This Is How Turkish Girls Get Their Pretty On

For centuries, Istanbul has famously been the center of many worlds, the point where Europe and the Middle East — where the past and the future — intersect. The streets are lined with Zara and Starbucks and Shake Shack, but the skyline is dominated by the huge, arresting, ancient dome of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.

Also striking? The effortless, glowing beauty of Turkish women. Perhaps unsurprisingly, on a recent trip to the city, I discovered these ladies look toward bath products and skin care to achieve their look rather than stiff hair and heavy makeup. It's a beauty that comes courtesy of products that are both low-maintenance and luxurious; these wares use very traditional, Levantine ingredients — rose oil, almonds, black sesame, and Turkish coffee — in new and innovative ways.

If you’re looking to update your summer beauty regimen with products that are subtle but feel indulgent, check out some of the Turkish products ahead. You might even find yourself tempted to eat most of these — though, don't forget that they're made out of soap.