Beauty lovers are taking a nostalgic scroll down memory lane — and we’re here for it! The viral “2016 vs 2026 makeup” trend has taken over social feeds, spotlighting just how much our beauty routines (and brow philosophies) have evolved over the last decade. At Benefit Cosmetics, we love seeing how makeup trends shift — and how our iconic products continue to adapt to every era, every face, and every vibe.
In 2016, makeup was unapologetically bold. Brows were structured, cheekbones were sculpted, and glow was anything but subtle — and Benefit was right at the heart of it all.
Brows were full, defined, and perfectly polished with Brow Zings Eyebrow Shaping Kit — a true cult favorite of the era. While this beloved brow essential has since taken its place in Benefit’s beauty archives, its legacy lives on through our modern brow icons.
• Brow Zings featured a wax and powder duo designed to shape, define, and set brows for a long-lasting, statement finish.
Today, that same precision and performance comes to life with Precisely, My Brow Pencil, our iconic brow essential that continues to define brows in every era.
• Precisely, My Brow Pencil features an ultra-fine tip that mimics natural hair strokes for clean, precise, and effortlessly natural-looking brows.
Hot Tip: Light, feathery strokes create soft definition — proof that brow trends may evolve, but precision never goes out of style.
When it came to contour, one product ruled makeup bags everywhere: Hoola Bronzer. A true icon, Hoola was the go-to for sharp contouring and sun-kissed definition — and it remains a staple to this day!
• Hoola Bronzer delivers a matte, blendable finish that sculpts and warms the complexion effortlessly, making it just as relevant now as it was then.
Hot Tip: In 2016, Hoola was applied boldly under cheekbones and along the jawline; today, it can be softly diffused & blended for a more natural warmth.
And for glow, nothing defined the era quite like our High Beam liquid highlightern !
• This gold-toned liquid highlighter delivered an unmistakable luminous sheen, instantly lifting and brightening the skin.
Hot Tip: Dab High Beam onto cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose for that glossy, lit-from-within glow.
2026 Makeup: Effortless, Fresh & Naturally Polished
Fast-forward to 2026, and beauty has shifted into a more effortless, natural era. The focus is on enhancing natural features while still looking polished — and once again, Benefit is leading the trend with modern essentials.
Brows are softer and more natural, perfected with Precisely, My Brow Pencil and set with 24HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel.
• Together, they deliver clean, hair-like strokes and long-lasting hold for brows that look lifted yet effortless.
Hot Tip: Use PMB to define sparse areas, then brush through Brow Setter for a polished, clean girl finish.
For cheeks and lips, multitasking heroes take center stage. Benetint Raspberry brings a fresh, natural flush to both.
• Sheer and buildable, this blush-and-lip tint gives your face a healthy-looking glow that feels effortless.
Hot Tip: Tap onto cheeks with fingers and blend quickly for the most natural finish.
Glossy lips, which dominated throughout 2025, are here to stay in 2026. Enter our Splash Tint Gloss.
• A lightweight, non-sticky gloss that delivers juicy shine and hydration for a fresh, modern pout.
Hot Tip: Wear alone for a clean glossy look or layer over Benetint for added dimension.
From bold contours to barely-there beauty, the 2016 vs 2026 trend proves one thing: Benefit Cosmetics has always been on trend. Our iconic products didn’t just follow beauty movements — they helped define them. From beloved classics like Brow Zings to modern icons like Precisely, My Brow Pencil, and from Hoola Bronzer then to Hoola Bronzer now, Benefit Cosmetics continues to evolve with every era.