Should you use kajal or kohl eyeliner? We asked an MUA which one is best
It’s a makeup conundrum: kajal or kohl eyeliner pencils? Let’s find out – plus 6 of the best buys for gorgeous eyes, whatever your budget
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Are you wearing kajal or kohl eyeliner? And do you even know the difference anyway? It turns out that although the two terms are often used interchangeably for eye pencils, there are differences in terms of texture, pigmentation levels and staying power – and thus in the kinds of looks you can achieve.
The word kajal comes from Sanskrit and means soot or lampblack. Traditionally, kajal was made by collecting soot from oil lamps and mixing it with ghee or natural oils, a practice that dates back thousands of years in South Asia.
Kohl, meanwhile, comes from an Arabic word ‘al-kuḥl’, and originally, kuḥl referred to a very finely ground powder.
Makeup artist Buster Knight, who has beautified the faces of Millie Bobby Brown, Minnie Driver and Kris Jenner, says, “Kohl is the OG of eyeliners from a makeup artist’s perspective. It’s mineral-based, creates a soft smokiness and can create depth on an eye. Kajal is the modern refinement: creamier, softer and designed for comfort, especially on the waterline, where kohl can feel drying. They are from the same family but have different personalities.”
Because of the difference in texture between the two, how you apply them also slightly differs. “Kajal is creamy, so it glides straight on. No fuss and very easy to control. Kohl needs a bit of work: I smudge it out along the lash line to get that diffused, lived-in finish. Kohl shouldn’t look too perfect, whereas kajal can be used for more of a clean, everyday definition. Kohl is for smoky eyes, evening makeup, or anything that needs mood and texture.”
Kajal vs kohl: which to choose?
Unsure which is best for you and the look you’re after? Let’s look at the pros and cons.
- Kajal – The pros: easy to use, flattering and very comfortable to wear on the waterline. The cons: fades quite quickly
- Kohl – The pros: rich, smoky, impactful. The cons: needs a bit of technique know-how and isn’t great for ultra-sensitive eyes.
“If you want polish, choose kajal. If you want attitude, choose kohl. In my kit, there’s always room for both,” Buster says.
If you want to do a winged eyeliner look and you haven’t got a liquid liner, a kohl is your best bet because it will stay in place for longer.
