THE 5 BEST BEAUTY BUYS IN ISTANBUL AND WHERE TO GET THEM

Photo by No More Dirty Looks

I’ll admit it, most of the beauty products I use can’t be found in Turkey. I buy them while I’m abroad and cling to them until they are safely with me in Istanbul. However, one of the reasons I started this blog is to share with people living in Istanbul how they can start leading healthier lives right now. At this moment. Start where they are. It’s pretty unfair of me to always be talking about products that can’t be purchased here. Teasing people who may not be able to go abroad or who want to purchase locally. This is one of the reasons why I post so many DIY recipes, so people can learn to make their own products first and foremost, but there are also some products I really enjoy that can be found right now in Istanbul, either online or in-person. These products are personal favorites because they are all-natural, sometimes organic, vegan and/or cruelty-free, and they all actually work.

1. Konjac Sponge with Clay

Why I like it: This tiny sponge is infused with Konjac (a plant native to Asia, from Japan to China and Indonesia) and minerals that work to deeply cleanse and exfoliate skin. It is available in different clay varieties for different skin types: black for oily skin, pink for sensitive, green French for combination and red French for mature. The sponge needs to be re-hydrated before each use then hung up to dry. It will last a couple of months with daily use, and it is 100% biodegradable, environmentally friendly, vegan and cruelty-free.

Price and where you can purchase: 32.00 TL and you can find it at online or in-person at Vegan Dukkan in Cihangir, or Ambar in Sishane/Taksim and Kirk Ambar in Besiktas.

2. Hurraw Lip Balm

Why I like it: My favorite lip balm is made in Portland, but this runs a close second. It’s all natural, vegan and made from premium raw, organic and fair trade ingredients. My favorite flavors are Coconut and Chai Spice. The tube is made of BPA-free plastic and even the ink on the label is made from food-grade, non-toxic dye.

Price and where you can purchase: 17.50 TL and you can find it online or in-person at Vegan Dukkan in Cihangir or at Ambar in Sishane/Taksim and Kirk Ambar in Besiktas.

3. Ida.Kew Soothing Face Cream

Why I like it: Ida.Kew is made locally in Turkey and owned by a Turkish woman, Selma Aydemir, who really knows her stuff and takes the time to source the best ingredients possible. This cream is 100% natural and made with the best cold-pressed oils, herbal extracts and essential oils to soothe and moisturize. It’s also free from parabens, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, silicon and petrochemicals, as well as being cruelty-free.

Price and where you can purchase: 121.00 TL and it can be found online at Ida.Kew or online at DermoEczanem.

4. Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream SPF 25

Why I like it: It’s skincare and makeup in one: the mineral base formula provides coverage, moisturizes and protects from UV and free radical damage. It is a natural product with a low rating (2) for toxicity on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. It’s also certified cruelty-free and vegan by Leaping Bunny and PETA. Price and where you can purchase: 157.00 TL and it’s found online at LilaKutu.

5. Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Mascara

Why I like it: It’s 100% natural and the brush is 100% recyclable. It has the lowest rating (1) in terms of harmful ingredients and toxicity for mascaras on EWG’s Skin Deep Database. It curls, volumizes, conditions and nourishes. It’s also great for those with allergies, as it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance free, gluten free, opthalmologist approved, 100% free of harsh chemicals, 100% free of synthetic preservatives, 100% free of parabens and 100% free of GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms). It’s cruelty-free but not vegan — this product uses beeswax.

Price and wear you can purchase: 38 - 40 TL and it can be found online at DermoEcanem and Bakim Store.

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