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Samina Akhter set up Samina Pure Make-up from her home in Birmingham after questioning the ingredients of many High Street make-up products.
Under Islamic law, alcohol and certain meats are forbidden. Pork especially is taboo, so Akhtar was shocked to learn that some of the products she used contained fatty acids and gelatin from pigs.
"As a Muslim, I was questioning what I was putting on my skin", Akhter told Reuters. "I wanted to know whether it was pemissible in Islam."
In keeping with Islamic law, Akhter's lipsticks and eyeliners are made from plant extracts, minerals, essential oils and vitamins.
The business received halal accreditation in early June, and now has over 500 customers.
"Many Muslim women like me have been frustrated by wanting to look good and follow their faith", Akhter said.
But some Muslim leaders have expressed concern that the word 'halal' is being used as a marketing gimmick.
But is it for real?
Sheikh Haitham Al-Haddad, a leading Imam in the UK, told Daily Mail: "Sometimes people misuse or abuse this word and put halal on any product. I've seen the word halal stamped on fish and this is ridiculous.
"If the product contains dead flesh or meat, any pig or haram [forbidden] animals like dogs, or any alcohol, then generally it is impermissible.
"If the product contains a very small amount of animal or alcohol, then some scholars say it is permissible.
"Also, if the disallowed ingredient changes into another substance, through the chemical process, then some scholars say this is allowed."
Is Halal make-up really necessary? Or is it just using religious beliefs to make more money with cosmetics?
Under Islamic law, alcohol and certain meats are forbidden. Pork especially is taboo, so Akhtar was shocked to learn that some of the products she used contained fatty acids and gelatin from pigs.
"As a Muslim, I was questioning what I was putting on my skin", Akhter told Reuters. "I wanted to know whether it was pemissible in Islam."
In keeping with Islamic law, Akhter's lipsticks and eyeliners are made from plant extracts, minerals, essential oils and vitamins.
The business received halal accreditation in early June, and now has over 500 customers.
"Many Muslim women like me have been frustrated by wanting to look good and follow their faith", Akhter said.
But some Muslim leaders have expressed concern that the word 'halal' is being used as a marketing gimmick.
But is it for real?
Sheikh Haitham Al-Haddad, a leading Imam in the UK, told Daily Mail: "Sometimes people misuse or abuse this word and put halal on any product. I've seen the word halal stamped on fish and this is ridiculous.
"If the product contains dead flesh or meat, any pig or haram [forbidden] animals like dogs, or any alcohol, then generally it is impermissible.
"If the product contains a very small amount of animal or alcohol, then some scholars say it is permissible.
"Also, if the disallowed ingredient changes into another substance, through the chemical process, then some scholars say this is allowed."
Is Halal make-up really necessary? Or is it just using religious beliefs to make more money with cosmetics?
