by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Anisa Stoffel: Modest Fashion & Fresh-Faced Beauty

LA-based content creator Anisa Stoffel shares with BEAUBIT what it is like growing up as an American Muslim, the idea of modesty in fashion, and beauty tips inspired by her heritage.

Los Angeles-based content creator Anisa Stoffel is streetwear-chic, sleek and fresh-faced, all rolled into one. The fashion blogger is an expert in synchronising her hijab wraps with statement sneakers, taking inspiration from her Indonesian-Arabic heritage and her classic tomboyish style.

We chat with the 28-year-old on her experiences growing up as an American Muslim, how modesty ties in with fashion, and beauty tips inspired by her heritage.

Tell us more about yourself.

I’m Indonesian, Yemeni and white (my mom Indo-Yemeni, my dad white). I was born in Indonesia and growing up, my sister and I would go back three times a year so we were taught our culture and got to visit family a lot.

I quit my old job as a behavioural therapist to be a content creator full time. It’s been a blessing because I am responsible for my own schedule. Other things to know about me would be: I am a crazy cat mom. I love animals and gardening. I also like to work out even though it doesn’t show because I eat way too much!

What was your experience like growing up American Muslim?

I wasn’t really involved in the community here growing up. It wasn’t until I was 12 when I was put in Quran class and made a couple of Muslim friends. Most of my childhood friends and my father’s side of the family weren’t Muslim.

My mom’s side of the family is all in Indonesia. I loved spending Ramadan there because most people were Muslim and I could hear the athan (call to prayer) out in the streets. I am blessed to be able to go back to Indonesia frequently with a family that is culturally diverse. Growing up, most of my childhood friends had no idea who Muslims were. They were confused about why my mom covered her hair, some people would stare. My mom taught me positivity and kindness with the way she handled that negativity.

What is something you’re frequently asked about as a Muslim woman?

“Do you have hair? Do you wear that all the time? Why do you wear that thing on your head? Isn’t it hot with that on? Aren’t you hot all covered up?” It’s usually only questions about my scarf or how I dress. I have no problem answering any questions about myself or my faith, but most of the people who ask these questions are not asking to learn but are mocking my culture.

The refreshing thing about your style is the way you take the idea of modesty and make it really high-fashion. What is that process like for you?

I like to mix pieces and play around with styles. Growing up, I dressed like a boy and loved wearing plain oversized clothing but when I decided to wear the hijab, I tried adding more colour and different styles.

I feel like with age, I’ve gotten really comfortable with myself and what works for me.

What do you think of the relationship between your faith and beauty?

I think due to my faith, I’ve learned outer beauty is really nothing without inner beauty.

Your character, your manners is your real beauty and my focus will always be on that first before caring about anything else.

When you’re getting ready for the day, how does your hijab come into play?

I usually match it to my outfit of the day. I’ll normally stick to neutral colours but sometimes I like to play with colours and patterns.

What is your typical skin ritual like?

Lots of moisturizer and SPF every day (I’m still getting in the habit of it).

I try my best to keep my skin feeling and looking hydrated. My skin routine usually goes cleanser, toner, essence, serum and moisturizer (and I add an SPF in the daytime).

Anisa’s Beauty Picks
Pat McGrath Labs Lust Lip Gloss, SGD46
Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hr Brow Setter Invisible Brow Gel, SGD44
Givenchy Teint Couture City Balm Foundation, SGD74
Bobbi Brown Blush in Pink, SGD52
Dior Lip Glow Oil, SGD50
Kosas 10-Second Liquid Eyeshadow in Waterfall, SGD38.90
3CE Velvet Lip Tint in Daffodil, SGD24

What are some beauty tips from your culture that you can share?

We have certain herb drinks, which are called jamu, that we drink for different things (skin, hair and body). Unfortunately, I’ve never really asked what’s inside. Whenever I go back to Indonesia, there’s a jamu lady that comes by and we always get some.

We also do milk powder scrubs to exfoliate our skin and drink a lot of tea.

If you liked Anisa’s story, there’s plenty more to come, Hit the ‘Sign Up’ button at the bottom to receive the latest round-up.