Adrianna Yariqa
Photograph: Adrianna Yariqa
Photograph: Adrianna Yariqa

The best local Muslim-friendly brands in Singapore

You don't have to look far for Halal-certified makeup, skincare and modest wear. Here are the homegrown ones to support

Cam Khalid
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Whether they're flying under the radar or flaunted by your favourite local celebs on Instagram, these homegrown brands are redefining what it means to be a modern Muslim in a multicultural city like Singapore. They offer everything from Halal-certified makeup and skincare to trendy modest wear and women-only hair salons – even those who aren't Muslim will find plenty to love here, too.

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Adrianna Yariqa

Planning a pastel perfect raya? This modest wear designer’s got your back. Besides the usual suspects of solid pastel hues, Adrianna’s clothing and shawl designs also include multi-coloured patterns that draw enough attention to the wearer without going over-the-top to steal the show – a minimalist’s dream. There are various styles too, such as an A-line dress, mandarin-collared fit, and baju kurung pahang. If you’re looking to shop for the whole fam, the online catalogue also offers matching styles for both men and kids.

Adlina Anis

Sharp, sleek and minimal – these are some words that might come to mind when you’re browsing designer Adlina Anis’s collection of modest wear. With each collection thoughtfully designed from start to finish, the brand regards itself as "high quality, sustainable and socially responsible modest fashion". The innovative brand has also been pushing the envelope, starting with easy slip-on snoods in 2013, the first earphone-friendly hijab in 2016, versatile tri-scarves in 2017, and the sporty Aqua Sol series in 2017.

Besides hijabs, it also carries wardrobe essentials such as blouses, bottoms and blazers. It has also teamed up with fellow homegrown label Katt & Co for their Eid 2021 collab which features effortlessly stylish pleated Pahang kurung and dress, as well as abaya complete with timeless designs.

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Zahara

Count Zahara as the Halal alternative to mainstream cosmetics – this homegrown cosmetics line carries all the essentials such as mascara, eyeshadow quad, and matte liquid lipstick. Its stand-out product, however, is the revolutionary water-permeable nail polishes. These nail polishes allow Muslim women to make wudhu, that is, the cleansing of the body including nails, before prayer – and are also free of five harmful chemicals to boot. Started by sisters Alia and Amira, the latter of whom made it into Forbes 2018 30 Under 30 Asia list, Zahara is an up-and-coming brand to keep on your radar.

Ayn Skin

Championing the clean beauty movement, Ayn Skin ticks all the boxes with bodycare, haircare and hand sanitising products that feature biodegradable, cruelty-free, organic, and vegan ingredients. The halal-certified brand also keeps you happy and nasty-free with clean formulas, so you can breathe easy if you’ve got sensitive skin. It also does good while you feel good by giving a portion of sales to established local and global charitable causes annually.

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Itsumi Skincare

This halal-certified brand is the brainchild of founder of TV host Pornsak Prajakwit, Foo Tuan How, and Addy Lee who's also the founder of Singapore's biggest salon chain Monsoon Group. Despite only having three products to its name, Itsumi Skincare prides itself in using anti-clock flower extract and botanical ingredients to work their anti-aging magic on all skin types – young and old, men and women. Make the most of it with the brand’s cleanser, mist toner, and gel cream which will leave your skin looking fresh and radiant.

Meem Clothings

Meem Clothings does one product and does it really well – this local fashion brand designs headscarves mainly for hijab-wearing Muslim women, although it can be worn as a regular shawl too. But don’t expect to find dull, solid-coloured scarves. Instead, its offerings run the gamut from trendy tassels to pastel floral prints inspired by Japan’s springtime and deep browns and oranges inspired by Dubai’s deserts. The scarves are designed in-house and digitally printed on quality satin silk – a flowy material that drapes well on the body and flutters in the wind.

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Happy Vibes

Nothing but good vibes here – this online clothing brand offers modest fashionistas a myriad of swoon-worthy designs that will turn heads. The stylish modern-meets-modest designs include bold, floral frocks that are made for Singapore’s warm weather. Browse through its catalogue of classic kaftans, fairy maxi dresses, kimono blouses with pleated skirts, and even printed blazer and matching pants sets at affordable prices. While you’re at it, complete your shopping with its range of versatile scarves.

  • Health and beauty
  • Hair salons
  • Geylang

Pearlista makes a great salon for Muslimahs. That’s right, only ladies are allowed. Aside from the standard cut and blow, the salon offers deep silk moisture treatment, rebonding, and even a three-in-one combo (cut, colour and Argan treatment) at affordable prices. Slots are usually fully booked here, so be sure to make an appointment online before bringing your untamed tresses to any one of its three outlets in Eunos, Clementi, and Orchard.

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  • Health and beauty
  • Hair salons
  • Rochor

At any time of day, it’s a girls’ party over at Karva Hair Salon. This Halal ladies-only hair salon is where ladies who wear hijab let their hair down – quite literally – and get their manes cut, treated and coloured. Karva uses only Halal-certified or botanical-based products in the salon and has increasingly become popular for its creative colour services (from $80) in its three outlets. Besides getting your hair done, there are nail therapists and scalp consultants on-site so a trip to Karva can very easily turn into an all-out pampering session. Oh, and did we mention the Instagram-worthy backdrop for a glowed-up snap?

  • Shopping
  • Fashion
  • Rochor

The bridal offshoot of local Muslim fashion brand Lulu Alhadad Designs has garnered quite a large social media following – no doubt thanks to its gorgeous Middle Eastern-inspired couture wedding gowns constructed with fine tulles and laces. Founded by local fashion design Lulu Alhadad, LA Bridal has been in bridal business for over ten years and its intricately embellished rental dresses have proven a big hit among the Muslim community, although the range of designs offered covers the customary white wedding gowns and the latest Bollywood trends. To make your special day even more fuss-free, opt for a full bridal package (from $1,200) which includes complete accessories styling and actual-day makeup artist.

Ramadan in Singapore

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