The year 2016 marked a defining era for millennials, when YouTube beauty tutorials and lifestyle vlogs dominated screens and shaped online culture. Often regarded as the golden age of vlogging, it was also the year Bretman Rock rose to internet stardom.
During that time, Bretman cemented his status as one of the most recognizable beauty influencers online. Beyond his makeup skills, he became widely loved for his humor and authenticity, frequently creating viral content with his sister, Princess Mae.
On Thursday, the Filipino-American content creator reignited nostalgia by sharing a series of throwback photos and videos on Instagram, transporting fans back to his early viral days.
The cover photo of the post featured Bretman sporting his unmistakable 2016 look—perfectly sculpted brows, dramatic eyeshadow, and nude lips—set against a mandala tapestry that became synonymous with his early aesthetic.
Reflecting on the era, Bretman humorously captioned the post, “2016 was a movie…. A horror movie,” followed by, “But a movie nonetheless.”
Now in 2026, Bretman remains one of the most influential figures on social media. Although he has stepped back from frequent beauty-focused content, he continues to engage his audience by sharing glimpses of his relaxed life in Hawaii, often featuring his pets—including his beloved chickens.
