As of last Friday, I – along with millions of Muslims around the world – am observing the holy month of Ramadan, which includes abstaining from all food and liquids from sunrise to sunset. As you can imagine, doing so requires making quite a few changes to my lifestyle. From revamping my eating habits and navigating irregular sleeping patterns to optimising my work schedule and social life, it's only natural that committing to fasting for a whole month will affect practically every aspect of my life.
And while some changes are bigger and more obvious than others, I find myself paying more attention to my beauty routine – be it through prioritising barrier repair for my skincare regimen, “scent-scaping” my home, reaching for skin-loving makeup heroes or strategically taking energising Ramadan supplements, my elaborate approach to beauty during this holy month is so much more than vanity.
You see, during Ramadan, my wellness and beauty routines become one, reflecting my intention to go into the fasting process in an empowering and holistic state of mind. After all, Ramadan is a time to focus on family values, charity, self-reflection, spiritual growth and, most importantly, faith. By fasting, we have the opportunity to sympathise with those less fortunate who don’t have easy access to food and water.
It's also a great time to practise healthier habits, such as avoiding arguments, limiting your exposure to entertainment and abstaining from sexual relations, all of which can have a surprisingly enlightening and awakening effect that is much needed in the chaotic world that we live in. And that alone has the power to put the world into a whole different perspective, allowing us to treat our daily routines just a little bit differently.
As I’m writing this, it’s only been about 24 hours since Suhoor, which is the first meal of the day just before sunrise, and about 10 hours since my first Iftar (the evening meal). I won’t lie, going a full 14 hours without water has been challenging to say the least. The days do seem a lot longer than normal, but nothing's helped me as much as putting a big emphasis on self-care. And this is precisely where my beauty routine comes into play.
Rule #1: Keep skincare simple yet effective
Given the significant change to our sleeping and eating habits during Ramadan, our skin (which is our largest organ, fyi) may very well be affected too, so it’s only natural that you might want to give it some extra TLC. Shortly after becoming a beauty journalist, I started wondering as to how well my dry and sensitive skin actually copes with me not drinking water, so naturally, I made sure to have some of the most nourishing and hydrating skincare products at the ready.
Plus, there’s no denying that the process of applying skincare can be extremely therapeutic and calming, and I’ve found that between Suhoor and the start of my working day, there’s no better pastime than slathering my face with skincare. Having said that, Ramadan is all about taking a step back from our usual routines, so when it comes to skincare, I like to keep it condensed to just a few steps while taking a more laid-back approach to my actives (retinol, BHAs and the works).
I can't reiterate enough that prioritising barrier repair and moisture retention is key. I tend to reach for products that feature hydrating and barrier-strengthening heroes such as ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane and centella asiatica. An easy way to prioritise such ingredients is through my ride-or-die face serums, including the SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier, which is hands down one of the best hyaluronic acid serums around. And on the days when I feel like my skin could use that extra pick-me-up, I can never go wrong with a rejuvenating Korean face mask such as the CryoRubber range from Dr. Jart+.
Elsewhere, my nighttime regimen simply isn't complete without my trusty Rhode Barrier Rutter, which is a super nourishing rich balm that replenishes the skin overnight. And on the days when I feel a bit puffier than usual (which, let's face it, happens way more often during Ramadan), I steer towards innovative formulas like the REFY Face Sculpt, which features built-in metal massagers that are great for lymphatic drainage. Not to mention, the process of applying moisturiser becomes that much more fun and therapeutic too.
Now, it’s no secret that no skincare routine is complete without a good eye cream. Since I choose to stay awake after Suhoor, my under-eye dark circles are a tad more visible than normal, calling for something just as hydrating and brightening as my go-to Tatcha eye cream with vitamin C. It features a unique 12-hour slow-release form of vitamin C for impressive brightening benefits as well as bioferments and Japanese plum to effectively firm, lift and de-puff the under-eyes without causing irritation.
I also find that using a hydrating face mist while fasting can be incredibly helpful, especially when your energy levels are running low and you need a refreshing boost to keep you going. And that’s exactly what the Violette FR Boum-Boum mist does for me. This hybrid milky formula gently restores my skin’s moisture levels and soothes my complexion. Lastly, I never skip a quality sunscreen, and this definitely doesn't change during Ramadan. My recent obsession has been the Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops, which is a great glow-inducing formula for everyday use.
