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It was the era of top knots and Topshop, baking and bold brows. If your Instagram feed’s anything like mine, you’ve likely found yourself transported back to 2016 by a wave of throwback selfies and nostalgic beauty tutorials. It was a moment when beauty felt unapologetically maximalist and every look dialled up to 100, courtesy of ultra-matte lips and dramatic cut-crease eyeshadow. Now, a decade later, we’re asking ourselves: which of those trends still hold up, and which are better left in our camera rolls?
What We’re Still Into
Matte Lipsticks
Photography via Getty
While gloss continues to reign supreme, it’s undeniable that the matte lip is making a comeback. And we’re not talking about the dry, flaky formulas of 10 years ago. Today’s formulas incorporate the best parts of a well-loved gloss—think comfort, flexibility and a subtle sheen—with the velvety payoff and longevity of a classic matte. Take Selena Gomez’s berry-hued look at the Golden Globes, for example, which was achieved with celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo’s new Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in the shade “New York Red.” We love a modern matte that reads polished, never parched. [content_module id=”1″]
Shimmery Highlighter
Photography via Getty
The once-blinding highlighters of 2016 have softened into something far more nuanced. New and improved liquid products have taken over the conversation, with sheerer, skin-like formulas that melt seamlessly into the complexion. Think less strobe, more lit-from-within. Case in point: Teyana Taylor’s Golden Globes look, where her skin radiated luminosity that enhanced, but didn’t dominate, her face. We may not be doing that classic “exclamation mark” placement down the nose as much anymore, but a slight sheen across the cheekbone and a swipe below the brow still brings a glowing final touch to our makeup that we just can’t quit. [content_module id=”2″]
Flawless Skin
[instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DTEik-pjfn7/?img_index=1″ /] A flawless complexion never goes out of style, which is why we’re certain that this look will be an eternal trend. However, we’re not talking about the extra-thick foundations once applied with near-surgical precision and locked in with layers of powder. Today, we’ve realized that the perfect base starts with a thoughtful, skincare-first routine. Take Hailey Bieber’s signature complexion—always smooth and seemingly poreless—which prioritizes skin prep over heavy coverage. Sure, a quality, high-coverage foundation can still play a role, but we’ve learned that even just a reliable cleanser, toner and moisturizer can make a world of difference. Throw in a primer and setting spray, and you’re on your way to a modern take on 2016’s flawless base—all without feeling overdone. [content_module id=”3″]
Relaxed Bobs
Photography via Getty
2016’s beloved blunt bob has received a very welcome upgrade lately, and we’re certainly fans of the new-and-improved style. Compared to the blunt and bold cuts of ten years ago, the shoulder-length hairstyles of today are often defined by soft, sculptural layers, textured ends and relaxed, lived-in movement that feels effortlessly chic. Emma Stone’s new layered bob certainly makes the case for the refreshed style, pairing gentle waves with subtle layers that add volume and movement, without the stiffness of the looks from a decade ago. The overall effect is sophisticated yet natural, proving that the bob can be both timeless and of-the-moment. [content_module id=”4″]
What We’re Leaving in 2016
Super-Sharp Brows
courtesy of @larlarlee/Instagram
We all had a moment where we went a little too brow-pencil-happy back in the day. Ten years ago, brows often stretched so far across our foreheads that it’s almost miraculous we had enough real estate for the extra-voluminous lashes and dramatic eyeshadow we wore. Beauty gurus like Laura Lee and Manny MUA were staunch advocates of those bold, sculpted looks. In 2026, brows come in all shapes and sizes, favoured for a softer, feathery finish rather than rigid, overdrawn arches.
Dramatic Cut Creases
courtesy of @jamescharles/Instagram
Although dramatic cut-crease eyeshadow looks were everywhere in 2016, today, eyeshadow is more elusive than ever, with trends leaning towards barely-there washes of colour or soft, shimmering highlights. Plus, while these 2016 styles often required using 50+ shade eyeshadow palettes (Morphe, I will forever be a fan), most people now gravitate towards signature solo powders or trusty shade sticks for a simpler, more wearable approach. OG beauty YouTubers like James Charles (who also famously loved a bold brow) were certainly leading the charge, one meticulously blended lid at a time.
Pillow Lips
courtesy of @jaclynhill/Instagram
We’re never ones to judge, and we’ll always love the look of a full, plump lip, but with more people opting to get their lip filler dissolved and embracing a more natural shape, it’s clear that the extreme pillow-lipped trend of 2016 no longer lives on. Instead, subtle enhancements through sheer lip tints, glosses or topical plumping products are taking centre stage. Even beauty influencer royalty Jaclyn Hill announced that she was dissolving her lip filler back in 2022. If there’s one thing this shows, it’s that in 2026, the natural look is what we’re chasing. Continue Reading
