 1.2 gm

Hunting for a kajal for your wedding day that sticks by you through some emotional moments? This one will not disappoint. The formulation of this pencil is waxy, so it applies smoothly but stays locked in place through sweat, tears, humidity, and oily lids. The kajal pencil is super opaque and high on pigment that adds instant drama to your eye look. You can sharpen and fine tune your stroke to get the sharpest, smudge-proof line of kajal.

Best-selling kajal

Lakme Eyeconic Insta Cool Kajal Black - 0.35 gm

Your quest for the best kajal pencil that has a soothing effect on your eyes, ends here. Thanks to cucumber seed extracts, Lakme’s Insta Cool Kajal gives your eyes definition, and leaves behind a cooling effect. One stroke application, long lasting finish and a buildable formula have made this kajal a mainstay in everyone’s makeup kit. The formulation is free of parabens, which means it’s great for sensitive eyes too. Plus, it’s retractable so you don’t have to worry about keeping your lines sharp.

Pocket-friendly kajal

Best pocket-friendly kajal

Maybelline New York Colossal Kajal Super Black,0.35gm

Not all kajals that are best for you need a high budget. If you’re looking out for a classic black kohl liner, the Maybelline Colossal Kajal is the perfect choice. This cult pencil has been the first makeup product for many of us, and there’s a reason why. It’s a super black shade that stays long and hardly smudges. The vitamin E and aloe vera-rich formulation makes the application smooth and hassle-free. This creamy formula hits all the right spots.

Long-lasting kajal

Best long-lasting kajal

PAC Longlasting Kohl Pencil Black

If you want to get that sooty kohl eye effect but also want it to last long, try this one. This kohl pencil has a silky tip on one end that just gives the right amount of pigment, the other end has a smudger for softening the lines. Although the pencil is gel-based, it gives you enough time to work around with the pigment for smoking your eye look. But once it sets, it won’t budge for the entire day. The texture of this kajal almost feels liquid like, credits to jojoba oil and shea butter in the formulation.

Here are some more long lasting and buttery smooth kajals that you can give a try:

Smooth kajals

What to look out for in your kajal

If you’re still having a conundrum about picking up the best kajal for your needs, here is a simple road map for you.

Texture
There are a range of textures to pick from, including a gel, cream, and wax formulations. Although most of them can be used to create similar looks, their staying power differs. Gel-based kajals stay put the longest, followed by a waxy kajal that often boasts a water-proof property, while cream-based eyeliner pencils are great to create a smudgy line to get that smokier look.
Finish
From metallic, to shimmery and matte there are several finishes and colours to take your kajal game a notch higher. If you’re looking for a kajal that instantly gives you party-ready eyes, opt for a metallic one, however metallic kajals often have mica that can irritate your eyes, so avoid applying it on your waterlines.
Glide test
Make sure you check how your kajal pencil goes on. A pencil that glides smoothly is always easier to use if you’re new to the world of eye pencils. To see how smooth your eye pencil is, you can do a glide test on your hand or read up on the formulation. Kajals with hydrating ingredients like almond oil, vitamin E, shea butter often have a softer and smoother texture.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Which kajal lasts the longest?

A. Most kajals today have a longer staying power, however if you’re looking for something that stays budge-proof through the day, a gel kajal is your best option.

Q. Which kajal is safe for eyes?

A. Most kajals are made from non-carcinogenic pigments or plant derived phytopigments that are safe for your eyes. However, it is always good to scan the ingredient list and avoid a kajal that has lead. You should also avoid lining our waterline with a kajal that has mica.

Q. Can we use an eye pencil for our brows?

A. A kajal pencil is too strong and pigmented to fill in your brows, even with a light hand its smooth finish would leave a stark line, and the tip is a little thick to mimic your brow hair. So, it is advisable that you pick an eyebrow pencil that does the job efficiently.

Your Ultimate Guide To Buying the Best Kajal