Brand: Kay Beauty
Best For: Everyday eye makeup
Texture: Creamy and smooth
Finish: Matte black
Pigmentation: Excellent
Waterproof: Yes
Smudge-proof: Mostly, but fades gradually on the waterline
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.3/5
Verdict: A beautifully pigmented everyday kajal that glides effortlessly and defines the eyes, though it doesn't stay as long as the brand claims.
Over the years, I've tried so many kajals—from affordable drugstore options to premium ones—and while some impressed me with their pigmentation, others were better at staying power. But finding one that offers intense black color, glides smoothly, feels comfortable on the eyes, and actually lasts throughout the day is harder than it sounds.
The Kay Beauty Kohlstar 24 Hour Kajal had been on my wishlist for quite some time. I had seen countless makeup artists and beauty creators recommending it, especially because of its creamy texture and rich pigmentation. This is my first Kay Beauty product and I finally decided to pick up the kajal in Spade, which is the classic intense black.
After using it almost every day for several weeks, here's my honest Kay Beauty Kohlstar 24 Hour Kajal review—what I genuinely loved, what disappointed me, and whether I think it's worth adding to your makeup bag.
Why I Bought the Kay Beauty Kohlstar Kajal
For me, kajal isn't just another makeup product—it's something I use almost every day. That also means I'm quite particular about what I expect from it.
I wanted a kajal that would glide effortlessly on my waterline without tugging, deliver an intense black color in a single swipe, and stay put for several hours without making me constantly check the mirror.
The Kay Beauty Kohlstar 24 Hour Kajal claimed to be transfer proof, smudge-proof, highly pigmented, and long-lasting. On paper, it sounded like everything I was looking for. Of course, we've all seen products make big promises, so I was curious to see how well it would actually perform in real life.
Packaging
The first thing that caught my attention was the packaging. Instead of a plain black kajal pencil, Kay Beauty has given this one a more premium look with its signature 'K' monogram printed all over the body. The glossy black pencil with the subtle repeated logo gives it a sleek, sophisticated appearance without being over the top. It's simple, elegant, and instantly recognizable as a Kay Beauty product.
The kajal comes in a slim, retractable twist-up pencil, which I personally find much more convenient than sharpenable pencils. I don't have to worry about carrying a sharpener or wasting product every time I need a fresh tip. The cap clicks shut securely, making it easy to toss into my handbag or makeup pouch without worrying about it coming loose.
Although the packaging isn't the reason I buy a kajal, I do appreciate the little details. The repeated 'K' design gives it a premium feel, and the slim pencil is comfortable to hold, making application easy.
Shade Review – Spade
I purchased Spade, which is the classic matte black in the range.
Sometimes brands describe their kajals as "intense black," but when you apply them, they end up looking slightly grey or faded. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here. Spade is a deep, rich black that instantly defines the eyes. It doesn't have any shimmer or glossy finish, which is exactly what I prefer in an everyday kajal. Whether I wore it on my upper lash line, lower waterline, or smudged it along the lash line for a softer look, the color looked bold and flattering. If you're someone who prefers classic black kajals over colorful liners, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this shade.
Texture and Formula
The first time I swatched the kajal on my hand, I immediately noticed how creamy it felt. It glided across the skin without any pressure and left behind a smooth, opaque line. That same experience carried over when I applied it to my eyes. One of the biggest problems I have with some kajals is that they drag on the delicate waterline, especially if the formula is too dry. This one felt noticeably smoother. It applies effortlessly without tugging, making the entire application quick and comfortable.
Even if you're someone who's new to using kajal, I think you'll find this formula very easy to work with.
Pigmentation
Before trying the Kay Beauty Waterproof 24 Hour Kajal, I expected it to deliver an intense black line in just one swipe, especially considering the claims made by the brand. However, my experience was a little different.
While the shade Spade is a beautiful deep black, I didn't get full pigmentation in a single stroke. On my waterline, I usually had to go over it two to three times to achieve the rich, opaque black finish I was looking for. The first swipe looked slightly sheer, and only after layering did it give that bold definition I prefer.
The good thing is that the formula is creamy enough that building up the color doesn't feel uncomfortable. Since it glides smoothly, going over the same area a couple of times isn't difficult, and it doesn't tug at the delicate skin around the eyes. Once layered, the color looks much darker and more even.
Personally, I would have loved stronger pigmentation in a single swipe because it would make application quicker, especially on busy mornings. It's not a deal-breaker for me, but if you're expecting an intensely black kajal with just one pass, you might find yourself needing a couple of extra swipes, just like I did.
My Experience on the Waterline
Since I mostly wear kajal on my waterline, this was the most important test for me. The application was incredibly smooth. I didn't experience any irritation or watering while applying it, which is always a good sign. Immediately after application, my eyes looked much more defined without appearing harsh.
