Ramadan is a time to abstain from all things superfluous; the same goes for your make-up – keep it minimal. For all who are fasting, it’s especially important to look after your skin as it suffers from dehydration, even more so since it’s summer. In keeping with the etiquette of The Holy Month, avoid using excessive make-up. You can still look your best; the trick is to keep it simple!
Daytime
Take this opportunity to give your complexion some much needed R&R and let your skin breath. Keep your look as natural as possible during daylight hours. It’s the best way to flaunt your features and takes no time at all.
• After cleansing, apply your regular moisturiser or SPF sunscreen, to hydrate and protect your skin. Prep your face with a light foundation or a tinted BB-cream. A colourless primer works wonders too.
• Use a concealer to cover dark circles, blemishes and spots. Opt for a shade lighter than your foundation and choose a light-weight formula for a more natural feel.
• Apply a light kohl, one that matches your eyes. Alternatively, skip kohl altogether and, instead, use a non-glossy mascara, preferably brown, and a tinted brow gel, for a more subtle look.
• For cheeks, dab on a small amount of cream blusher (peachy pink hues) and blend well. Use sparingly, apply to the apples of your cheeks for just a slight blush and use shades that suit your skin tone. Apply translucent loose powder to set in place.
• Finally, add a hint of colour with a lightly tinted lip balm, same shade as your blush. You can even use the same cream blusher that you used for your cheeks and blend with your fingertips.
Ramadan Make-upNight-time
After sunset, as the Ramadan festivities begin, you want to look your best for family gatherings or outings with friends. You can have a bit more fun with your make-up in the evening hours, but don’t go overboard. Instead, keep it moody and mystic to go with the Arabian theme of the occasion.
• Mysterious eyes are a good understated evening look. Use a slightly darker kohl or eyeliner on the waterline and earthy shades of eye shadows – browns and bronzes – for the top lids, to create smoky eyes. Apply a winged eyeliner on the upper lash line. Finish with a black volumising mascara to create luscious lashes.
• Use a cream blusher in pinks and peaches, and define your face by contouring with a matte bronzer.
• Keep lips natural to accentuate the smoky eyes. Use a lip gloss in the same shade as your rouge, or a nude lipstick closest to your natural lip colour should also do the trick. If you’re rushed for time, skip the dramatic eyes and go for statement lips with colourful shades.
Ramadan Tips:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water, there’s no easier or better way to get a dewy complexion.
- Soften: For supple lips, just before going to bed apply honey, leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse.
- Restore: Rest up! Get at least eight hours of sleep, even if you split it between day and night, for a natural glow.
