16 Most Followed Beauty Trends Of 2016

I always love researching the influx of hair, makeup, and nail looks that go viral each year. I feel like 2016 was responsible for some of the wildest, boldest, and most unique beauty looks we've seen to date. Although I could have filled this list with dead bug manicures and shaved glitter undercuts, I decided to focus on the trends that were actually the most followed this past year. I tried out a number of these hair, makeup, and nail looks myself, and I hope that a number of them make it to 2017 (#12, I'm talking about you!). 

Which of these beauty looks did you try out and which of these looks would you never dare to touch? Read ahead for the most followed beauty trends of 2016 to find out! I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store for us...

1. Unicorn Hair 

Pastel, rainbow-colored hair was a massive dye trend this year. These unicorn-inspired waves are so mesmerizing. 

2. Chrome Nails

As far as nail trends go, chrome nails were at the top of the list for 2016. I tried out this look a few weeks ago and was absolutely obsessed with the results. 

3. Glitter Tears 

Glitter tears were seen on practically every fashion week runway this fall. Although this isn't necessarily a casual daytime look, it definitely is fun! 

4. Silver Hair

It's funny how times change. Instead of struggling to cover up grays, dyed silver hair became all the rage this year. I love these intricate braids on this silvery 'do!

5. Pink Eye Makeup

I can still remember how big pink eyeshadow was in the '90s. This makeup trend came full circle this year and beauty bloggers everywhere tried out bold pink eye makeup.

6. Metallic Hair 

Leave it to Guy Tang to create the most iconic, viral hair colors. The celebrity hairstylist was responsible for metallic hair, following the metallic everything craze this year. 

7. Faux Freckles 

If you're lucky enough to have natural freckles, then you should totally flaunt them. Faux freckles became one of the most popular makeup tutorial subjects this year, thanks to Insta-famous gals like Chantel Jeffries. 

8. Rose Gold Hair 

Tons of celebrities dyed their trademark blonde locks a rose gold color this year. Hailey Baldwin, Margot Robbie, and Kylie Jenner are just a few famous names to partake in this hair trend recently. 

9. Glitter Lips 

Makeup goddess Pat McGrath unleashed her line of glitter lip kits this fall. The product spread like wildfire to both fashion week runways and celebrity makeup bags alike! Naomi Campbell was one of the first stars to try out this beautiful, bold look. 

10. Edgy French Manicures

French manicures got an edgy upgrade this year. Instead of traditional white tips, black, neon, and colored tips became an extremely popular nail look.

11. Extreme Highlight 

2016 undoubtedly saw the birth of extreme highlight powder. It's now so rare to see beauty bloggers and makeup artists without an excess of this shimmering, stunning makeup look. 

12. Top Knots 

You can thank stars like Kendall Jenner for introducing the most popular, versatile hairstyle of 2016: the top knot. I pretty much sport this look every day, and I hope it's just as acceptable in 2017.

13. Liquid Lipsticks 

Liquid lipsticks definitely replaced the traditional, glossier variety in 2016. This is probably due to the massive popularity of Kylie's super matte Lip Kit line. 

14. Balayage 

Ombré got upgraded in a big way this year. Balayage, a softer, more natural version of ombré, was by far the most requested hair look of 2016. 

15. Metallic Lips 

Metallic clothing, eyeshadow, and nails were absolutely huge this year. So it was no surprise that metallic lip looks would also follow suit. 

16. Mermaid Hair 

This look is definitely not for the faint of heart, but mermaid hair landed its spot on the list of the most popular, bold hair colors of 2016. Would you try out this wild hair look?