Remember 2016? When makeup meant heavy contouring, sharply carved eyebrows, and lips that defied their natural shape? While these trends dominated social media feeds and red carpets eight years ago, beauty experts are now warning they could be seriously dating your look.
The Time Capsule Makeup Bag
If your makeup routine hasn't evolved since the mid-2010s, you might be unintentionally ageing yourself with techniques that now scream 'dated' rather than 'dramatic'. The beauty world has shifted dramatically toward more natural, skin-focused approaches that enhance rather than transform.
8 Trends That Need Immediate Retirement
1. The Heavy Contour
Remember when everyone looked like they'd applied makeup with a ruler? The stark stripes of dark and light foundation created dramatic transformations but often appeared harsh and unnatural in daylight. The modern alternative? Strategic spot-contouring with cream products that melt into the skin.
2. Over-lined Lips Gone Wrong
Kylie Jenner's lip challenge spawned countless attempts at creating the perfect pout, but many resulted in obvious overlining that didn't blend with natural lip texture. Today's approach focuses on enhancing your natural lip shape with lip stains and glosses rather than creating entirely new borders.
3. Severely Carved Brows
The Instagram brow with its sharp, geometric lines and opaque pigment might have been the star of 2016, but today it looks harsh and artificial. The current preference is for brushed-up, feathery brows that follow natural hair growth patterns.
4. Baking to Extremes
While setting powder remains essential, the heavy 'baking' technique that left thick, white powder sitting on the skin for minutes has been replaced by lightweight dusting that sets without drying.
5. Matte Everything
From matte lips to matte foundation, 2016 embraced flat finishes that often emphasized texture and lines. The beauty world has since rediscovered the youth-enhancing power of strategic dewiness and healthy glow.
6. Full-Coverage Foundation Always
The 'mask-like' full coverage that covered every freckle and skin texture has given way to skin tints and lightweight foundations that let your natural complexion shine through.
7. Harsh Highlighting Stripes
That unmistakable stripe of shimmer across the cheekbones that caught the light from every angle? Today's highlighting is subtler, focusing on the high points of the face with refined pearl and liquid formulas.
8. Cut Crease Eyeshadow
The sharply defined cut crease, while impressive in its technical execution, often appeared heavy and closed off the eyes. Softer, blended creases and graphic liner have taken its place.
The Modern Makeover
Updating your routine doesn't mean discarding everything you own. Beauty professionals suggest starting with these simple swaps:
- Replace heavy matte foundation with a skin tint or serum foundation
- Swap opaque brow pomade for a tinted brow gel
- Choose cream blush and bronzer over powder formulas
- Opt for lip stains and glosses instead of matte liquid lipsticks
- Use setting spray instead of heavy baking with powder
The goal isn't to follow every trend that emerges, but to recognize when certain techniques have evolved to become more flattering and modern. Your 2016 self might have loved that full-coverage matte look, but your 2024 skin will thank you for embracing a more natural approach.
