A Quintessential 2016 Makeup Tutorial
All matte everything — the nostalgia
March 1, 2024Welcome back to another installment of Time Travel Tutorials — though this time we're not journeying too far back. The makeup trends of 2016 were significantly influenced by the young Kylie Jenner, the undeniable "IT" girl for teens. High-coverage foundations, LOTS of setting powder, sharp and bold dip brows, warm smokey eyes, glittery cut creases, voluminous mink lashes, and deep matte lip combinations had beauty enthusiasts captivated.
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In this article we'll revisit the products that were a staple on every makeup lover's vanity in 2016 and embrace a daily bold-glamour look. I was so excited to channel Kylie Jenner's dramatic flair, especially since I missed out on experimenting with these trends back in the day.

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The Essence of 2016 Makeup

To embody Kylie Jenner's look and celebrate the key trends of 2016, we must adopt a "more is more" mentality. Instead of focusing on enhancing just one feature, we're highlighting them all simultaneously. To ensure the skin still looks youthful and fresh with such a makeup style, preparation is crucial.
Apply a Matte Primer
Use a classic matte primer like the Benefit Professional Primer to create a smooth base for your foundation.
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Matte, High Coverage Foundation and the Beauty Blender
Opt for a matte foundation like the L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, Estée Lauder Double Wear, or Born This Way Foundation. Use a stippling brush or the iconic beauty blender for application — make sure the sponge is dampened first.
Embrace Bold Brows and a Bright Highlight
Create bold brows with Anastasia Dip Brow, drawing inspiration from Kylie Jenner's well-defined, softly arched brows.
Choose the Right Blush and Highlighter
Choose a matte or slightly luminous rose-shade blush. Kylie tailored her blush to each look, sometimes going with a brighter pink or coral.
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Create a Soft Smoky Eye
There are of course many eye looks to try from 2016 — like a glitter cut crease — but I reached for the Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette to create a soft warm-brown smoky eye that's easy for everyday.
Line Your Eyes and Apply Mascara
My two favorite liners from the time were the Sephora brand liner and MAC Brushstroke liner. Smoke out the liner edges with shadow, as Kylie focused more on bold lashes rather than winged liner.
Big Mink Lashes
Very full mink lashes were all the rage. Luckily brands have prioritized faux mink lashes now.
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Pick Your Lip Combo
Experiment with various Kylie Lip Kit shades to suit your makeup vibe. In my reference photo her looks mainly range from matte mauve grey to rosy or deep near-black shades.
Set and Refresh Your Makeup
Finish off by setting your makeup. If your skin feels too matte, rejuvenate it with a refreshing spray like the d'Alba spray, which can also double as a setting spray.
2016 Makeup Memories

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As a young adult and beauty content creator during this era, my personal style wasn't heavily swayed by Kylie Jenner — which means, regrettably, I don't have many throwback looks that embody the era's most popular makeup trends.

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This 2016 makeup tutorial should bring back memories and introduce you to techniques that were all the rage. Whether revisiting old favorites or exploring them for the first time, enjoy the process and make it uniquely yours.


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