Maria Katrina Paras

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<p>EDM songs on cue, Snapchat filters on, and our vanity is stacked with vivid eye palettes with a matte lipstick ready to be applied. That’s how it felt ten years ago, when <strong>2016</strong> lived like its own beauty entity.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTgYfD_EoDf/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A5235812.8%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="834" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLU1wmeg9fY/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A5267872.600000001%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="892" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>During this era, the beauty community was engulfed by a never-ending overlined lip, eyes in cut crease, concealer used as a contouring tool, and sharpened faces using a bronzer and contour–all without any hint of blush on our apples. </p><div><br/><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mMVwtnDwtWs?si=NVPK0p45WTlr0TrW" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>After the post-pandemic period introduced different makeup trends, from bringing back the 2000s bombshells, embodying Latina realness, to channeling our soft girl era with clean girl aesthetic, the beauty community noticeably started leaning towards nostalgia, reviving looks that were truly close to our hearts. This is evident as we re-create the colorful year of 2016! The era when our favorite beauty gurus emerged, and favorite artists’ red carpet appearances showed no traces of blush-blindness. Definitely a solid era for beauty enthusiasts, so iconic that up until today, its vibe still lingers.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>What is 2016 makeup really about, and how do we recreate it? </strong></div><p>A decade ago, blush already existed, but it wasn’t a priority, and it&#x27;s most likely because everyone was obsessed with highlighting the contours to create a strong appeal on-screen and in-person. It was about powder, baking, bronzing, and everything about the word “matte.” Lip kits were also hyped after King Kylie Jenner became the inspiration for the majority. It was also the time when our Instagram feed was full of makeup tutorials: Dark, smoky eyeshadows amplified by long, luscious falsies, on-fleek gradient eyebrows, and silky base. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768555726221SnapInsta.to_13744012_1029614533801706_1586431540_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">@kyliejenner in her Lip Kit era</span></span></span></div><p>To break down this longed-for nostalgic beauty look, we detailed everything you need to know to embody the 2016 makeup look again. Keep reading!</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Primer? No. It’s the Glitter Drops that matter.</strong></div><p>Primer exists as an option for selected beauty professionals. In 2016, beauty gurus were keen on using glitter or glow drops before applying foundation. Although it doesn’t show up underneath your base, it was still essential. It’s part of the routine! </p><div><br/></div><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@jamescharles/video/7595013686926855479" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7595013686926855479" id="v56978537036838450" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px"><iframe name="__tt_embed__v56978537036838450" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7595013686926855479?lang=en-US&amp;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com%2F%23%2Fworkspace%2Fmonitoring%3Fitem%3Durn%3Anewsml%3Aod2-workbench-api.abs-cbn.com%3A2026-01-16T07%3A53%3A36.027666%3Ab9dc917e-6400-4279-baab-b24d7e2196c6%26action%3Dedit" style="width:100%;height:739px;display:block;visibility:unset"></iframe></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Big Gradient Brows are the Main Event! </strong></div><p>Forget the brushed-up brows; big gradient eyebrows were the spotlight of your makeup in 2016. Densely covered with pigment, the inner layer was left faded while the rest was angled sharply by concealer to create a pointed, polished look.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768556181415CkT5StjWUAE3096.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">x.com/jamescharles</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Double Cut Crease All the Way!</strong></div><p>A light dab of pink on your lids? In 2016, it was boring. The double cut crease was the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether in school or work, getting ready at 5 am, blending the shades around your crease, even if it was laborious, was as important as brushing your teeth. Such an iconic look!</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768556747154Zendaya.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">x.com/Zendaya</span></span></span></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>Don’t just set your powders; bake them.</strong></div><p>Before the dewy finish that we have today, baking with translucent powder once existed. After blending the powder contours and bronzers, another layer came from our translucent powder, baked appropriately to create a light-reflecting face shape that chiseled our face down.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChxQe8NrDUf/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A6809883.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="969" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Overlined Lips with One Lipstick</strong></div><p>Today, when glosses and balms practically rule, there were times when one shade of matte lipstick was all you needed. You can get a lip liner as a combo, but make sure it matches the color of your liquid lippie. When lips are perfectly overlined in matte, back then, you ate it! </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768557228762Kylie Jenner Met Gala 2016.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Kylie Jenner at the 2016 Met Gala | Photo via<a href="https://www.justjared.com/photo-gallery/3646029/kylie-jenner-met-gala-2016-dress-09/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> justjared.com</a></span></span></span></div>

<p>The nostalgia trend takes a more specific turn and zeroes in on the year 2016. How did your kikay kit look?</p>

The nostalgia trend takes a more specific turn and zeroes in on the year 2016. How did your kikay kit look?

These 2016 Beauty Trends Are Making a Comeback. Are you in?

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These 2016 Beauty Trends Are Making a Comeback. Are you in?

Arci Claveria

Published Jan 16, 2026 06:00 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 16, 2026 06:06 PM PHT

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2016 Beauty Trends

2016 Nostalgia Trend

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Bretman Rock

James Charles

Patrick Starrr

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