No matter how flawless your facial makeup is, it is not considered complete until your eyes are not intensely lined. A touch of kajal can make you look brighter and prettier even on a ‘no makeup day’. But what if you end up with raccoon-like eyes every time after applying it? Well, you are not alone. From oily skin to the wrong technique, there are a number of factors that can make your kajal feather and smudge. All you need to do is follow a few simple tips and tricks to put a stop on it. Keep reading to know how to prevent kajal from smudging and have well-defined eyes throughout the day.
Importance of Applying Kajal
Since ancient times, kajal or kohl has been considered as the most popular eye cosmetics around the world. It has widely been used by women (sometimes even men and children too) in the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia, and Africa. The primary use of kajal is to contour as well as define the eyes for a bright and mesmerizing look. However, the traditional preparation of the product involved a number of therapeutically active ingredients along with galena (the ultra-fine form of specially processed kohl stone), which contributed to its great medicinal properties. Kajal keeps eyes clean and cool while strengthening the eye muscles and improving the vision. Regular application of the product may also protect the eyes from infections and other eye diseases like blepharitis, cataract, conjunctivitis, etc. (1) It is also believed to ward off an ‘evil eye’ when applied to an infant right after the birth.
Tip and Tricks to Prevent Kajal from Smudging
Now, here are some simple yet most effective tips and tricks that will make sure that your kajal stays absolutely perfect all-day without smudging or spreading:
1. Clean Your Eye Area
Oiliness is the biggest enemy of a flawless kajal look. So, start out by cleaning your face thoroughly, focusing on the area around your eyes. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your entire face and make sure to get rid of any remnant of your eye makeup by using a Q-tip dipped in an eye makeup remover or baby oil. Also, rub some ice cubes around your eyes if your skin is too oily. This will not only prevent smudging by keeping greasiness away but also give your eyes a brighter and more alert look.
2. Prep Up Your Eyes
Just like your face, your eyes also need to be prepped before applying any kind of makeup including the kajal. Hence, use a primer or a foundation to prepare the area around the eyes. A primer will give you a good base on which you can apply the kajal easily. Moreover, it allows the pigments of the kajal to stay on the skin for a longer time. If you do not want to use a primer, just pick an oil-free foundation that will also keep the eye region oil-free by creating a nice base.
3. Dust Some Loose Powder
Loose powder can help you a lot in eliminating stubborn oiliness from your undereye area. So, before you start applying your kajal, dab some loose powder under your eyes. Also, dust it on the lids as well as around the corners (both inner and outer) of the eyes. This will absorb any excess oil in order to keep your kajal in place for a long time. You can always brush the excess powder off later.
4. Pick the Right Product
If you are out to get the boldly lined eye look for the whole day, stop blaming your watery eyes or humid weather. Using the right kajal is also extremely necessary to avoid 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 right application technique is obvious as it can make or break your look. Keep the following points in mind while mastering it:
- Use a sharp pencil to create fine 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. Simply dab the shadow below the waterline with a flat brush and your kajal will not run onto your undereye area anymore. The eyeshadow helps in absorbing the excess moisture and also 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, DO NOT TOUCH your eyes or meddle with them. You will yourself smudge it by doing so.
9. Keep Q-Tips Handy
Sometimes, due to excessive oiliness in your skin, the kajal does tend to smudge despite all the care taken. Hence, be prepared for it. Always keep a few Q-tips handy so that you can easily wipe away the excess kajal and restore the clean look any time, anywhere.
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 at all good for our eyes and can even cause serious damage to them. 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 concentration of lead in kajal can also cause lead storage in our body upon long-term usage. This may impact the brain and the bone marrow negatively, thereby causing diseases like convulsions and anemia.
How to Make Kajal at Home?
You can always replace store-bought kajals with your own homemade natural version. Simply 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 it to come up with thick, creamy consistency and store it in a clean jar. This homemade preservative-free kajal will stay intact for almost 4 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 a number of reasons. Some common ones among them are humid weather, oily skin, watery eyes, bad ingredients, and so on.
What is the Difference Between Kajal and Kohl?
The terms ‘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?
Of course, you can. However, it may not last long due to its creamy formulation.
Can We Apply Kajal Daily?
Yes, you can. But make sure that you remove it at the end of the day without fail.
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
