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.

[itsfi]

Week 21 - The Vacation Makeup Capsule  

My last trip was an epic fail as far as packing lightly goes. 🙄 So, I'm using this week to audition this group of beauties for a future trip. A "take 2" in that regard.

The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials – Longwear Full Face Cream Palette   will be the main star of this week's capsule. Everything else is its understudy or playing a supporting role. I'll be able to do my base, blush, bronzer, contour, highlight and lips with this palette. I'm including Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation  (🐐) for no fuss, no muss days when it's just that over my cheeks to conceal redness and even tone, along with one of the glosses from the Dior palette on my lips and the Tower 28 lash curler (🐐) to make me look more alert and awake. 

The main focus for this week is to test out the ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Secure The Sweat Waterproof Mattifying Primer 1 oz / 30 g  and to see how the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder performs as a touch up powder throughout the day. I added the Dr. Jart+ Mini Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 15 mL/ .50 fl oz  in case the redness I had been experiencing early this month and last continues. 

I have a few options for lip color this week, a la the multi-functioning shades in the MUFE palette and the glosses in the Dior, along with these lip liners - 

💋  Exa All Smiles Bare Lip Liner (Bare Your Hopes) is a light brown with just the slightest hint of rosiness. This liner is supposed to be waterproof. We shall see about that. Will report back, BIC Science Team! 🔬

💋  Givenchy Lip Liner 9 Moka Renversant  is one of my favorite liners. It also claims to be waterproof but I don't think I've actually put this deeper brown shade to such a test before. 

💋  Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Liner (shade 03), is a neutral-toned pinky mauve hue that is one of the best matches in my collection for my lips.

The "Fits":

Everything fits in this pouch, with room to spare should I want to add one or two more items. Nooooo, don't do it, Fi! Focus!!! 😂 I like this makeup bag for travel because the bottom compartment can be used to hold brushes, which I was able to pare down to 4 this time. 

***

RECAP: Week 20 - The Tailored For You Makeup Capsule 

I had larger than typical capsule last week for the "Tailored For You" theme, with several of the products having appeared in many previous capsules, and am focusing this recap on the newer to me products.

HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick Glassy Clove  is part of the 4 new shades added to the existing blush line. Same easy to apply, gel-cream formulation. The new shades are touted as being a blush and bronzer in one and that they are. Glossy Clove is a brown with red undertones is great on my skin tone for blonzer. All the colors are nice and I can see myself picking up another shade (or two), which is saying a lot as I'm trying to stick to a no-spend/low buy

I only used KimChi Chic Beauty Puff Puff Pass Set & Bake Powder - 01 Ivander once last week - that is entirely my fault as I just got in the habit of using setting sprays. When I did remember to give this a try, it worked quite beautifully at keeping the oils at bay and my makeup in place around my nose - one of the areas that is the first to see my makeup disappear. I'll have to play with it more but first impressions are good. 

A similar product is the ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder . I used this along my jawline and to set the skin tint I brought down my neck - I was wearing a cream colored jacket that day and didn't want any makeup to transfer onto it. It didn't, but I did spill coffee on it. 😑

Anna Sui Gel Foundation Primer has a unique consistency - it goes on as a gel and transforms into a liquid feel as you apply it across the skin. It also has a gel texture in the jar that actually bounces back to its original shape - in that regard, it reminds me of the Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask I used years ago. 

All the newbies from last week capsule performed well enough to stay in my collection. The setting powders will probably see more use as the weather warms up and my skin leans more oily. The Haus Labs blonzer is definitely one that needs to be set as well so there's a combo in the making.

[itsfi]

Week 20 - The "Tailored For You" Makeup Capsule 

I'm going the bespoke route this week's theme, with product combinations in specific makeup categories that give me a unique, customized shade. Products with an asterisk (*) after the product name means this week will be the first time I put those beauties to use. 

COMPLEXION:

• Blending Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation  with a drop or two of the First Aid Beauty Bronze + Glow Drops with Niacinamide 1 oz / 30 ml  to give my complexion a little more color and warmth. I don't normally wear primer under my skin tints, but will use the Anna Sui Gel Foundation Primer a couple of times this week. Trying to decide if it should stay or go.

