End of an Era
If you're still carving your eyebrows out with thick layers of concealer or applying full-matte liquid color onto your lips, you might be stuck in a different era. While there's technically nothing wrong with doing your makeup that way, those techniques might make your finished look seem... outdated, especially compared to the more dewy, natural makeup looks (the "no makeup makeup") that everyone is currently obsessed with. So where do you fall on the line? Here are 10 signs your makeup routine might be stuck in 2016, and 10 easy ways to bring it into the present.
1. Blocky, Concealer-Carved Brows
Are you filling your brows in like no tomorrow? Sure, that might have been the trend back then, when brows were bold, squared-off, and aggressively carved with concealer because the goal was sharp symmetry, even if it meant your brows looked stamped on. But nowadays? Doing too much to your brows can look off.
2. Full-Coverage Foundation Every Day
Sure, sometimes you want full coverage. But going for flawless every day means cakey finishes that don't wear well throughout the day. While the finish looks smooth in photos, you don't want to hide every single "imperfection" you have. Let those freckles and blemishes show!
3. Baking Under the Eyes
Remember when "baking" the under-eyes was once considered non-negotiable? Thick layers of loose powder used to be packed under the eyes (and under the cheekbones, and everywhere else) to “set” concealer and prevent creasing. If you still do this now, you're probably just emphasizing dryness on your skin.
4. Ultra-Matte Everything
There's nothing wrong with a matte makeup look, but all-matte was also considered the trend back in the mid-2010s, so it can make your look seem outdated. Oil-free, flat finishes can often leave your skin looking dry or lifeless, which isn't what you want.
5. Dramatic Cut Creases
Cut creases are cool, and it's not surprising that they were a staple of mid-2010s eye makeup. Bold contrast, sharp lines, and multiple shadow layers created dramatic, editorial looks. But if you're still doing them now for an everyday look, it might seem unnecessarily dramatic and showy.
6. Heavy Contour
Remember heavy contouring? Sure, we still like contour and bronzer to give some warmth to our look, but if you're using a heavy hand to dramatically reshape your face, you might be overdoing it. If you're baking with powder to make the contour pop even more, well...
7. Blinding Highlighter Stripes
Full-matte was the look a decade ago, but highlighter was meant to be seen from across the room; metallic, glitter-packed powders were applied heavily along cheekbones, noses, and cupid’s bows. If you're still sticking to that formula, then you might be stuck in 2016.
8. Dry Liquid Lipsticks
Remember matte liquid lipstick? They dominated the mid-2010s. After all, they were long-wearing and transfer-proof, even if they were also extremely drying. If you're still picking matte formulas over glossier finishes, we have some bad news.
9. Makeup for Instagram
If your everyday look consists of heavy layers and sharp lines designed for flash photography and ring lights and social media, it might look a little off in person. It can also look outdated, especially in the current era where most people prefer skin-like makeup looks.
10. You're Following the Same Routine
Are you still following the same exact makeup routine you learned years ago? If you are, that's another sign your look might be outdated. It's fine to still like the same products and techniques, but it's better to evolve and try new things, too.
Ready to modernize your look? Here are 10 tips to get you started:
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1. Soft, Natural Brows
Today’s brows are all about movement and realism. Instead of sharp edges, the focus is on fluffy texture, individual hairs, and shapes that follow your natural brow line. The result? Brows that frame your face subtly and still look good up close, not just on camera.
2. Skin Tints & “Your Skin But Better” Bases
Modern makeup prioritizes skin health and realism. Lightweight foundations, skin tints, and BB creams let freckles, texture, and natural glow shine through. You don't want to erase your face; you just want enough coverage to even things out so your skin still looks like skin.
3. Minimal Powder & Strategic Setting
Instead of packing on powder, today’s approach is lighter and more intentional. Powder is used sparingly, placed just where creasing or shine actually happens. Cream products are left to melt into the skin, creating a more natural finish. Instead of locking everything down, makeup now moves with your face, making it more comfortable and flattering throughout the day.
4. Glass-Skin-Like Finishes
Glow is no longer something to hide and mattify; it’s something to enhance. After all, satin and dewy finishes give the skin dimension, freshness, and life. The result feels healthier, more youthful, and easier to maintain.
5. Softly Defined Eyes
Modern eye makeup leans natural and effortless. That means washes of color, softly blended shadows, and subtle definition enhance the eyes without overpowering them. Brown liners, smudged edges, and minimalist techniques make eyes look lifted and awake, but not too dramatic.
6. Natural Sculpting
Today’s sculpting is softer and warmer, unlike the heavy-handed contouring that was once popular. Cream bronzers and light contours help add dimension without harsh shadows, and for some, they skip contour altogether, relying instead on blush and bronzer.
7. Lit-From-Within Glow
Highlighter today is softer and meant to melt into the skin. Creams, balms, and finely milled powders are often the popular picks now, and instead of sharp lines, they're tapped into the high points so the glow is diffused. It’s less about sparkle and more just about looking healthy and radiant.
8. Glosses, Lip Oils & Soft Color
Whereas matte ruled before, comfort is king now. Lip oils, balms, glosses, and creamy formulas are the go-to since they hydrate while adding color. Instead of long-lasting, it's more about making your lips look plump, shiny, and kissable.
9. Makeup for Real Life
Modern makeup is meant to move with you. It’s designed to look good in daylight, office lighting, and casual settings, not just on camera. That means people tend to gravitate toward natural finishes and lighter coverage so that products wear well throughout the day instead of caking up.
10. Personalized Makeup Routines
Our last tip to modernize your makeup? Customizable it. Tailor your routine to your skin if it isn't already. Instead of relying on trends, treat them as sources of inspiration rather than a guide to follow completely. Whether you love minimal makeup or still enjoy glam, your goal should be making makeup work for you, not forcing yourself into one look.
