Minimal vs. Maximalist Makeup
If there’s one thing the beauty world never does, it’s stand still. Trends cycle, evolve, collide, and repeat. After what seems like an eternity of the “clean girl” makeup era, I have to say, I got a little excited when I saw a few nods to full glam makeup really making a comeback. I fell in love with the “rock star girlfriend" trend. When I experimented with that trend on myself, I realized when I looked in the mirror that I was staring at the 2016 version of myself again. Following that, I kept seeing more full glam looks on my FYP which leads me to a bold prediction: is 2016 makeup is coming back in 2026? I’m a little apprehensive to see block brows back in style if this were to be true, but bringing back all the drama that defined the beauty scene nearly a decade ago sounds kind of thrilling, right?
As someone who started my career as a makeup artist in 2016, I can’t help but smile at this full-circle moment. That era shaped so many of us - it was the time when artistry became mainstream, tutorials exploded, and bold, maximalist expression became the norm. So, seeing creators hinting at its comeback feels like revisiting my roots.
But the conversation around 2016 makeup also highlights something bigger: the ongoing tension and harmony between minimal and maximalist makeup.
The Rise of Minimal Makeup
Minimal makeup has dominated the beauty world over the last few years. Think about it…
Skin-first, barely-there base
Cream products that melt into the skin
Fluffy brows
Soft, diffused powdery liner
Glossy lips
Neutral everything
This look reflects a cultural shift toward ease, authenticity, and embracing natural features. It’s fresh, quick, flattering on everyone, and perfect for everyday wear or clients who want their makeup to enhance and not transform their features.
Minimal makeup isn't simple makeup; it’s strategic makeup. It’s about letting technique and skin prep do the talking.
Maximalist Makeup
On the flip side, maximalist makeup never truly goes out of style, does it? It just waits for its moment.
Maximalist glam is about:
Full-coverage complexion
Structured brows
Contouring and dramatic highlight
Bold lips
Clean lines and defined features
Pops of color
It’s the kind of artistry that made 2016 makeup iconic. This style is unapologetic.
Why not both?
Minimal vs. maximalist makeup isn’t a debate, it’s a spectrum.
Your mood, the occasion, your features, and your personal style can all influence where you land on that spectrum on any given day. Some clients love the softness of minimal glam while others feel their best with full drama. And most float somewhere in between, depending on the moment.
Is 2016 Makeup Really Coming Back?
While I hope the block brows and severely over-lined lips stay retired, if my predictions are right, 2026 may be the year that bold, structured glam re-enters the spotlight. And honestly? I welcome it.
Having started my career in 2016, seeing those trends resurface feels nostalgic and exciting. It’s a reminder of how far the industry has come and I think mixing what we’ve learned during the “clean girl” era with the bold styles of 2016 might just be the perfect combo.
Whether you love a minimal look, live for maximal glam, or switch between both, there’s room for every style in the beauty world. And if 2016 really is making a comeback… get your liquid lipsticks ready!