Trends in makeup are temporary, but there are certain trends that are so popular that they find their way back several years down the line. The world of beauty in 2016 was indeed characterized by bold decisions, innovative concepts, and memorable designs. In 2025, most of the 2016 makeup trends are back with an updated version. The base styles are not changing, but each day, it is even more wearable and exciting due to new techniques and products. We can discuss how such trends that emerged almost ten years ago are returning to modern-day beauty routines.
In 2016, big eyebrows were one of the largest trends. All makeup lovers desired full, thick eyebrows that framed the face. That influence still lingers about to this day, but the use is far more natural and gentle.
Popular in 2016 were heavy brow pomades and sharp outlines. In 2025, the same full-brow love is there, but it has a lighter feel. People do not want to use blocky forms, but brush their natural eyebrows or use fine pencils to create a line that looks like hair. This maintains the daring appearance but with a less slapstick finish.
Lamination was not a trend in makeup looks in 2016, but now it is everywhere. With laminated brows, it has that brushed-up appearance but still appears well-manicured. The 2025 adaptation of the daring brow gives form without the severity of the previous carved appearance.
The use of highlighters as the show stopper in all makeup bags made glowing skin a makeup highlight of 2016. However, moist and glowing flesh has been made more skin-like.
The trends of 2016 in makeup are strong shimmer in powder highlighters. Although it was beautiful when under the lights, it may, at times, be too rough to be worn daily. Cream and liquid formulas are the main trends in 2025, and they blend perfectly into the skin, creating a natural shine.
Back then, the focus was on layering makeup to get that glow. Now, skincare-infused products are doing double duty. Illuminating moisturizers and serums with light-reflecting particles help achieve that radiant look from within. The 2016 makeup obsession with glow has grown into a complete lifestyle.
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Another big part of the 2016 makeup look was bold, statement lips. Matte liquid lipsticks ruled the beauty world, with every brand releasing dozens of shades. This trend is still alive in 2025 but with some much-needed changes.
Back then, liquid mattes could feel dry and heavy on the lips. Today’s formulas are lightweight, flexible, and more comfortable. They deliver the same rich pigment that was loved in 2016, but with a softer finish that lasts all day without cracking.
In 2016 makeup, the classic shades were deep reds, burgundies, and nude browns. Now in 2025, playful tones like burnt orange, berry purples, and even soft pastels are trending. This shows how the bold lip of 2016 has evolved into a fun way to experiment with color.
The smokey eye has always been a makeup classic, but in 2016 makeup looks, it was more dramatic. People loved blending blacks and grays for that intense look. Now, smokey eyes are still trending but with a fresher take.
The sharp edges from the 2016 makeup looks have faded. Today’s smokey eye is more blurred, giving a sultry but approachable vibe. Browns, taupes, and even rosy shades have replaced harsh blacks, making this look wearable both day and night.
In 2025, shimmer shadows and metallics are often added to smokey eyes for extra dimension. This makes the look less heavy and more dynamic. It’s the same smokey drama from 2016 but with new life.
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One of the most unforgettable makeup trends in 2016 was the sharp winged eyeliner. Beauty lovers everywhere practiced perfecting their cat-eye flicks.
While the classic wing still exists, many are trying graphic shapes for a modern edge. Floating eyeliner, double wings, and colored liners bring a new twist while keeping the essence of 2016 alive.
Instead of crisp, super-sharp wings, many people are blending eyeliner for a softer look. Smudged wings created with pencil liners give a chic but less harsh style that still nods back to the 2016 favorite.
While 2016 was the peak of matte lips, glossy lips were still around for those who loved shine. Now, gloss is bigger than ever.
In 2025, lip glosses will come with hydrating formulas, avoiding the sticky feel they once had. They make lips look fuller, healthier, and more modern.
In contrast to 2016 makeup looks, when the gloss could be either clear or nude, gloss is available today in rich colors. Glossing matte lipsticks is a way of incorporating the best of the two worlds.
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The 2016 makeup had glitter everywhere. Eyeshadows to lip toppers, sparkle was believed to be the key to a bold appearance. That glitter love has not disappeared but has changed.
People use small shiners that reflect the light beautifully without being obtrusive, rather than the thick glitter they used before. Favorite options are glitter liners, soft sparkly shadows, and shimmery highlighters.
The makeup trends of 2016 that are heavy in glitter are still used at festivals, parties, and concerts. The distinction lies in the fact that safer and biodegradable glitters are now more popular, so this trend is both fashionable and environmentally friendly.
Blush did not feature as much as it does now in 2016, but it was still a key element of a completed face. Blush is really having a moment now in 2025.
Draping (where blush is laid higher up, like contour) is back, inspired by some of the makeup looks from of 2016. It gives a depth of colour and tone without resorting to heavy bronzer.
Rather than powder blushes, creams are now used because of their natural, skin-like appearance. Shades are more daring as well, and peach, coral, and even mauve are in fashion.
In retrospect, 2016 trends in makeup formed a substantial portion of the culture of beauty. The looks included heavy contour, smokey eyes, bold brows, and matte lips that were not forgotten. Today, in 2025, these tendencies have come back with a new twist, more flexible, closer to everyday, lightweight, and appropriate. You may have loved the looks of 2016 makeup, or you may be trying them in 2025, but the beauty of makeup is how it constantly changes. The trends can come back, with lessons learnt, better products, and new understanding. That is the reason why makeup is fun and never boring.
This content was created by AI