Kajal: A Complete Guide to History, Benefits, Uses, and Best Choices

Kajal is more than just an eye cosmetic; it is an emotion, a cultural tradition, and a beauty essential that has been cherished for centuries. Whether it’s the bold black strokes defining your eyes or the subtle charm of white kajal, this timeless beauty product remains a favorite across generations. From Ayurveda-inspired homemade kajals to modern smudge-proof formulas, kajal has evolved while keeping its essence intact.

In this detailed blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about kajal: what it is, its history, cultural significance, types (white kajal, black kajal, kohl), benefits, application techniques, differences between kajal and kohl, popular brands like Hashmi, how to make kajal at home, smudge-proof hacks, and global usage.

What is Kajal?

Kajal, also known as kohl, is a cosmetic product applied on the waterline and lash line of the eyes. Traditionally made from natural ingredients like soot, ghee, and herbs, kajal has been used in India, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe for centuries.

In Ayurveda, kajal was believed to protect the eyes from infections and soothe them.
In modern times, kajal is a beauty staple that enhances the depth and brightness of the eyes.

Why Do We Use Kajal?

The reasons for applying kajal go beyond beauty:

Enhances Beauty – Makes eyes look bigger, sharper, and more expressive.
Protects Eyes – Traditional homemade kajal with ghee and herbs is believed to cool and protect the eyes.
Cultural Significance – In many Indian households, babies are applied kajal to ward off the “evil eye.”
Fashion Statement – From Bollywood celebrities to global icons, kajal has always been a part of glamorous eye makeup.

White Kajal: A Modern Twist

Black kajal has always been a classic, but white kajal has gained immense popularity for its unique benefits.

White Kajal Benefits:

Opens up the eyes and makes them appear larger.
Adds brightness and freshness to tired eyes.
Perfect for dramatic makeup looks and highlighting the waterline.
Complements bold eye shadows beautifully.

How to Apply White Kajal:

Start with clean eyes.
Gently pull down your lower eyelid.
Glide the white kajal pencil along the waterline.
Pair it with black eyeliner for contrast.

Which White Kajal is Best?

Some of the most popular white kajals available in India and globally include:

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Lakmé Eyeconic White Kajal
Maybelline Tattoo Studio White Liner
Faces Canada Eye Pencil White

White Kajal vs Black Kajal

White Kajal – Used for opening up the eyes, brightening, and dramatic effects.
Black Kajal – Used for deepening the eyes, adding boldness, and classic definition.

Both serve different purposes, and many makeup lovers keep both in their kit.

Kajal vs Kohl: Are They the Same?

One of the most common confusions is the difference between kajal and kohl.

Kajal (Indian origin): Traditionally made with natural soot and ghee. Known for its smooth application and cooling effect.
Kohl (Middle Eastern/Egyptian origin): Made using minerals like galena. Used historically for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

Today, both terms are used interchangeably in the beauty industry.

Kohl Pencil & Kajal Pencil

Kohl Pencil – Used for precise application and long-lasting wear.
Kajal Pencil – Usually softer, smudges easily, perfect for smoky looks.

Best Kohl/Kajal Pencils:

MAC Kohl Pencil
Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal
Maybelline Colossal Kajal
L’Oréal Paris Kajal Magique

How to Make Kajal at Home

Homemade kajal is natural, chemical-free, and safe for the eyes.

Ingredients:

Ghee (clarified butter)
Castor oil
Cotton wick
Almonds

Method:

Light a diya (lamp) using ghee and cotton wick.
Place a metal plate above the flame to collect soot.
Mix the soot with ghee or castor oil.
Store in a clean container.

This homemade kajal is cooling and perfect for sensitive eyes.

How to Make White Kajal at Home

Instead of soot, add zinc oxide or white clay mixed with coconut oil for a natural white kajal alternative.

How to Make Smudge-Proof Kajal at Home

Add beeswax or shea butter to the mixture for longer-lasting, smudge-resistant kajal.

Hashmi Kajal: Review & Safety

Hashmi Kajal is one of the oldest and most popular kajal brands, especially in South Asia and the Middle East.

Benefits:

Rich black pigmentation.
Smooth application.
Affordable.

Concerns:

Some Hashmi kajal varieties have been reported to contain lead. Lead-based kajals are harmful and not recommended for daily use. Always check labels for “lead-free” certification before buying.

Which is the Best Kajal?

The best kajal depends on your preference:

For daily use: Lakmé Eyeconic, Maybelline Colossal Kajal
For smudge-proof look: L’Oréal Paris Kajal Magique
For sensitive eyes: Himalaya Herbal Kajal, Biotique Natural Kajal
For bold pigmentation: MAC Modern Twist Kajal, Faces Canada Magneteyes

Can We Use Kajal Daily?

Yes, but only if you choose a safe, dermatologically tested, and lead-free kajal. Avoid harsh, chemical-based kajals that can irritate the eyes.

Tips for daily kajal use:

Remove kajal before sleeping.
Use an eye-safe makeup remover.
Avoid sharing kajal with others.

Kajal Across the World

Kajal is not limited to India. Many countries use it, but with different names:

USA – Called eyeliner or kohl pencil.
Middle East (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE) – Kohl remains part of tradition.
North Africa – Used for both men and women.
Pakistan & India – Popularly called kajal.
Europe – Known as kohl eyeliner.

Interestingly, searches like “what countries use kajal Patel, kajal Aggarwal, kajal Agarwal” reflect the influence of celebrities such as Kajal Aggarwal, whose name often overlaps with the cosmetic term.

Kajal in Makeup Looks

Kajal Smudge Look – Perfect for a smoky eye effect.
Precise Kajal Pencil Look – Great for sharp lines and definition.
Kajal with White Liner – A trendy contrast effect.
Smudge-Proof Kajal for Long Wear – For weddings, parties, and daily use.

Why My Kajal Always Smudges?

Reasons your kajal smudges:

Oily eyelids.
Low-quality kajal.
Not setting it with powder/eyeshadow.

How to Prevent Smudging:

Apply primer on eyelids.
Use waterproof kajal.
Set with black eyeshadow.

Best Ayurvedic & Herbal Kajals

If you want natural and safe options:

Himalaya Herbals Kajal
Biotique Kajal
Lotus Herbal Kajal
Kama Ayurveda Kajal

These are chemical-free, enriched with camphor and almond oil.

Kajal in Culture & Cinema

Kajal is not just a cosmetic; it has also become a part of popular culture.

Bollywood Actresses like Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, and Kajol (whose name itself resembles kajal) have set beauty trends with bold kajal looks.
Kajal Aggarwal, a famous Indian actress, often trends alongside the word “kajal,” making people curious about both the cosmetic and the celebrity.

Kajal Removal Tips

Use micellar water or coconut oil to gently remove kajal.
Never rub your eyes harshly.
Wash with cool water after removal.

Final Thoughts

Kajal is a beauty product with deep cultural roots and timeless relevance. From black kajal that defines your eyes to white kajal that makes them pop, from traditional homemade versions to modern smudge-proof pencils, kajal has truly stood the test of time.

When choosing a kajal, always look for safe, chemical-free, and dermatologically tested options. Whether you wear it daily, occasionally, or only for special occasions, kajal will continue to remain one of the most beloved beauty essentials across the world.

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