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What’s Been Up

Beauty trends in 2016 that we still love today

By
Hasina Jeelani
3
min read
Makeup
Skin
Beauty trends in 2016 that we still love today
What’s Been Up
Makeup
Skin

Beauty trends in 2016 that we still love today

By
Hasina Jeelani
By
Hasina Jeelani
What’s Been Up
Makeup
Skin
3
Min read
These never really went out of style
Beauty trends in 2016 that we still love today

2016 was a defining year for beauty. Lip kits were everywhere, K-beauty found its way into our skincare routines and self-care became more than just a trend, it became a mindset. While products and aesthetics have evolved in the decade since, so many of today’s biggest beauty moments can be traced right back to that era.

From nude lips that quietly set the stage for the clean girl aesthetic to multi-tasking formulas that paved the way for skincare-as-makeup, 2016 laid the groundwork for it all. Ahead, we revisit the timeless hair, skin and makeup trends from a decade ago that never really went out of style.

ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown (0.25g)
ETUDE HOUSE
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Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel - Translucent (7 g)
1158541
Sheglam
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Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Mini - 05 Warm Black Brown (0.04g)
1091899
Benefit Cosmetics
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KIRO Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lip - Nude Mocha 18 (5ml)
1026076
KIRO
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Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture N10 - Nude Stiletto (3.8 g)
1154861
Yves Saint Laurent
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Charmacy Milano Flattering Nude Lipstick - 03 Birthday Suit (3.8g)
1110989
Charmacy Milano
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VT Cosmetics Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Hydrogel Mask (33 g)
1172168
VT Cosmetics
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Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule Mask (23 g)
1160115
Sungboon Editor
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ETUDE HOUSE
.

ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown (0.25g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1158541
Sheglam
.

Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel - Translucent (7 g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1091899
Benefit Cosmetics
.

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Mini - 05 Warm Black Brown (0.04g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1026076
KIRO
.

KIRO Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lip - Nude Mocha 18 (5ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1154861
Yves Saint Laurent
.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture N10 - Nude Stiletto (3.8 g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1110989
Charmacy Milano
.

Charmacy Milano Flattering Nude Lipstick - 03 Birthday Suit (3.8g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1172168
VT Cosmetics
.

VT Cosmetics Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Hydrogel Mask (33 g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1160115
Sungboon Editor
.

Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule Mask (23 g)

Today I learnt: green tomatoes could give you glass skin

Need a little more TLC for your skin? This sheet mask takes everything great about the Pore Lifting Ampoule and turns it into a fast, 20-minute treat. Infused with the same pore-tightening green tomato extract, it’s known to hydrate, refine and refresh your skin in record time. But that’s not all—it also packs in glycerin to pull moisture into the skin, leaving it feeling balanced and soft. Whether you're prepping for a big event or just need a pick-me-up during a hectic day, the mask will instantly revitalise your skin.

Add to Cart

Bold brows

Remember the razor-slim brows that dominated the ‘90s and early aughts? By 2016, they were officially shown the door. In their place came brows that were thicker, fluffier and deliberately undone. We embraced fullness unapologetically, brushing them up, filling them in and letting them take centre stage. A decade later, that rhetoric still holds. If anything, brows have become even softer and less sculpted. The focus has shifted from sharp arches to natural growth, with serums, laminating gels and fine-tip pencils helping us grow them wild and let them grow free.

Tira Recommends:


ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown
Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel - Translucent
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Mini -5 - Warm black-brown

Nude lips

If the my-lips-but-better aesthetic had a birthdate, it would be 2016. While vampy shades and bold reds still had their loyalists, nude lipsticks quietly became the everyday essential that worked for every setting, from the boardroom to the beach. The appeal was simple: effortless polish without trying too hard. Ten years on, nude lips fit seamlessly into the clean girl aesthetic. The finishes may have evolved, with creamy hybrid balms, satin textures and softly blurred liners taking over, but the idea remains the same. A flattering nude will always be the ultimate beauty safety net.

Tira Recommends:


KIRO Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lip - Nude Mocha 18
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture N10 - Nude Stiletto
Charmacy Milano Flattering Nude Lipstick - 03 Birthday Suit

Balayage

There’s no two ways about it, 2016 was the age of balayage. Harsh, stripy highlights were quietly retired as hand-painted colour took over. The result was softer, more dimensional hair that looked sun-kissed rather than salon-streaked. No two heads of hair looked exactly alike, and that individuality became the point. In 2026, that same philosophy continues to guide colour trends. Whether it’s hair contouring or seamless colour melting, the low maintenance, high impact ethos of balayage still reigns. Effortless, personalised and grown-out in the best way, it remains the blueprint.

