Kajal vs Eyeliner: Unveiling the Difference Between Both
Kajal and eyeliner are two essential makeup products in the beauty arsenal of people who love to wear makeup every day. Both these eye make-up products improve your eye appearance differently while fulfilling different needs in your regular make-up routine.
To fully understand what sets Kajal products apart from other eyeliner products and reap the maximum benefits of each product. Here’s a guide on kajal vs eyeliner, covering their meaning, differences, unique use cases, and how-to-use tips.
Table of Contents
What is Kajal?
The term kajal has its roots in the Indian Hindi language, meaning black. It is a kind of eye makeup that you can apply to the upper, lower, or both lash lines. Kajal has a creamy texture and is commonly available in twist-up pencil form, making application clean and mess-free.
What is Eyeliner ?
Eyeliner is a part of regular eye makeup, and it provides a definitive shape to the eyelid. It can be easily applied to the upper eyelid and lower eyelid. When applied to the contours of your eyes, it plays a crucial role in your beauty routine and offers the best highlights to your eyes from the outside.
Understanding the Difference Between Eyeliner and Kajal
Wondering what is the difference between kajal and eyeliner? Well, the main difference lies in the intended use. Here are some crucial parameters for differentiating between the two:
| Parameters | Kajal | Eyeliner |
| Function | Helps to define the inner corner of the eyelid. | Used for defining the eyes by drawing a line along the lash line. |
| Ease of use | Easy to apply, even for makeup newbies. | Needs some practice, especially for creating sharp and dramatic lines. |
| Look achieved | Smokey, soft eye look, best for routine wear. | It is known to provide a more versatile, classic, and defined eye finish look. |
| Longevity | Long-lasting but might smudge a bit throughout the day, specifically on oily lids. | Waterproof and long-lasting formulas ensure that your line stays put. |
| Ingredients | Soot, wax, and oil. | Includes synthetic ingredients. |
| Texture | Soft, smudgeable formula, gentle consistency. | Matte finish, sweatproof, waterproof. |
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Can Kajal be Used as Eyeliner?
Can we use kajal as eyeliner? This is the most common query of makeup lovers. While eyeliner provides more variety in colors and finishes, kajal is a versatile product to create a soft, smoky, or dramatic eye look.
Here’s how kajal can be used as eyeliner:
Lining the waterline: Applying kajal to the waterline (the inner rim of your eye) can make your eyes appear larger and brighter, Colorbar Cosmetics suggests.
Lash line lining: Applying kajal along the upper and lower lash lines can help to define your eyes and make your lashes appear fuller.
Creating a wing: You can also create a wing by applying kajal along the lash line and extending it outward and upward toward the end of your eye.
Smudging for a smoky effect: Kajal can be easily smudged out with a brush or your finger to create a soft, smoky eye look.
Highlighting the inner corners: Using a shimmery kajal on the inner corners of your eyes can help to highlight them and make them appear larger.
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Kajal and Eyeliner Difference: Types and Use Cases
No discussion on kajal vs eyeliner is complete without knowing the varieties of kajals and eyeliners available, with their specific use cases as highlighted below:
| Types Of Kajal | Use cases |
| Pencil kajal | Ideal for everyday use, defining the waterline, or smudging on the upper/ lower lash line. |
| Powder kajal (kohl) | Used for creating a softer, diffused look. |
| Gel Kajal | Used to create a smokey eye look, tightlining. |
| Herbal or Ayurvedic kajal | Works best on sensitive eyes and is ideal for its cooling or therapeutic benefits. |
| Types Of Eyeliner | Use cases |
| Liquid eyeliner | Ideal for drawing sharp, accurate lines, such as wings or cat eyes. |
| Pencil eyeliner | Helps create fun eyeshadow looks. |
| Pen eyeliner | Creates precise and detailed lines. |
| Gel eyeliner | Best for smudging, bold wings, or long-lasting wear. |
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Kajal vs Eyeliner: Correct Application Steps for Everyday Use
Mastering the unique application steps and styles to apply each of these eye makeup products will help wow everyone around you.
Steps To Apply Kajal Correctly
To apply kajal correctly for a smokey or classy look, follow the steps below:
- Clean the area around your eyes: Wash your face to remove any old makeup or kajal from around the eyes. You can stop smudging by drawing kajal on neat skin.
- Make a line along the inner side of your upper eyelid: Use a sharpened kajal pencil and draw a straight line from the inner eye to the outer edge along the lashline.
- Pull down your lower lid to draw a line under the eye. The trick is to use your ring finger and gently pull down the lower eyelid. Draw the pencil either along the lash or the waterline of the eye part.
- Smudge using your finger or a brush: Many kajal styles require that you smudge the kajal, gently blending it upwards, using small, repeated strokes.
Steps To Apply Eyeliner Correctly
The following are a few basic steps for how to apply eyeliner perfectly :
- Don’t forget to use a sharpened pencil if you are using pencil eyeliner.
- Gently glide the eyeliner from the inner to the outer corner after identifying the lashline.
- Make sure not to press too hard, and use short strokes.
For a thicker or darker line, once again go back over the line at the end, applying firmer pressure.
Conclusion
The final choice between kajal vs eyeliner depends on the look you want to achieve. Wearing a kajal is your go-to option for a traditional, dramatic look, thereby creating black rimmed eyes. However, eyeliner is the ideal option for a versatile, contemporary look.
In simple terms, it is difficult to pinpoint an absolute winner; both kajal and eyeliner are wonderful options for achieving unique eye looks. Therefore, eye makeup enthusiasts should combine both kajal and eyeliner products for the best eye styling choices.
FAQs
Is kajal and eyeliner same?
The precise answer to the question of whether eyeliner and kajal are the same is a clear no. Eyeliner and kajal are not the same, though they are both eye makeup products used to define the eyes.
Is Kajal good for your eyes?
Kajal plays multiple roles to keep your eyes clean and warm, thereby improving your vision and strength.
Which is better, kajal or eyeliner?
Kajal and eyeliner serve different purposes and cater to different preferences, so neither is “better” than the other.
Is it okay to wear kajal and eyeliner every day?
While wearing kajal and eyeliner daily is aesthetically pleasing, consider potential health risks, like irritation, allergic reactions, and infections.
How many days do Kajal and eyeliner last?
Some kajal and eyeliner formulas last for 12, 16, or even 24 hours, depending on the product and individual needs.
Does Kajal make eyes appear darker?
If you do not wipe off kajal properly, the same might cause darkening and pigmentation on the eye.
What type of eyeliner is best?
A liquid or gel-based eyeliner is enriched with the richest pigment. You can get deep line contrast with liquid liners. While gel liners will provide you with super-rich pigments, irrespective of texture.
What is another term for kajal in English?
In English, “kajal” is often called kohl. Both terms are used interchangeably for the dark eye makeup product to line the waterline.
Which looks better, eyeliner or kajal?
Kajal is best for a soft, smoky eye. Eyeliner is Ideal for sharp lines and dramatic flicks.
How do you keep kajal and eyeliner long-lasting?
To make kajal and eyeliner last longer, start with a clean, dry eyelid, use a primer, and opt for waterproof or long-lasting formulas.
