Regardless of how flawless your facial makeup is, it remains incomplete until your eyes are beautifully lined. Adding a touch of kajal not only enhances your appearance but can also make you look radiant and attractive even on a “no makeup day.” However, after applying it, you’re not alone if you have raccoon-like eyes. Various factors, from oily skin to incorrect techniques, can cause your kajal to feather and smudge. The good news is that with a few simple tips and tricks, you can prevent kajal from smudging, ensuring well-defined eyes that last throughout the day. Keep reading to discover how.
Importance of Applying Kajal
Since ancient times, kajal or kohl has been considered the most prevalent eye cosmetics worldwide. It has widely been used by women (sometimes even men and children) in the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia, and Africa. The primary use of kajal is to contour and define the eyes for a bright and mesmerizing look. However, the traditional preparation of the product involved several therapeutically active ingredients along with galena (the ultra-fine form of specially processed kohl stone), contributing to its excellent medicinal properties. Kajal keeps eyes clean and cool while strengthening the eye muscles and improving vision. Regular application of the product may also protect the eyes from infections and other eye diseases like blepharitis, cataracts, conjunctivitis, etc. (1) It is also believed to ward off an ‘evil eye’ when applied to an infant right after birth.
Tips and Tricks to Prevent Kajal from Smudging
Now, here are some simple yet effective tips and tricks that will make sure that your kajal stays perfect all day without smudging or spreading:
1. Clean Your Eye Area
The main obstacle to achieving a perfect kajal look is having oily skin. To overcome this, begin by thoroughly cleansing your face and paying particular attention to the area around your eyes. Use a mild cleanser to wash your entire face and remove any traces of eye makeup. You can use a Q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover or baby oil. Additionally, if your skin tends to be oily, consider rubbing some ice cubes around your eyes. This helps prevent smudging by keeping excess oil at bay and imparts your eyes a brighter and more alert appearance.
2. Prep Up Your Eyes
Like your face, your eyes must be prepped before applying makeup, including the kajal. Hence, use a primer or a foundation to prepare the area around the eyes. A primer will give you an excellent base to apply the kajal easily. Moreover, it allows the pigments of the kajal to stay on the skin longer. If you do not want to use a primer, pick an oil-free foundation to keep the eye region oil-free by creating an excellent base.
3. Dust Some Loose Powder
Loose powder can significantly help you eliminate stubborn oiliness from your undereye area. So, before you start applying your kajal, dab some loose powder under your eyes. Dust it on the lids and around the eyes’ corners (both inner and outer). This will absorb any excess oil to keep your kajal in place long. You can always brush the excess powder off later.
4. Pick the Right Product
Stop blaming your watery eyes or humid weather if you are out to get the boldly lined eye look for the whole day. Using the right kajal is also extremely necessary to avoid the unexpected spreading of it. Invest in a high-quality one that claims to be long-lasting and smudge-proof. Also, ensure that it is suitable for sensitive skin.
5. Master the Technique
Practicing the proper application technique is evident, as it can make or break your look. Keep the following points in mind while mastering it:
- Use a sharp pencil to create delicate and precise lines.
- Start from the outer corners and make your way inwards.
- Do not apply it to the inner corners of your lower eyelids, as it causes the maximum smudging.
- Draw darker lines on the center of the eyelids to create a dark and bold look.
- Apply short and repetitive strokes to control the thickness of the lines.
- Apply two coats or more to create a perfect smokey look.
6. Set It with Compact
After applying kajal, dust off the excess loose powder and set the foundation under the eyes with a bit of compact. This will absorb excess moisture in the under-eye region and lock the kajal in its place even on a hot and humid day.
7. Try an Eyeshadow
It also helps if you set your kajal with a powder eyeshadow of a similar shade. Dab the shadow below the waterline with a flat brush, and your kajal will no longer run onto your undereye area. The eyeshadow helps absorb the excess moisture and creates a naturally smudged, soft, matte look around the kajal you have already applied.
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8. Do Not Touch It
Now that you are set, remember not to spoil it yourself. So, please DO NOT TOUCH your eyes or meddle with them. You will yourself smudge it by doing so.
9. Keep Q-Tips Handy
Sometimes, the kajal smudges due to excessive skin oiliness despite all the care taken. Hence, be prepared for it. Always keep a few Q-tips handy to easily wipe away the excess kajal and restore the clean look anytime.
If all else fails and you still want nicely defined eyes, apply a thick layer of kajal when you go to bed. As you wake up with messy eyes, use a makeup remover and remove the excess kajal from your under-eye area. The kajal on the waterline will still remain and highlight your eyes.
Adverse Effects of Applying Kajal
Most commercially produced kajals are loaded with preservatives and other toxic chemical compounds, such as galena (PbS), minium (Pb3O4), amorphous carbon, magnetite (Fe3O4), and zincite (ZnO) (2). These are not good for our eyes and can even cause severe damage. Some of the most common risks associated with the application of kajal include allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, conjunctival discoloration, meibomitis, toxicity, stye, hordeolum, corneal ulcer, uveitis, dry eyes, and even glaucoma. The high lead concentration in kajal can also cause lead storage in our bodies upon long-term usage. This may negatively impact the brain and bone marrow, causing convulsions and anemia.
How to Make Kajal at Home?
You can always replace store-bought kajals with your homemade natural version. Burn a handful of almonds one by one with a lighter and collect the dark soot under the base of a thin metallic plate. Add a few drops of ghee or almond oil to create a thick, creamy consistency, and store it in a clean jar. This homemade preservative-free kajal will stay intact for almost four months.
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Summary:
Kajal has been an eye cosmetics for women since ancient times. Apart from defining our eyes, it is also believed to benefit them by cooling, strengthening, and protecting from several diseases. Right application of kajal is necessary to achieve a flawless look and following a few simple tips can help you stop it from smudging. While there are a few adverse effects of commercially produced kajal, you can always prepare your own version at home with natural and safe ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Does My Kajal Smudge All the Time?
Kajal can smudge for several reasons. Some common ones are humid weather, oily skin, watery eyes, harmful ingredients, etc.
What is the Difference Between Kajal and Kohl?
‘kajal’ and ‘kohl’ are used interchangeably these days. However, traditional kajals are made of all-natural ingredients, while kohls are composed of waxes and pigments.
Which is Better – Eyeliner or Kajal?
Kajal can be applied to both upper and lower eyelids, while eyeliner should be used only on the upper eyelid.
Can I Use Kajal as Eyeliner?
Yes, you can use Kajal as eyeliner. Kajal and eyeliner serve similar purposes in defining and accentuating the eyes. Both are applied along the waterline or lash line to enhance the eyes and create a more dramatic or polished look. Kajal is a versatile, softer, and creamier product than traditional eyeliners, making it easy to apply on the waterline or lower lash line.
Can We Apply Kajal Daily?
Yes, many people apply kajal daily as part of their makeup routine. Kajal is a popular cosmetic product used to define and highlight the eyes. It can add a touch of drama and enhance the overall appearance of the eyes.
References:
- “Kohl Along History in Medicine and Cosmetics,” biusante.parisdescartes.fr
- “A Study of the Chemical Composition of Traditional Eye Cosmetics (“Kohls”) Used in Qatar and Yemen,” ResearchGate.net
