Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge 2025

[itsfi]

Hi there, BIC and happy spring! Whether (a) you're spring cleaning, or (b) returning to the office and wanting to use the makeup you have (new and old) or will pick up along the way, or (c) interested in putting together a collection (big or small) of "go to" or Top Shelf product for every day, the season, a special event or occasions, or just in general, or (d) for any other reason, please join us here at the Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge 2025. 

How does this work?

To add a little bit of fun and creativity to curating a makeup capsule, there will be a weekly theme or prompt on which that week's group of beauty products will touch upon. There's no need to have every single product for the week fit the theme exactly. All you need is one product. And, truth be told, how that product fits into the weekly theme is subject to interpretation. Yours, primarily. So, please feel free to be creative. This is about finding a set of makeup products that work for you and your lifestyle, whether already in your collection or waiting to be found by you. 

For me, I've found having a bag of makeup ready at the start of a week to be helpful in getting me out the door more efficiently, and feeling and looking put together. Some weeks my makeup bag has a minimalist look and feel; other weeks, the makeup capsule I've curated for use during the week resembles a more maximalist approach, with several products to choose from. There are weeks when I use the beauties in my capsule every day, and, there are weeks when I may add products into my existing bag of makeup during the week to meet my needs. 

How Can / Do I Participate?  

There are several ways you can participate - You can post a photo of the products you use or tag and list them, as you like. You can give someone's post a heart and / or ask questions about products in someone's capsule. You can post a different capsule every week or once a month or every once in a while, when a theme grabs your interest or draws your attention. 

When and where are/will the weekly themes posted?

The weekly themes are (or will be) included in the original post - under the section titled "Current Makeup Capsule Theme" or "Upcoming Makeup Capsule Theme". Occasionally, I will post a link to a separate post with the monthly themes.

▶️  CURRENT MAKEUP CAPSULE THEME  

Week 21 (May 19 - 25) - The Vacation Makeup Capsule  

Alright, we're heading into Memorial Day weekend, often an informal kickoff to summer. Whether or not you're on vacay that week, assemble a capsule containing one or more of makeup products that are "must have" when packing for vacation.

Optional (month-long theme): May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) National Heritage Month and to celebrate, we're bringing back the optional month-long theme in addition to the weekly themes. So, if you're up for the challenge, consider doing a tie-in of both, be it one product that fits both capsule themes, or one or more product from the then current weekly theme below and one or more product from an AAPI founded or owned beauty brand.

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)
Finding Ferdinand (Nhu Le)

* 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)
* Velour Lashes (Mabel Lee)

* Wander Beauty (Divya Gugnani)

Yensa Beauty (Jennifer Yen)

UPCOMING Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 5.18.2025]

Spoiler

Week 22 (May 26 - June 1) - The Musician Founded / Owned Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule
We've got the American Music Awards (AMA) taking place on May 26. Use actual red carpet looks from this year or past years for inspiration when putting together a makeup capsule with one or more products that fit this week's prompt. Or, show us what product(s) you'd use if you were attending the AMAs. 🎶🎵🎶 Or, curate a capsue if one or more products from beauty brands (focusing primarily on makeup) that are founded or owned by a musician.

Spoiler

Below is a non-exhaustive list of brands founded or owned by a musician that have makeup products as a primary focus. Prodcts with an asterisk (*) after the brand name are available at Sephora. 

about-face (Halsey)
Fenty Beauty (Rihanna)*
GXVE by Gwen Stefani*
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga*
Kesha Rose Beauty
Keys Soulcare (Alicia Keys)
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez*
R.E.M. Beauty (Ariana Grande)
Victoria Beckham Beauty

Capsule themes for June will be posted to the thread sometime during the Memorial Day weekend (most likely near the end of the long weekend).

Previous Capsule Themes: [Updated: 5.18.2025]

Spoiler

1 - The "New Year, New-To-You" Makeup Capsule  
2 - The "Mocha Mousse" Inspired Makeup Capsule
3 - The "Favorite Feature(s) Focus" Makeup Capsule  
4 - The "How Low Can I Go?" Makeup Capsule
5 - The "Lunar New Year 2025 Zodiac Sign Lucky Colors" Makeup Capsule  

February 2025 Capsule Themes <Click on link ⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes>
6 - The "Black Founded/Owned Beauty Brand(s)" Makeup Capsule
7 - The "Dynamic Duo, Trusted Trio or Killer Combo" Makeup Capsule
8 - The "New York Fashion Week Inspired" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Celeb-Inspired" Makeup Capsule
9 - The Throwback Makeup Capsule

