"Rooted in Indian beauty traditions, kajal pencils are one of the highest selling products in the beauty industry. A kajal pencil continues to be a mainstay in several beauty cabinets—a jet black pop of definition instantly highlights the face and eyes. But much like every other beauty product, a kajal pencil comes with its shares of pet peeves—raccoon-like eyes due to all the smudging. The solution? Smudge-proof and waterproof kajal pencils. How does a smudge-proof, waterproof kajal pencil work? A waterproof kajal pencil will not only resist water and sweat, but also refuse to move no matter how many times you end up touching your eyes. This is because of a combination of oils and waxes in the product that allow the kajal to dry down to a film-like stroke on the skin, thereby withstanding all kinds of aggressors. Celebrity artist and founder of Mokae Beauty, Sandhya Shekar, explains, “A smudge-proof kajal could be really creamy at the first application, but there are certain volatiles that disappear, making the texture extremely non-creamy. Thus, it sticks to the skin.” Is smudge-proof kajal pencil right for you? “If you frequently prefer a liner look or if you want your liner to be extremely defined or neat, a smudge-proof kajal would help,” says Shekar. “On the other hand, if you want to achieve a smokey look or draw a thicker liner, you should be going for something that is smudgeable.” A waterproof kajal pencil will not only resist water and sweat, but also refuse to move no matter how many times you end up touching your eyes. Photograph: (Instagram.com/mokaebeauty) How to remove smudge-proof kajal? If you want to avoid waking up with raccoon eyes, Shekar recommends using a make-up remover with an oil-based formulation. “An oil-based cleanser in liquid form, or even a make-up removal balm, are really helpful. I also go back to a technique where I use two cotton pads, and a third cotton pad cut into halves. I first use the two halves for the lower waterline and then put the two full cotton pads all over the eyes, followed by using gentle, circular motions to get rid of the kajal. It is the most effective way to reach every corner between each of the lashes.” Shekar uses a q-tip dipped in an oil-based cleanser, and goes into the edges for a thorough removal, as any kind of leftovers “can lead to, say, a long-term dryness in the eye which can be extremely unhealthy,” particularly for sensitive eyes. Though a go-to choice for many, Shekar advises against using wet wipes or face wash as your first cleanse, because “it could ruin the texture of the skin around your eyes in the long run; so be as gentle as possible.” Best kajal pencil picks in India Photograph: (Instagram.com/mokaebeauty) 1. Cosmic Eyes Kajal, Mokae Beauty: The most pigmented, long-lasting kajal pencil This retractable kajal pencil, comprising 91 per cent ingredients of natural origin, promises a punch of pigment. The buttery-smooth formula allows for a one-stroke, even application.Smudge-free and waterproof, it lasts all day. The twist-up format is travel-friendly and the castor oil-infused formulation minimises irritation to zero. You can choose between jet black, dark brown, and rose gold variants. Priced at ₹1,199 Available at mokaebeauty.com Photograph: (www.bobbibrown.in) 2. 24-Hour Kajal Liner Waterproof, Bobbi Brown: The best waterproof kajal pencil This kajal pencil from Bobbi Brown lives up to its waterproof claims; it won"t melt, budge, or move—come what may. This sharpenable kajal pencil can be used to softly line the waterline as well as create a bold, smokey-eye look, thanks to its richly pigmented formula. Jojoba and sunflower seed oils ensure the kajal pencil protects sensitive eyes. Priced at ₹1,150 Available at tirabeauty.com Photograph: (Instagram.com/lovecolorbar) 3. Just Smokey Matte Kajal Pencil, Colorbar: The best affordable kajal pencil One of the best drugstore kajal pencils, this is a user-favourite, delivering performance on a budget. Available in multiple shades—both matte and metallic—this smudge-proof kajal pencil ditches parabens and mineral oils, and instead comprises jojoba oil that soothes the eyes. The velvety formula glides effortlessly, while the smudger