BACK TO BOLD

Say goodbye to low-key and hello to decadence with over-the-top makeup trends. Here's why maximalist beauty is taking over.

- Balvinder Sandhu

Thanks to our new-found love of maximalism, we are looking to 2016 again for makeup inspiration. While we've embraced minimalist looks in recent years, like the no-makeup makeup look or the minimal, clean-girl aesthetic, the trend has shifted towards bold and colourful beauty styles. The runways have showcased the "more is more" beauty trend, and social media is filled with content creators posting 2016 makeup tutorials. In fact, Tiktok even introduced a 2016 makeup filter a few months ago.

In case you need a refresher, makeup artist Lasalle Lee takes us through 2016's "Instagram Face": intense and smoky eyes, clean-cut creases, strong eye liner and brows, heavy contouring, heavy concealing and baking (which involves setting your concealer with loose powder for a flawless, crease-free and matte look), matte foundation, and thick, matte lipstick. The look was popularised by the Kardashian clan.

"In addition to 2016 makeup trends, the current maximalist beauty trend also includes encapsulated nails, 3-D embellishments and graphic liners," he adds.

Think blue eye makeup by renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath at the Maison Margiela haute couture Spring/Summer 2024 show in January, which featured models with doll-like skin. The Fall/Winter 2024 shows also featured lipsticks prominently, with colours such as bold red and deep maroon from labels such as JW Anderson and Richard Quinn.

Melvin Tseng, a producer, professional makeup artist and content creator, thinks 2016 was one of the best times for makeup as "people were not afraid to play with makeup".