March 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes> 
10 - The "International Women Founded / Owned Beauty Brand" Makeup Capsule and/or The Palette(s) Makeup Capsule
11 - The Samples Makeup Capsule  and/or The "Attitude of Gratitude" Makeup Capsule
12 - The "Spring Is In The Air" Makeup Capsule
13 - The "Take 2" / Do Over" Makeup Capsule 

April 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes> 
14 - The Spring Sticks Makeup Capsule
15 - The Flush of Color Makeup Capsule 
16 - The Spring Refresh Makeup Capsule 
17 - The “Green” Makeup Capsule 
18 - The Makeup-Artist-Founded/Owned Brand Makeup Capsule 

May 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ‌‌⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes> 
19 - The  Asian American Pacific Islander Founded / Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule
20 - The "Tailored For You" Makeup Capsule

Additional FAQs

Spoiler

Why weekly? 
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. My reviews here will likely not be as detailed, but I will at least try to include a few thoughts about the products at the end of the week or beginning of the next week.  If weekly works for you, great. If not, feel free to join in based on what works best for you. 

Having a weekly capsule at the ready at (or near) the beginning of the week has also been helpful with making getting ready in the morning easier and more efficient, and that, has made it more fun too. It's also a great way for me to see how well a product performs with other products and that makes the decision to keep, donate, re-home or toss an item a lot easier. Also want to note that if the makeup for the week's capsule is not something you want to use for the entire week, that's fine, too. I generally use the makeup in the week's capsule 4-6 days during the week, sometimes more, sometimes less. 

When are the weekly themes posted?
I generally try to post the themes for the next month about two weeks before the start of that next month (so around the 15th of each month, give or take a few days), except that, for this month, weekly themes for weeks 2 thru 5 for January will be posted by or before end of the day on January 2. Weekly themes are updated at the end of the then current week (e.g., Sunday). This year, I will plan to update the weekly themes the Sunday before the start of the next week's theme, around 9pm Pacific / 10pm Mountain / 11pm Central / 12midnight Eastern Time.

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

There's need for your entire makeup capsule to fit the weekly theme(s). Just one item 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 - are they a favorite or a potential favorite? Are they just 'meh'? Or, is it time to declutter the item(s) from your stash?

Is there anything else I should include in my capsule?
It's all up to you what to include in your capsule. Some weeks, my capsule consists of completely different items than the week before. Other weeks, I've swapped out just a few items or have included additional items in one category of products - some of us refer to this as giving us options for the week. 

You may see reference to "fits." That was creatively coined by our fabulous @danielledanielle and refers to the bag or component that will hold the week's makeup and, specifically, does all the makeup for the week's capsule fit into the bag / storage component. You ca also include the makeup brushes and tools you use for application, if you wish.

[Sunnysmom]

What a great group @itsfi ! I’m going to really try and work on some capsules this year. It’s such a terrific idea for many reasons! Your ideas are so good! Thanks for creating such a fun thread as always. 

[itsfi]

@Sunnysmom, thank you. Last year was a great year of capsules - Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge 2024.  Everyone put together such marvelous capsules.  😍 

We'll be here all year, and there'll be "Take 2" / Do Over themes throughout the year, similar to last year's challenge for anyone, new or old to the challenge, to curate a capsule based on a previous theme.

[CynthieLu]

Good luck with your panning this year @itsfi This is a fantastic grouping, you really have such a lovely collection. It's so fun that we get t o see it through your capsules. 

I think the new to you lippie Dazzle really piques my interest. What is the draw to this sparkly lippies, I don't know, but they sound magical. 👌✨

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu, sparkles, lipstick, Dior - what's not to love, right?! 😅 I was nervous about how much sparkles these would hold but it's not too much and there's a fun element to it with them coming through after you press your lips together. Thank you - panning has been one of those things on BIC that have really been so good for me and kept me around!

[CynthieLu]

That is a fun little do it yourself element of the lippie 😉 @itsfi 

I appreciate the panning challenges and the amount of work it takes to really use up a palette etc.. It's a good motivator too. Seeing everyone's hard work makes me want to go use and pay attention to everything I have in my collection, it's really mindful. 💖

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu, the pan it! challenges has been such a rewarding experience, and ones filled with so many lessons learned and to be learned. @ElleElleG really creates such an amazing space for anyone and everyone to participate at their own rate and with as many or as few products that work for them. Do you think you might have a potential pan it! product for this year?

