Makeup is an art. It also goes without saying that it is time-consuming. Some women opt for kajal on regular days when they are running off to their college or work. A single stroke enhances their beauty in no time.
Kajal is easy to apply. But we have heard several women complain about their kajal getting smudged quickly. Or it burns their eyes.
As kajal is applied near your eyes, you need to be extra careful while buying kajal. A wrong selection can hurt your eyes or fail to make your eyes look appealing.
To help you make a better decision, we researched and tested over 25 different kajal brands. Out of that lot, we selected the 10 best Kajals in India. We have ranked them according to their brand, utility, and results.
Best Kajals in India 2024
If you are reading this, chances are you are already using some Kajal brand. But if you are unhappy with its results or want a change, we have reviewed the 10 best Kajals in India.
Lakme Eyeconic Insta Cool Kajal
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Overall Score: 4.3/5
It is a no-brainer that the Lakme Eyeconic Insta Cool Kajal is our number 1 recommendation. This smudge-proof kajal will be your quick-makeup buddy as it beautifies your entire look without any hassle.
As it is Ophthalmologically tested, you need not worry about the kajal burning your eyes. Even if you have had issues with your previous kajals, this one will glide like butter on your lower and upper waterline and eyelids.
The main highlight of this kajal is its cucumber seed extracts. We have seen far too many women worrying about the kajal stinging their eyes. But this kajal will bring an end to such issues. As it is infused with cucumber seed extracts, it gives a relaxed feeling to your eyes.
It has a convenient twist-up mechanism that allows you to retract it without any extra effort. The lid fits like a glove on the stick and protects the kajal. In other words, you can carry this kajal in your bag without worrying about it breaking.
The company guarantees that this kajal stays waterproof for about 22 hours. We tested this, and we were happy with the results. It will not smudge unless, of course, you have a sob fest.
Let us talk about its texture now. It has an intense matte black finish that is easy to apply. You can try different kinds of kajal looks like Dramatic wings or get your Smokey eyes game on!
Be it for a wedding, meeting, or dinner date; this kajal will give you enough confidence to rock any outfit.
If you are somebody who likes to experiment, this kajal is also available in five different colours, other than the classic Black.
With this kajal, your eyes will definitely be the centre of attention!
Highlights:
- Smudge-proof
- Waterproof for 22 hours
- Ophthalmologically tested
- Infused with cucumber seed extracts
- Easy on the eyes
- Matte finish
- Leaves behind a cooling effect
- No eye burns
Maybelline New York Colossal Kajal
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Overall Score: 4.3/5
The Maybelline New York Colossal Kajal is a solid contender for our first recommendation. It gives a proper definition to the eyes so that you can carry an only-kajal look with utmost confidence.
The brand guarantees that it lasts up to 24 hours. We tested this, and the kajal stayed smudge-proof for a good 20 hours. This is good enough to get you through the day without worrying about your kajal.
To enhance its quality, the kajal is made with Vitamin C, E, and aloe vera. This helps in giving a cooling effect to your eyes to avoid any burns or discomfort. If you tend to get teary while applying kajal, this one will not disappoint you with the same issue.
Moreover, it is free from dyes to avoid any kind of irritation. You can use it every day with comfort.
It has matte black finishing that will go with every outfit and look.
It comes in a retractable unit with a bright yellow-coloured case. You can fit it into your bag and carry it with you with ease.
Highlights:
- Smudge-proof
- Dye-free
- Contains Vitamin C, E, and aloe vera
- No irritation
- Waterproof
- Matte black finishing
L’oreal Paris Kajal Magique
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Overall Score: 4.1/5
The L’oreal Paris Kajal Magique is a smudge-proof kajal infused with mineral pigments. This enhances its colour and allows you to maintain your look.
This kajal is made with ingredients like Olive oil Esters, Vitamin C derivative, Vitamin E, and Cocoa butter. Such a combination helps in keeping the eyes healthy and cool without causing any irritation or discomfort. Moreover, due to such natural ingredients, you can use this kajal while wearing contact lenses as well.
The kajal remains free from any smudge for 12 hours. This means that you can get by your day with a single application.
It has a sleek black design. As it is compact, you can fit it in your purse and carry it everywhere you go.
The matte black colour suits every eye colour and shape. Moreover, you can try different types of kajal designs to augment your look.
The kajal will come off easily once you try to remove it with a makeup remover. It will not smudge around your eyes.
