Unlocking All-Day Drama: Why the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal Remains India’s Favourite Kohl
In the vibrant landscape of Indian beauty, the kajal holds a revered place. It is not merely make-up; it is an essential tradition, a daily defining ritual. For years, one product has dominated the market, meeting the demands of the modern, busy Indian woman: the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal. Launched by India’s most trusted cosmetics brand, this product promised to revolutionise daily eye make-up by offering extreme longevity without the notorious smudging that has plagued traditional kohls.
Our focus was to determine if this ubiquitous twist-up pencil truly delivers the promised 24-hour, transfer-proof performance demanded by a nation known for its demanding climate and lengthy workdays. If you seek a kajal that performs flawlessly from the morning office commute to late-night festive celebrations, read on—your search for the perfect kohl liner ends here.
Real-World Performance and User Experience
Our in-depth testing of the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal confirmed its status as a high-value product. The application is undeniably smooth; the twist-up design ensures a perpetually sharp tip, allowing for precision whether you are tight-lining the upper lash line or defining the lower waterline. The key feature, the intense black pigment, lives up to the hype, providing a rich, matte finish in a single, effortless stroke.
The 24-Hour Wear Challenge
The true test for any long-wear kohl in India is its resilience against heat, humidity, and rubbing. We monitored the kajal’s wear over a typical 12-hour workday and extended it to a full 24 hours. The formula proved highly effective: it is genuinely waterproof and lives up to its smudge-proof claim under normal conditions. While extreme humidity might slightly soften the product, particularly on the oily waterline, the primary line drawn on the upper lid remains locked in place. The impressive durability is a game-changer for women who need their make-up to look fresh from 9-to-5 and beyond. This commitment to long-lasting performance is why the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal is a staple in millions of vanity kits.
The Feel and Finish
Unlike some hard, waxy kajals that drag across the delicate eye area, the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal features a creamy, highly-pigmented formulation that glides on. It sets quickly to a matte finish, preventing transfer to the upper eyelid—a common issue for those with hooded or oily eyelids.
Essential Technical Specifications and Product Details
A high-quality review must include a complete breakdown of the product’s technical composition and manufacturing pedigree. The integrity of the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal is assured by its compliance with global cosmetic standards and its manufacturing base in India.
| Specification Aspect | Detail |
| Focus Product/Shade | Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal, Deep Black |
| Generic Name | Kajal (Kohl Liner) |
| Product Weight | 0.35 grams (Net Quantity) |
| Longevity Claim | Up to 24 Hours |
| Key Performance Feature | Waterproof, Smudge-proof, Transfer-proof |
| Safety Testing | Ophthalmologically Tested; Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. |
| Estimated Strokes per Pack | Over 1500 strokes |
| Item Model Number | KAJE1R5 |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Manufacturer/Importer/Packer | Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. |
| Packaged Dimensions | Approx. 6.7 x 0.9 x 20 Centimetres (Twist-up pencil format) |
| Typical Key Ingredients | Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethelene, Polybutene, Microcrystalline Wax, CI 77266, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (Ingredient list is comprehensive and focuses on stability and performance). |
The inclusion of nourishing agents like Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil provides a soothing element often missing in long-wear formulas, ensuring comfort even after extended use.
A Spectrum of Style: Exploring the Iconic Shades
While the Deep Black variant is the focus of this review, Lakmé has expertly broadened the appeal of the Eyeconic range for the fashion-conscious Indian consumer. The full range includes colours perfect for experimenting with smoky eyes or for a subtle professional look.
The popular shades include:
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Deep Black: The classic, intense matte shade for ultimate definition.
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Sparkling Black: A black with subtle shimmer for a celebratory look.
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Classic Brown: A softer, everyday alternative to black, perfect for a professional setting.
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Royal Blue & Midnight Blue: For adding a striking pop of colour.
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Forest Green & Regal Green: Earthy tones that complement brown and hazel eyes beautifully.
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White: Ideal for creating the illusion of larger, more awake eyes when applied to the waterline.
