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 20 (May 12 - 18) - The "Tailored For You" Makeup Capsule- The Met Gala will have occurred on May 5, with the theme "Tailored For You" inspired by the exhibit "Tailoring Black Style". For this week, curate a capsule with one or more products that are either "tailored for you" or that suits you impeccably and/or that caught your eye from the Met Gala or if you visit the "Tailoring Black Style" exhibit. 

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 5.11.2025]

Spoiler

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

Alright, we're heading into Memorial Day weekend, often the 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.

Additional May Capsule themes can be found through the below link - 

https://community.sephora.com/t5/Makeup-Is-Life/Capsule-Makeup-Collection-Challenge-2025/m-p/7158267...

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

Previous Capsule Themes: [Updated: 5.4.2025]

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

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.

[danielledanielle]

Week 14, AKA STICKWEEK THE REKINDLING

I EDITED THIS TIME 😂

I originally thought Ami x Fenty, but I decided to torture myself give another go with some others, like NARS Total Seduction Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Stick (I'm going  to get you to work!!) and the LYS Beauty Higher Standard Cream Glow Blush Sticks  

The fit

I don't think y'all know, know the power of the Ami Bag, she's that girl

 

[caitbird]

@danielledanielle so. many. sticks! 😍 (also, that bag is amazing!)

[curlychiquita]

I love the idea of “Stick Week”, @danielledanielle! I used to live Weatman Atelier stick makeup products when I used to travel for work more pre-COVID.

[danielledanielle]

Oh, those are great sticks, I can imagine a WA version would work nicely for STICKWEEK @curlychiquita 

[itsfi]

That AC bag for me is more about when, not if, @danielledanielle. I saw that the brand did another vote/poll for its next lip oil. I thought they were going to have a new brick red shade in January based on last year's votes. If that's something that is still going to happen, I would definitely pick up the new shade, along with the makeup bag. It looks fabulously roomy 😍

[danielledanielle]

@itsfi Yeah, that's why when Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil Happy came out, I was annoyed and confused.. Like where was the one that was promised?!?!?  Where it go?

Maybe it's still in development, or coming out in a pair..like it'll be offered like the midnight duo was offered. 🤔

Now that I think of it, I'm more annoyed, that's 3 shades before that one!!!!

If fate aligns, they usually do a sale or GWP around Memorial Day, I think.  At one point, the bag was a GWP, but there was nothing I needed that got to the spend total 😔, but it was such a good promo that I've obviously thought about it.. To this moment.

[itsfi]

I'm hoping it is still in development @danielledanielle. I'm a little bummed that there's been radio silence on it (at least that I know of), but now there's also been another vote for presumably another lip oil. I asked one of the reps at SEPHORiA ATL and the response was "we have a red already, Romance." I tried clarifying it was a new brick red that was crowdsourced but that didn't help. I'm going to keep being hopeful that a brick red lip oil will be released by the brand this year. I mean, how often is it that I (!!) of all people am wanting for a particular brick red lip color?! 😅

[itsfi]

Week 13 - Take 2 / Do Over Makeup Capsule Recap

😍  The beauties making up my base makeup this past week were the standouts from Week 13's Take 2 / Do Over Makeup Capsule - the pairing of the Typology T12 Tinted Serum - Type 2 Light and Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Complexion Touch produced the right color, coverage and finish. Setting it with DIOR Forever Natural Velvet Matte Compact Foundation  (the pressed powder product in the Dior Fall/Winter Ready-To-Wear Palette) sealed it all together! 

🏡  Chanel N°1 Lip and Cheek Balm - Red Camellia is a beautiful shade, but, even when worn as a stain, it leans more pinky-red / slightly fuschia-red on my lips than I like. I've sanitized it and will be re-homing it to someone who will give it the attention it deserves.

❓  Anyone know how (or IF) there's a not-too-complicated a way to remove the dispensing component from this deluxe size GUERLAIN Parure Gold 24K Radiance Primer 1.2 oz / 35 mL  - it's a nice primer and I'd love to be able to get to the last itty bitty bit. I'm wondering if a pair of pliers might do the trick but that seems a little drastic. 🤔 The bottle is made of glass so I can't cut into it or poke a hole in the bottom. 

[danielledanielle]

@heartsmyface 

@blackkitty2014 

[danielledanielle]

Week 13: Danessa x Fenty , Take 2

I wanted to do a bigger Danessa, but it was a hectic start to the week, so I pulled this together and a couple of others were added mon/Tuesday .  I forgot to lay everything out, but I snapped the Fit. 