Highlights:
- Waterproof for 12 hours
- Smudge-proof
- Black matte finishing
- Made with Olive oil Esters, Vitamin C derivative, Vitamin E, and Cocoa butter
- Safe to use while wearing contact lenses
Lotus Make-up Natural Kajal
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Overall Score: 4.1/5
If you are extra-sensitive, or you want something natural, we recommend the Lotus Make-up Natural Kajal. This kajal is infused with botanical extracts of camphor and almond oil. When your eyes get the goodness of such natural ingredients, they are bound to stay protected.
This combination not only allows you to get thicker and darker strokes it also soothes your eyes. With a natural foundation, your eyes will not get irritated. Instead, they will feel pampered. In addition to that, almond oil can also help your lashes grow. It also acts as an anti-ageing agent for your eyelids.
Moreover, the presence of camphor ensures that your eyes remain hydrated.
It guarantees 24 hours without any smudge. This means that you can look elegant throughout the day without any reapplication.
The kajal has an opaque black finishing. It will give you sharp strokes so that you can experiment with different styles.
The case is handy and compact. The retractable mechanism allows you to use it on the go.
Highlights:
- Natural
- Smudge-proof
- Waterproof for 24 hours
- Made with camphor and almond oil
- Opaque black finishing
Faces Canada Ultime Pro Intense Gel Kajal
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Overall Score: 4.2/5
The Faces Canada Ultime Pro Intense Gel Kajal is one of the best kajals made by international brands.
This pencil-type kajal is made with Candelilla plant wax that gives it a creamy and smooth texture. It also allows you to apply the kajal with a single stroke, covering your entire eyelids.
Its matte black finishing does not smudge for 12 hours. Moreover, its gel finishing keeps your eyes in the spotlight at all times. As it is waterproof, you need not worry about the kajal getting ruined along your waterlines.
The kajal is soft on your eyes and does not irritate. As it is tested by dermatologists, you can use it every day.
Due to its sharp edge, you can use this kajal to create several eye looks. If the tip gets blunt, you can use the sharpener that comes with the kajal.
Overall, this is one of our favourite kajals, but it comes at a high price range.
Highlights:
- Waterproof for 12 hours
- Smudge-proof
- Made with Candelilla plant wax
- Tested by dermatologists
- Cruelty-free
- Pencil-type
- Comes with a sharpener
Himalaya Herbal Kajal
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Overall Score: 4.3/5
Himalaya is one of the most trustworthy Indian brands when it comes to skincare. Additionally, it has entered the field of makeup, and we absolutely love its Herbal Kajal.
As the name suggests, this kajal is made with herbal ingredients. It is enriched with castor oil and almond oil to give soothing and cooling effects to the eyes. Moreover, the presence of almond oil helps you grow your lashes naturally, while castor oil keeps your eyes hydrated. Such a combination also protects your eyes from harmful external pollutants.
Other ingredients include Damask rose, Triphala, Inknut, Beleric Myrobalan, etc. Such herbal ingredients have cooling properties that remove any kind of irritation or puffiness. Moreover, it can also soothe your eyes even after looking at digital screens for hours at a stretch.
The kajal has a rich and opaque finishing that allows easy application without any smudge. It is bright enough to highlight your eye shape.
As it is creamy, you can also use it as an eyeliner to get that winged eyeliner or smokey eyes look. Moreover, it comes in a compact casing that can fit into even the tiniest of purses.
So, if you are looking for something natural, herbal, and effective for your eyes, you cannot go wrong with Himalaya.
Highlights:
- Herbal
- Contains almond oil and castor oil
- Infused with Damask rose, Triphala, Inknut, Beleric Myrobalan
- Opaque finishing
- Can be used as an eyeliner
- Thick texture
Blue Heaven Soft Kajal Eyeliner
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Overall Score: 4/5
Are you tired of applying the same black kajal every day? Are you willing to ramp up your look by experimenting with other colours? If yes, then we recommend the Blue Heaven Soft Kajal Eyeliner.
This waterproof and smudge-proof kajal eyeliner has 2x the intensity of any regular kajal. This means you can get a more defined eye shape to enhance your look.
It is infused with aloe vera to give a cooling effect. It soothes the eyes and does not irritate, even if you are applying it every day. As it also contains anti-oxidant properties, your eyes remain hydrated and clean.
Furthermore, it prevents any external pollutants from entering or sticking around your eyes. This gives you a clean and clear look.
It has a matte finishing to get more definition. You can use it to create your winged eyeliner look without any smudges.
This kajal is also available in other colours like black and green. Choose your favourite colour and create your rocking look wherever you go!
Highlights:
- 24 hour smudge-proof
- Made with aloe vera
- Contains antioxidant properties
- Can be used as an eyeliner
- 2x the intensity
- Matte finishing
Revlon Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil With Sharpener
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Overall Score: 4/5
A lot of women complain about their kajal getting smudged easily in dry and humid regions. But we did not experience that issue with the Revlon Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil With Sharpener.
