🌟 Introduction: Best Kajal/Eyeliner Brands in India
Best kajal/eyeliner brands in India is one of the most searched beauty topics because no makeup kit is complete without kajal or eyeliner. For Indian women (and men too), kajal is more than just makeup—it’s tradition, culture, and everyday beauty. From enhancing natural eyes to creating dramatic bold looks, kajal and eyeliner play a vital role.
But the challenge? With so many brands in the market, it’s tough to figure out which ones are smudge-proof, long-lasting, safe for sensitive eyes, and budget-friendly. That’s why we’ve created this detailed 2025 guide covering the best brands, top products, pros & cons, and expert tips.
🧐 What Makes a Good Kajal/Eyeliner?
Before we jump into the list, let’s understand what factors make a kajal/eyeliner worth buying:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Smudge-proof & Waterproof | Indian weather is hot & humid; smudging is common. |
| Pigmentation | Jet-black and bold colors look better on Indian skin tones. |
| Gentle Formula | Safe for sensitive eyes, contact lens users, and daily wear. |
| Long-Lasting | Nobody wants to reapply every hour. |
| Variety of Textures | Pencil, gel, liquid, or pen depending on preference. |
| Affordable | Should be value for money for students & working women. |
🏆 Best Kajal/Eyeliner Brands in India – Quick Comparison
| Brand | Price Range | Known For | Popular Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakmé | ₹150 – ₹1200 | Affordable, widely available | Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal |
| Maybelline New York | ₹150 – ₹600 | Long-lasting, smudge-proof | Colossal Kajal |
| L’Oréal Paris | ₹300 – ₹900 | Smooth formula, premium feel | Kajal Magique |
| Plum Goodness | ₹400 – ₹600 | Vegan, safe for sensitive eyes | NaturStudio Kajal |
| Lotus Herbals | ₹200 – ₹500 | Herbal ingredients, natural look | Lotus Ecostay Kajal |
| Elle 18 | ₹120 – ₹250 | Affordable, good for beginners | Eye Drama Kajal |
| Himalaya Herbals | ₹100 – ₹200 | Herbal, everyday use | Himalaya Kajal |
| Faces Canada | ₹200 – ₹400 | Pigmentation, modern shades | MagnetEyes Kajal |
| Colorbar | ₹350 – ₹700 | Rich color payoff | Intensely Rich Kajal |
| Premium (Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Shankara) | ₹1200+ | High-end, dermat-tested | Clinique High Impact Kajal |
🔎 Detailed Review of Top Kajal/Eyeliner Brands
1. Lakmé
- India’s most trusted beauty brand.
- Affordable, easily available.
- Best Product: Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal (₹180).
- Why Buy: Smudge-proof, long-lasting.
- Drawback: May smudge in extreme humidity.
2. Maybelline New York
- Global favorite, strong presence in India.
- Best Product: Colossal Kajal Super Black (₹249).
- Why Buy: Bold pigment, waterproof.
- Drawback: Might irritate very sensitive eyes.
3. L’Oréal Paris
- Premium yet affordable brand.
- Best Product: L’Oréal Paris Kajal Magique (₹350).
- Why Buy: Smooth texture, enriched with Vitamin E.
- Drawback: Slightly expensive vs Lakmé/Maybelline.
4. Plum Goodness
- Vegan, cruelty-free, safe.
- Best Product: Plum NaturStudio All-Day-Wear Kajal (₹495).
- Why Buy: Great for sensitive eyes, rich pigment.
- Drawback: Price higher than drugstore kajals.
5. Lotus Herbals
- Herbal-based, affordable.
- Best Product: Lotus Herbals Natural Kajal (₹250).
- Why Buy: Enriched with almond oil, good for daily wear.
- Drawback: Not as long-lasting as others.
6. Elle 18
- Budget brand for college students.
- Best Product: Elle 18 Eye Drama Bold Black (₹150).
- Why Buy: Very affordable, smooth.