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Rule #2: Makeup/skincare hybrids are a must
Although skincare often takes priority during Ramadan, I also like to switch things up in the makeup department by focusing on hybrid products that would not only help bring my complexion to life but also heap multiple benefits.
As much as I love my regular foundations, I use Ramadan as an opportunity to take a step back and try not to think about achieving a polished result. Instead, I reach for products that enhance my natural features without hiding my skin texture and freckles, which is precisely why a skin tint or a tinted moisturiser is often my go-to. A recent favourite of mine has been the newly launched Milk Hydro Grip Gel Skin Tint, which delivers just enough coverage to even out my skin tone and balance out my redness while still delivering that skin-like finish.
Speaking of complexion products, I find that traditional concealers may not always look after my under-eyes as well as they deserve. And given that disturbed sleep during Ramadan justifies the need for skin-loving formulas, I find myself using products like the Victoria Beckham X Augustinus Bader Concealer Pen way more than usual. Not only does it do a superb job at masking my under-eye circles, but it also leaves the skin feeling nice and hydrated throughout the whole day without having the product set into my fine lines.
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I also find that even when it comes to product like blush or bronzer, I prefer using less “in-your-face" formulas, and instead reach for products like the new Glow Recipe Flush drops, which add the most natural-looking flush of colour to my cheeks without looking too “out-of-place”. Plus, they're also infused with skincare to help reduce pigmentation and smooth out skin texture, making them an all the more welcome addition to my makeup bag.
It goes without saying that in terms of dryness, my lips are one of the most affected areas while fasting. With this in mind, I try to apply hydrating formulas that double as tinted lip balms, such as my all-time favourite Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Lip Treatment. Not only does it smell absolutely fantastic but it also ensures lasting moisture and gives the most gorgeous glass-like shine too (P.S. the Creme Brulée shade is my fav).
Rule #3: Don't forget about hair, body & taking supplements
I'll never get tired of reminding myself that limiting my beauty routine to the face is simply not going to cut it. Particularly when, during Ramadan, our bodies are affected as a whole, so ensuring that you're also giving enough attention to your body and hair is of utmost importance.
As far as haircare goes, I never skip on hair oils. In fact, the hair oiling ritual is all the more therapeutic to me during Ramadan, particularly if I'm using my go-to Inde Wild formula. I apply it as part of my pre-wash routine to help rehydrate my scalp. Another easy way to bring my dry and damaged hair back to life is to, of course, use a quality hair mask. I've been loving the Gisou Honey Infused Gloss Hair Mask for its ability to revive and nourish my hair while leaving it silky-smooth – almost as though you just had a salon-worthy treatment.
I also make sure to look after the skin on rest of my body by approaching it the same way as I would with my face. Starting with a gentle exfoliation during my #EverythingShower to slathering my body with the Paula’s Choice 5% Niacinamide Body Serum and sealing all the moisture with my trusty Joonbyrd Little Love Body Lotion (which is, IMO, the best-smelling formula out there). Trust me when I tell you that even the driest patches won't stand a chance against this elaborate regimen.
Though it might not count as part of my beauty routine per se, I find that taking health supplements to support my body through the process of fasting has certainly helped too. As someone who’s been anaemic my whole life, taking iron supplements is a non-negotiable part of my life that I’ve also implemented into my daily Ramadan routine (not during fasting hours, of course). I’m also taking vitamin D to help maintain my energy levels during the day. That said, as someone who also struggles to fall asleep, I've been swearing by all-natural nighttime supplements to help me relax and unwind before going to bed. Namely the PM: Mushroom Powder blend by New Zealand brand Mother Made.
As my body adjusts to new eating habits and schedule, I also make sure to support my gut health using probiotics as well as electrolytes to maximise hydration from Maghrib to Fajr (the times between right after sunset to just before sunrise).
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To put it simply, I believe that while fasting, my beauty routine is a form of self-care, which is an important part of Ramadan. I see it as something way more than just using a few products that do the trick. Rather, it’s a therapeutic way for me to take care of my body and, in a way, thank it for helping me carry myself through this process. Whether it’s early in the morning and right before Suhoor or just after my evening prayers, giving my hair, face and body that extra love not only motivates me but also helps me feel grounded and connected with my faith.
