Recently, there have been so many “2016 vs. 2021 makeup” videos on TikTok, and chances are even if you’re not a makeup person you’ve probably seen one of these mesmerizing makeup looks.  Makeup creators draw a line down their face and on one side, create a 2016 glamor look, and on the other side a 2021 soft glossy look.  I analyzed the 2016 and 2021 makeup trends and found out just what makes the two makeup looks so different.

2016 Makeup

2016 was all about bold looks, from cut creases to snatched eye-liners.  It seemed that almost every week an influencer was creating a new eyeshadow palette with fabulous makeup looks on YouTube to go with it.  James Charles was on the rise, not only as a young up-and-coming makeup artist but as a social icon.  Jeffery Star was also there.

A 2016 makeup look would have full coverage matte foundation, concealer galore, powder set, and eyeshadow as colorful as possible.  Every look was finished off with sharp liner and eyebrows, and always with thick fluffy lashes.  People would spend hours on a makeup look, even if they were just going out in sweatpants and a t-shirt.  Back in 2016, people were preparing for a red carpet at the grocery store and paparazzi at every corner.

Some of the most popular makeup brands during 2016 were Kylie Cosmetics (specifically the Kylie Cosmetics Matt Liquid Lip Kit), M.A.C., BitterLaceBeauty Prism Highlighter, and of course, anything Anastasia Beverly Hills.

2021 Makeup

2021 makeup looks were relatively simple, especially compared to that of 2016.  With mask-wearing there became less focus on expensive foundation and the richest lipstick, and more focus on serums and eyeliner.  The makeup community went from promoting the highest coverage concealers and primers to the most lifting serums and creams.  As well, “honesty” about the true state of a creator’s skin had become a big thing and more creators started sharing about their skincare journey and how they took care of their skin.

Many natural makeup looks became popular in 2021, with soapy eyebrows (opposed to the boxy brows of 2016), fake freckles, cream blush, and shiny lip gloss.  In general, makeup became more neutralized and soft.  For example, one of the biggest transitions was from bold, black, gel eyeliner to soft, brown, pencil eyeliner.  Some aspects of 2016 makeup continued to live on through 2021, like strong contouring and pops of color around the eye.  While in 2016 makeup artists added color through pigmented eyeshadow, makeup artists in 2021 added color through brightly colored eyeliner or mascara.

Popular makeup brands of 2021 were Tarte (for their Shape Tape Contour Concealer), Fenty Beauty, Rare Beauty (for their creme and liquid blushes), Maybelline (New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara), and Dior; with skincare items that were worth more than gold.

The Trend

So, how did makeup creators start comparing 2016 and 2021 makeup?  Through the 2016 vs. 2021 makeup trend, it has become very obvious that makeup has changed quite a lot. However, 2016 and 2021 have a lot in common.  In 2016 the makeup community took off on YouTube and Instagram starting the online makeup movement, and in 2021 influencers on TikTok played a large role in how people did their makeup and what products people bought.  Both years created a drastic change in makeup trends, 2016 pushing for more glamorous looks, and 2021 bringing everyone back to a neutral look.

Influencer Ashley Quiroz is credited to have started the trend with her 2016 vs. 2020 makeup looks video on YouTube, which went viral.  The trend took off through 2020 and continued to gain more traction in 2021 on TikTok, with audio from Nicki Minaj’s Chun Swae.

What seems to keep this trend going is how shocking a difference five years has made on makeup.  Comparing 2016 and 2021 makeup side by side not only shows how much we have learned about creating makeup looks but also shows how much time has passed since 2016.  In hindsight 2016 doesn’t seem like that long ago, but when we look at how we used to do our makeup we are also inadvertently looking at our past and how much we have grown as people.  Maybe we never noticed how much time had gone by because of how fast-paced the internet is, or perhaps life just goes by fast.  Either way, it will be interesting to see what makeup will look like five years in the future.