Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge 2025

[itsfi]

Hello BIC! Whether having a set of makeup products all picked out in advance makes it easier to get ready in the mornings or if you're looking for a fun way to use the new-to-you and tried-and-true products in your collection, welcome!! 👋 Please feel free to join in as a theme suits your style or piques your interests. We love seeing and being inspired by what beauties everyone is using. 💋

Here we are, last month of 2025, and we have a couple more capsules to squeeze in before the year is over. We've been doing weekly capsules but for this last month, we're going to switch to 2-week periods. That said, if you like the weekly format, there are options this month that you can choose to do, to keep up with a rotating weekly capsule.

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 discovered (or, in some instances, re-discovered) by you. 

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 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  [Updated 12.14.2025]

Switching things up a bit with the cadence for our capsules as we head towards closing out 2025 with the makeup capsule challenge. For the last month of the year, we are going to go with 2-week capsule periods.

☃️Weeks 51 - 52 (December 15 - 31) - The "Holiday Glitz & Glam" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Best of 2025" Makeup Capsule

Put together a capsule consisting of one or more makeup product(s) that aligns with one or the other (or both) of the themes - 

• 🌟Holiday Glitz & Glam: Shine a spotlight on one or more of the beauties you love to use to get glammed up for the holidays.

• 🏆The Best of 2025: Curate a capsule with one or more makeup product(s) that made (or would make) your "best of" list for 2025. Alternatively, assemble a capsule that includes your favorite (or mix of favorite) theme(s) from this year makeup capsule challenge.

[NOTE: I will provide a sneak preview of a couple early 2026 makeup capsule themes during the week of December 22. 😲]

UPCOMING Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 12.14.2025]

Spoiler

A sneak preview of a couple early 2026 makeup capsule themes during the week of December 22.

Previous Capsule Themes: [Updated: 12.14.2025]

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
21 - The Vacation Makeup Capsule
22 - The Musician Founded / Owned Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule

June 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ‌‌⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes> 
23 - The Love Is Love Makeup Capsule 
24 - The Sleeping Beauties Makeup Capsule and/or The "Shop My Stash Makeup Capsule
25 - The "Welcome, Summer!" Makeup Capsule
26 - The "My Best Self" Makeup Capsule

July 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ‌‌⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes> 
27 - The Indie Brands Makeup Capsule and/or The Canadian Founded/Owned Brands Makeup Capsule  
28 -  The Multi-Taskers / Repurposed Makeup Capsule and/or The "On The Go: Summer Edit" Makeup Capsule 
29 - The Sizzling Summer Samples Makeup Capsule
30 - The Pop of Color: Summer Edit Makeup Capsule

August 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ‌‌⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes>
31 - The (Lip)Sticks (aka Lips + Sticks) Makeup Capsule
32 - The Athlete Founded / Owned / Endorsed / Influenced Beauty Brand(s) Makeup Capsule
33 - The Savvy Savings and/or Spectacularly Splurge-y Makeup Capsule 
34 - The Gifts (With Purchase) Makeup Capsule and/or The Gift-Worthy Makeup Capsule
35 - The Palettes Makeup Capsule

September 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ‌‌⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes>
36 - The Workhorse(s) Makeup Capsule
37 - The "Summer Favorites" Makeup Capsule 
38 - The LatinX Founded/Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule 
39 - The Runway / Red Carpet Inspired Makeup Capsule

October 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ‌‌⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes>
40 - The FALL into Color Makeup Capsule
41 - The Beauty Brands Supporting Mental Health Awareness Makeup Capsule and/or The Makeup Artist at Sephora Makeup Capsule
42 - The Indigenous People's Day Makeup Capsule, The Canadian Thanksgiving Makeup Capsule, and/or The Samples 2.0 Makeup Capsule
43  - The Global Makeup Capsule
44 - The "Baubles, Palettes & Sticks" Makeup Capsule

November 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ‌‌⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes>
45 -  The "Sweater Weather" Makeup Capsule
46 - The "Collabs & Crossovers" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Sleeping Beauties 2.0" Makeup Capsule 
47 - The "Take 2 / Do Over" Makeup Capsule 
48 - The "Thing(s) I'm Grateful For" Makeup Capsule

December 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes <Click on link ‌‌⬅️ for more detailed description of capsule themes>
49 & 50 - The "Out With the Old, In With the New" 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. If weekly works for you, great. If not, feel free to join in based on what works best for you. 

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]

@itsfi  I love twinning here.  We're like little makeup tunning forks, picking up on each other's vibes.

I love Café Touba... It's MAC mahogany but a little different.  I thought about saving it, but this one is well loved, so I'm keeping it going.  And there are ... Duplicates.  (How many, at least two? I dunno) I wish they expanded the range, these work well dull, work well with a point.  They aren't super creamy, but they do the job and usually between Touba and Midnight, I can get a nice ombre.  Plus, midnight is an easy nose contour for me.

