2016 brows 🍋

Okay, stepping into a time machine back to 2016! Who else remembers when your makeup really ate, and you felt absolutely unstoppable? That year was iconic for so many trends, and I’m still obsessed with recreating some of those looks today. It’s all about embracing that specific vibe where glam met a touch of everyday wearability, making you feel like you truly nailed your look! Let’s talk brows first, because 2016 brows were a whole mood. We were moving away from the super thin brows of the early 2010s but hadn't quite hit the fully carved-out, intense 'Instagram brow' era yet. Think defined, filled-in, but still looking pretty natural and fluffy towards the front. My secret? I’d always start by brushing my brow hairs up, then lightly fill in any sparse areas with a pencil or pomade that matched my hair color. The key was to keep the tail crisp and the front soft. A little clear brow gel to set everything, and you were golden! It truly made your face pop and framed your eyes beautifully. Next up: eyeshadow! Oh, the eyeshadow looks of 2016! This was the year warm neutrals, dusty roses, and deep cranberries started taking over. Matte shades were huge, but a pop of shimmer on the lid or inner corner was essential. I remember trying to perfect my soft cut crease – it wasn't as dramatic as today's versions, but it added so much dimension. A popular go-to was a matte transition shade in the crease, a slightly darker matte in the outer corner, and then a shimmery gold or rose gold on the lid. Blending was king, and a good fluffy brush was your best friend. For someone with light-medium skin like mine, these warm tones were incredibly flattering and really made the eyes stand out without being too overwhelming. Beyond the eyes and brows, the overall 2016 makeup aesthetic was about a flawless, often matte, base. If you have dry skin, like me, you know the struggle of achieving a matte look without looking cakey. My trick was always to prep with a super hydrating primer and a dewy setting spray after applying my matte foundation. Baking under the eyes and around the T-zone was also a big trend to keep everything locked in. And let’s not forget the subtle contour and highlight – nothing too sharp, just enough to define the face. Finishing off with a liquid lipstick, usually a nude, brown-toned nude, or a deep berry, completed the look. That feeling when the makeup ate, and you knew it? Pure joy! Recreating these looks today is so much fun. It’s about channeling that confident, polished yet approachable vibe. Whether you're going for those perfectly sculpted brows or a warm, smoky eye, the essence of 2016 makeup is timeless. It reminds me of a time when glam was accessible and truly made you feel your best, ensuring you always had that 'I'm eating and you're not' confidence!