Heavies are Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals - Palette For Eyes, Brows, Face & Lips , Mini Light work III, Light work VI, Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed - Matte Color for Cheek & Lip Creme Bruelee , Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Lift & Flex Hydrating Concealer With Hyaluronic Acid & Caffeine 10 .......
No Danessa Myricks Beauty Linework Paintbrush Fluid Liquid Eyeliner 0.034 oz / 1 ml ...I know, I'm working through some liners ATM

Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush Blush, Eyeshadow and Lip Color Grape was added midweek

The Fenty is Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation and the Mattemoiselles 🥲

Week 11: Samples Week

 

 inside the bag

 

Fit

 

[itsfi]

Oh yeah, you, Danessa and Fenty!! Move over you muskateers, there's a new trio in town, @danielledanielle ‌‌❣️ That newest Lightwork palette 💗 

Those are some great makeup samples you have - I'm super impressed with (and inspired by) how organized your samples are. Mine are in bags and not in any organization, at all. Hahaha! Have you discovered a foundation you've really liked from those foundation sample sets?

[danielledanielle]

I unfortunately learned that my skin doesn't like Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30 or the Nars tinted at this point @itsfi , I dunno what cause the breakouts because I wore them back to back, and there was such a good amount of product where I could've gotten more uses.  I wanna believe it's the Shiseido more so than the Nars, but 🤷🏽‍♀️

I didn't get to the Danessa because I needed a skin break, I'm learning to maybe not deviate too much, like literally one new complexion product two days in a row and then rest.

[itsfi]

Ack!!! I'm so sorry your skin didn't react well to the makeup, @danielledanielle. 😣 Hopefully, your skin has cleared up. A skin break was the best thing you could do. There will be other capsules in the future fitting for an all Danessa show! 

[danielledanielle]

@itsfi, it has and thank you.  I'm testing fate though... Today I'm wearing DIOR Forever Skin Perfect 24H Multi-Use Foundation Stick but with the Gucci Hydrating Silk Priming Serum 1 , going for the best 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤦🏽‍♀️

[itsfi]

I have the Dior stick in my rotation this week as well but oh, wow, that broke you out last time, yes @danielledanielle? You are far more daring than I. Yes, that’s true in general but okay, with the foundation stick. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼 it works out better for you. 

[danielledanielle]

I'm hoping the primer will help 😶 @itsfi ...I went in with a slightly different application, too ... Ugh, it looks so good, let's hope for a chill tomorrow, although that might reinforce this dicey behavior 😂

[itsfi]

Week 13 - The "Take 2" / Do Over" Makeup Capsule 

My take on this week's theme combines a few themes from this and last year's challenge - the Feature Film theme from Week 3, and the "Sleeping Beauty" and Global prompts from last year's challenge, with the global theme having a French brand focus. Put another way, it's a Global Sleeping Beauty in a Feature Film capsule, complete with a few dynamic duos. 

This capsule will tie-in together with a head-to-toe look later this week, which I'll post to the The Fit, The Fab and The Face: Outfit and Inspo Thread. The look and this capsule is inspired by The Devil Wears Prada's Jacqueline Follet, who, at the time she first arrives on the scene in the film, is the editor of the fictional fashion magazine, French Runway. If you couldn't already tell, I'm really looking forward to this week's "Take 2" capsule. 😉 

Product Details:

Spoiler

Type of Product	Product	Notes
Primer (Face):	Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer Blur Primer Gold
Foundation:	Typology Tinted Serum - Type 2 Light, mixed with Chanel Les BeigesWater Fresh Complexion Touch	I'll blend the Typology and Chanel foundations together to get the color, coverage and finish that I want - I'll concentrate my use of this mix primarily on the areas where I need the most coverage - to my cheeks, and around my nose and chin. Then I'll take whatever product remains on my brush along my jawline and down my neck before lightly brush whatever is left onto my nose and forehead.
Concealer:	DIOR Dior Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer	This will mainly be used to redue the appearance of the redness around the corner of my nose and to conceal a couple of post-acne dark spots that are healing.
Concealer:	YSL Touche Eclat  Concealer Pen	An OG; this will be used as an undereye concealer and along the inner and outer corners of my eyes for brightening
Setting Powder:	Dior Fall/Winter Ready-To-Wear  Palette	The powder in this palette has become one of my favorite for setting; I typically use it in conjunction with a setting spray but will be setting my makeup with just this product this week.
Primer (Eyes):	Dior concealer + the pressed powder from the Dior palette	Another winning combo
Eyeshadow:	Dior palette	These are okay, though there's really just the one shade I reach for more than the others when I use this palette. 🤔
Eye Liner:	Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof - 76 Brun Platine
Mascara:	Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara	from SEPHORiA
Blush:	Yves Saint Laurent Make Me Blush 12H Blurring Liquid Blush 57 Coral Clash  # topped with powder blush from Dior palette	A pretty flush of color with this pairing
Lip Color:	Chanel No. 1 Lip & Cheek - Red Camellia  Clarins Lip Comfort Hydrating Oil Pitaya	The Chanel I'll lightly blot across my lips as a stain> This could serve as a blush in a pinch. This will be the lip product I keep in my purse and I'll primarily use this when my pH adjusting lip color du jour wears off.
Lip Liner:	Givenchy Lip Liner 9 Moka Renversant  (not pictured)	One of my favorite brands as far as lip liners go, is Givenchy. I'll pair the liners with the two lip glosses in the Dior palette.
Fragrance:	CHANEL GABRIELLE CHANEL Eau de Parfum	My recollection is that this is primarily a floral scent, I do pick up some subtle fruit notes in the beginning and some woody/earthier tones on the dry down.
The "Fits":	Christian Dior mini pouch	Not intended as a makeup bag, this was actually part of a gwp I received following a Dior facial and, of course, some purchases I made. lol

                        

REVIEW: Week 12 - The "Spring Is In The Air" Makeup Capsule

Spoiler

Nothing decluttered from last week's capsule but there were a few standouts, including:

• MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint 4  # - I will be picking up a full size during the savings event next month. 

