Why 2016 was a good year for beauty

That the warmth of your fingertips can be the perfect blending tool for foundation is a method we can’t deny. But when it comes to skincare, it’s the hi-tech cleansing tools that are winning our vote. Facial cleansing brushes ensure removal of the peskiest little dirt monsters clotted deep into your pores (where your fingers could never reach), and the newest tech heroes will make your skin smooth, soft and shiny, all the while being extremely gentle and kind. Our brush crush(es): The Foreo Luna 2 and Clinique City Block Purifying Cleansing Brush.

Psst. Lookfantastic.co.in ships the Foreo Luna to India.

The one thing 2016 taught us is that lesser than less is much, much more. Heavy contouring gave way to subtle strobing, which in turn led to an even more zoned-in version of the highlighting technique. Dot your creamy illuminator on the tip of your nose (and just there), swipe it from only the highest point of your cheekbone up to the edge of the brow bone in a half-moon motion, and let those selfies shine without looking like a disco ball.

The new mattes come infused with nourishing oils and long-lasting formulas that won’t leave your lips dry or patchy. You will have your non-glossy moment in all its hydrating glory and we’re sticking to these sticks in the future.

Sure, jasmine and rose will take you to a dreamy orchard, but it’s time to embrace lesser recognised ingredients that have the clandestine power to up your perfume personality. Find yourself blends that mix the refined with the not-so-sophisticated—they’ll surprise your senses and others’ too. Try Byredo’s Gypsy Water for the intensity from juniper berries warmed by sandalwood. Portraits of a Lady by Frederic Malle captures the zest of blackcurrant and raspberries with a smoky base of white musk. Fancy yourself some Madagascar ginger root? Try Chai Musk by The Bombay Perfumery.

Frederic Malle Portraits of a Lady EDP (100ml), Rs 18,320; Byredo Gypsy Water EDP, (100ml), Rs 11,000

It’s called Vitamin D, which your body also produces when exposed to UVB rays. When used externally in the form of skincare products, it boasts of major anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties. Add a little sunshine serum in your kit and you’ll see the difference.

Exercising your face is truly underrated. Try facial yoga moves—the ‘wide-eyed surprise face’ for frown lines, the ‘fish face’ to define those cheekbones—and watch that skin get happier and tighter with every passing day.

Oiling went massively mainstream in 2016, with wondrous uses. Cleansing oils, face oils, lip oils—these extra-effective blends brought back the age-old trend of replacing chemicals with natural, organic ingredients in your skincare.

Let’s establish that this moody hue is that universal colour every Indian skin tone needs. Plum on the apples of your cheeks, washed over lids and swiped across your lips—it’s as versatile as it is distinctive. Play with the intensity of your plum pout—blot it, layer it, dot it or stain it. The colour comes with a high level of playfulness.

Sephora, Colourful Shimmer Eyeshadow, Carousel, Rs 970; Lancôme Blush Subtil, Rose Indien, Rs 4,150

A hyperglossy mane, effortlessly combed back, wins over a big blowout any day! It’s so chic and nonchalant, they will be intrigued but also intimidated.

And they come in big, broody (browny!) colours—deep plums, brick berries and the iconic chocolate lips. You know you’re taking this major throwback moment to the future. This time, be glad that history repeats itself.