Product Review: Lotus Ecostay Kajal

Finally a kajal that you can apply inside your eyes!

I am a minimalist when it comes to makeup, and I rarely spend on anything apart from kajal. (maybe a little lip gloss and nail polish but that s it). But I am particularly picky about kajal and eye makeup. I also scour the internet to look for DIY makeup products often rustled up with household ingredients, especially if it is meant for the eyes. After some experiments of my own, I also came up with a recipe for safe, chemical-free mascara which can be put together with two-three ingredients.

Today the market is rife with many eyeliners and kohl products, each promising something bigger and better than the next. But I am sure they are laced with toxic chemicals such as coal tar dyes, parabens and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, all of which are dangerous for the eyes in the long run. Amidst all these products, one eyeliner pencil that stood out for me was Lotus Herbals Ecostay Kajal. The saleswoman at the Lotus counter pointed out that the kajal could be safely be applied in the waterline, a promise which none of its rivals makes explicitly. It remined me of the natural kajals that Indian grandmothers often lovingly prepare kajal out wholesome ingredients such as ghee, castor oil,camphor and cotton wicks, which we used to liberally apply on our waterline. So how does the product stack up against the natural kajal of yore? Let's find out!

Pricing

The kajal costs Rs. 325 for 1.2 g but you could get it for much cheaper on websites like Amazon.

Review

The packaging is not very exciting and can easily get lost in a maze of its brightly-packaged Lakme and Maybelline rivals. Its unique USP is printed on the cover: The Darkest and the Safest. The kajal claims to be free of paraffin, animal products and other preservatives.

The kajal itself has a splendid texture and a deep, black colour. Since it is supposed to be free of harsh chemicals, it can be applied directly onto the waterline. The colour payoff is great, and it doesn t hurt the eyes. The product is said to be safe for even those who wear contact lenses.

Pros

Doesn t hurt eyes

Can be applied inside the eyes

Deep colour

Long-lasting

Smudge proof

Cons

More expensive than its rival products

Sharpening causes a lot of wastage

Final verdict

The product is excellent and long-lasting. But be sure to wipe it clean with some castor oil or coconut oil before you hit the bed. Otherwise, you will wake up looking like a racoon in the morning.

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