• SunnyDays should even my skin tone and reduce what redness I have on my cheeks but I will likely need some Tower 28 Beauty Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer  to cover the redness around my nose - darn you, spring allergies!

• Setting my face this week will involve alternating between the tried-and-true coupling of the Gucci Brume de Beauté Beauty Mist 2.7 oz / 80 mL  and ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray , and two new-to-me products - ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder  and KimChi Chic Beauty Puff Puff Pass Set & Bake Powder - this is the lavendar shade; I feel like I have the translucent version as well somewhere 🤔

EYES:

• The dynamic duo of Thrive Causemetics Eyeshadow Stick (in shade Q) and Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Waterproof Micropencil Eyeliner Bronzite  makes another showing this week. No primer needed with this eyeshadow stick. I like the versatility of the DM Bronzite - liner and/or deepening the eye look by placing it in the outer V.

• DIOR Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara Black  - if I'm feeling adventurous this week, I may try layering this with the new DIOR Diorshow Overvolume Extreme Volume Mascara Overblack  (not pictured)

• Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade  

CHEEKS:

• Tower 28 Beauty SuperDew Shimmer-Free Highlight Balm 0.158 oz/ 4.5 g  

• Layering, mixing, blending (something like that) my sticks - HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick Glassy Hibiscus  and HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick Glassy Clove  - for some blonzer. If / Once I get close to getting the look/color I'm envisioning in my head, I'll post to the Spring Cheek Challenge 2025: Style Awakening  thread for this week's Sunday's Best prompt. 

LIPS:

• I have options for lips this week. My primary pairing will involve swiping Kulfi Heirloom Satin Lipstick Rose Wood  across both my top and bottom lip and then lightly dabbing Florasis Blooming Rouge Love Lock Lipstick (M7319 Love Remains) along the bottom before rubbing my lips together. I'll give the AC Hibiscus and HL Glassy Clove combo a try on the lips as well. And, of course, I can wear all those shades separately.

The Fits: 

Oh goodness, fits this week isn't happening as far as makeup bags go. I tried to see if they'd all fit in this Anna Sui beauty box, but nope. I'm feeling a little lazy at the moment, so I'll use last week's Tower 28 tote again - it's got space. 😉

REVIEW - Week 19: The AAPI Founded / Owned Brand Makeup Capsule

There were a couple of standouts from last week's capsule, long time GOATs - Tower 28 SunnyDays and their eyelash curler. They keep their crowns. That tote is a winner too! 

A couple of items are ones I'll use until I finish 'em up, and I'll use them if they make it into my collection again (or may already be in there, in some hue or another), but they're not ones I'd run out to repurchase; namely, the lip balm and the mascara. The latter is one of my favorite non-waterproof versions, and, like I said, if I find some in my stash (I know there are unopen mini's / travel sizes in there), I'll use them, but I won't replenish afterwards. 

As for the liner as an eye liner, it's still in the testing phase - the week flew by really quickly and I lost track of how much time I had to test all the things. I need to give it more tries, but will keep you posted @ather.

[ather]

@itsfi  Weeks seem to just fly by!!! I love the Anna Sui container! It is beautiful! 😍 this weeks lineup is awesome! 

[itsfi]

Thanks @ather; the Anna Sui box has seen many different uses over the years. It’s sat on my table to hold hair ties, Bobby pins, etc. I’ve used it to store foil samples I’m testing. It has spent some time in a work drawer, holding some makeup and SPF I’d keep on hand in case I needed anything for touch ups or reapplication. It’s come in handy!

[caitbird]

@itsfi  lovely capsule - and I love that Anna Sui beauty box, even if it couldn't quite hold everything this time! It's very Anna Sui, if that makes sense - I could tell immediately that it was one of her designs.