This soft powder-matte kajal gives you a unique finishing. The tip is made in such a way that it is easier to cover all contours without losing the line. Moreover, once applied, you can stop worrying about any smudges for a few hours.
It is infused with Vitamin E and aloe vera for soothing the eyes. Moreover, it will not irritate your eyes, even if you apply it every day. Instead, it will provide a calming and refreshing effect. You might also see a reduction in the puffiness around your eyes.
With more usage, the tip of this pencil-kajal might get blunt. But as it comes with a sharpener, you can use it to get that sharp winged eyeliner look.
All the ingredients used in making this kajal are approved by FDA. This means that its quality is trustworthy and reliable.
Highlights:
- Waterproof
- Black soft powder-matte finishing
- Can be used as an eyeliner
- Refreshes and soothes the eyes
- Made with aloe vera and Vitamin E
- Approved by FDA
Colorbar Just Smoky Kajal
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Overall Score: 4.1/5
If you do not mind spending a hefty amount on kajal for utmost quality, we recommend the Colorbar Just Smoky Kajal.
The price is justified as you get the highest quality. Moreover, this kajal can be used as an eyeliner as well as an eye shadow.
It comes with a built-in smudger through which you can increase the intensity of the kajal. With such a feature, you can try out several different eye makeup looks.
As it is smudge-free and waterproof, you need not worry about any humid climate or moisture ruining your face. Just apply it in the morning, and you are good to go for the rest of the day.
The matte black colour is pigmented enough to highlight your eyes and giving them more definition. It moves according to the contours of your eyes to provide a seamless finishing.
As it is tested by dermatologists, you need not worry about any side effects or irritation in the eyes.
With caps on both sides, you can carry this kajal anywhere in your bag.
Besides the regular black, it is also available in five different colours.
Highlights:
- Waterproof for 12 hours
- Smudgeproof
- Can be used as a kajal, eyeliner, and eye shadow
- Tested by dermatologists
- Pigmented
- Black matte finish
Lakmé 9 to 5 Naturale Gel Kajal
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Overall Score: 4/5
Do you want to go outside the box and try something other than the regular retractable or pencil-type kajal? If yes, then you must go for Lakmé 9 to 5 Naturale Gel Kajal.
The kajal comes in a gel form with a unique applicator. The applicator is designed in such a way that you get bold and intense strokes with every usage.
It gives a matte black finishing so that you can get that sharp and defined look that goes with every outfit, with every occasion.
The kajal is rich in aloe vera and calendula oil to protect your eyes from any irritations. It keeps all pollutants away and soothes your eyes. With such natural ingredients, you can apply this kajal every day without irritating your eyes.
Even though it might not be the best option for smudge-free kajal, we really like its look and applicator results.
Highlights:
- Waterproof
- Matte black finishing
- Comes with an applicator
- Made with aloe vera and calendula oil
Buying Guide: How to Choose Best Kajal?
Some might think that buying a kajal is like a walk in the park. But if you end up with the wrong product, you can potentially risk your eyes. Choosing an inferior rated kajal can irritate your eyes and cause severe burning.
To save yourself from such repercussions, go through the following buying guide to get the best kajal:
Ingredients
Always take a glance at the ingredient list of the kajal. The best ones will have natural ingredients like aloe vera, Vitamin E, cucumber seed extracts, or calendula oil.
Brands add harmful components to improve the texture of the kajal. But these might affect your eyes and cause irritation and swelling.
Natural ingredients will also enhance your eye look by keeping all external pollutants away. Moreover, they will hydrate your eyes and refresh them.
Moreover, it is safer to opt for the ones that are tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.
Type
Mainly, there are two types of kajals: retractable and pencil-type.
While both are compact and easy to apply, the pencil-type might lose its sharpness over time. You will require a sharpener to sharpen its edge.
Some brands sell kajals with an applicator. You can use it in the form of kajal, eyeliner, and eye shadow.
Brands
If you want to play it safe, the best kajal brands available in India are Lakme, Maybelline, and L’oreal. These brands are tried and tested over the years. Hence, you cannot go wrong with these options.
Conclusion
After trying our favourite looks with 10 different kajals, we lean towards the Lakme Eyeconic Insta Cool Kajal.
This kajal ticks all the boxes for us in terms of quality and results. During our research, it remained smudge-proof for 22 hours. Moreover, the presence of cucumber seed extracts soothes our eyes and refreshes them with every application.
Well, that was our recommendation. Which one are you going to choose? Whatever you select, ensure to rock your preferred eye looks every day just with a simple stroke!
