The Rise, Fall & Legacy of 2016’s Most Iconic Makeup Products

Many people on social media are reminiscing about 2016, and honestly, it makes sense. It’s been ten years since the full-glam, ultra-contoured, blinding-highlight looks that defined beauty at the time. The makeup aesthetics we loved back then feel worlds away from today’s softer, skin-focused trends. But the products? Many of them are still etched into our memories (and some into our routines). Here’s a look back at some of 2016’s most iconic makeup favourites, and whether you can still buy them today. —Mursal Rahman

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

This primer first launched back in 2000, and yes, you can still buy it today. It became a staple for a reason: it helps blur the look of fine lines and pores while keeping your makeup in place, leaving your skin looking smooth and even.

$22, sephora.ca

Benefit POREfessional Primer

Pore-filling primers were everywhere back then, and Benefit’s POREfessional was one of the go-to favourites. It originally launched in 2010 but really had its moment during the 2016 full-glam era. The appeal was simple: it helped blur the look of pores and fine lines for that ultra-smooth finish. Since then, it’s been repackaged and reformulated, but the updated version feels more hydrating and still does a good job of minimizing pores.

$49, sephora.ca

BeautyBlender ORIGINAL Beautyblender Makeup Sponge

The pink, egg-shaped sponge, better known as the Beautyblender,  originally launched in 2005 and later made its way into virtually every makeup routine. By 2016, it felt like everyone was using one, and honestly, many people still do. A makeup sponge remains a great option for blending products seamlessly and achieving that smooth, airbrushed finish.

$32, sephora.ca

Too Faced Born This Way Undetectable Medium-To-Full Coverage Foundation

Too Faced’s Born This Way Foundation first launched in 2015 and later expanded in 2017 with a 35-shade range. It became known for being full-coverage, smooth and having a matte finish. More recently, the formula was reformulated, with the updated version focusing on added hydrating ingredients, a smoother finish, and longer wear.

$65, sephora.ca

Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation  (Discontinued)

Launched around 2016, Urban Decay’s All Nighter Liquid Foundation perfectly matched what was trending at the time: very full coverage and completely matte. The formula packed an intense amount of pigment, reportedly about three times more than Naked Skin, so not much product was needed. Despite its popularity during the full-glam era, the foundation has since been discontinued.

Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Matte Concealer

Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer launched in 2016 and quickly became one of the most talked-about concealers in the industry. This year, it celebrates its 10th anniversary, proof of just how iconic it has become. Known for its full coverage and natural matte finish, the formula built a reputation for serious staying power. They also sell a hydrating version, as well suitable for people with dry skin.

$45, sephora.ca

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid

Too Faced’s Born This Way Concealer also launched around 2016 and quickly became a favourite. It was loved for its very full coverage, creamy texture, and long-wearing formula, making it a staple for anyone chasing that flawless, full-glam finish.

$49, sephora.ca

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Longwear Setting Powder

This was the powder almost everyone had in their makeup collection. It wasn’t just for setting makeup; it became a staple for baking, with people letting it sit on the skin before dusting it off. It earned its reputation as a reliable powder that did a good job of setting the face. The brand later introduced a talc-free version in 2022.

$59, sephora.ca

KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

The KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner has had quite the evolution. It originally launched under Kat Von D Beauty, later rebranded to KVD Vegan Beauty, and then dropped “Vegan” from the name in 2021, to become KVD Beauty. The brand was founded by celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D in partnership with LVMH’s incubator Kendo back in 2008.

After Von D sold her shares in January 2020, Kendo took steps to distance the brand from her, including the name change. At the time, the company clarified that “KVD” no longer referenced her name, but instead stood for “Kindness, Vegan Beauty, and Discovering.”

The Tattoo Liner itself, which debuted in 2008, became the eyeliner you saw in almost every YouTube makeup tutorial. Liquid winged liner was everywhere back then, and the precision tip made it so much easier to create that sharp, clean wing.

$34, sephora.ca

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer

Benefit Cosmetics repackaged their eyebrow products in 2016 into the silver and pink packaging we’re used to seeing, alongside the launch of their full Brow collection. Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer quickly became a standout, thanks to its ultra-fine tip that made it easy to draw hair-like strokes and fill in sparse areas.

$37, sephora.ca

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel

Another Benefit favourite that was everywhere at the time was the Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel. It was especially great for those with naturally thick brows or for no-makeup days when you wanted your eyebrows to look polished and put together. 

$37, sephora.ca

Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Waterproof, Smudge-Proof Brow Pomade

We can’t talk about 2016 brows without mentioning the Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Brow Pomade. It was the go-to product for creating those bold, drawn-on Instagram brows, which, let’s be honest, sometimes looked a little Sharpie-like on some people. The formula was intensely pigmented, and most of us definitely didn’t hold back when applying it.

$34, sephora.ca

Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara

Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara launched in 2013 and quickly became the mascara everyone seemed to be using. The cheeky name definitely grabbed attention, but it did give length and volume that kept people hooked. The formula was also known for not leaving the lashes crunchy or stiff.

$39, sephora.ca

Anastasia Beverly Hills’s Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette

Back in 2016, this palette dominated vanities and YouTube tutorials alike. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette quickly became known as the perfect everyday staple. The shadows were soft, pigmented, easy to blend, and long-lasting. With 14 shades in neutral and berry tones, across matte and shimmer finishes, it was a favourite for many.

