Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge

[itsfi]

Hey BIC beauties! One of my goals this year is to try to put together a makeup capsule with a handful (okay, maybe a large handful, in my case) of products that will work for me for an every day look and special occasions. Given my current collection, I won't need to be starting from scratch. 😂 So, I'm treating this capsule makeup collection challenge like a shop my stash and declutter adventure all in one. Would love for you to join me if and when you can.

If this is something that interests you or just piques your curiosity, please feel free to use this thread to document and challenge yourself to

(1) use what you have / shop your stash; and

(2) determine which products in your collection to keep, which to declutter, and which to try again another day. All with the goal of curating a set of makeup products that will help you achieve a signature look - and maybe a few additional products for other looks in your daily life, including looks for special occasions or events.

Every week, I will post a group of makeup products I plan to choose from (i.e., shopping my stash) for my looks during the week. The themes / prompts are guides and if you have a certain interpretation or approach you want to take with it, go for it! Not every product has to fit squarely within the theme; it can be just one item.

CURRENT WEEKLY THEMES: [UPDATED 4.27.2024]

Spoiler

Week 17 (April 22 - 28) - The "Green" Makeup Capsule and/or The Sephora Spring Savings Makeup Capsule - In honor of Earth Day (April 22), let's assemble a "green" capsule for the week. What does it mean to be "green", you ask? You tell me! Here are a handful of meanings "green" can have - 

• Sustainable
• "Clean" by whatever standard you want - Clean at Sephora? Natural? Non-toxic? 
• The color - either the product itself or the packaging, or both
• New or young
• Other - your definition (oh, inquiring minds will want to know, so do also share your definition of green)

Or, if you have one or more products you picked up from the Sephora Spring Savings Event, show them off with a capsule highlighting one product or all of them. A shop-your-Sephora sale-stash, if you will.  

Week 18 (April 29 - May 5) - The April 2024 Edition of "On Top" or "On The Chopping Block" Makeup Capsule and/or The "More Play Time With My Sephora Savings Event Hauls" Makeup Capsule - Were there makeup products from April that stood out to you - good or bad? Did you discover any new (or tried-and-true) favorites this month? Are there products you've been on the fence about? Create a makeup capsule with one or any combination of these ideas. OR show us what beauties you picked up during the Sephora Savings Event. Now's the time to play (or to keep playing) with that newness (and those beloved restocks) you hauled during the sale! 

Week 19 (May 6 - 12) - The AAPI Owned / Founded Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule - To celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month, let's curate a capsule with one or more makeup products from AAPI owned or founded makeup brands. [NOTE: A non-exhaustive list of AAPI owned or founded beauty brands can be found in the spoiler below ⤵️]

Week 20 (May 13 - 19) - The "Sleeping Beauties" Makeup Capsule and/or The "OMG, More Stuff From the Sephora Spring Savings" Makeup Capsule - I was inspired by the theme of this year's Met Gala, "Sleeping Beauties" - go through your stash and create a makeup capsule with beauties that have been sleeping in your stash and could use love and attention. Or, were there makeup products you picked during the Sephora Spring Savings Sale that are just now making their way to you (or that you are now getting to)? Put them in a capsule, by themselves or mix in a few "Sleeping Beauty" products. 

Week 21 (May 20 - 26) - The "My Best Self" Makeup Capsule - May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Curate a capsule with products that make you look and feel your very best

Week 22 (May 27 - June 2) - The May 2024 "On Top" or "On The Chopping Block" Makeup Capsule - it's that time again, curate a capsule with your standout or favorite products this month or products you're trying to decide whether to keep or declutter. 

AAPI Owned / Founded Makeup Brands

Spoiler

Below is a non-exhaustive list of makeup brands founded or co-founded / owned or co-owned by Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) - the brands listed are primarily ones that offer makeup / color cosmetics.  To the extent the founder's identify cannot be determined by the brand name, his/her/their name(s) will appear in parens next to the brand name. Brands with an asterisk (*) next to their name denotes that that brand is available at Sephora.

