When it comes to everyday eye makeup, Lakmé 9to5 Eyeconic Kajal has remained one of India's best-selling kajals for years. Known for its deep black pigment, waterproof formula, smudge resistance, and long-lasting wear, this kajal is designed for people who want bold eyes without frequent touch-ups.
Priced around ₹194 for 0.35g, the Lakmé 9to5 Eyeconic Kajal promises up to 24 hours of wear and delivers 2X darker pigment for intense eye definition. But does it truly live up to these claims? Here's our detailed review.
Packaging
Lakmé gives this kajal a sleek turquoise and black twist-up pencil design.
Pros
- No sharpening required
- Travel-friendly
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry in handbag
- Attractive premium look
Unlike wooden pencils, there is almost zero product wastage.
Texture
The kajal has a creamy texture that glides smoothly over the eyelids and waterline.
It doesn't tug or pull while applying, making it beginner-friendly.
The smooth consistency also makes it easy to create:
- Thin everyday eyeliner
- Smokey eye looks
- Bold winged liner
- Waterline definition
Pigmentation
One of the biggest highlights of this kajal is its rich black color.
What we liked
- Intense black in one swipe
- Matte finish
- Doesn't appear grey after drying
- Gives eyes a bold definition
If you prefer dramatic eye makeup, the pigmentation won't disappoint.
Waterproof Performance
Lakmé claims this kajal is waterproof.
In real-life testing:
- Survives sweat
- Handles humid weather well
- Doesn't disappear after light splashes of water
- Suitable during monsoon season
However, rubbing your eyes repeatedly can reduce its longevity.
Smudge Proof Test
This kajal performs much better than many budget alternatives.
After setting for about 30–40 seconds:
- Minimal smudging
- Doesn't spread under the eyes easily
- Suitable for long office hours
- Works well during summer
People with very oily eyelids may notice slight fading after several hours.
Longevity
Lakmé advertises 24-hour wear.
In practical use:
- Waterline: 6–8 hours
- Upper lash line: 8–12 hours
- Eyeliner use: Can last most of the day
While 24 hours may vary depending on skin type and weather, its staying power is impressive for its price.
Application Experience
Applying the kajal is effortless because of its creamy formula.
The tip allows decent precision for:
- Tightlining
- Waterline application
- Winged liner
- Everyday eye makeup
For extremely sharp wings, you may prefer a liquid eyeliner.
Suitable For
This kajal is ideal for:
✔ Daily office makeup
✔ College students
✔ Beginners
✔ Party makeup
✔ Wedding functions
✔ Festival makeup
✔ Quick everyday look
Pros
- Rich black pigmentation
- Waterproof formula
- Smudge-resistant
- Creamy texture
- Twist-up pencil
- No sharpening needed
- Affordable price
- Comfortable on waterline
- Long-lasting wear
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Doesn't truly last 24 hours on everyone.
- Can fade slightly on oily eyelids.
- Quantity (0.35g) finishes relatively quickly with daily use.
- Not ideal for ultra-precise eyeliner looks.
How to Apply
- Start with clean, dry eyelids.
- Twist up a small amount of kajal.
- Apply gently on the waterline.
- Draw along the upper lash line if desired.
- Allow it to set for 20–30 seconds before blinking heavily.
- Pair with mascara for a complete eye makeup look.
Who Should Buy This?
This kajal is a great choice if you:
- Want a reliable everyday kajal.
- Need waterproof and smudge-resistant wear.
- Prefer deep black pigmentation.
- Are looking for a budget-friendly eye makeup product.
- Need a travel-friendly twist-up pencil.
Who Should Skip It?
You may want to consider another option if you:
- Need an ultra-fine liquid eyeliner finish.
- Have extremely oily eyelids and expect zero fading.
- Want a colored kajal instead of classic black.
Value for Money
At around ₹194, the Lakmé 9to5 Eyeconic Kajal offers excellent value for money. Its smooth application, intense pigmentation, and long-lasting formula make it one of the most dependable kajals in the affordable segment.
Whether you're creating a subtle daytime look or bold evening makeup, this kajal delivers consistent performance without breaking the bank.