HOW TO RECREATE TIKTOK’S TURKISH DELIGHT MAKE UP

If you’re on the right side of TikTok (by that we mean your entire FYP is trending beauty-related content) then we guarantee you’ve come across the countless videos of Turkish Delight make up tutorials.
Inspired by one of the most iconic actresses of Turkish cinema from the 70’s—Türkan Şoray - this make up look pays homage to her big, exaggerated eyes and pink, rosy cheeks.
Want to learn how to master Turkish Delight Makeup? Well, it’s time to get your brushes, liners and favourite blushers at the ready as we give you the step-by-step guide.
In This Article:
WHAT IS TURKISH DELIGHT MAKE UP
Turkish Delight Makeup is inspired by the timeless elegance of Türkan Şoray, often referred to as the ‘Queen of Turkish Cinema’. Türkan Şoray was a central figure in the Turkish film industry, starring in a variety of roles across romance, drama and action films. But no matter what character she portrayed, one thing remained consistent: her signature make up style.
Turkish Delight Makeup features big, doe-like eyes, soft pink petal lips and rosy cheeks. The name "Turkish Delight" comes from the soft, rose-toned hues of the make up, which are said to resemble the colour of the popular gelatinous sweet treat.
HOW TO DO THE TURKISH DELIGHT MAKE UP LOOK
THE SKIN
Start your complexion with a foundation or skin tint that has a satin but natural finish. The base shouldn’t be too heavy as the eyes are going to take centre stage. Bright under eyes are also a staple in Turkish Delight Makeupso use a concealer that’s slightly lighter than your natural skin tone. Then, apply a light dusting of powder to keep the skin set and matte.
THE EYES
Turkish Delight Makeup relies heavily on your eye make up. Start by applying a nude shadow to your lids, then using an eyeshadow brush apply a darker brown shade to build a very soft smoky eye. Next, take your favourite back pencil and tightline your eyes, creating a little cat eye flick on the edges. Blend this out to an exaggerated flick before applying a liquid or gel eyeliner on top of your pencil work. To perfect the Turkish Delight Makeup look, your eyeliner should be straight and not angled upwards as you would do if drawing a traditional cat eye. Then, using a white eyeliner, apply to your lower lash line. This is what is going to give you the doe-eyed look as it will make your peepers look larger. Once that’s done, use the same black eye pencil as before and follow the contour of your eye shape just below your lash line, creating another flick at the edges mimicking the flick you drew above. Finally, coat your lashes with your favourite mascara and use faux flutters on the outer corner for added drama.
THE BROWS
Big, fluffy and carved are the brows we’re after for this make up style. Because the eyes are so impactful, your brow make up also needs to be thick and bold to maintain balance on your face. We suggest using a concealer below your arches to carve out your shape, then your favourite eyebrow pencil to fill them. To finish off use a brow gel to lock everything in place.
THE CHEEKS
You know those flushed cheeks you get when you bump into your crush? That’s the colour you need to mimic when you’re doing Turkish Delight Makeup . Flushed, natural and rosy are the tones we’re looking for. For placement, apply your blusher to the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards. You can mix a range of textures to find your perfect rosy hue – we suggest a lighter cream blusher and then a more pigmented powder on top. Contour also needs to be applied to bring dimension to the face— but avoid the nose and concentrate on your cheek bones only.
THE LIPS
Plump and defined lips complete the Turkish Delight Makeup look. Overline your pout with a natural, nude lip liner before using a matte lipstick in a hue similar to the colour on your cheeks. We suggest avoiding satin and glossy finishes to keep everything matte and cohesive.
TURKISH DELIGHT MAKEUP FAQs
Who can wear the Turkish Delight Makeup trend?
Anyone can wear the Turkish Delight Makeup! Versatile, flattering and working to enhance the beauty of your eyes, this make up look can work on anyone and everyone!
How do you make Turkish Delight Makeup last?
The best way to make the Turkish Delight Makeup last is by using a setting powder to lock in your cream products and finish with a setting spray. You can also use a primer in your prep routine. We suggest the MILK MAKEUP Hydrogrip Primer and the MILK MAKEUP Hydrogrip Setting Spray as they work in tandem to hydrate, refresh and act like a magnet for your make up.
Where can you wear Turkish Delight Makeup?
Turkish Delight Makeup can be worn for any occasion. You can also tweak the look depending on what you’re doing. For example, in the day we suggesting softening the eyes by using brown eyeliners and pencils instead of black. And for a date night look? Swap the rosy tones of the cheeks and lips for something red.
And there you have it! The ultimate guide to the Turkish Delight Makeup. Now you too can emulate the screen siren Türkan Şoray - even if you don’t speak a word of Turkish.

Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.