5 Beauty Editors Share Their Biggest 2016 vs. 2021 Makeup Challenge Swaps
Social media is full of fun beauty trends, and one of the latest trends to sweep TikTok has creators showing how their makeup styles have changed over the years in a trend called the “2016 vs. 2021 makeup challenge.” The trend is all too relatable, so of course we had to join in on the fun. From the subtle tweaks of letting skin look like skin, to more dramatic scaling back, here, our editors are sharing how their makeup routines have changed over the last five years. Plus, their favorite L’Oréal Paris products to help them achieve the look.
Too Much Highlighter vs. Subtle Highlighter In The Right Places
I used to think that if I drenched my nose, forehead and cheeks in powder highlighter, then I would always have that fresh-from-vacation glow. When I look back at those photos now I can’t help but laugh. There was nothing natural about my makeup at all. Instead of looking glowing, I just looked artificial and doll-like—which was not the goal. Now, I simply add a little liquid shimmer to my face to give me a fresh appearance. I really like theL’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops because I just add them to my moisturizer and massage them into my cheeks to make my complexion look dewy and radiant while letting my skin look real, which is way more important to me now.
In 2016, I had quite the affinity for filling in my brows (I blame the Instagram-brow of this era). I certainly still do, but back then, I learned the hard way that powder made my makeup look a lot more cartoonish. When I finally swapped out the blocky brow powder to a lightweight pencil (cue the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer), I found that my brows actually didn’t need a lot of makeup anyway. A soft definition was allI needed. Brow pencils allow me to embrace my natural brow hair and I’ll be using them for the next five years, at least!
Five years ago, I didn’t understand the point of blush. Why would I put a flushed color on top of the foundation that I just applied in order to conceal redness? I’ve since learned that strategic blush placement and color choice can completely elevate a look and bring some necessary life back into my complexion. Now, I believe that no makeup routine is complete without blush as a finishing touch. For my everyday look, I apply a natural rosy shade like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush in Rosy Outlook to my cheeks, and I instantly feel like my face appears brighter.
Back in 2016, I was a freshman in college. Those days, I thought it was a good idea to smother my face with bronzer. I can’t help but cringe when I think about it now, but there was a point where I believed that this tactic made me look tan and healthy. Looking back on it, I probably looked dirty and cakey. Now, thankfully, I’ve learned how to artfully apply bronzer, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Bronze It Bronzer, for a subtle sun-kissed glow that contours my face in all the right places. My makeup look in 2021 is still not complete without bronzer, but the way I’ve learned to apply it has changed my makeup game forever and I will never be going back to my old ways.
In 2021, I discovered that less is more for my everyday makeup. It may play into my being at home more, therefore desiring a quick and non-stressful routine. In 2016 I remember spending longer than I’d like to admit trying multiple different matte liquid lippies before heading out of the door. I still find adding a lip color fun today! However nowadays I most often enjoy wearing the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Mirror. The gloss isn't sticky and the applicator brush makes applying the product easy and precise. There’s no doubt that clear gloss can elevate any makeup look. I firmly believe that even on a no makeup day putting on a gloss just feels right. And it really enhances the natural color and shape of my lips. The bonus : you can pull it off with any outfit!
Hi, I'm Beauty Genius, your new AI Beauty Assistant
Powered by Generative AI, I'll help you build a personalized routine and find the perfect products for you.
Hi, I'm Beauty Genius, your new AI Beauty Assistant
Powered by Generative AI, I'll help you build a personalized routine and find the perfect products for you.
This site is intended for US consumers. Cookies and related technology are
used for advertising. To learn more, or opt-out, visit
AdChoices and our privacy policy.
Social media is full of fun beauty trends, and one of the latest trends to sweep TikTok has creators showing how their makeup styles have changed over the years in a trend called the “2016 vs. 2021 makeup challenge.” The trend is all too relatable, so of course we had to join in on the fun. From the subtle tweaks of letting skin look like skin, to more dramatic scaling back, here, our editors are sharing how their makeup routines have changed over the last five years. Plus, their favorite L’Oréal Paris products to help them achieve the look.
