Just like everything else, beauty trends also tend to evolve and change over time. Each new decade brings a fresh set of trends, which are then replaced by new ones as time passes by. But the most major evolution the beauty world has witnessed has only happened in the last five years. And the latest ‘2016 vs 2021’ makeup trend doing the rounds on social media is all the proof you need.
This trend involves beauty influencers creating a stereotypical 2016 makeup look on one half of their face and recreating 2021’s makeup look on the other. Up until 2016, makeup was all about hiding skin imperfection under layers and layers of makeup. But this mindset has completely changed in 2021, with more and more makeup artists, beauty influencers embracing their natural skin texture and using makeup to simply enhance their features. What a beautiful and empowering shift, don’t you think?
Here’s a detailed account of what people’s go-to makeup look used to be back in 2016 and how it has undergone a complete transformation in 2021. Read on…
Go-to beauty look of 2016
Image courtesy: @ashghotcakesson
In 2016, even a simple everyday makeup consisted of a perfect matte base, heavily contoured cheekbones and a defined cut crease. Any visible skin imperfections were covered up with a full coverage matte foundation and concealer. Additionally, bold, filled-in brows that were defined by concealer were huge in 2016.
Everyday eye makeup looks were also equally elaborate and featured cut creases, baked under eyes and fuller, dramatic lashes. A powder matte lip colours completed the look.
Go-to beauty look of 2021
Image courtesy: @ashghotcakesson
Unless you live under a rock, you’d be well aware that makeup trends in 2021 are all about soft, natural and minimal makeup looks. Most everyday makeup looks concentrate more on skincare prep rather than concealing and covering. Hence, products like primers, BB creams and tinted moisturisers are steadily gaining momentum this year. 2016’s IG brows have been (thankfully) replaced with soap brows, which looks extremely natural. Instead of using a lot of full coverage concealer like in 2016, people are opting for light to medium coverage options and using it only on the areas like their under eyes and over visible blemishes.
But a major difference between 2016’s makeup trends and 2021’s is the eye makeup and contouring. Since 2021 is all about natural, skin-like makeup looks, heavy contouring has been entirely replaced by a hint of bronzer for that beautiful sun-kissed look. And eye makeup simply consists of applying a hint of neutral eyeshadow or a soft smokey eye with natural-looking lash extensions. A soft pinkish-nude lip gloss completed the look.
Main image courtesy: @kyliejenner
Written by Urvi Dalal on Apr 13, 2021
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!