tip on the other end allows you to play with different eye make-up looks. Priced at ₹750 Available at amazon.in Photograph: (www.simplynam.com) 4. The Ultimate Kajal, Simply Nam: The best eye kajal pencil for bold-eye make-up Crafted under the expertise of celebrity make-up artist Namrata Soni, this dual-ended kajal pencil is an eye make-up styler in its own right. With an in-built sharpener, smudger, and seven times more product than industrial standards, this is one of the best eye kajal pencils on the market. It"s ophthalmologically tested as well as sweat-resistant, making it perfect for humid weather. Priced at ₹999 Available at simplynam.com Photograph: (www.faebeauty.in) 5. Eye Deal Intense Gel Kajal, FAE Beauty: The best kajal pencil for sensitive eyes A gel-based liner created to last in the Indian weather, this one from FAE Beauty is efficient and affordable. The vegan formulation, featuring vitamin E, calendula extract, and moringa seed extract, is well-tolerated by the most sensitive eyes. Plus, this kajal pencil comes with a slender brush—and not sponge-y smudger—which means no tugging or pulling. Priced at ₹420 Available at faebeauty.in Photograph: (www.kallos.co) 6. In Extreme Dimension 24-Hour Kajal Eye Liner: The best dark kajal pencil in a mini size If you"re looking for a portable, travel-size kajal eye pencil, this miniature from M.A.C. is an ideal option. The dramatic colour pay-off can last up to 24 hours—without smudging or flaking. Packed with jojoba and sunflower seed oil, it is also super creamy. Priced at ₹900 Available at maccosmetics.in Photograph: (Instagram.com/kaybykatrina) 7. Intense Black 24H Kajal Eyeliner Duo, Kay Beauty: The best kajal pencil with liquid eyeliner With a felt-tip liquid liner at one end and a creamy, jet-black kajal eye pencil at the other, this is a one-and-done product to achieve a statement-eye look. The kajal pencil"s formula is weightless and long-lasting. Chamomile and ceramides make sure your eyes are well-protected. Priced at ₹999 Available at nykaa.com Photograph: (khadijabeauty.com) 8. Kajal, Ruby"s Organics: The best organic kajal pencil An organic kajal pencil can oftentimes slip and smudge because of potent natural ingredients and oils it contains. This product stands apart as it is prepared with vegetable carbon pigments along with nourishing and soothing ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, jojoba oil, almond oil, castor oil, and vitamin E. It also contains a sharpener and smudger. Priced at ₹650 Available at rubysorganics.in Frequently asked questions on a Kajal pencil Q. How to apply eyeliner with kajal pencil? A. For an understated look, swipe the kajal pencil on both the lower and upper water lines, and create a fine stroke. For a bolder look, apply the kajal pencil on the upper and lower water lines first, and extend it slightly below the lash line. Adjust the thickness of the stroke based on your preference, and smudge the kohl for a smokey look. Q. Can eyebrow pencil be used as a kajal pencil? A. While an eyebrow pencil could be used as a kajal pencil since they come in shades of black, brown or grey, it is not recommended to do so. Eyebrow pencils are often harder, more waxy, and less pigmented than a kajal pencil. To make them work as a kajal pencil could cause excessive tugging, causing irritation in case of sensitive eyes. It"s best to stick to a creamy kajal pencil for the eyes. Q. How to sharpen a kajal pencil? A. If your kajal pencil is sharpenable, you can simply purchase a sharpener that works for the circumference of the tip, and sharpen it the way you would sharpen a regular pencil. If you have a retractable kajal pencil, you won"t be able to sharpen it. Q. Which is the best kajal pencil in India? A. Some of the best kajal pencils in India can be found from brands such as Mokae Beauty, Bobbi Brown, Simply Nam, FAE Beauty, and M.A.C. Cosmetics Q. How to make a kajal pencil smudge-proof? A. To make any kajal pencil smudge-proof, make-up artist Sandhya Shekar recommends patting some powder eyeshadow on top of the kajal. This helps lock the pigment, and prevents melting and smudging. "
/established/media/agency_attachments/2025/06/25/FfP7EAeCporXBZlXZaRJ.png)