- Drawback: Needs frequent touch-ups.
7. Himalaya Herbals
- Herbal, ayurvedic approach.
- Best Product: Himalaya Kajal (₹120).
- Why Buy: Contains castor oil, almond oil.
- Drawback: Smudges easily, not long-lasting.
8. Faces Canada
- Trendy, youthful brand.
- Best Product: Faces Canada MagnetEyes Kajal (₹225).
- Why Buy: Intense black, budget-friendly.
- Drawback: Average staying power.
9. Colorbar
- Modern Indian brand.
- Best Product: Colorbar Intensely Rich Kajal (₹500).
- Why Buy: Great pigmentation, smooth glide.
- Drawback: Slightly costly compared to Lakmé.
10. Premium Brands (Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Shankara)
- Dermatologically tested, long-lasting.
- Best Products:
- Clinique High Impact Kajal (₹1800)
- MAC Modern Twist Kajal (₹1350)
- Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (₹2500)
- Shankara Forest Brown Kajal (₹650, Ayurvedic)
- Why Buy: Safe for sensitive eyes, luxurious feel.
- Drawback: Expensive.
💸 Best Kajal/Eyeliner Under ₹300
- Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal – ₹180
- Maybelline Colossal Kajal – ₹199
- Elle 18 Eye Drama Kajal – ₹150
- Faces MagnetEyes Kajal – ₹225
- Himalaya Kajal – ₹120
- Lotus Herbals Kajal – ₹250
👉 Perfect for beginners, students, or daily wear.
💎 Best Premium Kajal/Eyeliners in India
- Clinique High Impact Kajal – ₹1800
- Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner – ₹2500
- MAC Kajal Crayon – ₹1350
- Shankara Ayurvedic Kajals – ₹650
- L’Oréal Paris Magique Bold – ₹350 (affordable premium option)
🌿 Herbal & Chemical-Free Kajal Options
- Lotus Herbals Natural Kajal
- Himalaya Kajal
- Shankara Ayurvedic Kajal
- Plum NaturStudio Kajal (vegan, cruelty-free)
👉 Great for sensitive eyes or those preferring natural products.
👁️ How to Apply Kajal & Eyeliner Like a Pro
- Prep: Cleanse & moisturize eye area.
- For Kajal: Gently apply on waterline. For bold look, apply on upper and lower lines.
- For Eyeliner: Start from inner corner, draw thin line outward.
- Smokey Effect: Smudge kajal softly using a brush.
- Winged Look: Use tape/spoon for perfect flick.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using old/expired kajal.
- Forgetting to sharpen pencil for hygiene.
- Applying too thick liner on small eyes.
- Not removing kajal properly before sleeping.
🏡 DIY Hacks for Long-Lasting Kajal/Eyeliner
- Apply primer or compact before kajal.
- Set eyeliner with black eyeshadow for smudge-proof finish.
- Use white kajal on waterline to make eyes look bigger.
- Store kajal pencils in the fridge during summer.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Which is the safest kajal brand for sensitive eyes?
👉 Plum, Lotus, and Shankara Ayurvedic kajals.
Q2. Which kajal lasts the longest in Indian weather?
👉 Maybelline Colossal, Lakmé Eyeconic, Plum NaturStudio.
Q3. Can kajal be used as eyeliner?
👉 Yes, pencil kajals can double as eyeliners.
Q4. Which kajal is best under ₹200?
👉 Lakmé Eyeconic & Maybelline Colossal.
🌟 Conclusion
Choosing the best kajal/eyeliner brands in India depends on your needs—budget, skin sensitivity, and style preferences. For daily wear, Lakmé, Maybelline, and Faces Canada are great picks. If you want herbal/natural options, Lotus, Himalaya, and Plum are perfect. For premium users, Clinique, MAC, and Bobbi Brown offer unmatched luxury.
💡 Pro Tip: Always remove kajal/eyeliner before bed to avoid irritation. Invest in a good micellar water or makeup remover for healthy eyes.