Love your plan to "tailor" your own shades by mixing products! It's reminding me that I need to try doing that too - I was already inspired by @makeitup305  doing something similar recently for one of the Cheek Challenge themes by mixing two liquid blushes for a custom shade. Time for me to do some experimenting - SCIENCE TIME! 🔬🤣

[itsfi]

Makes complete sense, @caitbird; the box has an Anna Sui aesthetic to it, for sure. 💗 Yeah, customizing beauty products isn't novel - I tend to do it more often with skincare, foundation, lip products. Not so much with my blushers, in large part as I didn't wear blush as often but between working through my collection with these capsules and trying out different techniques and looks on the different cheek challenges, I've gotten more into mixing shades to get a certain color or gradient. Good luck on your experiments!

[itsfi]

Week 19 - The  AAPI Founded / Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule

It's a full face of Tower 28 this week to kick off AAPI Heritage Month. I did not think I had enough products for a full face from the brand, but it seems I've misjudged my collection. 🙄  A few quick notes about the emoji's after certain product names:

✳️ = this week is the first time I'll be using the product

🏆= Top Shelf product

🐐 = it's the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) for its category  

COMPLEXION:

🐐   Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation  - love a good skin tint and I have several in my stash; this one remains the GOAT

-  Tower 28 Beauty Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer  - I really like the hydrating serum formulation of this one for my under eyes.

-  Tower 28 Beauty GetSet Blur + Set Talc-Free Pressed Setting Powder  (not pictured) - I primarily use this for setting my under eyes but am going to give it a try for all over the face, as well as possibly pair it with the concealer for eyeshadow primer. If it doesn't work as well as I'd like, I'll add either the One/Size setting spray or setting powder.

EYES:

-  For the most part I'll be going the minimalist route with my eye makeup this week, just curling my sparse, straight lashes with Tower 28 lash curler (🏆) and Tower 28 Beauty Mini MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara Jet  

✳️  A couple of days this week, I'll give the Tower 28 Beauty OneLiner Lip Liner + Eyeliner + Cheek Pencil Draw Me  (one of their recent shade additions) as eyeliner, and maybe eyeshadow (?)

CHEEKS:

* I'll have a few options for blush this week; namely, Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Dewy Cream Blush Office Hours   Tower 28 Beauty GetSet Blur + Set Matte Powder Blush Long Beach Iced Tea  and Tower 28 Beauty GetSet Blur + Set Matte Powder Blush Samo Spritzer . I will likely add another blush shade from another brand for a more mocha mousse look for the Spring Cheek Challenge 2025: Style Awakening.

✳️  Highlight: Tower 28 Beauty SuperDew Shimmer-Free Highlight Balm 0.158 oz/ 4.5 g  - forgot I had this one, oops.

-  Bronzer / Contour: I may give Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer West Coast  a try as a blush this week as well as for bronzer/contour.

LIPS:

Options abound in this category as well, which is not surprising - 

-   Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil Magic  

-  Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil Pistachio  

-  Tower 28 Beauty LipSoftie™ Hydrating Tinted Lip Treatment Balm Watermelon Kiwi  - it's a lighter shade of pink than I typically wear on my lips but I'm thinking it may pair well with a mocha mousse cheek. 

-  Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Oil XOXO  (gratis) (not pictured)

The "Fits":

It's a larger capsule for me this week, but all will fit, with a lot of room to spare, in this Tower 28 mini tote (available at Tower 28 direct). 

Last Week's Capsule Review: Week 18 - The Makeup Artist Founded/Owned Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule

Spoiler

The Good: 
❤️  The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials – Longwear Full Face Cream Palette Palette 1: Light to Medium  is such a versatile product. I made the mistake of not taking it with me on a recent trip. Won't do that again. It's on my packing list for my next trip later this year (I'm really planning in advance), and we shall see how it stands up in humidity. (@caitbird, you have a lovely collection as is, but this is one to keep on your list of things to try - maybe when it goes on sale)

❤️  The ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray  has been a surprise love for me, as my skin is ordinarily normal-to-dry. I often need to sandwich it between layers of a hydrating skincare mist. This too is on the packing list for a future trip; let's see if it and the MUFE palette remains a dynamic duo in warmer, tropical weather later in the year.