CLE Cosmetics (Lauren Jin)

CTZN Cosmetics (Aleena Khan, Aleezeh Khan, and Naseeha Khan)

Em Cosmetics (Michelle Phan)

* Glow Recipe (Christine Chang and Sarah Lee)

Jason Wu Beauty

Kimchi Chic Beauty (Kim Chi)

* Kulfi Beauty (Priyanka Ganjoo)

Live Tinted (Deepica Mutyala)

* Mango People (Sravya Adusumilli)

Meloway Makeup (Aiden Kim and Ash Kim)

* One/Size by Patrick Starrr

Orce Cosmetics (Yu-Chen Shih)

Ourself (Lauren Otsuki)

* Patrick Ta Beauty

Purlisse Beauty (Jennifer Yen)

Seraphine Botanicals (Sylvia Phann)

The Creme Shop (Theresa and Lawrence Kim)

* Tower 28 Beauty (Amy Liu)

U Beauty (Tina Craig)

* Wander Beauty (Divya Gugnani)

Yensa Beauty (Jennifer Yen)

Youthforia (Fiona Co Chan)

FAQs: [Updated 4.28.2024]

Spoiler

What is a capsule makeup collection?  

A capsule makeup collection is a selection of makeup products that can be used to put together different looks for a variety of occasions. For some of us, that may mean a group of essential products for your everyday look plus a few extra items for a more glam or dramatic look; and, for others of us, that may mean, a lineup of our holy grail product(s) in each makeup category. My ideal capsule makeup collection probably falls somewhere in between - we'll (hopefully) find out at the end of the year! I don't see myself as a minimalist, but I don't have an extensive collection of makeup either. I appreciate the collections of people who fall within both camps but I float somewhere in between - on the one hand, my brow product collection would earn a gold star if we were using a minimalist approach to makeup; my lip product lineup, on the other hand, would not. 🤣 It would most definitely not.  

Why have a capsule makeup collection?  

Everyone will have their own reasons for having (or not having) a more streamlined makeup collection. Over the years, I've just become more interested in having less beauty products on hand (well, except for lip products, lol) - a handful of items I use or reach for more frequently with maybe a few additional products that are go-to's for me for special events or occasions.  Don't get me wrong, I love trying new products and I don't see that changing. I just like the idea of having a simpler collection (I appreciate that "simpler" can be relative), curated to my needs and lifestyle.

Why weekly? 
A few years ago, beauty & lifestyle blogger Serein Wu, did a weekly series (on her blog and YouTube channel), Makeup Bag Monday, where she rotated her makeup bag each week with new product launches and makeup already in her collection. Every Monday, she shared the products she selected for the upcoming week and provided detailed makeup reviews on the makeup she used for the previous week. I may not post detailed reviews, but will at least try to include a weekly recap (probably at the end of the week) of what products I like and which ones didn't work for me.  If weekly works for you, great. If not, feel free to join in based on what works best for you.

What if I don't have enough products to fit the theme for a full face?

No need for your entire makeup capsule to fit the weekly theme(s). Just one will do. And, even if you don't have one that fits squarely within a theme, feel free to post your makeup capsule. We'd love to see what you're using and hear your feedback on the products as you put them to use. 

I'm excited to see what results from this experiment and I welcome everyone to join in this adventure, whenever and however is most effective for you. 

[makeitup305]

@itsfi the Patrick Ta duos are two of the newer ones PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo Not Too Much and PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo Just Enough . The Clio mascara is in the Volume Curling option. They have 3 or 4 other options. It literally says "Superproof Mascara" . I've heard good things about the Kiss Me Heroine mascara as well as the Etude one but since they're waterproof I'm skipping them. My poor lashes can't take it. Which one is the non-waterproof? Maybe I should give that one a try next time I order from  YesStyle or OliveYoung

[itsfi]

Oh, I think I'm mixing up my mascaras @makeitup305. Now, I'm wondering what that other one was too. I picked it up a while ago, in a boutique in Japantown here but the store closed up a couple of years ago. Grrr. They had some wonderful products - brands that I hadn't heard of before and that were harder to find. I want to say the packaging was very similar to the packaging, or at least the color scheme of the Clio. I'll try to find it online and if I can, will let you know. 

[ather]

I was so busy on the weekend I totally didn’t pick my capsule yesterday. But I did it today! For BIC inspired/sale buys!

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Virtue inspired by BIC was a top product in 2023. 
MERIT Brow 1980 Volumizing Eyebrow Pomade Gel Blonde  inspired to try again by @itsfi 😉

caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing & Lengthening Tubing Mascara Set  I can’t remember who told me to try this one but I have seen it all over BIC. 
MERIT Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm Cava 

MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer Clay  both are things I picked up for the sale! 
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation 30 PCH another inspired by @itsfi 

@and last but not least can’t leave the Rhode peptide treatment in toast literally my GOAT colour. It’s so good! 😊 

[makeitup305]

That's a pretty color for the Rhode @ather ! I tried the Merit brow but it's not a favorite. It doesn't really hold my brows up, which is usually what I go for. I get the best results when I use it following my brows' natural shape. 

