16 Celebs Who Nailed The Hair And Makeup Game In 2016

As years go, humanity seems to be in general agreement that 2016 has been really kind of terrible all round. But, as any beauty guru knows, things look a whole lot brighter once you’ve chucked a load of highlighter on it.

Thankfully, the past twelve months over in Hollywood have seen celebs rocking a whole range of incredible looks which had us living, dying and then coming back to life for their flawless beauty game. Whether it’s brave and bold or barely there, these 16 babes have demonstrated exactly how to slay the spectrum of 2016 hair and makeup.

1. Bella Hadid

La Dolce Vita vibes are Bella’s speciality, hitting sultry, smouldering and seductive while still remaining radiant and natural. Cannes festival saw her sporting a flawless fade of red hot blush teamed with a faux fringe, while her Grammys look was super dramatic and slicked back.

2. Kristen Stewart

No one does the grungy thing better than K-Stew, and this year she took what she knows best to all new levels of carelessly cool. She went bold and brave with her makeup, like that fierce smokey red eye in Cannes, while bright platinum waves with dark roots kept it all looking effortless af.  

3. Blake Lively

It’s basically maths and science that Blake Lively = Ultimate Dream Hair, but the blonde Disney princess tresses hit all new realms of perfect in 2016. Red carpet appearances often featured pretty, ethereal hair accessories, and of course those beachy tousled waves were as gorgeous as ever.

4. Kendall Jenner

Kendall could dunk her face in melted cheese and still hurt our souls with her beauty, but instead 2016 saw her opting for flawless dewy bases and classic Kardashian eyes. Special shout out to her red lip and straight brows on the Magnum red carpet, and her petal pink glossy lips at the MTV Movie Awards.

5. Gigi Hadid

With a face as good as hers, Gigi is never afraid to mix up her model makeup, and 2016 saw her rocking everything from metallic strobing and silver glitter roots at the Met Gala, to a high-voltage coral colour on her lips for the MuchMusic Video Awards. Queen.

6. Lily Rose Depp

Expert at all things Cool French Girl Chic, Lily Rose is the queen of the casual vibe - think crystal clear baby skin with ‘just woke up’ hair and gentle dabs of smudged out colour. These signature choices dominated her 2016 makeup bag, and MAN is it a good look on her (especially those big brows, omg).

7. Kylie Jenner

Well of COURSE Kylie charts in the best hair and makeup of the year. We could probably do a whole separate list just for her tbh, as platinum blonde/dark brunette/pretty pastels, nude hues/vampy shades and bare face/hella makeup all made multiple appearances. The lips, the wigs, the sultry eyes and the immaculate brows - it’s signature Kylie and it’s killer every time.

8. Zendaya

Always thinking outside the box, Zendaya makes her hair choices with a uniqueness, an edge and most importantly, a shock factor in mind. Her Met Gala bowl-cut got everyone talking, while her Kids Choice Awards vintage vibes were classically stunning, and AGH that Grammys mullet was just all kinds of crazy (but she’s literally the human who could rock it, let’s be real).

9. Sophie Turner

Sophie’s makeup is never heavy, but always packs a punch. Brushed up brows, a halo of soft shadow and a flattering flush of subtle colour is now her go-to, while the incredible red locks are always a throwback to old school Hollywood glamour. Let’s all just take a moment for that uhmazing Oscars look.

10. Taylor Swift

Although she’s been a bit quiet on the music front, Swifty has been busy in the beauty game. This year was the year that she mixed things up majorly, chopping off her Rapunzel hair into an edgy, messy bob. Chuck in the platinum bleach, vampy violet lipstick and the discovery of a smokey eye, and you’ve got a total Taylor transformation.

11. Joan Smalls

Can we all give Joan Smalls a clap please, because while Kylie J gets all the attention when it comes to 90s-inspired nude lips, no one does the big brows, contoured cheeks and matte taupe-brick lipstick quite like Joan does. Kinda underrated tbh, and always so SO good.

12. Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita’s red carpet appearance for Queen of Katwe was seriously special, teaming iridescent emerald and royal blue on the eyes with glossy, terracotta lips. She’s always a fan of classic glamorous neutrals too, and with her flawless, radiant complexion, Lupita is always upping the beauty stakes.

13. Perrie Edwards

No one can make us instantly want to recreate a makeup look like those Little Mix girls (and it’s usually affordable, awoo) - but it’s Perrie in particular who’s nailed it again and again through 2016. Her tiny ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ stars became a trend in themselves, she experimented with badass bubble braids, and her signature boho look was dreamy as ever.

14. Kim Kardashian

Well, duh. It’s against Kim’s religion to leave the house looking anything less than flawless, and while the later half of the year was a difficult one for her, the past twelve months have seen her owning her style. The best ones that spring to mind have got to be her VMAs wet-look hair, the platinum blonde braids, and just every time her signature Kimmy K look slayed the red carpet, really.

15. Emma Stone

Emma turned heads at the Met Gala when she stepped out with striking brunette locks and a glowing tan teamed with inky black eyeshadow, but her usual elegant and feminine beauty choices on porcelain skin were equally as stunning. Also, that hair is just always like SHINY SHINY SILK.

16. James Charles

Following his perfect senior portrait going viral (he took it twice to make sure his highlight was lit), James Charles spent 2016 pushing all the boundaries and breaking all the barriers in the makeup industry. Named the first-ever male face of CoverGirl, James’ array of awesome looks have inspired beauty fans to throw away gender exclusivity and embrace creativity instead. Slay.

- Words by Lucy Wood.

Now, how about a vid of the Geordie Shore lot rating and slating all the outfits celebs have worn this year...