5 Muslim Women Share the Beauty Products Getting Them Through Ramadan

April 1st marks the beginning of Ramadan, where Muslims worldwide abstain from eating food and drinking water. We spend our time praying, reciting the Quran, and implementing acts of compassion such as donating to charities or volunteering to help those in need. Ramadan is all about selflessness, discipline, kindness, and faith. 

I look forward to this holy month—not only because it is an opportunity to become closer to Allah, but Ramadan helps me feel more tranquil. This year, I am prioritizing my spiritual and physical well-being. In fact, self-care is a form of ibadah (worship) and is highly encouraged in Islam. 

During Ramadan, I am usually too preoccupied with preparing for iftar (the meal Muslims consume to break their fast at sunset) and focusing on my prayers to commit to my skincare routine. Additionally, my water intake significantly declines, so my skin becomes more prone to breakouts and dehydration. However, this Ramadan, one goal is to be kinder to my skin, and planning is the best way to stay on track.

Ahead, I spoke to five Muslim women on their routines and how they nourished their skin during Ramadan.  

My Ramadan Beauty Routine

This Ramadan, I plan on skipping foundation and applying a small amount of concealer before work. I am doing wudhu, the process of cleansing body parts, more frequently, and I find it easier to be foundation-free. Instead, I am opting for hydrated skin and natural makeup. I like to mix Life-Flo Pure Rosehip Seed Oil ($9) and Acure Brightening Day Cream ($17) as my base. I love Rose Inc. Softlight Luminous Hydrating Concealer ($30) for under my eyes because it's lightweight and rich in ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. Finally, for my lips, Mora Cosmetics Satin Sheen Multistick ($25) will be in rotation all month because it's clean, vegan, and halal. Rosewater is also a critical part of my routine. Not only does it give my skin a healthy glow, but the soothing scent of roses enhances my mood and allows me to concentrate on my prayers.

Maryan Osman 

"During Ramadan, I am motivated to realign my intentions, an experience that can be spiritually healing and physically restorative. I am big on protecting and maintaining my skin's natural moisture barrier—even more so during Ramadan. It's a time of communion with yourself, a time to reflect on the way you nourish your mind, body, and the environment around you. 

For a radiant, plump complexion, my routine starts with Tata Harper Softening Cleanser ($86), which is a gentle formula suitable for all skin types. I like to follow up with Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence ($125), which retains moisture and keeps dry skin nourished.

Protecting my skin with antioxidants is essential during Ramadan since we miss out on antioxidant-rich foods throughout the day. I usually reach for a vitamin C serum like REN Glow & Protect Serum ($68) or Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum ($82). To lock in all the ingredients, I turn to Murad Nutrient Charged Water ($63) and I top it off with my go-to SPF: Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 to keep my skin protected.

Overall, self-care is paramount and small changes can make a huge difference in your Ramadan experience. This year, spending extra time on skincare is truly one of the best ways to unwind. 

Annam Ahmad

"I conduct ablution more routinely before prayers, Quran recitation, and other religious activities throughout Ramadan to connect more with my religion. Because of the harsh water in London, my skin is usually dry; therefore, I find myself moisturizing more frequently. I adore Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, which is on the pricey side but well worth it. Magic Cream makes my skin more plumped and hydrated compared to anything else I have tried.

During Ramadan, I usually keep my makeup on the minimal side, using only a few products daily. Iftar parties, however, are the perfect excuse to go all out with glam, including eyeshadow, liner, lashes, and contour."

Yasmine Ramadan

"I love to focus on self-care from the inside out during Ramadan to ensure my skin gets the hydration it misses during the day. I love using face masks— from sheet to clay— to refresh my skin during or to wind down at night. We stay up late for night prayers and wake up early for Suhoor, which can cause dark circles, so eye creams and patches are essential. I like Sephora Collection Sheet Eye Masks ($4), which are affordable and easy to use. I try to keep essential skincare and makeup products with me so that I can easily reapply after ablution.

One of my favorite lines, Salima Skin Solutions (a black Muslim-owned and halal certified medical-grade skincare line), has a great sunblock ($64) that doesn't leave a white cast. I also love the Super Rejuvenating Mask ($16) and Exfoliant Duo ($133) to keep my skin glowing. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($22) is ideal for rehydrating my lips when I'm not getting enough water throughout the day. Overall, I like to keep it simple during Ramadan with light spot concealing, brow gel, and lip balm—a little goes a long way.

Sarah

"I like using spray-on skincare during Ramadan since we do wudhu more frequently. After doing wudhu, I love using the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner Spray ($27) to replenish my skin. I use the Supergoop Re-Setting Sunscreen ($32) spray throughout the day. 

During Ramadan, I love sticking to dewy makeup products like Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer ($28) and Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi ($36), and Rosi Drops ($36). Doing your skincare allows you to be introspective, and any cleanliness you participate in will result in good deeds during Ramadan. Even something simple, like showering, will be rewarded if you remind yourself that you are doing it for Allah's sake."

Mayar Baraka

"For Ramadan, I try to achieve a natural glow from within. Since I am not sleeping much with Taraweeh and usually sleeping after suhour, I like to treat my under eyes because they're my biggest problem area. I love the Ordinary Caffeine Solution ($8) for brightening under my eyes. I use Youth to the People Superfoods Cleanser ($36) and the Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum ($20) to brighten my complexion in the mornings. Then, I follow up with Kinship Self Reflect Sunscreen ($26) for a nice glow. 

I like to double-cleanse at night with The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm ($11) and my daily cleanser, and I seal in all my treatment products with Farmacy Honey Halo moisturizer ($45). Before bed, I apply some Aquaphor on my lips, and I am good to go. 

This Ramadan, I am looking forward to all forms of self-care, including being gentle with my skin, Quran journaling, comprehensive diary entries of self-reflection after prayer, and reading my favorite Islamic novels.