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Meet Wafa Yahya – A Blogger, A Cosmetologist And A Hijabi.

Wafa Yahya is a young Hijabi blogger catering her beauty and fashion tips to local Middle Eastern girls. She is the owner of Wafa’s Diary and is an emerging face in the social media world. KM brings you an exclusive with Wafa focusing on our skincare concerns during Ramadan, her style tips and her take on Halal Cosmetics as a Muslim.

Q : In regards to Halal Cosmetics and Modest Beauty, what are your thoughts on vegan/cruelty free makeup? Do you consider vegan products as necessary a requirement in your makeup box as halal options?

A : The word halal means permissible. Halal products don’t include pork, alcohol or blood. Halal beauty products are skincare and cosmetics products that don’t include the previously mentioned ingredients. Using cosmetics that are not halal, or wearing them on the skin is against the Islamic law.

Having explained the meaning of halal, I should mention that halal is a holistic lifestyle, so the concept of what makes a product halal or not goes beyond its ingredients. The idea includes the way a product is made. This suggests that halal beauty products must be handled with clean equipment and must be produced with methods that are not harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Therefore, using eco-friendly (vegan and guilt free products) is compliant with the halal lifestyle that we desire.

Q : We are seeing a widespread growth of the Hijabi community coming out and expressing themselves as Fashion and Beauty bloggers. What gave you the courage and idea to pursue being a fashion blogger and how do you plan to make a difference?

A : My passion for fashion and makeup started a long time ago. I always wanted to put my interests out there and share it with people who are in parallel agreement with me. The widespread of hijabi fashion bloggers has definitely inspired me and gave me an idea of what I can do to share my opinion and experiences in fashion and makeup.

The way I try to make a difference is besides focusing on looks and external beauty; I also want to shed light on a woman’s internal beauty and intelligence. I want to inspire other women around the world and help them believe in themselves and encourage them to work hard to achieve their dreams.

Q : In terms of your modest fashion operandi, how has your style evolved and what are your favourite key wardrobe pieces you would like every woman to have in her closet?

A : I strongly believe that fashion is temporary, style is eternal. So, what every woman should focus on is having her own style that makes her different from others.

As for the key items every woman should have in her wardrobe, I strongly recommend the following for every occasion:

  • White shirt
  • Black blazer
  • Black dress
  • A pair of jeans that suits her body shape
  • Statement necklace and watch

 Q : What are your Ramadan style tips for our Gulf Ladies for the holy month?
A : Ramadan is a unique season to get together with family and friends. In this holy month it is important to dress up in a way that suits the spirituality of the month and yet reflects ultimate style.

Ramadan is occurring in summertime this year and this can be tricky for someone who wants to stay in the height of fashion. However kaftan dresses, embellished abayas and uniquely designed cover-ups made with different prints and patterns are great options for Ramadan outfits.

What’s great about these outfits is that you can dress them up or down. Pair your favourite dress with a pair of heels, the right accessories and a clutch and you’ll have a cool Ramadan style. On the other hand, you can wear the same dress with your favourite sandals and bag, and you’ve got yourself a daytime look.

Q : Can you brief us about your skincare routine? How do you look after yourself in the month of Ramadan?

A : In Ramadan you should take extra care of your skin to ensure it stays glowing and bright. The summer heat and fasting may cause your skin to become dull as your body loses important vitamins and minerals, but you don’t have to worry because by making sure you take good care of your skin and having the right nutrients at Iftar and Suhour  you can stay positively radiant all through this blessed season of goodness.

A simple tip is to ensure that your diet includes an array of foods. The more you take care of your eating habits during this holy month, the healthier your skin will become. Having food that includes essential nutrients such as A, B, C, E and Omega 3 will help you maintain healthy skin.

Finally, it is necessary to drink plenty of water to prevent your body and skin from dehydration, especially during Ramadan. Water also helps preserve your skin’s softness. Drink as much as 8 glasses between your Iftar and Suhour.

 Q : And finally, if you have any tips and advice for aspiring bloggers, what is it you’d like to tell them?

A : My advice for aspiring bloggers is to find an angle that they are interested in and let their blog revolve around that theme. Then they should be their own selves and let their personality shine through. They need to have patience, because it can take a really long time for their audience to grow. Finally, always remember that success takes time and hard work.

 

More Information
For more fashion and beauty tips including information on organic make up, cuticles and other cosmetics, check out Wafa’s Instagram and blog