Is it 2016 all over again? The Revived Beauty Trends That Music's It Girls Can't Get Enough of in 2025.

      In early August, I found myself back in Chicago on the well-worn lawns of Grant Park for the Midwest music event known as Lollapalooza. The festival I had saved up for nearly a decade ago now strikingly resembled my early days as a concert-goer—not in terms of location, but in other ways. As the crowds grew increasingly overwhelming (seriously, I nearly got trampled leaving Chappell Roan’s record-breaking performance last year), much has evolved on the lakeside scene. The headliners are more prominent, and the brand promotions have become more lavish, yet one familiar element was the undeniable resurgence of 2016 makeup trends prominently displayed on Chicago's major stages.

      Before you think I’ve lost my mind, hear me out. The first indicator was Marina Diamandis’ matte pink lips magnified on the big screen, sculpted to perfection reminiscent of Kylie Jenner’s look during the “King Kylie” phase. (Just days before, Jenner shared a TikTok showcasing her old—and dare I say iconic—electric blue Skylie Lip Kit.) Next was Doechii, whose brow bone sparkled with an abundance of striking highlighter that reflected the summer sun like a mirror. Lastly, Sabrina Carpenter presented a striking eye look that blended graphic liner with a modernized cut crease. What do all these trends share? They are all classic markers of makeup from 2016.

      Why are makeup techniques from 2016 trending almost a decade later? When you think about the beauty scene from 2016, a few familiar images may come to mind—think Coachella-inspired flower crowns, bold brows, and Kylie Lip Kits. Although the exact styles from that era may not be fully resurfacing, industry leaders at 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 a return) in consumer beauty habits. “While the way our guests engage with beauty continues to evolve, some trends from 2016 are making a comeback in exciting ways,” Rinehart comments. “Back then, bold, brushed-up brows, matte lips, contoured faces, and richly pigmented eyeshadows were all the rage on social media and runways. Today, visitors are revisiting these iconic looks but with a modern update—think softer edges, blurred lips, and multidimensional eye makeup.”

      The summer of 2025 has revealed to the beauty megacorp that preferences are indeed shifting—as shoppers are trading in dewy, glowing skin for soft matte finishes and rediscovering no-budge lip products. “While tinted balms and glossy textures are still leading in sales, consumers are layering them with lip liners and stains for added depth, echoing the 2016 trend of defined lips,” Rinehart notes, highlighting popular items like the editor-favorite Sacheu lip liner stain and Milk Makeup’s Jelly Tints.

      Celebrity makeup artists also report that their informed clients are requesting modern updates of vintage styles. “I've seen many creators start doing true cool-tone contouring again,” says celebrity MUA Kasey Spickard, marking a noticeable shift from the no-makeup or “toasty” glam trends that have dominated in recent years. Think of Gabbriette and Jenna Ortega’s edgy, cool-girl makeup or Julia Fox’s alt-nude concealer lips. “This type of contouring encapsulated much of the 2016 aesthetic,” he points out, reminding us of the cultural phenomenon that was the Kat Von D Shade & Light Palette. Ah, better days.

      Marina Diamandis (formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds) was a must-see for me—not just because she was performing Princess of Power, her latest album and my personal earworm—but due to her signature girly style and embellished set designs. However, I was surprised to see a pillowy (dare I say, “Bubblegum Bitch”) pink matte lip reminiscent of King Kylie’s style on the jumbotron.

      “The matte lip is definitely making a comeback,” Spickard confirms. He highlights the rise of velvet and demi-matte finishes taking over other categories such as complexion, “which honestly have not been in vogue for the past few years.” Celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty finds this nostalgic return refreshing. “We’ve been immersed in glosses and cream products for the last few years, so it’s nice to see an old trend re-enter the conversation,” she remarks.

      Another trend that caught me off guard—both because I hadn’t touched shimmery products in years and because it was as bright as the August sun—was Doechii’s galactic glittery highlighter on her brow bone. Bhatty identifies brow highlighting as one of the most prominent trends from 2016 to make a resurgence today; it can be applied as either cream or powder for a subtle,