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As 2026 unfolds, beauty insiders are spotting a clear nostalgia wave in makeup and style that mirrors 2016 aesthetics. Social media platforms are abuzz with throwbacks to the era, and hashtags like #2016makeup are gaining traction among creators experimenting with vintage looks. Many of the mid‑2010s makeup signatures are now being reimagined with modern refinements. Celebrity makeup artist Catrina Breitweiser shared her thoughts about the 2016 revival with Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Here’s what she said about the looks she loves — and the makeup trends she prefers to leave behind.

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While 2026 has just begun, celebrities and social media users are taking it all back to 2016. The “2026 is the new 2016” trend has users posting throwback photos from a decade ago, and they’re happy to relive more carefree days. While 2016 continues to trend, makeup artists are also noticing how the beauty looks of the past are coming back into the spotlight.

Catrina Breitweiser, a celebrity makeup artist with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Makeup by Catrina and MBC Cosmetics, told Showbiz Cheat Sheet why she thinks makeup-wearers in 2026 are looking back at what was trending a decade ago.

“Nostalgia is definitely part of it, but it’s also about balance,” Breitweiser wrote to us. “After years of ultra-minimal ‘clean girl’ beauty, people are craving artistry again. 2016 makeup was expressive, intentional, and transformative, and now it’s being reintroduced with better formulas, skin-first prep, and a softer hand. It feels familiar, but elevated.”

Breitweiser has also noticed a “shift” in celebrity makeup. “We’ve seen a shift on red carpets toward sculpted glam again, defined eyes, statement lashes, and polished complexions,” she continued. “Celebrities are leaning into glam that photographs beautifully but still feels modern. The influence of throwback beauty moments circulating on TikTok and Instagram has also reignited interest in those bold, iconic looks.”

The celebrity beauty guru believes contouring has seen a major update in 2026

So, what 2016 makeup trend is Catrina Breitweiser seeing updated in 2026?

“Contour is the biggest one; it’s no longer heavy or overly carved. It’s softer, higher placed, and blended into skin prep,” she told Showbiz Cheat Sheet. “Full-coverage foundations are now more serum-based. Brows are structured again, but brushed and flexible. And cut creases have evolved into diffused, wearable definition rather than harsh lines.”

As for the products or tools that are making a comeback, she said blending brushes, contour sticks, setting powders, and false lashes are back on trend. However, makeup-wearers are using these tools “more strategically.”

“We’re also seeing a return to lip liners and matte-leaning lip textures, paired with hydrating finishes so lips still look healthy, not dry,” she continued.

Catrina Breitweiser wants makeup lovers to retire this trend for good

While 2016 trends are seeing a revival in the beauty world, Catrina Breitweiser wants to see one specific trend get left in the past, as well as several products.

“Overly thick, drying matte liquids and heavy, chalky powders should be upgraded,” she advised Showbiz Cheat Sheet. “Today’s formulas do the same job with better skin benefits. Also, harsh block brows and overly metallic highlighters don’t translate as well now, glow should look lit-from-within, not frosted.”

As for the trend, she’s done seeing extreme contouring. “Over-baking and extreme contour mapping,” she told us. “Makeup should enhance, not overpower. The future of beauty is polished and powerful … not overdone.”

Breitweiser believes “soft sculpted glam” is back, leaving all of the heaviness behind.

“Defined features, long-wear makeup, and intentional structure, but with skin that still looks like skin,” she said of this year’s makeup. “It’s the return of glam confidence without the heaviness.”

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