[CynthieLu]

Nothing in particular, I love following along with the happenings in that thread thou! Even if I'm not tagging myself in. I get really into watching everyone's progress as the months pass and just rooting for everyone. 🎊

Very well said. @ElleElleG has threads that I find really mindfull and just so healthy imo. I'm trying to use the Pan It! Mentality across my entire collection atm. Especially this year where I'm trying to really stick to a low buy year. I want to finish my products and enjoy them. Hopefully only pick up things that are extra special in my eyes. 

[itsfi]

I like that @CynthieLu - only picking up things that are "extra special" to your eye. That's a good strategy. Good luck with your no/low buy this year.

[CynthieLu]

Thank you, I need all the luck I can get. But I do feel good about this year. 💪 Thou..we are only 5 days in, there's quite a few ahead. I need to keep this resolve going longer ⌚ 

[ather]

@itsfi  yay for another year of capsules! I am going to try my best to participate more this year! Hmmm maybe it should be my New Year’s resolution! 

This lineup looks awesome. The cle de peau foundation sounds amazing. Blurring is the best! And the added lit from within a perfect touch! 

Do you like Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cream Blush Chilly ? it’s one of my favs. I also have the darker one in Spicy! I love how it browns. 

Oooo so happy to see Rhode in this lineup! Vanilla is so yummy!! 😋 

[itsfi]

@ather, jump on in whenever you can! However suits you best - no picture, just picture, etc. CdP' base products have skincare infused in it so my skin is happy about that and I like this one because it's glowy without being GLOWY!! 🤣 There's a time and place for the strobe light effect and this one is not for that time and place. Hahaha! 

I do like Chilly; it took a little getting used to but that's normal for me and blush - first it was too much, then I blend, blend, blend and blend it all away so it's not enough and then I eventually figure it out. 😅 Do you have a preferred method for applying these Saie blushes - fingers? beauty sponge? brush? some combination of those? something else? I'm all ears.

[ather]

@itsfi  So this is probably bad or just me being lazy but I just use one brush for most my makeup! I have a few and I wash it every few days. But I just use it to do my skin tint/foundation and if I use a bronzer same and same with blush and highlight if I use it! It kinda reminds me of the MERIT Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brush  but it works for everything. I start with 2 dots on each cheek and blend till I am happy! 😊 

[peculiarzmakeup]

I was just eyeing this brush on their site yesterday this looks like it has great coverage! Love the design as well @ather  @itsfi  ❤️

[ather]

@peculiarzmakeup  Yes!  Gotta love an all purpose brush!! 

[itsfi]

@ather, that's impressive you use one brush for most your makeup; it's very in keeping with the modern miniminalist feel that I love about your capsule and your approach to being selective of what you purchase. 😍 I would hardly call you lazy. Thanks so much for the feedback; I'll have to pull out that Merit brush and give it a try with the Saie blush.

[ather]

@itsfi  Definitely sounds better to call myself a minimalist over lazy!! I like that! Although my nail polish collection is not minimal at all. Baby steps! 

[itsfi]

Hahahaha, I just side-eyed my polish collection as I was reading your comment @ather. Some major paring down needs to be had but I think it, too, will be baby steps for most of it - I mean, it has so far. 😆 You and lazy are not synonymous with one another. Which makes your recent vacation even more fabulous!  

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you for starting off your beautiful capsule challenge for 2025! I am visiting family I may have to skip pictures my trips can sometimes be a month long but I absolutley love this theme! I see so many lovely new additions! Love the globe. I also have the optimist primer by rare beauty I really love that one. Beautiful photos and reflections I truly am always amazed by your thoughts and beautiful photos. I love reading the story that unfolds In your capsules! Yay for 2025 capsules ❤️❤️❤️ @itsfi 

[itsfi]

@peculiarzmakeup, family first. Enjoy your time with them. No need to include photos. Or, just focus being with the people you love and who love you. We'll be here when you are back - you can always add your newness to any capsule whenever. 

Rare Beauty has been a good fit for you, hasn't it? And Merit, Danessa Myricks, and Rokael Beauty too! That's awesome. 😍 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much! That is a very helpful thought as well to add in later I appreciate that! And yes I’ve found so many great loves! It’s neat to see which new and old products inspire people and why! @itsfi  ❤️