The Beauty Trends Worth Knowing in 2016
Photo: Imaxtree
by FAITH XUE
New year, new you, new beauty philosophy. Though 2015 gave us time-saving trends like strobing and “naked” hair, it also gave way to some things we’re more than ready to leave behind (ahem, clown contouring). What will 2016 bring? If the runways are any indication, you can expect even dewier skin (think your face after Spin class), bright pops of color, and hair that veers into Joan Jett territory (yes). Needless to say, the beauty obsessives inside us—Who are we kidding? The beauty obsessors we are—are very, very excited. Cheers to a year of new beauty trends!
Trend #1: Shaggy Layers
Photo: Imaxtree
We all know the shag was the cool-girl cut of fall 2014—and it doesn’t look like it’s going away any time soon. “I think there will be a great hair trend inspired by female rockers from the ’70s and early ’80s, like Joan Jett,” Nate Rosencrantz, creative team stylist for Alterna Haircare, tells us. “[I predict] shorter textured hair with and without a choppy fringe.” Bring on the layers!
Keep scrolling for two products to keep your shaggy mane looking perfectly unkempt.
Related: 3 Haircuts That Make Your Face Look Thinner
Leonor Greyl Tonique Hydratant Moisturizing Leave-In Treatment
Reverie Rake Styling Balm
Trend #2: Skin With Sheen
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: 3 Ways to Get Glowy Skin—Without a Shimmery Highlighter
We learned to embrace our natural dew in 2015 (and add some when necessary), and 2016 will encourage even more sheen. “The trends we are going to see more of this year are deconstructed, natural looks,” says makeup artist Ashley Rebecca. “It’s about going back to your natural roots, giving your skin the most amazing glow, and enhancing features lightly.” Backstage at Victoria Beckham’s S/S 16 presentation, makeup artists used Sunday Riley products to add moisture to models’ skin, then swiped Milano’s cult Chic & Shine Stick above cheekbones, down noses, and across foreheads.
Sadly, you can only purchase this Pat McGrath–approved product in Italy for now, but the two products ahead will give you a similar glow…
Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base
Laneige BB Cream
Trend #3: Gilded Hair
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: Runway to Real Life: 17 Cool Ways to Wear Hair Accessories
If you haven’t considered hair accessories since your Blair Waldorf obsession days (long live the queen of the Upper East Side), it’s time to reconsider. Designers like Rodarte, Marc Jacobs, and Givenchy marched models down the runway with statement hair accessories—the more eye-catching, the better.
Shop two of our favorites ahead!
Jennifer Behr Aria Barette
Free People Feather Bobby Pin Set
Trend #4: Bright Lips
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: Bright Lips, Sleek Hair
Last year was the age of Kylie Jenner lip color—that almost natural taupe-brick nude that had us all pursing our lips at our iPhones. This year—dare we say it—seems to foreshadow a brighter, cheerier trend: bright, matte, unlined shades of red, poppy, pink, and magenta. Just look to runways like Badgley Mischka, Anna Sui, and Jason Wu for proof.
Shop two of our favorite bright lip colors below!
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Matte Lip Pen
Julep Light on Your Lips Lipstick
Trend #5: Sleek Braids and Twists
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: 5 Braid Hacks Every Girl Should Know
On the other end of the spectrum from a shaggy lob comes the rise of the sleek, sophisticated braid (or twist). Hervé Léger models walked down the runway with braided headbands, while models at Public School and Proenza Schouler slicked their hair back into tight, twisted ponies.
Make sure to keep things smooth with these two products…
R+Co Tinsel Smoothing Oil
Bumble and Bumble Bb. Curl (Style) Defining Crème
Trend #6: Blue-Eyed Girl
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: Yes, You Can Wear Blue Eye Makeup Without Looking Dated
Blue eye shadow, formerly associated with ’80s prom photos and leotards, has suddenly emerged as chic. Chanel gave its models a swath of dreamy blue eye shadow, while Diane von Furstenberg added an ombré metallic effect. To ease into the trend, do like a Monique Lhuillier model and simply trade your favorite black eyeliner for blue—the thicker the line and brighter the hue, the better.
Keep scrolling to shop two of our favorite blue eye-makeup products!
Tom Ford Noir Eye Defining Pencil in Noire
Make Up For Ever Pure Pigments in Blue
Trend #7: Softer Brows
Photo: Imaxtree
Related: 5 Clear Brow Gels to Keep Your Arches in Place
Last year was all about the brow—and 2016 will be too, albeit a softer, more natural version. In cases where it seemed we went a little too overboard in defining our arches, the S/S 16 runways are here to remind us to reel things in; Rebecca says that “less aggressive brows” will reign supreme this year. Embrace your natural brows and accentuate with soft powders and clear brow gels—or even the occasional magic brow boost— with the products ahead.
Mary Kay Clear Brow Gel
Eyeko Brow Magic Brow Boost
More from Byrdie:
Can’t Cope: 7 Beauty Trends We Are SO Over Right Now
Dermatologists Predict 2016′s Biggest Skincare Trends
Get Out Your Lip Liners—Five ‘90s Beauty Trends Making a BIG Comeback
