Is 2016 make up really having a comeback?

Despite racking up almost 40K likes on her video, in the comments section there was a mixed reaction from fans about the supposed comeback of 2016 make up. 

“I will forever keep my 2016 brows,” one person commented, showing their love for the trend, as another wrote: “I miss this style so much.” 

“I love my 2016 make up. I just don’t see the need to wear it at 10am anymore,” someone else commented along with a laughing emoji, as another simply said: “Thank god it’s over.” 

Amongst the arguments for and against the return of the 2016 make up trend, there was a clear common ground. “I want it back in trend! Love it, but damn it did take a long time,” one person said, as another added: “I love it, yet I don’t miss doing my makeup for 3 hours.” A third agreed, writing: “We stopped because it took us forever to do this entire process.” 

So, with the internet divided on whether 2016 make up should return to our 2024 faces, what do two beauty editors think?  

WHAT DO BEAUTY EXPERTS THINK ABOUT 2016 MAKE UP

“Personally, the trend just isn’t for me” — Trifonia Asmar, Senior SEO Copywriter 

“While I love the way 2016 make up is nostalgic, expressive and demonstrates supreme artistry (hello heavy liner, translucent powder and big, bold brows), as someone who taps into clean aesthetics, personally the trend just isn’t for me. Why? Well, firstly, it doesn’t bode well for my skin’s overall health. With layers and layers of complexion make up to contend with – we’re talking concealer, matte foundation, powder, contouring and then more powder – my face would feel too heavy and clogged, resulting in a boom of blemishes and spots. What’s more, with the throwback trend spotlighting the contour techniques of yesteryear, it’s not the easiest of looks to get right when your MUA skills aren’t top notch. As someone who has only just about mastered the art of blush and highlighter placement, the level of detail 2016 make up brings is one step too far for me. All in all, while it’s not a look I will be bringing back anytime soon, I applaud the originality behind it and will be celebrating the self-expression of those who will ace it!” 

“I’m thrilled to see the return of 2016 make up” — Jade Biggs, Senior Copywriter 

“As an early nineties millennial, the 2016 make up trend is so nostalgic for me. From the fashion trends (see: lace up bodysuits and chokers) to the way we used social media (RIP, Snapchat’s dog filter), that era is what I would call ‘the good old days’ — it’s no wonder then, that I’m so thrilled to see the return of 2016 make up. As well as the heavy dose of nostalgia the trend gives me, it’s more aligned to my style of make up in comparison to other trends, like the ‘clean girl aesthetic’. You’ll never catch me without my cat-eye eyeliner or a swipe of glittery eyeshadow (the Urban Decay Mono Moondust Eyeshadow in ‘Space Cowboy’ is my ride-or-die), and as someone with oily skin, I’ve typically opted for matte finish foundations — although, more recently, I’ve been reaching for dewier, more skin-like base make up. As for brows, I was very much on board with the Dipbrow Movement back in 2016, and I’m still of the opinion that the bigger, the better, but now I’m team bushy! With all that being said, I won’t be fully jumping back into 2016 make up, but I will take inspiration from it and inject that into my current look — as well as cheering on those who are!” 

2016 MAKE UP MUST-HAVES

BROWS

No 2016 make up look would be complete without carefully carved brows, and Anastasia Beverly Hills is an absolute non-negotiable for this. Add the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Gel to your basket for modern-day 2016 brows, teamed with the Benefit Powmade Brow Pomade and the Kosas BROW POP Dual-Action Defining Pencil.