Sheet masks

The promise of hydrated, refreshed skin in just 15 minutes felt revolutionary in 2016, and it still does. Sheet masks quickly became a staple for delivering that post-facial glow without leaving the couch. Easy, targeted and instantly gratifying, they made skincare feel accessible and results-driven. A decade later, the masking habit has only expanded. From collagen patches designed to smooth forehead lines to under-eye masks that brighten tired eyes, the category has evolved, but the appeal is unchanged. Quick fixes that actually deliver will never go out of style.

Tira Recommends:


VT Cosmetics Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Hydrogel Mask
Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule Mask
Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask

Multi-tasking heroes

BB creams. Lip and cheek tints. Face sticks. While 2016 was known for elaborate routines, it also gave us products that simplified them. Multi-tasking formulas stepped in to streamline getting ready, working harder so you didn’t have to. As minimalism continues to gain momentum, the appeal of hybrid beauty remains strong. A lip tint that doubles as blush, a skin tint with built-in SPF, a cream stick that works on eyes, lips and cheeks — these are the quiet workhorses of our makeup bags. Ten years later, less still feels like more.

Tira Recommends:


KIRO Wonder Wand Multi Stick - Celestial Glow
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia With SPF 50 PA++++
Lakme Facelift Multislayer Contour Stick - Bold drama Neutral Medium

The lob

In 2016, the bob’s cooler cousin took over: the long bob, better known as the lob. As celebrities embraced the chop, this shoulder-grazing cut became the sweet spot between short and manageable. It felt fresh without being drastic, polished without being high maintenance. Today, the lob continues to skim famous shoulders across the globe, from Hailey Bieber to Alia Bhatt. Its staying power lies in its versatility. Sleek, wavy or tucked behind the ears, it remains proof that the right haircut can do all the talking.

Matte lips

Your keys, your cards and your liquid lipstick were likely the non-negotiables in 2016. Whether you favoured bold berries or muted nudes, one rule stood firm: if it wasn’t matte, it didn’t matter. The finish was sharp, statement-making and completely transfer-proof. A decade later, matte lips still hold their ground, but the formulas have evolved. Gone is the wall-paint dryness. In its place are soft-focus textures infused with hydrating ingredients that deliver comfort along with colour. The look is just as impactful, only now it feels better on the lips.

Tira Recommends:


Lakme Forever Matte Liquid Lip 16hr Lipstick Lightweight & Transferproof - Nude Latte
Daily Life Forever52 I'm Unlimited 24hours Superstay Lipstick - Acorn - 018
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick - 150 Lazy Sunday
1143204
Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask - (10 pcs)
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1165836
KIRO
KIRO Wonder Wand Multi Stick - Celestial Glow (7.5 g)
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1143216
Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia With SPF 50 PA++++ (18 g)
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1136554
Lakme
Lakme Facelift Multislayer Contour Stick - Bold drama Neutral Medium (13 g)
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1080012
Lakme
Lakme Forever Matte Liquid Lip 16hr Lipstick Lightweight & Transferproof - Nude Latte (5.6 ml)
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1149026
Daily Life Forever52
Daily Life Forever52 I'm Unlimited 24hours Superstay Lipstick - Acorn - 018 (3.5 g)
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Bold brows

Remember the razor-slim brows that dominated the ‘90s and early aughts? By 2016, they were officially shown the door. In their place came brows that were thicker, fluffier and deliberately undone. We embraced fullness unapologetically, brushing them up, filling them in and letting them take centre stage. A decade later, that rhetoric still holds. If anything, brows have become even softer and less sculpted. The focus has shifted from sharp arches to natural growth, with serums, laminating gels and fine-tip pencils helping us grow them wild and let them grow free.

Tira Recommends:


ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown
Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel - Translucent
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Mini -5 - Warm black-brown

Nude lips

If the my-lips-but-better aesthetic had a birthdate, it would be 2016. While vampy shades and bold reds still had their loyalists, nude lipsticks quietly became the everyday essential that worked for every setting, from the boardroom to the beach. The appeal was simple: effortless polish without trying too hard. Ten years on, nude lips fit seamlessly into the clean girl aesthetic. The finishes may have evolved, with creamy hybrid balms, satin textures and softly blurred liners taking over, but the idea remains the same. A flattering nude will always be the ultimate beauty safety net.

