Please tell us a brief background about yourself.

My name is Alia Omar, a businesswoman passionate about promoting halal products and wellness. I own Matanos Restaurant in Metro Manila and have been expanding my halal skincare brand, Nurraysa, to cater to a broader audience. I’m also a proud mother of four and committed to maintaining a healthy balance between my family and business life.

How did you develop your make-up brand ‘Nurraysa’? What inspired you to launch a make-up brand?
Nurraysa was developed from my desire to provide halal, skin-friendly beauty solutions. As a Muslim woman, I wanted to ensure that my beauty routine aligned with my values, so I was inspired to create a brand that others in my community could trust. Nurraysa is not only halal but also organic and safe for everyone to use.

You also own a catering service business. Is cooking your other passion? Which came first as a business idea, the make-up brand or the catering? And which one do you enjoy most?
Cooking is definitely another passion of mine. I first launched my catering business, serving delicious Maranao-inspired dishes at Matanos Restaurant. Later on, I saw a demand for halal beauty products, which led me to create Nurraysa. I love both ventures equally, as they allow me to express creativity in different ways—through food and beauty.

Tell us more about your make-up brand. What makes it unique? Why should we start using it?
Nurraysa is unique because it’s made with halal-certified ingredients that are organic and non-toxic. It’s perfect for those who want to enhance their beauty while maintaining their religious and ethical values. You should start using Nurraysa if you’re looking for a brand that cares about your skin’s health and respects your beliefs.

Why is it important to use make-up that is made from organic materials?
Organic makeup is gentler on the skin and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that can cause irritation or long-term damage. It’s also environmentally friendly, which aligns with our values of promoting sustainability and wellness for both the individual and the planet.

What is your best-seller item? Tell us about it.
Our best-seller is the Nurraysa lip tint. It’s made from organic ingredients, giving a natural, beautiful finish that lasts all day. People love it because it’s versatile, easy to apply, and complements any skin tone while being safe for daily use.

What are your vanity essentials? What is your favorite item in your make-up kit?
My vanity essentials include a good cleanser, moisturizer, foundation, and, of course, my Nurraysa Magic Lipstick with Organic Marula Oil. The Magic Lipstick is my favorite because it’s easy to apply and offers long-lasting color, while the organic marula oil keeps my lips soft and nourished, giving me a fresh, polished look all day.

This is a sensitive topic but it is an interesting point of discussion, especially when it comes to religious principles, and some may view it as ‘haram’ and that wearing make-up is not allowed. Do you ever get questioned or taunted for selling make-up? And how do you respond to such comments?
Yes, I’ve faced some questions regarding this. However, I make sure to explain that Nurraysa is halal-certified, ensuring that it adheres to Islamic principles. Makeup, when used modestly and with the right intention, can be seen as a way of caring for oneself, which is not against our religious beliefs.

For conservative societies, wearing make-up has been discouraged. However, time is changing and we see it as normal nowadays. Do you agree? Why?
Yes, I believe times are changing. More people are understanding that makeup can be part of self-expression and self-care. It’s about finding a balance between looking presentable and staying true to one’s values. As long as it’s done with modesty, it’s perfectly acceptable.

Lastly, why is it important to look pleasant? And what’s the role of make-up in it?
Looking pleasant helps in building confidence and making a positive impression. Makeup plays a role in enhancing one’s natural beauty, giving that extra boost of confidence, especially in professional or social settings.