While makeup trends in 2026 have embraced a clean-girl, natural vibe, we can’t help sneaking a nostalgic peek at the bold 2016 glam we once lived for. Remember makeup in 2016? Full-coverage foundations, sharp brows, sculpted contour, statement lips, and highlighter bright enough to be seen from space. Today, clean glam is taking over, with skin-focused, effortless makeup that enhances rather than masks. From dewy bases to blurred lips and soft, fluffy brows, it’s all about embracing a natural, glowier version of yourself.
If, like many of us, you’re torn between these two glam worlds, fear not. In honour of one of the most iconic makeup eras (Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, we’re looking at you), we’re breaking down the biggest differences between 2016 makeup looks and today’s polished, skin-first favourites. Here’s how to embrace both styles with ease.
1. Base
2016 Base Makeup
Base makeup in 2016 was about creating a flawless, high-impact canvas. Matte foundations and heavy contour took centre stage, while baking ensured a long-lasting, polished finish. Highlighter added dramatic brightness, emphasising cheekbones and key points of the face for a striking, sculpted effect. Every detail was deliberate, giving skin a polished, camera-ready finish that was impossible to ignore.
Your 2016 base essentials
2026 Base Makeup
In 2026, base makeup is softer and more effortless. Skin tints, blurring primers, and light-coverage foundations even out the complexion without covering it up. Cream bronzers and pops of dewy blusher add gentle dimension, letting your natural glow shine through. The goal? Skin that looks like skin, with a healthy, radiant finish.
Your 2026 base essentials
2. Brows
2016 Brow Makeup
2016 was officially the year of bold, precise brows. Thick, bold arches were defined with full-pigment pomades or pencils, while concealer carved out crisp edges for a polished, high-impact finish. Brow gels kept every hair in place, creating a look that was sharp, structured, and impossible to miss.
Your 2016 brow essentials
2026 Brow Makeup
In 2026, the emphasis has shifted to softness and movement. Fluffy, brushed-up brows that follow your natural shape are in, enhanced with tinted gels, ultra-fine pencils, or brow soaps. The goal is effortless definition and brows that frame your face naturally and complement your features without overpowering them.
Your 2026 brow essentials
2016 Eye Makeup
Eyes were the main event in 2016. Cut creases, bold shimmer, and thick eyeliner defined every look, while dramatic false lashes added instant glamour. Highly pigmented, colourful shadows and precise application created striking, statement-making eyes that demanded attention. No matter how small the occasion, the eyes were always the focal point.
Your 2026 eye makeup essentials
2026 Eye Makeup
Leaning into soft glam, eye looks in 2026 are soft, wearable, and favour easy application. Cream eyeshadows add effortless definition, while subtle shimmers are swiped seamlessly over lids for instant, gentle shine. Full, ultra-dark lashes have traded places with mascaras that create a natural-looking lift, leaving a fluttery, your-lash-but-better effect.
Your 2026 eye makeup essentials
2016 Lip Makeup
In 2016, lips were all about bold colour and long-wear impact. Matte liquid lipsticks paired with sharp liner created crisp, defined shapes in statement shades that lasted all day (and night), sometimes even set with powder for extra staying power. From deep nudes to rich reds, the focus was on high-pigment colour with zero shine and maximum wear.
Your 2016 lip makeup essentials
2026 Lip Makeup
Today, beauty lovers reach for plumping glosses, nourishing balms, and juicy, hydrated finishes. The desire for long-lasting lips hasn’t gone away, but instead of powdering them for staying power, we now turn to lip stains for a more natural, low-maintenance finish. Cloud lips are also a trending 2026 favouite, pairing blurred edges with a soft-focus, glossy finish for a plumped, lived-in effect. Apply a lip stain or balm, smudge the edges with a fingertip or brush, and top with gloss for a soft, cloud-like finish.