Tira Recommends:


KIRO Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lip - Nude Mocha 18
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture N10 - Nude Stiletto
Charmacy Milano Flattering Nude Lipstick - 03 Birthday Suit

Balayage

There’s no two ways about it, 2016 was the age of balayage. Harsh, stripy highlights were quietly retired as hand-painted colour took over. The result was softer, more dimensional hair that looked sun-kissed rather than salon-streaked. No two heads of hair looked exactly alike, and that individuality became the point. In 2026, that same philosophy continues to guide colour trends. Whether it’s hair contouring or seamless colour melting, the low maintenance, high impact ethos of balayage still reigns. Effortless, personalised and grown-out in the best way, it remains the blueprint.

Sheet masks

The promise of hydrated, refreshed skin in just 15 minutes felt revolutionary in 2016, and it still does. Sheet masks quickly became a staple for delivering that post-facial glow without leaving the couch. Easy, targeted and instantly gratifying, they made skincare feel accessible and results-driven. A decade later, the masking habit has only expanded. From collagen patches designed to smooth forehead lines to under-eye masks that brighten tired eyes, the category has evolved, but the appeal is unchanged. Quick fixes that actually deliver will never go out of style.

Tira Recommends:


VT Cosmetics Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Hydrogel Mask
Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule Mask
Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask

Multi-tasking heroes

BB creams. Lip and cheek tints. Face sticks. While 2016 was known for elaborate routines, it also gave us products that simplified them. Multi-tasking formulas stepped in to streamline getting ready, working harder so you didn’t have to. As minimalism continues to gain momentum, the appeal of hybrid beauty remains strong. A lip tint that doubles as blush, a skin tint with built-in SPF, a cream stick that works on eyes, lips and cheeks — these are the quiet workhorses of our makeup bags. Ten years later, less still feels like more.

Tira Recommends:


KIRO Wonder Wand Multi Stick - Celestial Glow
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia With SPF 50 PA++++
Lakme Facelift Multislayer Contour Stick - Bold drama Neutral Medium

The lob

In 2016, the bob’s cooler cousin took over: the long bob, better known as the lob. As celebrities embraced the chop, this shoulder-grazing cut became the sweet spot between short and manageable. It felt fresh without being drastic, polished without being high maintenance. Today, the lob continues to skim famous shoulders across the globe, from Hailey Bieber to Alia Bhatt. Its staying power lies in its versatility. Sleek, wavy or tucked behind the ears, it remains proof that the right haircut can do all the talking.

Matte lips

Your keys, your cards and your liquid lipstick were likely the non-negotiables in 2016. Whether you favoured bold berries or muted nudes, one rule stood firm: if it wasn’t matte, it didn’t matter. The finish was sharp, statement-making and completely transfer-proof. A decade later, matte lips still hold their ground, but the formulas have evolved. Gone is the wall-paint dryness. In its place are soft-focus textures infused with hydrating ingredients that deliver comfort along with colour. The look is just as impactful, only now it feels better on the lips.

Tira Recommends:


Lakme Forever Matte Liquid Lip 16hr Lipstick Lightweight & Transferproof - Nude Latte
Daily Life Forever52 I'm Unlimited 24hours Superstay Lipstick - Acorn - 018
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick - 150 Lazy Sunday

No items found.

No items found.
About

Bold brows

Remember the razor-slim brows that dominated the ‘90s and early aughts? By 2016, they were officially shown the door. In their place came brows that were thicker, fluffier and deliberately undone. We embraced fullness unapologetically, brushing them up, filling them in and letting them take centre stage. A decade later, that rhetoric still holds. If anything, brows have become even softer and less sculpted. The focus has shifted from sharp arches to natural growth, with serums, laminating gels and fine-tip pencils helping us grow them wild and let them grow free.

Tira Recommends:


ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown
Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel - Translucent
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Mini -5 - Warm black-brown

Nude lips

If the my-lips-but-better aesthetic had a birthdate, it would be 2016. While vampy shades and bold reds still had their loyalists, nude lipsticks quietly became the everyday essential that worked for every setting, from the boardroom to the beach. The appeal was simple: effortless polish without trying too hard. Ten years on, nude lips fit seamlessly into the clean girl aesthetic. The finishes may have evolved, with creamy hybrid balms, satin textures and softly blurred liners taking over, but the idea remains the same. A flattering nude will always be the ultimate beauty safety net.

