My Kajal Bleeds - Help!

I got this query from Grishma:

I want your help/advice on the best kajal/kohl pencil that DOES NOT BLEED (Sorry about the caps... It just shows how frustrated I am with all the kajal pencils...)

I have tried all variants available in the following brands: Eyetex, Shringar, Maybelline, Elle 18, Revlon, Biotique, Lotus, Himalaya, Shenaz Hussain, Street wear (and forgot a few more brands).

Not one of them stays on my eyes... in just 2 to 3 hours it looks like i have been hit by someone and its just black all below my waterline... So can you pls help. I have tried all variants of Lakme too.. I just have that one kajal to try (the one that you have reviewed)... But the amount i have wasted on kajals... I don't even have a count... Grishma

First of all, thanks Grishma, for the sweet comment. I am really sorry that you have ended up wasting so much money on so many kajals from a whole lot of brands. Makeup can be frustrating at times.

Getting on with your problem, I understand that you are talking about kajal / kohls. From my experience, these *ALWAYS* have some amount of smudging, simply because of their nature. I am yet to come across a kohl pencil that didn't smudge on my lids. So no matter what brand you try, be ready for some smudging - be it MAC, Colorbar or Shenaz Hussain.

So I prefer to stick to eyeliners (which are not the same as Kajal/kohl) from brands like Colorbar (I-glide), Lakme (Eye pencils), Diana of London, Bourjois & Revlon that explicitly state that they are smudge-proof, waterproof and long lasting.

1. Oily lids: Some people have naturally oily lids that cause eyeliners to smudge with time.

Solution: Try using a eyeshadow base / primer. You could also dab a small amount of Ponds Oil Control Concentrate on the lids 2 minutes before applying your liner.

2. Layer the kajal: Sometimes layering the kajal helps it last longer. There are 2 ways I know of layering

a. Apply the kajal first & then with a thin brush layer a similar colored eyeshadow on top. The powder helps the kajal dry a bit and set

b. Make a thin line using liquid liner and then once it dries, apply kajal on top. Since you have already applied liquid below, you will need less of the kajal to line and intensify the eyes. My close friend uses this tip on a daily basis and it seems to work for her.

3. If smudging still happens: Carry a tiny bottle of Lacto-Calamine & ear buds with you. If the kajal bleeds, dip the cotton tip into the calamine, remove excess and gently rub over the area where the kajal has smudged to clean it up.

Using calamine has the following advantages,

a. Not only will it remove the smudge, as it is skin colored it will also provide some coverage over the smudged area
b. It is not oil based, rather it tends to absorb excess oil so it does slow down more smudging by the kajal.

4. Wipe off the eye-cream: If you have used moisturiser or eye cream, be sure to wipe it off with a tissue before you apply kajal. The oil in these creams will cause your kajal to run faster.

5. Switch to eyeliners: Kajal & Kohl have a sentimental value for a lot of Indian girls, unless you can't live without it try & switch to Eye Liners from Brands like Colorbar. They set faster and last longer.

6. Accept the fact that the lower lash line is a watery area: The lower lash line is constantly bathed by the eyes when ever we blink, so your liner is going to be in a watery area. This will make it more prone to smudging, simply because it cannot dry and set itself, unlike liners on the upper lash line. So there will be some smudging.

Do you have any tips that you can share with Grishma to stop her kajal from bleeding?