TikTok is bringing back 2016 makeup

Thanks to our new-found love of maximalism, we are looking to 2016 again for makeup inspiration. While we've embraced minimalist looks in recent years, like the no-makeup makeup look or the minimal, clean-girl aesthetic, the trend has shifted towards bold and colourful beauty styles. The runways have showcased the ‘more is more’ beauty trend and social media is filled with content creators posting 2016 makeup tutorials. In fact, TikTok even introduced a 2016 makeup filter a few months ago.

In case you need a refresher, makeup artist Lasalle Lee takes us through 2016's “Instagram Face”: intense and smokey eyes, clean-cut creases, strong eye liner and brows, heavy contouring, heavy concealing and baking (which involves setting your concealer with loose powder for a flawless, crease-free and matte look), matte foundation and thick, matte lipstick. The look was popularised by the Kardashian clan.

“In addition to 2016 makeup trends, the current maximalist beauty trend also includes having encapsulated nails, 3D embellishments and graphic liners," he adds.

Think blue eye makeup by renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath at the Maison Margiela haute couture Spring/Summer 2024 show in January, which featured models with doll-like skin. Additionally, the Autumn/Winter 2024 shows featured lipsticks prominently, with colours such as bold red and deep maroon from labels like JW Anderson and Richard Quinn.

Melvin Tseng, a producer, professional makeup artist and content creator, thinks 2016 was one of the best times for makeup as “people were not afraid to play with makeup”.

“The best part is, makeup is so individualistic and 2016 make-up embraces exactly that! It’s all about self-expression. Whether you're doing a colourful glam or a nude smokey eye, 2016 make-up just amps it up and gives it that extra zhuzh,” he explains.

Makeup artist and coach Mary Victor especially loved the eye shadow looks from 2016 as they were super focused on cut crease, colours and smokey eyes with a matte base. She thinks it was what made 2016 makeup iconic and even tried the look herself way back then.

“My makeup in 2016 was all about that black smokey eyes with a silver shadow as highlight,” she recalls. “It was something I did almost all the time, and my base was matte with a red lip. It was extremely maximalist!”

Not afraid to stand out

So, why is this look returning now? It could be a reaction to the minimalist trends we've seen in recent years, with many of us yearning to express ourselves in a bolder and more vibrant manner.

In a way, it's also our way of finally moving on from the pandemic. “The clean girl aesthetic was alright when we had to stay home and attend Zoom calls during the pandemic. However, with things getting back to 'normal', who wouldn't love some glam? It never went out of style, we just found different ways to do makeup during the pandemic and, honestly, it's time to get the glam back!” says Melvin.

Melvin admits he has always been a fan of maximalist beauty. “A clean and sharp brow, a snatched matte base, lifted blush, a snatched nose contour, a bright under eye, a strong lash and, finally, only the best eye makeup,” he shares.

Going for a nude or neutral look? Melvin recommends Huda Beauty & MakeUpByMario Eyeshadow Palettes. If you lean towards colourful eyeshadows, he suggests Norvina Cosmic Eyeshadow Palettes (Anastasia Beverly Hills) and Stacey Marie x BPerfect Cosmetics Carnival Palettes.

Colours show your confidence

For those eager to revisit the 2016 trend, our experts offer some advice. Lasalle emphasises the importance of understanding your own features to enhance them effectively. This allows you to confidently experiment with colours and embrace bold lips or mascara.

With this in mind, Mary encourages one to add "wilder" colours into their beauty routine. She loves that like fashion, the beauty industry is always changing, with new trends coming and going – only to resurface time and again. And, “as long as beauty evolves constantly, we've got lots of things to look forward to”.

She adds: “Try new styles with different outfits. Own a colourful eyeshadow palette! It always inspires me to create new looks by playing with colours. I have a Beauty Bay palette (in bright matte) that has 42 colours, ranging from yellow to dusky purple to hot pink; it's my go-to."

Melvin recommends trial and error, as well as experimenting and having fun, to see what works best for each individual.

“I set my makeup with a translucent powder and then 'bake' my under eyes while I do the rest of my makeup, to brighten my under eyes,” he explains. “And once I dust it off, I go in with a compact or brightening powder to add in more coverage and make me look 'airbrushed'. Lastly, I use a fixing spray to melt in the powders and make my skin look more hydrated, and finish the look with a setting spray," he shares.

Ultimately, Melvin says, women should go with what suits them best without fear of judgment. “It doesn't matter if the 2016 make-up look or clean girl aesthetic makes you feel beautiful, do what works for you. At the end of the day, makeup is for everyone."

CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHY ATHIRAH ANNISSA
ART DIRECTION & STYLING ADELINE ENG
HAIR AUNG APICHAI/ ARTISTRY STUDIOS USING KEVIN.MURPH
MAKEUP LASALLE LEE, USING FENTY BEAUTY
MODEL VICKY/ MANNEQUIN