Keeping it modest

SOME people choose to press pause on make-up and go bare-faced throughout the month of Ramadan — out of respect for the holy month and to tone down their attractiveness to the opposite sex. Indeed, Ramadan is a time when we refrain not only from eating and drinking but also from other worldly temptations.

It’s a time for self-reflection and a time to strengthen our relationship with our Creator. It is encouraged that we be modest in our appearance.

If the idea of going barefaced makes you cringe, keep it simple. Opt for 'barely there' looks. Choose lightweight make-up that’s easy to remove.

Here are some tips to stay glowy this Ramadan without overdoing it. Time to say goodbye to dramatic eyeliners, sharp contours and overly-lined lips! At least for a while.

MOISTURISER AS HIGHLIGHTER

If you want to have that shine but do not want to use a highlighter, just dab a tiny bit of moisturise on the tip of the nose and pat a little onto the high points of the cheekbones.

They will giv you that dewy glow without being overly shiny.

Sephora has a range of good moisturisers. Clinique is a good option too.

ONE SHADE OF EYESHADOW

Eyeshadow is an option. There’s no need to colour the eyes if you don’t want to. But if you do, pull the look together by choosing just one earthy tone eye shadow. Wash it over the lid and dust a little beneath the lower lash line.

A single swipe using a fluffy eyeshadow brush will suffice. Brands like Zoeva and Urban Decay offer some really nice warm tones that will match skin tones.

SKINCARE AND FOUNDATION

Skincare should be your top priority. Stick to the staple facial routine wash, tone and moisturise.

Before applying foundation, prep skin with good quality moisturiser. Then add some facial oil (this is optional) and mix it with a small amount of light coverage foundation.

Blend the foundation evenly across the face with a fluffy brush, beauty blender or your fingers.

If foundation isn’t your thing, opt for creams such as the Complexion Care cream by Lakme. They work like magic!

Otherwise, soft fluid and long-wearing foundations from brands like La Mer are great too.

If you also want to keep skin looking fresh all day long, Kendall Jenner’s make-up artist, who is responsible for the supermodel’s barelythere make-up look, has this tip: Add some moisturiser to the back of your hand and use a fluffy brush to buff skin with it.

She describes it as a magic eraser that rehydrates make-up without completely removing anything.

MASCARA AND EYELINER

There’s no need to line the eyes if you want to stay with the barely-there make-up look.

But you can brighten up your eyes with your lashes using mascara.

This should be coated just once or twice on top. Focus more on the outer corners for a fanned-out effect. Keep it minimal for a subtle look.

Smashbox, Makeup Forever and Urban Decay have good mascaras.

Also, it’s best to use mascara that isn’t waterproof to ease the process of ablution so you can pray easily.

BLUSH IT RIGHT

You might want to opt for a bronzer if you’re not feeling the blush. Whatever it is, find a suitable colour that is not too obvious and bold.

Focus on the areas where the sun hits your face such as the cheekbones and the bridge of your nose. Lightly dust over these areas.

DITCH THE LIPSTICK

So you still want a hint of colour on you lips but you do not want to use heavy mat lipstick.

Opt for something a little pared down. Just dab a tiny bit on the lips before spreading it. Or go for a softer touch like lip balm.