Makeup in 2026 is having a full-on flashback: all the drama and fun of 2016 is back, but with a fresher, more wearable twist. Think bold looks, playful colors, and “extra” vibes—just done with better blending, better skin, and a lot more freedom to experiment.
2016 Is Calling… And 2026 Is Picking Up
2016 was the era of full-coverage matte bases, sharp contour, cut creases, boxy brows, false lashes, and bold liquid lips—basically, every feature turned up to 100 at the same time. In 2026, those same ideas are back, but mixed with today’s love for glowy skin, softer edges, and more balance in the look.
Instead of recreating 2016 exactly, 2026 is about stealing the fun parts: dramatic eyes, statement lips, lots of highlighter, and playing with intensity without feeling like a full YouTube tutorial era clone.
The 2016 Classics Making a Comeback
Here are the 2016 trends that are sneaking back into makeup bags everywhere in 2026.
- Full-coverage foundation like our Sublime Matte Foundation : Matte, perfected skin inspired by 2016, now often balanced with a bit of luminosity so it doesn’t look flat
- Sculpted contour: Cheekbones, jawline, and nose definition are back, but with more blending and less harsh, to get this flawless effect you can use our Sculpt Lab Palette with the Black Aura Pro Brush Collection
- Intense highlighting and strobing: Glow on the tops of the cheekbones, nose, brow bone, and cupid’s bow—like 2016, but dialed into strategic, flattering spots, we recommend our Glow Beam Stick .
- Bold, overdrawn lips: Bright reds and deep shades with defined liners and slightly overlined shapes, a big 2016 moment that’s trending again, this is Sharp Matte Lip Pencil‘s work.
- Dramatic eyeshadow and cut creases: Multi-shadow looks, sharp creases, and high-contrast lids are back after years of “one wash of beige and done.” You can use our Dark Matter 25-Color Palette to get the perfect bold eyeshadow.
- Big, obvious falsies: Long, dense lashes that frame the whole look, echoing the 2016 “lashes first, questions later” like Mink Touch 3D Volume Kit vibe.
- Strong brows: Defined and structured brows inspired by 2016’s bolder shapes, but softened a bit compared to the original “blocky brow.” Using the best duo for perfect eyebrows Sculpt & Set Brow Cream and Precision Brow Sculptor .
In short: if it was “too much” in 2016, it’s “perfect for a night out” in 2026.
What’s New in 2026’s Version of 2016
Even though 2016 is trending again, 2026 has its own rules.
- One focal point at a time: Instead of eyes, lips, cheeks, brows, and highlight all screaming at once, people choose a main star—like a bold lip with softer eyes, or a dramatic eye with a more neutral mouth.
- Glow over dryness: That super-dry, cracking matte base from 2016 is out; long-wear coverage now comes with more flexible, skin-like finishes. You have to get a master in prepping your face before makeup using our iconic super group: Bright Shield UV Essence, C-Boost Brightening Elixir, Cherry Kiss Lip Mask, Lift Pulse Hexa Eye Cream, Turmeric Radiance Tonic and last but not least Lift Pulse Hexa Eye Cream.
- Softer brows: Brows are still defined, but with more hair-like strokes and less harsh blocks.
- Color play: Bright colors from 2016 are back, but used more creatively—think colorful lower lash lines, graphic liner, or a pop of shimmer in the inner corner. Pssst if you want a little of color you can use our Artliner Waterproof Pigment Pens.
You get the drama and nostalgia, but with techniques that feel more current and flattering.
How to Play With 2016-Inspired 2026 Trends
This comeback is the perfect excuse to treat your face like a playground and try things you skipped the first time.
- Try a “2016 base, 2026 glow”: Use a more perfected foundation and contour, then add a touch of cream or liquid highlight to keep the skin alive and dimensional.
- Do a mini cut crease: Even a soft crease with a lighter shade on the lid and a deeper shade in the crease instantly gives that throwback tutorial feel.
- Bring back the power lip: Pair an overlined bright or deep lip with simple mascara and a bit of highlight for a look that screams 2016 but works any day in 2026.
- Go “extra” for fun occasions: Use big lashes, sharp liner, and full contour for nights out, photos, or whenever you want to feel like the main character of a 2016 GRWM video—no rules, just play.
Think of it as cosplay of your favorite era of beauty YouTube, but updated so you still feel like yourself.
Ready, Set, Time-Travel Your Makeup
If you were obsessed with 2016 makeup, this is your sign to bring it back—louder, softer, or weirder, however you like it. And if you were too young to try it then, 2026 is your chance to live the full contour-cut-crease fantasy for the first time, with better products, better techniques, and less pressure to be “perfect.”
Play with full coverage one day and glossy skin the next, switch between minimalist and maximalist, and mix 2016 drama with 2026 ease—the only rule now is to have fun with your makeup again.