Every year, I count down the days till Ramadan, the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While many would question why, for me, it’s a time to truly reset in all aspects of my life. Sure, for some abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset seems like an impossible task, but for billions of Muslims around the world, it’s a show of unity and faith.
I wear many hats: I’m an Australian Pakistani Muslim, a beauty editor, and a cat mum. While the cat mum part is irrelevant (my ragdoll will staunchly disagree), the first two carry a lot more weight than you would think.
During Ramadan, I’m required to completely change up my beauty routine, mainly because my skin needs more hydration and nutrients than usual. The lack of water and sleep can wreak havoc if not managed properly, which is why I walk around looking like a glazed donut for 29-30 days.
Ramadan is a month of self-reflection and self improvement, and Muslims are encouraged to better themselves and build habits that will carry on throughout the rest of the year. While this usually revolves around spirituality, it’s also recommended to detox the mind, body, and soul.
Personally, I use the month to practise patience and kindness, but alongside changing my bad habits, I look at my beauty routine as a form of self-care, where I try my absolute best to look after the body God gave me.
For the next 29-30 days, I’ll be waking up before sunrise to eat breakfast (suhoor), then not letting a single piece of food or drop of water pass my lips till sunset. Once the sun goes down, I’ll enjoy a big meal (iftar) while chugging down as much water as I can physically handle.
While fasting does help get rid of toxins in the body, the lack of water and sleep definitely can impact your skin. Thankfully, I use a range of products that keep my complexion in check. In the morning I start with a good cleanser such as the Azclear Action Foaming Wash, which helps keep any breakouts at bay. I then follow that up with the No7 Hydraluminous Water Concentrate, a hydrating serum that ensures my skin stays plump and moist all day. Because the lack of nutrients can make my face appear dull, I use the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum, and finish it off with the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen.
My night time routine is where I apply my heavy hitters, such as the Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, a serum that helps smooth out any texture and add some life back into my skin. I then lather on the Medik8 Crystal Retinal to minimise any fine lines and wrinkles that have appeared because of dehydration. To get rid of the dark circles under my eyes I use The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Healthy Brightening Eye Cream before applying QV’s Face Nurturing Night Cream.
Of course, no routine is complete with a lip balm, so both morning and night I use the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm.
Ramadan is all about meeting family, friends, and loved ones, so when I’m heading out the door for an iftar party, I prefer to use a mineral foundation such as the Nude by Nature Flawless Liquid Foundation. The buildable formula is long-lasting and gives a beautiful, healthy glow to the skin. I pair this with the NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer, and the Revlon Powder Blush.
On days where I know I’m going to be home all day, I love to mask it up. For my hair I use the Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Masque and on my skin, I apply a thick layer of the innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X.
To serve as a pick-me-up throughout the day when my skin is feeling particularly dry and tight, I’ll spritz my face with the Natio Rosewater Hydration Rosewater Drench Mineral Face Mist, a mist that contains vitamin C and hyaluronate for a lasting dose of hydration.
Ramadan is an incredibly important part of a Muslim person’s life and many of us look forward to it coming around each year. For me, it’s a time to focus on myself and practising self-care is a big part of that. If you know someone who is observing Ramadan this year, then be sure to wish them well.