The pigmentation remained strong during the first few hours, and I really liked how fresh my eye makeup looked. It also felt lightweight throughout the day. I never had that uncomfortable feeling of wearing a heavy eye product.
How it Performed During Everyday Wear
For the first few hours after application, I was genuinely impressed. The kajal stayed dark, comfortable, and neat. It didn't immediately disappear from my waterline, which has happened with many other kajals I've tried. Whether I was working indoors, running errands, or spending time outside, it held up fairly well during the first half of the day. I also appreciated that it didn't make my eyes feel dry or uncomfortable. That's something I always notice with eye products, and thankfully, this formula remained comfortable throughout wear.
Is It Really Smudge-Proof?
This was one of the claims I was most curious about. During the initial few hours, the kajal stayed exactly where I applied it. I didn't notice any major smudging under my eyes, and the line remained quite neat. However, as the day went on, especially after several hours of wear, I did notice that the intensity started fading from my waterline. It wasn't a dramatic mess or raccoon eyes, but it certainly didn't look as fresh as it did immediately after application.
This is one area where my experience differed slightly from the product's claim of lasting 24 hours. For everyday wear, I still found the performance good, but I did end up touching it up later in the day if I wanted that freshly applied look again.
Is the Kay Beauty Kajal Waterproof?
I also tested it on days when the weather was quite humid, and even after my eyes watered slightly because of the wind. The good news is that the kajal handled moisture fairly well. It didn't immediately run down my face or leave heavy black streaks under my eyes. That makes it much more reliable than many budget kajals I've used in the past. I also accidentally rubbed my eyes lightly once or twice during the day, and while a tiny amount transferred, it wasn't enough to ruin my makeup.
So yes, I would say the formula is reasonably waterproof for daily wear.
Does It Smudge?
This is where I had mixed feelings. If I use it as an eyeliner on my upper lash line, it performs much better. Once it sets, it stays in place quite well and doesn't move around easily. On the waterline, however, the experience is slightly different. Rather than creating obvious raccoon eyes, the kajal slowly fades over time. I actually prefer this to excessive smudging because fading looks much cleaner than messy black streaks. For my eyes, the fading was more noticeable than actual smudging.
How Easy Is It to Remove?
At the end of the day, removal was fairly straightforward. A regular micellar water removed most of the product, but I found that an oil-based makeup remover worked much faster and cleaned everything without rubbing the delicate eye area too much. Since I wear contact lenses occasionally, I always appreciate products that can be removed gently.
Comparing It With Other Kajals I've Used
Having tried quite a few kajals over the years, I naturally ended up comparing this one with some of my regular favorites. Compared to Maybelline Colossal Kajal, I found the Kay Beauty version creamier and much more intensely pigmented. Compared to Lakmé Eyeconic, it glides more smoothly and gives a richer black finish. Compared to Faces Ultime Pro Intense Gel Liner Kajal, the Kay Beauty Kohlstar Kajal feels lighter and is easier to wear every day. Where I think it falls slightly behind is longevity. Some waterproof kajals manage to stay darker on my waterline for longer, whereas this one gradually loses intensity after several hours. Still, because of how beautifully it applies and how comfortable it feels, I found myself reaching for it more often than many others.
What I Loved About It
There are quite a few reasons why I kept reaching for this kajal. The pigmentation is genuinely impressive, and I loved that I didn't need multiple swipes to achieve a deep black finish. The creamy texture makes application effortless, especially on the waterline. It also doubles up beautifully as an eyeliner and blends well before setting, making it quite versatile. The sleek retractable packaging is another plus because it feels convenient for everyday use. Most importantly, it remains comfortable on the eyes throughout the day and never caused irritation.
What I Didn't Love
As much as I enjoyed using the Kay Beauty Kohlstar Kajal, there were a couple of things that could definitely be improved. The biggest disappointment for me was the staying power. Although it's marketed as a 24-hour kajal, it didn't last that long on my waterline. After several hours, I noticed the color gradually fading, and I usually felt the need to reapply it if I wanted my eye makeup to look fresh again. I also wish the longevity matched the beautiful pigmentation because the formula itself is excellent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Rich, intense black pigmentation | ❌ Doesn't stay for the full 24 hours as claimed |
| ✔ Creamy texture that glides effortlessly | ❌ Starts fading from the waterline after several hours |
| ✔ Comfortable to wear | ❌ Requires touch-ups for an all-day fresh look |
| ✔ Can also be used as an eyeliner | ❌ Slightly expensive compared to drugstore kajals |
| ✔ Waterproof and doesn't create major smudging | ❌ May not satisfy those looking for extremely long-lasting wear |
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