In a world obsessed with the latest beauty trends, viral makeup hacks, and “must-have” products, it can feel almost impossible to embrace the art of not wearing makeup.
As Muslim women, we’re taught the wisdom of modesty and why displaying our beauty to the outer world is something we should try our best to avoid.
But let’s not sugarcoat it—finding that balance between self-care and staying within the boundaries Islam sets for us can feel tough in today's beauty-buzz society.
Recently, I’ve started my own journey of redefining what confidence means to me—where 'feeling good' doesn't need to rely on makeup or the latest beauty buys taking over TikTok.
It’s been a challenge, no doubt, but it’s also been incredibly freeing.
If you’ve ever struggled with this balance or felt alone on this journey, I hear you. That’s why I'm eager to share some tips that have helped me feel confident while staying true to my values. Let’s embrace the beauty of simplicity together.
1.Invest in Good Skincare 🌿
Truthfully, relying on a solid skincare routine as an alternative to makeup has never been easier – it's practically trending right now.
Many women feel the urge to turn to makeup when their skin isn’t at its best. It’s like a safety blanket – and trust me, I get it. Dark circles and blemishes can definitely take a hit on your confidence.
But taking the time to understand your skin's needs (and paying attention to your diet!) can work wonders for achieving that natural glow – no makeup needed.
Identifying and Addressing Skin Issues 🕵️
Having battled acne since the age of 16, I had to learn the importance of prioritising good skincare to feel confident in my skin.
I started noticing patterns – like where I was breaking out – and researched possible causes. For example, forehead breakouts can be linked to digestion issues, while the chin and lower cheeks are often hormonal. I used this knowledge to adjust my diet, drink more water, and avoid fragrance-filled products.
Tip: Avoid overloading your skin with too many products – sometimes less is more. Overdoing it can lead to further breakouts and irritation.
Believe me, hitting your daily goal of drinking 2 litres of water can transform your skin. It’s such a simple habit, but it helps your complexion thrive from the inside out. Hydration is the ultimate secret to naturally radiant skin – let’s embrace it!
2.Have a Fabulous Body Care Routine 🧼
Nurturing your natural scent through a consistent and loving body care routine is the perfect way to not only feel fresh but also avoid the overuse of perfumes. And bonus? Your skin will love you for it.
Nurturing Your Natural Scent
Here’s how you can craft a routine that leaves your skin soft, your confidence high, and your natural scent shining through:
1. Dry Brushing: Before hopping into the shower, use a dry brush to exfoliate, improve circulation, and remove toxins. It’s a game-changer for smoother skin.
- Start with the Basics: Grab an antibacterial soap before reaching for the fancy shower gels. This ensures your skin feels truly clean.
- Exfoliate: Use a scrub cloth to really lather up the soap and slough off dead skin cells for that buttery-smooth finish.
- Feel-Good Shower Gels: Pick shower gels with scents you love – whether that’s warm vanilla, zesty citrus, or soothing almond. Choose what makes you feel good!
- Moisturise: While your skin is still damp post-shower, lock in the hydration with your favourite body oil. This helps keep your skin soft and nourished for longer.
Taking the time to care for your body is an empowering way to feel confident in your own skin. These little routines remind you that self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s something you deserve every single day.
3.Get Creative with Makeup at Home 💄
Who says you can’t glam up in the comfort of your own home?
This isn’t just for our married sisters – I’m a huge advocate for beautifying yourself within your home, surrounded only by your mahrams (those it’s permissible to be uncovered around).
It’s a great way to explore your creativity, practice your makeup skills, and get ready for those girls-only events, future married life, or simply to treat yourself.
Experimenting with makeup in a private setting is not only a fun and artistic outlet, but it also helps you feel like you’re not missing out.
In fact, playing around with looks at home might even encourage you to let your skin breathe more and reduce the urge to wear makeup outside. Win-win!
4.Look into Halal Beauty Treatments 💅
Modern beauty trends may be hard to ignore, but one great thing that’s emerged from them is the rise of halal beauty treatments!
Take “halal brows",for example – a term used for the process of tidying up eyebrows without plucking or removing any hair. These treatments allow Muslim women to maintain their appearance while staying within the boundaries set by Islam.
Keeping on top of your self-care with treatments that align with your faith can do wonders for your confidence – and it’s completely guilt-free.
A special shoutout to the amazing Muslim sisters who’ve made sacrifices to run halal beauty businesses, offering services that cater to our values. Your work is empowering women everywhere. ❤️
5.Create More Opportunities for Girls-Only Events 🎉
Sisters-only get-togethers are such a beautiful way to strengthen our bonds while giving us the perfect excuse to dress up and glam up!
These gatherings aren’t just about having fun – they’re an opportunity to express your creativity with style in a halal way.
For those of us striving to avoid makeup or maintain modesty, these moments hold even greater significance. They remind us that we can embrace beauty and confidence within the right settings.
So, the next time you’re planning a get-together with your friends at home or at a sisters-only event, let them know the memo: dress up, look your best, and celebrate each other!
6.Build a Skincare Wish List 📝
This ties back to investing in good skincare, but let’s take it a step further – building a skincare wish list! Doing your research and curating a list of products or treatments you want to try is not just practical but also a great self-care activity.
I absolutely love researching different ingredients and products to find what can help my skin glow more naturally, which then helps me stay away from wanting makeup.
Think of it as putting effort into helping your skin truly glow. Whether it’s a face mask you’ve been eyeing, a moisturizer that perfectly suits your skin type, or a facial treatment you’ve been wanting to try, these small steps can go a long way.
Feeling confident and beautiful in your natural skin – without relying on makeup – is such a freeing experience. And if it helps you stay within the boundaries of our faith, then it’s time and money well spent.
7. Remembering the Reward for Obeying Allah SWT 🌟
I wanted to end with this point because, while the tips above offer practical ways to help resist the urge to beautify yourself in public, it’s important to acknowledge that this journey isn’t always easy. For some women, it’s a bigger test than for others – and that’s okay.
What truly matters is remembering the immense reward in striving to obey Allah’s commands and bettering yourself for His sake.
Allah sees your efforts, your intentions, and the sacrifices you make.
He created you, and in His eyes, you are already beautiful – regardless of how society might try to make you feel otherwise.
I hope these tips have given you a little encouragement, and if you have any additional advice, feel free to share it in the comments below. Your tip could benefit someone else on this journey too. ❤️
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