Expert Tips for Maximising Your Eyeconic Kajal’s Performance
To ensure your Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal delivers its maximum potential and remains ranking in your beauty arsenal, follow these expert E-E-A-T tips:
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Set the Waterline: For extremely watery or oily eyes, dust a small amount of compact powder or neutral eyeshadow over the applied kajal on the lower waterline using a flat, thin brush. This ‘sets’ the creamy formula, dramatically increasing its longevity and smudge-resistance.
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The Effortless Wing: Use the pencil to draw a rough guide for a wing, then refine the shape using a slanted brush. This provides the intensity of a liquid liner with the control of a pencil.
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Removal is Key: While waterproof, the formula is easily removed with a biphasic or oil-based make-up remover. Never rub the sensitive eye area; instead, hold a saturated cotton pad over the eye for thirty seconds, allowing the oil to break down the product before gently wiping it away.
Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal: Why This Kajal Dominates the Market
The enduring success of the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal is rooted in its ability to balance high performance with accessibility. While premium alternatives exist, the Lakmé product offers a superior combination of intense pigmentation, hassle-free twist-up packaging, and formidable resistance to the elements at an affordable price point. This positions it not just as a competitor, but as the gold standard for daily use in India.
In conclusion, the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal is more than just a beauty product; it is a cultural icon. It consistently proves its E-E-A-T by being a product that works—long-lasting, safe, and available in beautiful shades, making it a must-have for every beauty enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal
1. Is the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal truly smudge-proof?
Yes, it is highly smudge-proof once it sets, which usually takes about 30–60 seconds after application.
2. How long does the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal last?
The product is officially rated for up to 24 hours of wear.
3. Is this kajal safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens users?
Yes, it is ophthalmologically tested and deemed safe for both sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
4. What are the main ingredients in the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal?
Key components include Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethelene, Polybutene, and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil.
5. How does the 0.35g quantity compare to competitors?
The 0.35g net weight is standard for many retractable kajals in the market, such as Maybelline Colossal.
6. Does the Eyeconic Kajal come with a sharpener?
No, as it is a twist-up retractable pencil, it does not require an external sharpener.
7. Can I use the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal as an eyeliner?
Yes, its creamy, pigmented formula makes it excellent for drawing a precise line on the upper eyelid.
8. Is the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal waterproof?
Yes, the formula is waterproof and highly resistant to moisture, tears, and humidity.
9. What is the difference between the ‘Deep Black’ and ‘Sparkling Black’ shades?
‘Deep Black’ provides an intense, matte finish, whereas ‘Sparkling Black’ contains fine glitter/shimmer particles for a subtle sparkle.
10. How do I remove the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal effectively?
Use a dedicated oil-based or bi-phasic make-up remover, as water-based removers struggle with the waterproof formula.
11. Is this product vegan or cruelty-free?
Lakmé is not currently certified as a cruelty-free brand. You should check the current status if this is a priority.
12. Where is the Lakmé 9-to-5 Eyeconic Kajal manufactured?
The product is manufactured in India by Hindustan Unilever Ltd.
13. Does the kajal transfer onto the upper lid (hooded eyes)?
The transfer-proof nature of the formula means transfer is minimal, especially after setting, making it suitable for hooded eyelids.
14. What is the recommended best-paired product?
Lakmé often recommends pairing it with their Eyeconic Eyeliner and Eyeconic Curling Mascara for a complete eye look.
15. Is the Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal available in shades other than black?
Yes, the line is available in various shades including Classic Brown, Royal Blue, Regal Green, and White.
16. How can I prevent the kajal from fading on the waterline?
Applying a touch of matching black or dark eyeshadow or compact powder immediately after application helps lock the kajal in place on the waterline.
17. What is the shelf life of the kajal once opened?
The typical shelf life is 24 months from the date of manufacturing, though this can vary; always check the product’s packaging for the exact date.
18. Does the kajal glide smoothly or is it waxy?
It features a smooth, creamy formulation that ensures a comfortable, single-stroke application without dragging.
19. Is this product suitable for creating a smoky eye effect?
Yes, immediately after application and before it sets, the creamy texture can be easily smudged using a brush to create a smoky look.
20. Is the ’22-hour’ version different from the ’24-hour’ version?
The current, improved formula is marketed as a 24-hour stay. Older packaging may have referred to a 22-hour stay, but the technology is essentially the same long-wearing, smudge-proof product.