Navratri makeup tips: How to achieve the perfect kohl eyes that lasts for long

The traditional kohl-rimmed eye look is timeless and easy to achieve, making it perfect for the vibrant Navratri. (Image: Canva)

This Navratri, as you dress up in your best festive wear, instead of simply putting kajal in your eyes, try these tips to add just the right touch of drama to complete your ensemble. Trust us, it is worth the effort to prep your eyes for long-lasting kohl as you dance the night away to the tunes of the Garba.

While the traditional kohl-rimmed look is timeless and perfect for the vibrant Navratri celebrations, this year you can try the bold and sultry look. Or, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, the coloured kajal will take your kohl eye look up a notch. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect kohl eyes for Navratri, along with tips to make them last through all the Garba and Dandiya festivities!

Prepare your eyes for long-lasting kohl

• Before applying any makeup, it’s important to prepare your eyes so that your kohl stays put all night, even during hours of dancing.

• Cleanse: Gently cleanse your face and eyes to remove any oil, dirt, or makeup residue. This helps the kohl apply smoothly and prevents smudging.
• Primer: Use an eye primer or a light layer of concealer around your eyes to create a smooth base. This helps the kohl last longer and prevents it from creasing or fading.
• Set with powder: Dab a bit of translucent powder or compact powder under your eyes and on your eyelids to absorb excess oil and keep the kohl intact for hours.

• The traditional kohl-rimmed eye look is timeless and easy to achieve, making it perfect for the vibrant Navratri celebrations.

• Apply kajal on the waterline: Start by applying a rich, dark kajal on your lower waterline, going from the inner corner to the outer corner of your eye. You can go back and forth to ensure even coverage.
• Tightline the upper waterline: For an even more dramatic look, tightline your upper waterline with the same kohl. This makes your lashes look fuller and adds depth to your eyes.
• Smudge for a softer look: If you prefer a slightly softer, smoky effect, use a smudging brush or your fingertip to gently smudge the kajal along your lower lash line.
• Intensify with eyeliner: To add more drama, apply black eyeliner (gel or liquid) along your upper lash line. You can either create a sleek line or go for a more dramatic winged effect.

• For a bold and sultry look, smoky kohl eyes are the perfect choice for the festive nights of Garba and Dandiya.

• Start with Kajal: Line your upper and lower waterline with Kajal as you would for the classic look.
• Smudge the Kajal: Using a small, dense brush, blend and smudge the Kajal on your upper and lower lash lines. This will create a soft, smoky effect. Focus on the outer corners of your eyes for more drama.
• Add eyeshadow: To deepen the smoky effect, apply a matte black or dark brown eyeshadow on your eyelids, blending it into the crease. Smudge some of the shadows along your lower lash line to intensify the smoky effect.
• Finish with mascara: Complete the look with a few coats of volumising mascara on both your upper and lower lashes for that fluttery, dramatic effect.

• If you want to take your kohl eye look up a notch, try experimenting with coloured kohl or kajal. Shades like deep blue, emerald green, or burgundy can add a festive and playful touch to your traditional look.

• Lower waterline: Apply a pop of coloured kohl on your lower waterline while keeping the upper waterline black. This creates a fun contrast and highlights your eyes.
• Coloured wing: Use coloured kohl to create a winged liner look on your upper lash line. Pair this with neutral makeup to let your eyes take centre stage.

Add the finishing touches

To make sure your kohl eyes stand out, finish your look with a few makeup touches that complement your overall appearance.

Final touches:

• Mascara: Use volumising and lengthening mascara to define your lashes and add more intensity to your eye look.
• Eyebrows: Don’t forget to fill in your eyebrows to frame your kohl eyes and complete the look.
• Highlighter: Add a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and your brow bone to brighten up your look and make your eyes pop even more.

With hours of dancing and celebrations, it’s important that your kohl stays in place. Here are some tips to prevent smudging and fading:

• Use waterproof Kajal: Opt for a waterproof or long-lasting formula that’s less likely to smudge or run, especially with all the excitement of Navratri festivities.
• Blot and powder: After applying your kajal, gently blot your waterline with a tissue and apply a tiny bit of powder just below your eyes to prevent the kohl from smudging.
• Touch-ups: Carry your kajal or eyeliner with you for quick touch-ups if needed throughout the evening.