Style and Grooming

Katrina Kaif's "Transformative" Kajal Trick: Layer Black Shadow Over Kohl (Nov 2026), Plus How to Do It Safely

What is Katrina Kaif's kajal trick? At a London Q&A marking one year of her brand Kay Beauty at Space NK, Kaif said she applies and smudges her kajal, then takes a flat brush and black eyeshadow powder and goes along the liner on top. She called it "transformative" and said she now does it "every single day." [1] The powder sets the kohl, so it looks deeper and lasts longer.

Short answer

Step 1: kajal along the lash line, smudged. [1]
Step 2: black eyeshadow on a flat brush, pressed over the line. [1]
Result: a "multi-layered, really intense effect," in her words. [1]
Safety: only use kohl or kajal from a brand that lists its ingredients and is sold legally where you live. Some traditional kohl contains lead. [2]

Where she learned it

Hindustan Times reported on November 1, 2026 that Kaif said the tip was given to her while shooting the film *Jab Tak Hai Jaan* in London. [1] She also owns Kay Beauty, so keep in mind this was a brand event.

Why the trick works (original)

Kohl and kajal pencils are soft and creamy. That makes them easy to smudge but quick to fade, transfer or melt in heat. Pressing a matte powder on top does two things: it sets the cream so it moves less, and it adds a second layer of pigment, which makes the line look darker and softer at the edges.

How to do it (original steps)

Prep the lid. A thin layer of eye primer or concealer, then a dusting of powder.
Kajal on the upper lash line. Push it into the roots of the lashes.
Kajal on the lower lash line, on the skin just under the lashes or on the waterline if your eyes tolerate it.
Smudge with a pencil brush or cotton swab.
Flat brush plus black shadow. Tap off the extra. Press it right on top of the kajal line, top and bottom.
Optional wing: angle the flat brush at the outer corner and stamp a small flick.
Mascara last.

The lead warning you need to know

The FDA warns that kohl, also sold as kajal, al-kahal, surma, tiro, tozali or kwalli, can contain high levels of lead, and that kohl is not an approved color additive for cosmetics in the US. [2] Lead is a real poison, and children are most at risk.

What this means for you:

Do not buy loose or unlabeled kohl powder, especially from street sellers or family who bring it from abroad.
"Kajal" pencils from major cosmetic brands are usually made with approved colors under that name. Check the ingredient list for approved pigments like iron oxides or carbon black.
Never put kohl on babies' eyes, a tradition in some families. That is the highest risk use.

General eye makeup safety

The FDA's eye safety page says do not share eye products, stop if anything irritates your eyes, and do not add water or saliva to thin a product. [3] If you wear contacts, put them in before eye makeup.

Who this suits

Almond and big eyes: go full tightline top and bottom.
Small or close set eyes: keep the kajal on the outer two thirds only, and skip the inner waterline. Dark inner rims can make eyes look smaller.
Hooded eyes: smoke the top line a little thicker so it shows when your eyes are open.

Make it last in heat

Set with powder, like Kaif does with black shadow over her kajal every day. [1]
Blot your lids before you start.
Carry a cotton swab to clean the lower line at midday.

Kajal vs eyeliner vs kohl: the names (original)

Kajal: in South Asia, usually means a soft, smudgy black pencil made for the eyes.
Kohl: often means a traditional black powder or paste. This is where most lead problems come from. [2]
Eyeliner: any liner, pencil, gel or liquid.

Store bought pencils from major brands are a different product from homemade or loose kohl, even if the names overlap.

Removing it gently

Layered kajal and shadow is stubborn. Use an oil cleanser or balm on a cotton pad, hold it on your closed eye for 20 seconds, then wipe out toward your ear. Do not scrub the lash line.

Quick takeaway

Kaif smudges kajal, then presses black shadow on top with a flat brush.

The powder sets the line so it looks deeper and lasts longer.

Avoid loose or unlabeled kohl. The FDA warns some contains lead.

Keep dark liner to the outer part of small eyes.

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