Yeah, that's a lash case.  Hubbs broke my bigger one that I got from Sephora.  This one, is cuter and you can attach a strip for magnetic lashes.

[miss8]

@itsfi , #OMG 😂 All-The-More Reason To #IPSY This #HolidaySeason 🎄

#AVeryIPSYHoliday

[itsfi]

December 2025 Capsule Makeup Themes

Switching things up a bit with the cadence for our capsules as we head towards closing out 2025 with the makeup capsule challenge. For the last month of the year, we are going to go with 2-week capsule periods.

Weeks 49 - 50 (December 1 - 14) - The "Out With the Old, In With the New" Makeup Capsule

Curate a capsule with one or more makeup product(s) that shines a spotlight on any or all of the following. Or, if you prefer a weekly capsule, you can pick two different themes from the ones listed below (or mix-and-match) for the first two weeks of December.

• oldies but goodies in your collection: those beauties that (a) are tried and true, ride or die, HG; (b) have been neglected in your stash longer than they should (maybe they need to be tossed - this could be your way of determining whether it's time to let them go / declutter them); or (c) have been discontinued (but maybe should be brought back)

• new or new-to-you goodies you picked up recently: here's another opportunity to use those beauties you purchased.

• old, as in soon-to-be outgoing: This can be a capsule inspired by mocha mousse, the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year or a trend from earlier this year, whether in beauty or fashion, or otherwise.

• new, as in incoming: inspired by ??? Cloud Dancer, the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year (which is typically announced during the first week of December). This theme will be updated once that announcement has been made. Cloud Dancer is described by Marie Claire as "a perfect shade match to a stark white cloud in the sky."

BONUS: One way you might go about assembling your capsule for weeks 49 & 50 is to go through your makeup stash. With it being so close to the end of the year, this might be a chance to do take stock of what you have and use this challenge as a way to decide whether something should stay or go. Feel free to share some or all of your beauties to the 2024 - Twelve Months of Beauty Inventory  thread. If you decide to let go of some items, consider posting to the Show Me Your Declutters! or Empties - V2 threads, or both.

As you go through your stash, you might also consider what, if any, products you might want to make part of a panning project or shop/use your stash challenge next year. If you're new to panning, check out Pan It! - 2025 Challenge to get some ideas while we wait for the new year (and the new 2026 pan it! challenge thread) to arrive. I'll post the winter edition of the Shop / Use my stash around mid-to-late December. 

Weeks 51 - 52 (December 15 - 31) - The "Holiday Glitz & Glam" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Best of 2025" Makeup Capsule

Put together a capsule consisting of one or more makeup product(s) that aligns with one or the other (or both) of the themes.

Holiday Glitz & Glam: Shine a spotlight on one or more of the beauties you love to use to get glammed up for the holidays. 

The Best of 2025: Curate a capsule with one or more makeup product(s) that made (or would make) your "best of" list for 2025. Alternatively, assemble a capsule that includes your favorite (or mix of favorite) theme(s) from this year makeup capsule challenge.

[NOTE: I will provide a sneak preview of a couple early 2026 makeup capsule themes during the week of December 22. 😲] 

[itsfi]

Week 47 - The "Take 2 / Do Over" Makeup Capsule 

I had a lot of fun with last month's global 🌎 makeup theme and had decided I wanted to do another one shortly after that week ended. I had an idea of what a 2.0 version might look like but by the time I got around to it, this is what I cobbled together on a Sunday morning (I gave it (well, most of the products) a test run on my way out for the day). 

[Let me know if the tags don't work; I ended up having to re-type everything but was able to copy some of my post before having to do so.]

Complexion:

🇯🇵  Foundation: Cle de Peau The Foundation - I often forget that CdP is a Japanese brand; I've also forgotten quite a bit that it's in my Pan It! - 2025 Challenge - it wasn't ever intended to be used up by the end of the year as there's a ton of product in this skincare-makeup hybrid foundation that is rich and creamy while still feeling light on the skin. I'm reminded how well this product looks and feel on skin whenever I use it - evens my complexion, gives me a healthy looking glow, and keeps my skin decently hydrated through the day. 

🇬🇧  Concealer: My concealers for this week are from UK beauties Charlotte Tilbury and Victoria Beckham.

• My primary concealer will be the Victoria Beckham by Augustinus Bader (so there'll be a 🇩🇪 German connection too) The Concealer Pen with TFC8® which I'll try under my eyes - the bags and dark circles are more noticeable than I like and I want to see how this handles them, as well as how it holds up to my healing acne dark spots.
• Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium to Full Coverage Radiant Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid  is my backup for any pesky dark spots that needs extra coverage. This is my second tube of this concealer - at one point in my life not too long ago, it was a substitute for foundation. 

