How to Apply Kajal

Co-authored by Laura Menendez

Last Updated: August 14, 2022 References

Kajal is a heavy black eye cosmetic traditionally used to outline eyes in South Asia and the Middle East. Applying kajal might seem intimidating at first, but it is a simple eyeliner to apply and use. You can use a pencil to create tight, controlled lining along your eyes, or you might use a brush or wand to create a thick, smoky style. Once you have mastered the technique, try different styles and designs to wow everyone around you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using a Kajal Pencil

1
Clean the area around your eyes. Clean skin will prevent the kajal from smudging. You can wash your face or use makeup remover to clean off any old makeup or kajal from around your eyes.^{[1]
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2
Draw a line from the inner corner of your upper eyelid. With a sharpened kajal pencil, make a straight line along the lash line from your inner eye to the outer edge. Try to do this in one motion if possible.^{[2]
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3
Pull down your lower lid to line under the eye. Using your ring finger, gently pull down on your lower eyelid while looking up. Start at the inner corner of your eye. Draw the pencil along either the lash line or the water line of your eye.^{[3]
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- The lash line is the area where your lashes grow. The water line is the rim of the eye between your lashes and the eye.
4
Smudge with your finger or a brush if desired. Many kajal styles require that you smudge the kajal after applying. Using your ring finger or an eye brush, gently blend the kajal upwards towards your brow with small, repeated strokes.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Putting on Kajal with a Wand or Brush

1
Remove excess product. Whether you are working with a powder, liquid, or gel, make sure that there is no extra kajal on the wand or brush. For a powder, tap the wand gently against the bottle. For a liquid or gel, gently wipe the brush against the lid.
2
Hold the wand or brush horizontally. When you apply the kajal, you should always hold the wand or brush sideways so that it is horizontal. The wand should line up against the lash line of your eye. Do not hold the wand vertically.^{[5]
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3
Draw a line from the inner corner along the upper lash line. Start at the inner eye, and draw out the wand along the lash line towards the outer edge of your eye. Use as few strokes as possible; try to do it in one move if possible.
4
Create a straight line along the lower lash line. Pull down the skin under your eye, and press the wand or brush to your inner eye. Gently sweep the brush along the lower lash line (if you are using gel or liquid) or water line (if you are using a powder).
5
Thicken the kajal if desired. For a more dramatic look, you can build upon the base. Use short strokes back and forth along the original base to thicken the line of kajal. Continue until you are satisfied with your look.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Styling Kajal

1
Edge the water line of your eye for a traditional look.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Laura Menendez
Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician
Expert Interview. 17 March 2022.} Using the ring finger of your non-dominant hand, gently pull down the skin beneath your lower eyelid until you see the white of your eye. With a pencil or powder, draw a line along the water line of your lower eyelid from the inner corner to the outer edge.^{[8]
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2
Soften sharp lines with an eye smudger. If your kajal look is too sharp or thin, you can carefully smudge both lines by running the tip of an eye smudger brush over them. Start at the inner corner of your eye, and follow the kajal out to the edge of your eye.
3
Create a winged cat-eye.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Laura Menendez
Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician
Expert Interview. 17 March 2022.} Starting at the inner corner, draw a line along your lash line. Once you reach the outer corner of the upper lash line, draw a short line that tilts upward at a 45-degree angle.
- For a bolder look, go back over the entire line of kajal, and thicken it using short strokes of the pencil or wand.^{[10]
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4
Smudge the kajal for a smoky eye. Close your eye, and apply a thick line to the upper lid. Take a fluffy eye shadow brush and smudge the kajal upward, working it through the crease and toward the brow bone. To create more of an ombre effect, draw another thin line of kajal over the upper lash line, and blend.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Laura Menendez
Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician
Expert Interview. 17 March 2022.}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Picking the Right Kajal

1
Pick a kajal pencil for a controlled look. Pencils are the easiest kajal to use, especially for beginners. They are applied like regular eyeliner pencils. They can create thin or tight lines, and they do not wear off as easily. They may not be as good for smoky or smudged looks, however.^{[12]
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- Pencils are a great choice if you want to edge your water line.
- You will need to sharpen the pencil occasionally.
2
Get a liquid or gel kajal for a more dramatic look. Liquid and gels create thicker and darker looks. They are easier to blend than kajal pencils, but they may smudge more throughout the day. It is also not a good idea to apply gel or liquid kajal directly to your water line, as it may cause irritation.^{[13]
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- Some gels and liquids will come with their own wands. If they don't, you will need to get an eyeliner brush to apply them.
3
Choose kajal powders for a traditional look. If you want to create a smoky look, you might consider traditional kajal powders. These powders are good if you want a traditional, dark eye. They will not form straight or perfect lines, but they will give you a thick and bold edging.^{[14]
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- Kajal powders usually come with an applicator wand. They can also be applied using an eyeliner brush.
4
Find a waterproof formula if you sweat or cry easily. A waterproof formula may help prevent smudging or prevent the kajal from running if your eyes start to water. These formulas are ideal for people who exercise often or for people who have allergies or sensitive eyes. Waterproof versions may be more difficult to wash off, however.
- You can find waterproof versions of all types of kajal, even traditional powders.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can we do smokey eyes with kajal?

Laura Menendez
Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician
Laura Menendez is a Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician and the Owner of Laura London Makeup. With over seven years of experience in the makeup industry, she specializes in makeup for special events and photoshoots. Laura’s work has been featured in many national publications such as FHM. She is certified in Color Theory, Photography Makeup, and Mature Skin.

Laura Menendez

Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician

Expert Answer

Sure you can! I recommend using a kajal liner as a base for a smokey eye, to get that dark black underneath before you apply the eyeshadow. Or, if you want to do a smoke out liner, take a small flat brush and go back and forth and it would kind of make it smokey.
Question

How can I wear it secretly?

Community Answer

Only apply a very small amount to your lashline.
Question

I have dark circles, so whenever I apply kajal, it looks darker. How can I use it?

Community Answer

Cover your dark circles first with concealer and foundation. You can also use a highlighter, then you can use the kajal.