Why Are We All Obsessed With 2016 Again? The Beauty Trends 10-Year Revival
It’s no secret that 2016 is having a revival. A decade on from the formative year, fashion and beauty trends that would have millennials cringing in unison are surging in popularity, particularly for Gen Z.
And it’s not just fashion and beauty trends that we’re all collectively looking back on with fond nostalgia. Fidget spinners, the mannequin challenge, Pokémon Go, and Snapchat filters were all significant characteristics of the mid-2010s.
Reminiscing on the year, Melanie Brownlow, founder of self-tan brand St. Moriz, shares why we’re all obsessed with nostalgiacore and how we can turn 2016 glam into 2026 glow.
Mel explains: “2016 was a year for expression and maximist beauty trends. We saw the boom of heavy, colourful, cut-crease eyeshadow, filled-in HD brows, overlined lips and 3D tanning. We were all obsessed with more-is-more and layering products for bold, playful looks that scream ‘fun’.
“It’s these positive connotations of a simpler time that have us looking back in longing and reaching for our dusty Morphe eyeshadow palette. But the beauty space has grown a lot in the last decade, and we don’t have to go back to old ways to celebrate the styles of 2016.”
2016 trends, with a 2026 lens
Blusher who?
“Whilst the last couple of years have seen a huge resurgence in bright and bold blush application, 2016 was the year of the bronzer – some may say bronzer blindness. The absence of pink blush in 2016 is striking looking back, with most makeup looks revolving around bronzey, warm tones.
“Thanks to the nostalgia for 2016 and Zara Larsson’s iconic deep tan look, we can expect to see a big return of bronzer this year, especially as we head towards the warmer months. To make this “in” for 2026, it’s all about striking the right balance between blush and bronzer, less so one extreme or the other. Apply bronzing drops for an even, warm glow and layer with a cream bronzer for added radiance. Take this from 10 years ago to the present day by adding a light flush of cool toned blush, focusing on the high points of the cheek and bridge of the nose for a sunblushed finish.”
Dramatic, coloured cut crease eyeshadow and glitter
“A decade ago, it wouldn’t have been hard to find bright pops of heavy eyeshadow, with a glitter finish. Cut creases, a technique for defining the eyelid with a contrasting line, was a signature style and helped draw attention to the makeup’s crisp boundaries.
“While this style can have its place on occasion, I would tweak the highly contrasting features for one with soft depth and structure. Start by priming your skin and apply hydrating moisturiser with tanning drops. The moisturiser will soothe your skin and help apply makeup, while the tanning drops will provide a subtle, radiant glow that neutralises your makeup. Apply illuminating face drops to the high points of your face and the hood of your eyelids for a soft shine.
Tantouring
“2016 was the birth of tantouring (contouring using self tan), and it focused on deep shadows to define features, such as jawlines, collarbones, cheekbones and more. This effect was focused on the heavy application of products with mitts and could result in uneven streaks and patches.
“This year our time is just as precious as it was in 2016, so tantouring is still a great, low-maintenance beauty hack. However, an ‘in’ for 2026 is using different products for our face and body. Our face is more sensitive and absorbs products different to our body, so opt for a facial tan and contour brush or when tantouring your face. Applying thin layers of tan will help you achieve a natural, glowing finish that’s less prone to streaks.”
Filled in brows and overlined lips
“Following on from the late 2015 launch of Kylie’s lip kit, 2016 was the year we all became obsessed with overlining our lips. The popularity of full, defined lips was growing, and lip liners once again became a staple in our makeup bags. During this time, defined filled-in brows were also booming.
“Contouring your major facial features, like lips and brows, will help to sculpt and add dimension to your face. For a natural, long-lasting lip and brow contour effect, you can use self tan.
“To do this, you’ll need a very thin brush and a self-tan product with guide colour so you can check for precise placement. Using a tanning mousse, dip in your brush and outline around the lipline, or slightly above if you prefer to overline for a fuller look. For your brows, brush them into your preferred shape and carefully apply over your brows.
“Keep the tan in place for two to three hours and try to avoid eating and touching your brows during this time. I’d also recommend avoiding any lip balm or gloss during these few hours too so that the tan can effectively grip to the skin. Afterwards, wipe away the excess using a damp cotton pad and you’ll be left with a natural-looking, yet defined lip and brow contour.
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