The "It's Me, Not You" Products (they're not bad; just not for me):
-  I like the formula on the PAT McGRATH LABS FetishEyes™ Lengthening Mascara 0.27 oz/ 8 mL  and the design of the wand, but the size of the wand and bristles are just too much for my eyes and lashes - clearly a case of "it's me, not you". I've been subbing in another brush when I use this one. Will continue to include it in my mascara rotation but it will be let go after 3 months and not repurchased.

-  The Isamaya lip lacquer (discontinued) pairs well with other lip products, especially more-matte formulations to add some shine and moisture. I'll use up the tube but won't repurchase the new version, at least not in this shade.

The "I'm Undecided": 
-  Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Multi-Use Foundation Stick Atelier II   is ... fine. It does highlight dry patches and can feel drying if my skin is not well mosturized. I always go back and forth on this one; may be better suited for me as the weather warms up, though it might be too heavy then. Wondering if it might serve me better as a concealer (on the oilier parts of my face) and/or as an eyeshadow primer. 🤔

-  I like the natural lit from within radiance from the Westman Atelier Mini Petite Lit Up Cream Highlighter Stick Nectar  ; I'm just not sure if it's something I'll repurchase - the VBB highlighter stick is currently my favorite for products of this type.

Looking forward to seeing what product(s) folks incorporate into this week's capsule - and, as always, I'll be taking notes for potential purchases in the future. 😉

[caitbird]

@itsfi  wow, a full face of Tower 28! I don't have as much from that brand, but I have a few things, and there are several more on my list to try at some point. I've been happy with what I've tried so far (mascara, cream blush & lip balm, I think).

Love your detailed notes (as always) on this week's capsule & last week's. That MUFE palette is definitely going on my list for when there's a good sale!

[itsfi]

@caitbird, it's amazing how we can accumulate products - it all started with the Tower 28 sunscreen foundation. The MUFE is worth picking up, especially on sale. I thought I saw on another post @danielledanielle mentioning the sales on their direct site - those are always good, both for the discount and sometimes, they have sets available with the palette that are sometimes eligible for the sitewide sale. I picked mine up when Sephora was having 50% off the palette, so that's also something to look out for if they do it again.

[ather]

@itsfi  Wow I am so impressed that you could do a full face with Tower 28! That is so amazing! Hoe did you like the liner? I have been curious about that one! Ive been curious about the powder lush also. I really enjoy the cream ones! Ahhh you have told me before the setting powder was so good. I need to try it! I love that little tote. It is perfect for this larger capsule! Literally on brand! Love this whole capsule!

[itsfi]

@ather, I was surprised; I’ve picked up things here and there from the brand and it

has added up. I like that her products are generally sensitive skin friendly. 👍🏼 Her new powder blush is good; I don’t experience any dryness from them. 

[blackkitty2014]

I will join next week AAPI brands. I think I even use all AAPI skincare’s. It will be fun @itsfi 😘

[itsfi]

Yaaaay 🙌🏼 Always a joy to see you post @blackkitty2014. An all AAPI skincare?? Whoa! 😳 I’m intrigued, impressed, and inspired! 😍🥰 

[caitbird]

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

I tried to make sure I had a couple of items that counted for the AAPI-founded monthly theme, as well as this week's makeup artist-founded theme. I've marked products from makeup artist-founded brands with a ⭐, and products from AAPI-founded brands with a 💗

primer: ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Secure the Blur Makeup Magnet Primer 1.18 oz / 35 mL  ⭐💗

base: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation 130  (I think that's the shade? idk I can't remember and I'm not at home to check right now) + DIOR Forever Glow Star Filter Multi-Use Complexion Enhancing Booster 0N  

concealer: Glossier Stretch Concealer G12 + NATASHA DENONA Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Medium to Full Coverage Crease Proof Serum Concealer P1  ⭐

blush: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Hot Cheeks Velour Blushlighter Cherry Pie'd  

highlighter: Patrick Ta Major Glow Creme & Powder Highlighter Duo My Love ⭐💗 (does Sephora not carry these anymore? I can't find them)

face: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked holiday 2024 face palette Dragon

setting powder: Hourglass Veil™ Translucent Setting Powder - Talc Free Translucent  

brows: Glossier Boy Brow Arch 2-in-1 Longwear Pomade Eyebrow Pencil Auburn  + Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade Auburn  

eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original  + Natasha Denona Retro Glam palette Flutter single shade GWP ⭐

mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volumizing and Curling Mascara Exagger-black  ⭐

lips: Wyn Beauty Starting Line Peptide Infused Lipliner Bold + Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick Elson 5 ⭐

setting spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray Standard Size - 4 oz/ 118 mL  

