Ikram Abdi Reveals Her Secrets To A Flawless Complexion And That Coveted Au Naturel Look
The hijab-wearing runway model talks us through her regimen of homemade beauty remedies and guilty pleasures
The up-and-coming Swedish-British model tells BAZAAR about her fondness for hot chocolate and her go-to beauty favourites…
MAKE-UP & FRAGRANCE
Foundation: “I always use NARS for the perfect base, specifically NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (Dhs235) and NARS Biscuit Radiant Creamy Concealer (Dhs165).”
Make-up hack: “I don’t blend my concealer right away. I leave it for a minute or two and then blend using a Beauty Blender (Dhs62). I find a brush can be too harsh for under my eyes.”
Go-to lip colour: “I firstly apply M.A.C Lip Pencil in Hover (Dhs80) and coat with Rimmel London Oh My Gloss! in Crystal Clear (Dhs49)”
Signature scent: “Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau So Sweet (Dhs358)”.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (Dhs 235)
M.A.C Lip Pencil in Hover (Dhs80)
Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau So Sweet (Dhs358)
HAIR
Go-to hairstylist: “Myself”.
Styling secret: “I part my hair in the middle, comb it back and tie it in a tight bun. It’s a useful style because you can’t see any visible bumps on the surface of my headscarf.”
Treatments: “When I have the time, I make a natural hair mask with egg yolk mixed with olive oil. I leave it on until it dries and then rinse off.”
Bad hair-day secret: “If my hair is feeling lacklustre I will sleep overnight with a hair mask on and wash it off the following day, it always feels so much smoother and shinier.”
Favourite product: “Cantu Leave-in Conditioning Cream (Dhs28).”
Cantu Leave-in Conditioning Cream (Dhs28)
SKIN & BODY
Skincare routine: “Every day I cleanse with Rodial Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm (Dhs220), and apply Rodial Vit C Face Soufflé (Dhs300) and always finish with Hema SPF 50 Sun Milk (Dhs38).”
Go-to product for skin emergencies: “When I have a breakout, I make a homemade turmeric, lemon and honey face mask and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off. It tones my skin and tightens my pores.”
Go-to manicure salon: “I always visit Rawr Beauty salon for a white gel mani/ pedi.”
Rodial Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm (Dhs220)
Rodial Vit C Face Soufflé (Dhs300)
INTERVENTION
Attitude to injectables: “I believe if that’s what you want, then go ahead, as at the end of the day everyone is in control of themselves but personally I haven’t had any done.”
Cosmetic dermatologist: “Facials at Pfeffer Sal in London has really helped to reduce spots and eradicate my scars.”
DIET & FITNESS
Go-to-snack: “I’m obsessed with fruits, so anytime I feel like a snack I run to the fruit bowl at home.”
Favourite workout: “I like to hit the treadmill for around an hour. I also do some at-home Pilates workouts.”
Guilty food pleasure: “Ice cream, especially HäagenDazs Strawberry Cheesecake flavour!”
Beverage of choice: “I like pressed juices, and once in a blue moon I’ll enjoy a nice hot chocolate.”
Breakfast: “My go-to is egg mixed with courgette, tomatoes, onions, garlic and coriander spice. Alternatively, I’ll have Greek yoghurt with granola and raspberries.”
Food dislikes: “I hate olives. I have tried them multiple times but can’t seem to get my taste buds to like them!”
From Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia March 2020 issue