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2016 Is Back: Full Glam Makeup & Instagram Nostalgia

  • Jan 29
  • 1 min read

Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with 2016?


Searches for “2016 aesthetic” and “2016 makeup” are exploding on TikTok — but this isn’t just a trend. It’s nostalgia.


Before the algorithm.Before monetizing every post.Before the internet felt like work.

Psychologists say nostalgia is a coping mechanism for anxiety. And in today’s world of burnout, algorithms, AI, and constant pressure to perform, millennials are craving a time that felt lighter, freer, and way more human.


So we’re rewinding to what actually defined 2016:

✨ Full-glam, matte makeup

✨ Kylie Lip Kits, Urban Decay Naked palettes, Anastasia Dipbrow

✨ The early rise of Glossier (hello, clean girl era)

✨ Chronological Instagram feeds, VSCO filters & Snapchat dog ears

We also break down:

✨ Why 2016 culture “hit different”

✨ Loud maximalist glam vs today’s beige clean girl aesthetic

✨ Which iconic beauty brands survived and which fell off (Too Faced, Kat Von D)

✨ And why we’re not actually missing the makeup… we’re missing the feeling


If you’ve ever wished social media felt less curated and a little more unhinged — this episode’s for you.




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Julia Bellary @julia.bellary

 
 
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