Makeup Becomes Natural?
Makeup seemingly has done a 180 and has become natural and simple. This is an odd way to start an article since makeup becoming all minimal and light seems like a paradox. For many years—specifically since 2016—makeup has been all about full glam. Makeup gurus have grown immensely on Youtube as viewers learn how to do complicated looks and become small influencers themselves. A full glam packed-on look gained so much popularity because it is beautiful and intense. There were only a handful of makeup artists on Youtube at the time who were experts and could do the intricate eye look and can get their foundation to stay all day; teens were obsessed and excited to have this at their fingertips and learn full glam properly. Times have changed recently where less is more, especially convenient.
2016 Makeup
To do a basic 2016 full glam look is to go by these rules: “Instagram” defined brows, full coverage foundation, heavy concealer, full-contour (forehead, cheekbones, and nose), minimal blush, blinding highlight, thick liner, voluminous false lashes, and matt liquid lipstick. This trend describes American-style makeup as it is not subtle and takes advantage of the art and usage of makeup. Although this trend is not very popular today, people still do these looks because makeup is all about what makes you comfortable, happy, and showcases personal creativity.
2021 Makeup
Makeup looks and trends today are quite refreshing. Design and style in all aspects have turned to minimalism which lets the process of makeup become quick and convenient for all. I think the transition from full coverage to simple makeup also had to do with makeup users becoming more comfortable and confident in their skin and knowing that less can still be enough. The trend took off in lockdown during the pandemic. As people took the time to deeply look at themselves in the mirror during quarantine, they also noticed their skin. Skincare discussions skyrocketed on social media as quarantine was the perfect time for people to nail down a skincare routine and get to the bottom line of which products work for them. Skincare then leads to makeup as learning about ingredients, techniques, tools, and trends were revealed.
Since people were stuck inside for months and covered half their face with a mask, there wasn’t a worry or a need to do a makeup routine. I believe that most people became comfortable and acceptive of their skin. As we slowly but surely go back out into the world, beauty is now effortless as people have less of an interest to do a full face like we used to. The natural “no makeup, makeup look” is individualistic as it caters to your skin’s needs, but here are a few pointers: Feathered soap brows, lifted spot concealing, dewy skin, more blush (preferably liquid), thin elongated liner (can be done with eyeshadow for less intensity), creamy highlighter, and lip-gloss or a lip stain.
The side-by-side trend
Sources: TikTok-@abbyroberts, @namglami, @mikaylanogueira, @roseandben, @keilidhmu, and IG: @daniellemarcan
On Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, 2016 vs. 2021 makeup challenge started trending during the summer and still trickling in now. The challenge consists of makeup artists drawing a white line down the middle of their face and creating 2016 makeup on one side, and 2021 makeup on the other. This showcases the transformation makeup has gone through in the past few years, and how it can lift and shape your face. Gurus refer to 2016 makeup as American beauty and 2021 makeup as K-Beauty (Korean). Korean beauty trends and products have grown exponentially in the west as users adore their techniques, and fine youthful beauty looks.
Trends come and go—it goes backward, forward, and ends up being a huge transformation. The most important thing about beauty is doing whatever makes you happy and being able to express your taste whether there are trends or not. As confusing and disruptive as the pandemic has been, changes will be made, and trends will evolve. Beauty can form from chaos.