• I've previously identified the MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer® ,  HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer with Fermented Arnica  and Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade  as a Top Shelf products at various points in time durling last year's challenge, and I've included them in some form or fashion as part of my monthly favorites over the last few years. My feelings towards them have remained unchanged; these are products I enjoy having as part of my overall makeup collection. 😘

• Ellis Brooklyn MYTH Eau de Parfum  # is a longtime love - not only for the good memories it brings back but for the beautifully floral and woody notes. [Edited (3.25) to add - @CynthieLu, not sure how Myth will smell to you if you try it in store, but it's a mix of floral and woodsy notes to my nose.]

[danielledanielle]

You did it! @itsfi , so Jacqueline, so freeeenncchhh. Love the bucket bag for the fit, too .

[itsfi]

The CD bucket bag is really fun, and surprisingly holds quite a bit; I was pleased I was able to get to use it for this challenge @danielledanielle. The capsule is heavy on the classic French makeup houses, all of which were wonderful, with Typology being an newer, indie brand. lol, yes, another TDWP capsule/look, done! I have 3 more characters I want to see if I can be inspired by for clothes and makeup, and then, I may revisit another Anne Hathaway / Andy look. 

[itsfi]

How are we almost through a quarter of the year, BIC?! Time really does fly by, doesn't it?! Before any more time gets away from me, here are our capsule themes for the month of April. Remember, all you need is one product that fits in the theme, though you can, of course, have more than one (and just to be clear, I'm pretty sure I can find a way to fit your capsule into a week's theme, should you want to jump on in but may wonder if it fits within the prompt or guide for the week 😉).

💐  Week 14 (March 31 - April 6) - The Spring Sticks Makeup Capsule

Show me the sticks you'll be incorporating into your spring makeup routine. Curate a capsule containing one or more stick products that put spring in the air - any stick will do, like a lipstick - there are plenty of lipstick fans here!

🎨  Week 15 (April 7 - 13) - The Flush of Color Makeup Capsule 

Focus your makeup capsule for the week on one or more cheek products that add a fabulous flush of color to your complexion, be it a cheeky blush, a heavenly highlight or a beautiful bronze. Or, all three. Feel like extending color and focus to your lids or lips? Go for it.

🐰  Week 16 (April 14 - 20) - The Spring Refresh Makeup Capsule 

Easter hops in at the end of this week, peeps. Easter is closely associated with spring. Both often symbolize renewal, new beginnings, hope, and growth, among other things. To celebrate these seasons, let's put together a capsule of one or more product(s) (whether oldies-but-goodies or new-to-you treats) that refresh your makeup look as we enter this new season.

💚  Week 17 (April 21 - 27) - The "Green" Makeup Capsule

It's green week, folks! Let's put together a "green" capsule for Earth Day (April 22). What exactly does "green" mean? Here, at the capsule makeup challenge, "green" can mean a bevy of things, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following types of product(s):  

* the color green, be it the color of the product itself or the packaging 

* eco-friendly

* makeup coming in at a savings - whether you picked it up on sale or a product is budget friendly or economical

* clean, be it clean at Sephora,  or some other definition of clean

* beauties that have left / leave my wallet with a little less green in it 

* your definition of "green"

💋  Week 18 (April 28 - May 4) - The Makeup-Artist-Founded/Owned Brand Makeup Capsule 

Is there a makeup artist that you've followed or admired. Here's a chance to celebrate the makeup artists whose work have caught your eye - curate a makeup capsule made up of one or more products from a makeup-artist founded / owned beauty brand. [NOTE: I will post a non-exhaustive list of makeup brands that fall within this category a week or two in advance of the start of Week 18)]

Spoiler

Tagging some friendly faces who have participated, past and present, to this challenge with a capsule (or two or three or ...). My apologies if I inadvertently missed someone. All are welcome to participate. Looking forward to seeing what beauties find their way into your makeup bags in April!

@ather @blackkitty2014 @caitbird @cianni @CynthieLu @danielledanielle @ElleSmith16 @Mellmars1185 @peculiarzmakeup 

With the savings event set for April, feel free to show off your new beauties in any or all of the month's weekly capsule. Love seeing what everyone is wearing (and hearing your thoughts on them). 😍

[caitbird]

@itsfi  yay, thanks so much for the tag! I haven't been doing my makeup much lately, but I'd like to get back into it, and this challenge is great for inspiration! Looking forward to hopefully joining in sometimes in April and in the future! 💜