Beauty Classics That Endure: 2016 Favorites Still Shining in 2026
A full decade has elapsed since 2016, and the beauty industry has witnessed relentless evolution through countless trend cycles. From the dominance of matte finishes to the rise of dewy complexions, and from full-glam extravagance to minimalist skin-focused routines, the transformation has been profound and far-reaching.
Back in that pivotal year, Kylie Jenner's lip kits famously crashed websites, contour palettes reigned supreme in makeup bags, and YouTube tutorials dictated daily beauty rituals. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of fleeting fads, a distinguished group of products quietly demonstrated remarkable longevity.
These beauty heroes have genuinely stood the test of time, gracing skincare, haircare, and makeup routines for ten years and beyond. They have outlived temporary crazes, proving conclusively that exceptional performance combined with timeless design creates products worthy of endless repurchases.
This is a tribute to the beauty essentials adored then and cherished now, from the iconic brands that helped define an unforgettable era—including Benefit, Tarte, MAC, and several others.
Timeless, reliable, and performing just as splendidly as remembered, these are our selections of the 2016 beauty purchases that continue to earn their prestigious place on vanities today.
Best 2016 Beauty Picks
Lydia - Senior Commerce Writer
2016 marked a pivotal year for me personally, as I relocated from my home in Devon to begin my first year at university in London. In essence, it was the era of wearing the same full-glam makeup for lectures, evening pub visits, and club nights—regardless of casual dress codes.
Thick eyebrows accompanied even thicker contouring, cut-crease eyeshadow, and matte lipstick—all accessorized with a choker necklace. While my beauty preferences have certainly evolved, numerous products I loved then have remained timeless in my routine; I simply use them slightly differently now.
tarte tartelette Amazonian Clay Palette & Liner 3 Piece Collection
Packed with wearable, everyday shades, the tarte tartelette Amazonian Clay Palette was my absolute obsession back then—and still emerges almost daily for my eyeshadow looks in 2026. Incredibly pigmented and blendable, this stunning palette features twelve shades in a range of matte and shimmer finishes, ideal for smoky looks, barely-there styles, and much more.
This impressive QVC offer includes the tarteist Double Take Gel Liner and a dual-ended Shader & Blending Brush, all for less than the standard price of the palette alone.
KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
It did not take long into my makeup exploration to realize that winged eyeliner would be a forever love, and the KVD Tattoo Liner initiated that path of flick-fanaticism. Boasting an unbeatable brush nib for extreme precision and a smooth flow, this jet-black, perfectly pigmented liner makes drawing wings utterly straightforward, lasting all day without a hint of feathering or dragging. Even now, it remains my first choice.
MAC Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick - Velvet Teddy
Were you even present in 2016 if you did not own the MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick or an affordable dupe? Matte, pinky-nude, and more viral than COVID, this iconic lipstick was a total 2016 staple. Enriched with a creamy blend of coconut oil, organic shea butter, and cocoa butter, the long-lasting formula nourishes and conditions lips, supporting a fuller, smoother illusion with wear.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum was the first skincare serum I ever tried. Needless to say, it ignited a skincare obsession that remains very much alive today. This hyaluronic acid serum is a trusted formula I will always happily revert to. Targeting dehydration and dryness, this rich serum hydrates and smooths skin while strengthening the skin barrier with every application.
Revlon Colorstay Foundation For Normal/Dry Skin
Whenever I desired a smooth, medium-coverage, and long-lasting finish, I consistently turned to Revlon Colorstay Foundation. I do the same now when seeking extra coverage from my more natural base. Designed to stay put all day and night, this affordable foundation delivers a natural, medium-coverage finish, boasting hyaluronic acid to help hydrate skin during wear. No dryness or cakiness here.
Bed Head by TIGI Ego Boost Leave In Hair Conditioner 237ml
Originating as the hair product I pilfered from my mother's cupboard, this Bed Head leave-in conditioner is a true classic that I still purchase and still borrow from my mum when visiting home. Working to repair split ends, smooth frizz, and hydrate strands, this simple leave-in renders my hair smoother and healthier-looking even when air-dried—and costs merely a tenner.
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
A favorite ever since Zoella proclaimed it the best, the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer has solidified itself as a classic thanks to its buildable, blendable formula that covers everything from blemishes to dark circles. Lightweight and blending like a dream, it was and remains our answer to a flawless base.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
How could we discuss iconic 2016 makeup without mentioning Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara? This iconic mascara persists as a makeup bag essential for me, thanks to its pitch-black formula that glides on effortlessly, delivering intense, clump-free blackness with every stroke.
Phoebe Davenport - Commerce Writer
2016 was a highly experimental period for me makeup-wise—I was still in school, spending paychecks from my first job on bold, colorful cosmetics. I adored full-coverage matte skin with excessive contouring and a blinding streak of highlighter, necessitating something gentle yet effective for daily makeup removal.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 400ml
My favorite makeup products constantly evolve, and I have tried numerous micellar waters since 2016, but the only one I repeatedly return to is this Garnier offering—good value for money, gentle on my skin, and hydrating. There is nothing about this product I do not adore. Removing makeup and impurities in a single swipe, the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water gently and effectively cleanses skin without requiring rinsing—an excellent choice for more sensitive skin types.
Emily Scrivener - Deputy Commerce Editor
benefit Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer - original
A total classic for the ages, the Benefit Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer is and has always been the perfect bronzer for achieving a matte, sun-kissed look in one swipe. Boasting a silky-soft, buildable formula, this iconic powder can be used for both bronzing and contouring, delivering a sun-kissed flush even in the dead of winter.
Sarah Bradbury - Junior Publisher (Metro)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
Once the IT-choice for standout block brows, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade remains a staple for stunning brow definition—now applied with lighter strokes for a fluffy brow look. Featuring a full-pigment formula, the Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade provides time for blending before drying down to a natural-looking matte finish, making achieving sleek brush strokes and a long-lasting look effortless.
