7 Hijabi Bloggers Who Challenge Traditional Notions of Beauty

Alert! These hijabi beauty bloggers you should be following on social media. (Photo: Instagram/cheeseandxalwo)
Alert! These hijabi beauty bloggers you should be following on social media. (Photo: Instagram/cheeseandxalwo)

Though many Muslim women cover their hair and often their necks with a hijab — a traditional headscarf — the article of clothing is a representation of their faith and not necessarily indicative of having to hide their beauty. However, some people are still surprised when they see that a woman wearing a hijab can express herself with colorful eyeshadows, precision contouring, and false eyelashes too.

With all that’s occurring in the political realm and in recognition of World Hijab Day (Feb. 1), Yahoo Beauty stands in solidarity to show that we believe in beauty for all. Here, seven amazing beauty bloggers and influencers who are redefining what it means to be a Muslim woman, one makeup look at a time.

Nura Afia


Nura Afia has made huge waves, in both the political and beauty worlds. The YouTube star has not only garnered over 200,000 devoted followers on her channel, but she was also the first Muslim woman to wear her hijab in a mainstream cosmetics campaign for CoverGirl. From her GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos to her full-glam tutorials, Afia helps fight back the often misunderstood ideas of beauty in the Muslim community. Nonetheless, she’s reshaping standards, proving beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms through tutorials on how to get soft, smoky eyes and ways to tie a turban.

Hodan Yusuf


The Netherlands-based beauty blogger approaches her makeup almost as if it were an experiment; one day you’re bound to get the breakdown on a bangin’ highlight and red lip, and other days she’ll show you how to rock a neutral palette. Whatever the day, Yusuf shows off her enviable makeup looks (many that match with her hijab of choice that day) to her Instagram feed of over 144,000 followers and 23,000 on YouTube. Her YouTube channel has even become a place to discuss her heritage, being a teen mom, and her interracial marriage. Plus, her dewy chocolate skin will have you wanting to get a head start on your skin care routine.

Basma K

Bold eyes no lashes ????

A photo posted by B A S M A . K (@basma_k) on Nov 18, 2016 at 3:11pm PST

Basma K may be one of the few on this list without a YouTube channel, but she certainly holds her own in the beauty industry. The fashion and beauty blogger shows through her Instagram that modesty in clothing means nothing when exploring trends. Her makeup — dewy skin, neutral and pink shadows, wispy eyelashes, and a killer cat eye — usually pair perfectly with her hijabs. Basma K even has her own hijab/scarf boutique!

Omaya Zein

Omaya Zein is sure to give you eyebrow envy. The Venezuelan-Palestinian beauty shares her coveted looks to her 327,000 Instagram followers, as well as on YouTube. If you head over to her channel, you’ll get to see that she loves hijab tutorials just as much as beauty how-tos. Zein’s multiethnic background not only provides her a platform to speak on the life and story of being a Muslim woman, but speaking Spanish breaks down language barriers and opens the door for people to understand there is no one face of beauty.

Habiba Da Silva

Good morning ???? #habibadasilva ???? @maryamwm

A photo posted by HABIBA DA SILVA (@lifelongpercussion) on Jan 18, 2017 at 2:41am PST


Habiba Da Silva combines her love of beauty, travel, lifestyle, and fashion all in one, and her 635,000 Instagram followers definitely take notice. Though she showcases makeup looks, Da Silva also uploads a ton of videos on her YouTube channel on price comparisons, reviews, and segments to show off her SKIN by Habiba Da Silva campaign, which highlights all beautiful types of skin. Da Silva definitely has a signature makeup aesthetic (filled-in brows, spidery lashes, a sheer glow, and nude lipstick), but she revamps her style from time to time with a pop of red on her lips.

Dose of Samira

???? Hijab from @shopalisra ✨

A photo posted by SAMIRA (@doseofsamira) on Nov 14, 2016 at 10:40am PST


What can you do when you want to sport a dramatic eye look but you’ve already got slightly larger eyes? Own it, according to Dose of Samira. The Toronto-based YouTuber and beauty blogger is definitely one not to shy away from drama. Of course, knowing your eye shape is vital to understanding how to get the best looks, and Samira definitely has you covered. Her tutorials guide you through her complete makeup routine, from contouring and highlighting to even her flawless eyebrows.

Sabina Hannan

Sabina Hannan has stunning skin that’s unfair. Her YouTube channel is nothing short of a beauty lover’s paradise: Chit Chat GRWMs, bridal makeup ideas, and even drugstore beauty tutorials for those on a budget. She gives content for just about anyone. Those wanting to add a bit of glamour to their makeup looks are sure to keep coming back to Sabina for more.

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