[ather]

@makeitup305  Hmmm maybe I had a similar experience. I feel like I must not have been wowed by it since I haven’t been using it. I didn’t have time to use it this morning but I’ll try tomorrow. 

[makeitup305]

@ather the color is perfect for me, I just wish it had more hold. I still have one in my backup drawer that I got in a kit and maybe I'll try layering it with a stronger clear gel on top or something. 

[itsfi]

I love how your capsules are always so well edited @ather! It's effortless chic at its finest.  Oh, Merit Cava is such a pretty highlight. Lemme know how Clay works out for you. I picked up the shade Seine during the sale; it should arrive over the weekend. I spy Tower 28 SunnyDays!!!! 💖 And a Rhode lip treatment! 😍

[ather]

@itsfi  You are so sweet! My capsule is usually what can I do in less than 10 minutes in the morning while looking awake and not like a zombie. I have been loving the MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer Clay it blends so good. I think you will love it. The colour I have is great. I think I could almost use Seine especially in the summer when I am a little more golden. But so far I am loving it. I can add bronzer and it literally takes seconds to blend in. I use the same brush for all my products and it’s so easy! I can’t wait to hear what you think!!! Also Cava is beautiful! I also have bounce which is super pretty too! Not to much for work but still adds a little light reflecting to my face! I feel like stick formulas are my jam! I don’t think I can go back to powders now. 🤣

[itsfi]

@ather, the Merit bronzers are good. At first, I was a little nervous they'd be too emollient. I have Clay and Leo - Clay is a little on the warmer side for me, but works for winter - early spring. Leo will be good for summer and maybe as a contour the rest of the year? Seine, I'm hoping will be good for mid-spring to summer and then fall to winter. I also tried Clay on my eyelids and I liked it!

What do you find works best for blending? Fingers? brush? Combo of both?

[ather]

@itsfi  Ooooo so you already used them!!! I was worried at first too. But I’m glad I gave it a try!! I’ve been doing my makeup with just one brush lately. How do you blend? 

[danielledanielle]

Oops, did not realize I'm like three capsules deep in posting/recapping.  Oy, where does the time gooooooo

Week 16, BIC enablia cap

(sorry in advance @itsfi , none of the week names are correct)

This is @missjeanie , @sister13 , @faeriegirl , @Saradestin @Missnur @itsfi and @lmaster inspired.

A few of week 15 crept in, mostly inspired by @missjeanie especially the NARS Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint Orgasm 

The three mascaras are my desire to be @lmaster , a master at mascara layering.  The Gucci was a nod to @sister13 and the tower28 @makeitup305 

I also added in NARS Laguna Talc-Free Bronzer Powder Casino  this morning because I needed it, but mine has allllll the talc 😄🤷🏽‍♀️

Week 15 Newness and Founder-y

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm - Laguna Collection Laguna , I have two of these samples and wondered why I never used them.  It's such a nice consistency, not super long lasting, but not a breaking point for me because it's easy to reapply.

The Natasha Denona singles I added because I wasn't planning on any full glam and have been applying blush in the eye area, so I felt singles were the way to go.  I can keep it easy, but pull together a cohesive look.

PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo She's Blushing is very pretty, the cream rings pinky in me, but the powder is a nice rose.  That and Nars luster (all the talc!) look so good together. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz® Ultra-Slim Precision Eyebrow Pencil Medium Brown & Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer 3-in-1 Triangle Tip Easy Precision Eyebrow Pencil Medium Brown , as @CorgiMommy says, she's the Queen of Brows

NARS Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick Warm Leatherette - 650 , love it.  Reminds me of Smash box girl gang, it goes on smoothly and does dry down nice and matte

Half Magic tool...uhhhh...I kind of hate this.  I'm pretty good with doing my liner IMO, this actually made it harder.  I got it to do graphic liner but figured, hey maybe it'll make getting wings perfectly even.  Haven't had a chance to play with it for more graphic looks yet.

