Is It 2016 All Over Again? The Revived Beauty Trends That Music's Leading Ladies Can't Get Enough Of in 2025

      In early August, I returned to Chicago, standing on the well-worn grass of Grant Park at the Midwest music festival known as Lollapalooza. The festival I had been saving for nearly a decade suddenly seemed strikingly reminiscent of my early concert-going days—and I’m not referring to the location itself. With crowds becoming increasingly larger each year (seriously—I nearly got trampled exiting Chappell Roan’s record-breaking show last year), much has changed along the lakefront. While the stars have become bigger and brand activations more lavish, what felt most familiar was the unmistakable resurgence of 2016 makeup trends, proudly displayed on Chicago's biggest stages.

      Before you think I’m out of my mind, hear me out. My first clue was Marina Diamandis’ matte pink lips showcased on the big screen, sculpted perfectly, reminiscent of Kylie Jenner’s look during the "King Kylie" era. (Just days earlier, Jenner had shared a TikTok video trying on her old, and may I say iconic, electric blue Skylie Lip Kit.) Following her, Doechii caught my attention with her brow bone shimmering under a heavy layer of highlighter that reflected the summer sun like a mirror. Finally, Sabrina Carpenter’s eye makeup—a blend of graphic liner and a modernized cut crease—tied it all together. What do these looks have in common? They’re all hallmarks of 2016 makeup trends.

      Why are 2016 makeup styles making a comeback nearly a decade later? A few thoughts come to mind when you picture the beauty scene in 2016. (You might remember Coachella-inspired flower crowns, bold brows, and Kylie Lip Kits.) Even though the exact trends from this period may not be returning in full force, high-ranking officials from major beauty retailers and celebrity makeup artists support my emerging theories.

      Kaitlin Rinehart, Vice President of Merchandising at Ulta Beauty, has observed a shift (or rather a return) in consumer shopping habits. “While our guests’ engagement with beauty continues to evolve, certain trends from 2016 are reemerging in exciting ways,” Rinehart states. “Back then, bold brows, matte lips, contoured faces, and richly pigmented eyeshadow dominated social media and runways. Today, guests are revisiting these iconic looks but with a modern twist—think softer edges, blurred lips, and multidimensional eye appearances.”

      The summer of 2025 alone has indicated to beauty megacorporations that trends are indeed shifting, with shoppers opting for soft matte finishes over dewy, glowing skin and re-investing in long-lasting lip products. “While tinted balms and glossy formulas are still leading sales, customers are layering them with lip liners and stains for added depth and dimension, reflecting the 2016 era of defined lips,” Rinehart notes, highlighting editor-favored products like the Sacheu lip liner stain and Milk Makeup’s Jelly Tints as standout sales performers.

      Celebrity makeup artists are also reporting that their savvy clientele are asking for modern takes on nostalgic looks. "I've seen many creators start to embrace true cool-tone contouring again," says celebrity MUA Kasey Spickard, marking a clear shift from the no-makeup makeup and “toasty” aesthetics that have dominated in recent years. Think: the edgy looks of Gabbriette and Jenna Ortega or Julia Fox’s bold nude concealer lips. “This style of contouring really embodied a lot of the 2016 vibe,” he adds, reminding me of the cultural phenomenon surrounding the Kat Von D Shade & Light Palette. Ah, those were the days.

      Marina’s Matte Lipstick

      Marina Diamandis (formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds) was a must-see for me—not only for her performance of Princess of Power, her latest album, but also for her signature feminine style and intricately designed set. However, I was not prepared to see a pillowy (dare I say, “Bubblegum Bitch”) pink matte lip, reminiscent of King Kylie, on the jumbotron.

      “The matte lip is definitely making a comeback,” Spickard confirms. He highlights the rise of velvet and demi-matte finishes in other areas, such as complexion, “which honestly haven’t been in vogue for the past few years.” Celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty finds this nostalgic revival refreshing. “After being inundated with glosses and cream products lately, it's nice to see an (old) trend making a return,” she observes.

      Doechii’s Blinding Brow Highlight

      Another surprise trend (not just because I haven’t used shimmery products in years, but also because it radiated as brightly as the August sun) was Doechii’s brilliantly glittery brow bone highlighter. Bhatty identifies brow highlight as one of the key trends from 2016 resurfacing today; its cream and powder forms being