Tira Recommends:


KIRO Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lip - Nude Mocha 18
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture N10 - Nude Stiletto
Charmacy Milano Flattering Nude Lipstick - 03 Birthday Suit

Balayage

There’s no two ways about it, 2016 was the age of balayage. Harsh, stripy highlights were quietly retired as hand-painted colour took over. The result was softer, more dimensional hair that looked sun-kissed rather than salon-streaked. No two heads of hair looked exactly alike, and that individuality became the point. In 2026, that same philosophy continues to guide colour trends. Whether it’s hair contouring or seamless colour melting, the low maintenance, high impact ethos of balayage still reigns. Effortless, personalised and grown-out in the best way, it remains the blueprint.

Sheet masks

The promise of hydrated, refreshed skin in just 15 minutes felt revolutionary in 2016, and it still does. Sheet masks quickly became a staple for delivering that post-facial glow without leaving the couch. Easy, targeted and instantly gratifying, they made skincare feel accessible and results-driven. A decade later, the masking habit has only expanded. From collagen patches designed to smooth forehead lines to under-eye masks that brighten tired eyes, the category has evolved, but the appeal is unchanged. Quick fixes that actually deliver will never go out of style.

Tira Recommends:


VT Cosmetics Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Hydrogel Mask
Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule Mask
Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask

Multi-tasking heroes

BB creams. Lip and cheek tints. Face sticks. While 2016 was known for elaborate routines, it also gave us products that simplified them. Multi-tasking formulas stepped in to streamline getting ready, working harder so you didn’t have to. As minimalism continues to gain momentum, the appeal of hybrid beauty remains strong. A lip tint that doubles as blush, a skin tint with built-in SPF, a cream stick that works on eyes, lips and cheeks — these are the quiet workhorses of our makeup bags. Ten years later, less still feels like more.

Tira Recommends:


KIRO Wonder Wand Multi Stick - Celestial Glow
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia With SPF 50 PA++++
Lakme Facelift Multislayer Contour Stick - Bold drama Neutral Medium

The lob

In 2016, the bob’s cooler cousin took over: the long bob, better known as the lob. As celebrities embraced the chop, this shoulder-grazing cut became the sweet spot between short and manageable. It felt fresh without being drastic, polished without being high maintenance. Today, the lob continues to skim famous shoulders across the globe, from Hailey Bieber to Alia Bhatt. Its staying power lies in its versatility. Sleek, wavy or tucked behind the ears, it remains proof that the right haircut can do all the talking.

Matte lips

Your keys, your cards and your liquid lipstick were likely the non-negotiables in 2016. Whether you favoured bold berries or muted nudes, one rule stood firm: if it wasn’t matte, it didn’t matter. The finish was sharp, statement-making and completely transfer-proof. A decade later, matte lips still hold their ground, but the formulas have evolved. Gone is the wall-paint dryness. In its place are soft-focus textures infused with hydrating ingredients that deliver comfort along with colour. The look is just as impactful, only now it feels better on the lips.

Tira Recommends:


Lakme Forever Matte Liquid Lip 16hr Lipstick Lightweight & Transferproof - Nude Latte
Daily Life Forever52 I'm Unlimited 24hours Superstay Lipstick - Acorn - 018
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick - 150 Lazy Sunday
ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown (0.25g)
ETUDE HOUSE
Know More
Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel - Translucent (7 g)
Sheglam
1158541
Know More
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Mini - 05 Warm Black Brown (0.04g)
Benefit Cosmetics
1091899
Know More
KIRO Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lip - Nude Mocha 18 (5ml)
KIRO
1026076
Know More
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture N10 - Nude Stiletto (3.8 g)
Yves Saint Laurent
1154861
Know More
Charmacy Milano Flattering Nude Lipstick - 03 Birthday Suit (3.8g)
Charmacy Milano
1110989
Know More
VT Cosmetics Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Hydrogel Mask (33 g)
VT Cosmetics
1172168
Know More
Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule Mask (23 g)
Sungboon Editor
1160115
Know More

Bold brows

Remember the razor-slim brows that dominated the ‘90s and early aughts? By 2016, they were officially shown the door. In their place came brows that were thicker, fluffier and deliberately undone. We embraced fullness unapologetically, brushing them up, filling them in and letting them take centre stage. A decade later, that rhetoric still holds. If anything, brows have become even softer and less sculpted. The focus has shifted from sharp arches to natural growth, with serums, laminating gels and fine-tip pencils helping us grow them wild and let them grow free.