Week 14 Fast and Furious Founder Edition 

I missed out on Womrn Founders and still wanted to keep the previous week going, so I did them over.  More than six items, but idea was too keep it fast and female.  I got inspo @Mellmars1185 using a palette two ways, so I wanted to incorporate Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals - Palette For Eyes, Brows, Face & Lips into a quicker routine.  It. Is. A. Learning. Curve.  I didn't have the right brushes on me that week, so that kind of interfered with how quick I could be.  

Other items

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix - Multi-Use Eye, Cheek & Lip Waterproof Liquid Pigment Hot Fire

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix - Multi-Use Eye, Cheek & Lip Waterproof Liquid Pigment Valentine 

Ami Colé Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder Deep / Medium 

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna We're Even Hydrating Longwear Waterproof Concealer Medium 300N 

Ami Colé Lash-Amplifying Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara Rich Black 

Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick 500 Nude Soul as well as Midnight and Diable en Rouge 

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Demi'Glow Light-Diffusing Highlighter 06 rich hunnie 

MOB beauty palette

GXVE BY GWEN STEFANI Hella On Point Clean Ultra-Fine Brow Pencil 5 

GXVE BY GWEN STEFANI Most Def Clean Instant Definition Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil 4 

Photo won't post for some reason...

[makeitup305]

great picks @danielledanielle ! I'm using the brown Tower 28 mascara this week since it came with the Sephora Favorites set. I had run out a while back and hadn't repurchased it and now that I have it again I realized all over again how good it is. Hope you love it, too! I didn't pick up the new DM palette because I've heard it's not the easiest. I wonder if the pink shades might be a little easier than the original. What do you struggle with? The consistency of the products?

[danielledanielle]

@makeitup305  & @Mellmars1185 

So the struggle was the wrong brushes + trying to do it in 15 minutes, not so much that palette itself.   When I first got it, I definitely had interesting looks.  I was away from home, so I didn't have specific brushes such as a small eyeshadow brush for my lids.  I had lots of liner brushes though, so I was trying to do similar looks, but with my fingers and the liner brushes... It was not good, except the eyeliner, but that also smudged a few times until I set it with powder underneath.  If I have 20+ minutes to do my makeup, it's actually a great palette because I can contour my forehead, do my brows and lip liner if I want in addition to an eye look.

[makeitup305]

@danielledanielle thanks for the info. I usually have a decent amount of time to get ready so that doesn't deter me much. I'm more interested in the newer one but I might wait for her to do 40% off on her site to pick it up. 

[danielledanielle]

@makeitup305, totally makes sense.  I hear the black Friday sale is usually pretty good.  The also been past GMA deals with her items, too

[itsfi]

lol, no need for apologies @danielledanielle! We're all working on using what we have and trying to streamline our collections to have all the right amount of product and the right products that work for our needs, lifestyles, etc. It's good to see what people are reaching for, what they're keeping (or not keeping) and why. Super excited to catch up with you on your capsules. 

Oh my goodness, if it were not for this photo with the Half Magic gizmo in a different position, I would have thought it was decor or an extra large emoji in your haul photo. Hahahaha! I really need to make sure my coffee has kicked in before I log onto BIC! 😂🤣😂  I love your collection of ND single shadows! 

[missjeanie]

@danielledanielle Allllll the talc!  lol I have to say... until I read this, I forgot I had two of those Nars lip balms... ya, they don't last forever, but they're nice eh!  I need to dig those out soon!  How do you feel about the Ami Colé Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder ?  I haven't really heard anyone talk about this one. 

[danielledanielle]

@missjeanie, it's a bit of a persnickety powder.  I didn't like it when I first tried it, but I switched to using a puff with it instead of a brush and it lays so much better.  The dispenser is partially to blame, it's a net you press down on.  It's great if you want to make, but a little unwieldy.   With a puff tho, 👍🏽👍🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽

[missjeanie]

@danielledanielle I'm generally a brush gal... so this is very helpful information to have.  Maybe I should be trying all of my 'meh' powders with a puff.  I'm not crazy about the netting situation, but I've worked through it before.  hm...... gonna have to think on this one.

[makeitup305]

@danielledanielle thanks for the info. I had that one on my list to try since I've been getting a little more into setting powder. Does it come with a puff?

[danielledanielle]

No @makeitup305 .  The direct site has a brush that fits with it, the brush is on the smaller side.  It's great for precision/small prefer areas but I didn't love it that way.  I am using the previous version of SEPHORA COLLECTION Velour Makeup Powder Puff with it, and it's much better.