$61, sephora.ca

Too Faced Sweet Peach Eye Shadow Palette  (Discontinued)

The Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette launched in 2016 and quickly became a fan favourite. It stood out for its playful concept, with shadows infused with a distinct peach scent that made the experience feel extra fun. The palette featured 18 shades, ranging from peachy pinks and corals to warm bronzes and unexpected pops of purple. Even beyond the theme, the formula earned praise for being buttery soft and easy to blend. You can no longer buy this palette today.

Urban Decay Naked Palettes

The first Naked Palette launched in 2010, followed by Naked2 in 2011 and Naked3 in 2013. All three went on to become well-loved before being discontinued in 2018. These palettes were so popular because they were highly pigmented and filled with neutral shades that everyone naturally gravitated toward. In fact, people would get excited anytime rumours of a new Naked Palette started circulating.

Each version had its own colour scheme: the original Naked focused on warm neutrals, Naked2 introduced cooler tones, and Naked3 delivered 12 rose-hued neutrals. Today, Urban Decay offers the Naked Shaped Multi-Tasking Eyeshadow Palettes in Warm and Cool, which feel like modern updates of the classics. Naked3 is still available on the Urban Decay website, along with the Naked2 Basics Matte Neutral Palette, a six-shade staple for everyday looks

BECCA Champagne Pop

If there’s one thing 2016 gave us, it was the era of intensely pigmented, blinding highlighter, and BECCA’s Champagne Pop was at the centre of it all. Originally released in July 2016 as part of a collaboration with Jaclyn Hill, the shade started as a limited-edition launch. But after repeated sellouts and overwhelming demand, BECCA made it permanent.

The brand leaned into the hype with the Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette (Champagne Glow), which featured two oversized golden highlighters, Champagne Pop and the then-new Prosecco Pop, alongside three blush/highlighter hybrids in Shimmer, Matte, and Satin finishes.

Although BECCA Cosmetics closed in 2021, Champagne Pop didn’t disappear. Smashbox adopted the cult-favourite formula, re-releasing it under the “Smashbox ❤ Becca” branding. The highlighter lives on, alongside other beloved shades like Opal, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Chocolate Geode, and more.

$56.50, sephora.ca

Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Physician’s Formula’s Murumuru Butter Bronzer launched in 2016 and quickly became one of those products everyone seemed to be talking about. The texture was incredibly soft, it blended effortlessly, and the pigmentation was noticeable but not overpowering. The formula also had a slightly hydrating feel, which made it stand out from the typical dry, powder bronzers at the time.

$21.96, amazon.ca

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer

This bronzer originally launched back in 2001, yet it remained one of those products people couldn’t stop using. It gave the skin a silky-smooth, natural-looking finish and had impressive staying power. Truly one of those classic staples you can’t go wrong with.

$49, sephora.ca

Milani Cosmetics Baked Blush

Milani introduced their baked blushes in 2014, and their most popular shade was easily Luminoso. It quickly gained popularity, with many beauty lovers calling it a dupe for NARS Orgasm. Beyond the colour comparison, the formula was loved for its glow and all-day wear. In 2025, Milani reformulated the blushes, updating them with skin-loving ingredients like grape leaf extract and olive fruit oil.

$14.49, shoppersdrumart.ca

NARS Talc-Free Powder Blush

NARS launched its powder blush back in 1999, including the iiconic Orgasm shade, which was hugely popular then and is arguably still a favourite today. The pinky-peach shade became known for being universally flattering on most skin tones. In 2024, the brand reformulated its blush lineup, introducing a vegan, talc-free formula. The relaunch included eight new shades alongside 12 of its bestselling classics.

$46, sephora.ca

KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Vegan Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick

The formula once known as the Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick was everywhere during the 2016 liquid lipstick craze. At the time, matte liquid lips were the look. In 2022, the lipstick was reformulated and reintroduced as the KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Vegan Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick, with the updated version designed to feel lighter and more comfortable on the lips.

One of the most iconic shades, formerly known as Lolita, a dusty, rosy mauve, remains in the lineup, though it now goes by the name Queen of Poisons.

$31.50, sephora.ca

Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kit

Kylie Jenner launched her Lip Kits in 2015, each one featuring a lip liner and a matte liquid lipstick. She debuted the line with just three shades, Candy K, Dolce K, and True Brown K, which sold out almost immediately. At the time, Kylie was known for her signature overlined lips, and that fuller, sculpted lip look was hugely popular. Unsurprisingly, the Lip Kits became one of the most in-demand beauty launches of the era.

In July 2021, Kylie Cosmetics reformulated the Matte Lip Kits as part of a major brand relaunch, updating the products to be clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.

$50, kyliecosmetics.com

Pat McGrath Labs Metal Morphosis 005 Kit  (Discontinued)

Pat McGrath Labs’ Metalmorphosis 005 launched in 2016 and instantly captured attention. The kit featured a lineup of gold, silver, bronze, and copper pigments in both cream and powder textures, alongside a mixing liquid and a double-ended black marker perfect for creating sharp cat eyes. The shine and colour payoff were on another level, delivering that high-impact metallic finish beauty lovers were obsessed with at the time. It also marked an exciting moment in the industry, as legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath officially stepped into the spotlight with her own brand.

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Natural Finish Setting Spray with 24HR Wear

Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray originally launched in 2010 and quickly became well-loved for its ability to prolong makeup wear. In 2025, the brand reformulated its classic mist following the end of its 15-year partnership with Skindinavia. The brand also introduced a matte finish version for shine control, along with a glowy finish option as well.

$51, sephora.ca