If you’re a fan of nostalgia, get ready because 2016 makeup looks are making a comeback. Remember those extended wings, glitter cut-creases, carved out brows, and megawatt highlighters that dominated beauty on YouTube and Instagram? Well, these trends are creeping their way back into 2024!
There has been a whirlwind of beauty fads ever since – most recently the fresh faced, clean aesthetic – but beauty lovers are getting bored. Although beauty has been all about that clean and simple vibe lately, many are excited to return to the era of over-the-top artistry.
We definitely have social media to thank for this resurgence. For months, content creators across different platforms, could be seen juxtaposing how makeup was done in 2016 with the way that makeup is done now. Many of the beauty gurus, including Rude Velvet, Mikayla Nogueira, and Mirta Miler, stated how much they have missed doing that style of ultra glam makeup. It’s hilarious to see them digging up their Anastasia, Beverly Hills Dip Brow, Kylie Lip Kits, and Jaclyn Hill Becca highlighters for old times sake.
While beauty enthusiasts are rejoicing about the “Instagram baddie” look spinning the block, I’m not gonna lie, I’m not one of them. As an artist who has been a professional MUA since 2011, I’m gonna give you some tea – most of the pros hated this look! I can now admit that we were being a little elitist about it. We couldn’t stand it when a client would show us a picture of that makeup as inspiration. Many of the pro Makeup Artists work on models, celebrities, and talent, so this was not the makeup that paid the bills. Many of us thought it looked cakey and unnatural, and would repudiate any request to duplicate it – even by a paying customer (yeah, we were douche bags about it)! In fact, I refused to learn how to do a cut crease until we were stuck in the house during the pandemic. I didn’t want that technique in my muscle memory. And while I’m not as strongly opposed to the look as I used to be, I’m still not the biggest fan. But, I have become a firm believer that beauty has no rules, and you should do anything to your face that makes you happy. See, I’m growing.
Whether you’re here for slaying some 2016 makeup again or transitioning into that fresh faced look, remember that beauty is your way to express art, and your face is you own personal canvas. So, what do you think besties? Will you be revisiting 2016 glam?
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