[itsfi]

That red lip @caitbird 😍😍😍 Stuuuuning! You’ve looked amazing in every color I’ve seen you wear but red has got to be one of the best colors on you … along with greens, and purples, and blues, and … 

Have you used the Hourglass loose setting powder often? Interested in your thoughts on it. I have a few deluxe samples of it but haven’t spent a lot of time with it, at least not  recently. 

[caitbird]

@itsfi  thank you so much, you are so kind! 💜 I was pretty happy with how this look came out.

I use the Hourglass setting powder fairly often, and I've been happy with it. I had a bit of a learning curve with it initially, learning how to not use too much and look 'cakey', but now that I've got the hang of it more I do like it. I use it when I want my makeup to stay all day and help control shine in my T-zone. I haven't really used other setting powders (I think this one is going to last me forever at this rate lol), so I can't say how it compares to different ones, but I like it and would recommend it. 👍

[itsfi]

Week 18 - The Makeup-Artist-Founded/Owned Brand Makeup Capsule 

Sorry for the delay in posting; I got back from a trip earlier this week and have been slowly acclimating myself back into my usual routine. Keeping it more on the minimal side as I'm also testing out what makes a good mix of products to take with me for my next trip; or, for travel in general. 

‌‌❤️  MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Face Essentials – Longwear Full Face Cream Palette Palette 1: Light to Medium for nearly a full face - complexion (base + concealer), highlight, bronzer, blush & lips. And, possibly eye shadow, too.

🏵  Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Multi-Use Foundation Stick Atelier II  which I'll use as a concealer to cover redness and dark spots. It's not a bad foundation stick just not one I reach for very often as I have other similar products I like more. It's on the drier side, so I need to make sure my normal-to-dry skin is very well moisturized, maybe even a little extra moisturized. 

🌻  Westman Atelier Mini Petite Lit Up Cream Highlighter Stick Nectar  for a little extra highlight. Both this and the highlighter shades in the MUFE palette are on the soft, subtle side which I prefer. Including this one gives me more options and the ability to amp up my highlighter just a wee bit. 

❇️  I *think* this is the original, now discontinued version of ISAMAYA Lip Lacq- Maximising Lip Plumping Serum Metal - the MUFE palette has some shades that work well as lip products but this Isamaya lacquer will give them a boost of shine and sparkle, if I need that.

👀 PAT McGRATH LABS FetishEyes™ Lengthening Mascara 0.27 oz/ 8 mL   

❤️  ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Mini On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray  is good for keeping makeup in place under most conditions - like when I'm not suffering from allergies and blowing my nose all day long 😞 Otherwise, it locks makeup in, though I do need to use a hydrating mist after the initial use and throughout the day when it's dry or cold out, to make sure my skin stays hydrated. 

Love this see-through makeup case; it's on the small side too, so it can keep me on task with keeping it to the things I really need. Well, it can, until I pull out another makeup case to hold other things. hahaha! Nope, gonna try to stick with this for the remainder of the week and see how it goes. 

RECAP - Week 17 The "Green" Makeup Capsule - no declutters from last week's makeup capsule, which confirms for me that the luxe beauties were worth the splurge! 😉

[caitbird]

@itsfi  love this capsule! That MUFE face palette is preeettttyyyy...I was on the fence about buying it in one of the sales last year, but managed to talk myself down 😂 might be having a bit of FOMO though! 😅

also, that makeup bag with the window is cute! 

[danielledanielle]

@caitbird, MUFE (MOOOOF) does decent, regular sales, usually 25-30% off, so your wait might be worth it

[caitbird]

@danielledanielle  oooh (oh no 🤣), thanks for the tip! I don't always think to check direct sales, I guess I am more used to shopping Sephora (or Ulta).