Tira Recommends:


ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eyebrow - 01 Dark Brown
Sheglam Set Me Up Brow Gel - Translucent
Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Mini -5 - Warm black-brown

Nude lips

If the my-lips-but-better aesthetic had a birthdate, it would be 2016. While vampy shades and bold reds still had their loyalists, nude lipsticks quietly became the everyday essential that worked for every setting, from the boardroom to the beach. The appeal was simple: effortless polish without trying too hard. Ten years on, nude lips fit seamlessly into the clean girl aesthetic. The finishes may have evolved, with creamy hybrid balms, satin textures and softly blurred liners taking over, but the idea remains the same. A flattering nude will always be the ultimate beauty safety net.

Tira Recommends:


KIRO Non-stop Airy Matte Liquid Lip - Nude Mocha 18
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture N10 - Nude Stiletto
Charmacy Milano Flattering Nude Lipstick - 03 Birthday Suit

Balayage

There’s no two ways about it, 2016 was the age of balayage. Harsh, stripy highlights were quietly retired as hand-painted colour took over. The result was softer, more dimensional hair that looked sun-kissed rather than salon-streaked. No two heads of hair looked exactly alike, and that individuality became the point. In 2026, that same philosophy continues to guide colour trends. Whether it’s hair contouring or seamless colour melting, the low maintenance, high impact ethos of balayage still reigns. Effortless, personalised and grown-out in the best way, it remains the blueprint.

Sheet masks

The promise of hydrated, refreshed skin in just 15 minutes felt revolutionary in 2016, and it still does. Sheet masks quickly became a staple for delivering that post-facial glow without leaving the couch. Easy, targeted and instantly gratifying, they made skincare feel accessible and results-driven. A decade later, the masking habit has only expanded. From collagen patches designed to smooth forehead lines to under-eye masks that brighten tired eyes, the category has evolved, but the appeal is unchanged. Quick fixes that actually deliver will never go out of style.

Tira Recommends:


VT Cosmetics Reti-A Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Hydrogel Mask
Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule Mask
Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask

Multi-tasking heroes

BB creams. Lip and cheek tints. Face sticks. While 2016 was known for elaborate routines, it also gave us products that simplified them. Multi-tasking formulas stepped in to streamline getting ready, working harder so you didn’t have to. As minimalism continues to gain momentum, the appeal of hybrid beauty remains strong. A lip tint that doubles as blush, a skin tint with built-in SPF, a cream stick that works on eyes, lips and cheeks — these are the quiet workhorses of our makeup bags. Ten years later, less still feels like more.

Tira Recommends:


KIRO Wonder Wand Multi Stick - Celestial Glow
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia With SPF 50 PA++++
Lakme Facelift Multislayer Contour Stick - Bold drama Neutral Medium

The lob

In 2016, the bob’s cooler cousin took over: the long bob, better known as the lob. As celebrities embraced the chop, this shoulder-grazing cut became the sweet spot between short and manageable. It felt fresh without being drastic, polished without being high maintenance. Today, the lob continues to skim famous shoulders across the globe, from Hailey Bieber to Alia Bhatt. Its staying power lies in its versatility. Sleek, wavy or tucked behind the ears, it remains proof that the right haircut can do all the talking.

Matte lips

Your keys, your cards and your liquid lipstick were likely the non-negotiables in 2016. Whether you favoured bold berries or muted nudes, one rule stood firm: if it wasn’t matte, it didn’t matter. The finish was sharp, statement-making and completely transfer-proof. A decade later, matte lips still hold their ground, but the formulas have evolved. Gone is the wall-paint dryness. In its place are soft-focus textures infused with hydrating ingredients that deliver comfort along with colour. The look is just as impactful, only now it feels better on the lips.

Tira Recommends:


Lakme Forever Matte Liquid Lip 16hr Lipstick Lightweight & Transferproof - Nude Latte
Daily Life Forever52 I'm Unlimited 24hours Superstay Lipstick - Acorn - 018
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick - 150 Lazy Sunday