🇰🇷  Setting Powder: Setting powders this week hail from South Korean brands. 

• Laneige Neo Blurring Powder is meant primarily for my lower T-zone as this baby really does a good job of controlling excess sebum and that is something is most definitely something I've been struggling with for the last couple of months on my lower T-zone. I also want to use this week to find a good brush to pair with this Laneige powder. 
• Jungsaemmool Skin Nuder Pact (Clear Light) is for my forehead and cheeks.

🇺🇸  Setting Spray: Skindinavia was one of the first, if not the first, setting spray I used; the bridal version. I'm going with the original and oil control versions this week. Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray (Oil Control) for that lower T-zone and Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray elsewhere.

Eyes:

🇬🇧🇰🇷Eye Primer: will be the VBB concealer pen and one of the setting powders. I'll probably alternate between the two this week to see how they perform on my lids.

🇨🇦  Eyeshadow: For the most part, I'll be using Hung Vanngo Beauty Soft Velvet Creamy Kohl Eyeliner - Taupe for eyeshadow this week but may give 3 of the shades in the Gucci palette (see below) a go as well.

🇹🇼  Eye Liner: This will be my first time trying the Heme Liquid Eyeline (01 Black) and my first time trying anything from the brand actually. 

🇹🇼  Under eye concealer: Slightly different than the VBB concealer pen and different than what I'm used to in general when it comes to under eye concealer. If I'm understanding the Heme Shade Liner (00 Shadow) (promo GWP) correctly, it's meant for the folds that some can have directly under the lower lash line. I've seen products like this do well in the Asian beauty space but I'm not sure I've really ever seen it marketed anywhere else. I don't think I have the skin concerns this particular product is meant to addre but I will give it a try ... once I figure out how to use it.

Cheeks:

🇮🇹  Blush - Bronzer - Highlight: Gucci Multi-use Palette De Beauté Quatuor, Summerina Brown didn't receive the warmest welcome here when it's released was first announced, but that didn't stop me from picking it up. Several factors, however (including focusing on panning the ND Biba palette and forgetting I had this at several points), have kept me from actually putting this to use. Loving those browns/neutrals; of course I am. 😅 I also love that all my cheek products could potentially be in one product, and a small compact like this as well. 

🇺🇸  Brows: will be courtesy of US brands, Ami Colé On Point Precision Brow Pencil (Dark Brown) (discontinued) and Merit Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade (Neutral) (limited edition shade from its Le Gloss Set for Holiday 2023). 

🇹🇼 Concealer (under eyes): I'm not sure how to classify this Heme Shade Liner (00 Shadow) (gwp) or how exactly it is meant to be used. I don't see many Taiwanese makeup products here, even in Asian beauty stores (skincare yes, not makeup though - btw, for the masking mavens among us, if you see Annie's Way or Lovemore products at your TJMaxx, Marshall's or Winners, yes, try them!) so when I saw the liner and looked it up I decided to give it a try. The woman at the register said they had a promo going on and I could choose this liner or an eyebrow pencil. She seemed to be recommending this one for me (and my under eye bags 😞🤣) so let's give it go, peeps! I'm also going to see how this works as an inner and outer corner concealer / highlight, treat it like YSL Touche Éclat pen.

Lips:

🇨🇦  Primer (Eye): MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Lip Colour-Free Lipstick Base Primer for Under Lipstick 0.05 oz/ 1.7 g (not pictured)

🇺🇸  Lip Contour Pencil: Melt Cosmetics Slick Waterline Eye Pencil Ivory to line the outside of my lips to give them a more voluminous look without any stinging or tingling and to keep the lip colors from bleeding, the latter functionality will be important as these lip colors are bolder shades than I typically wear and ones I will want to keep from migrating. 

🇫🇷  Lip Pencil: All my lip pencils this week will be from French companies, specifically Dior and Givenchy. I've been making an effort to try to (re)organize my things this year and in so doing, have discovered I have a lot more lip pencil than I thought, and that I have a lot of Dior lip pencils. I want to say that I have no idea how this happened but 2021 and 2022 were big years for Dior purchases, lol. Looks like I have a lip liner for every day this week. 

• Givenchy Lip Liner 8 Parme Silhouette 
• Givenchy Lip Liner 9 Moka Renversant 
• DIOR Rouge Dior Contour No-Transfer Lip Liner Pencil 100 Nudelook (mine may be the older version)
• DIOR Rouge Dior Contour No-Transfer Lip Liner Pencil 259 Nude Ribbon 
• DIOR Rouge Dior Contour No-Transfer Lip Liner Pencil 329 Nude Blush 
• Dior Rouge Dior Contour No-Transfer Lip Liner Pencil 525 Chérie
• DIOR Rouge Dior Contour No-Transfer Lip Liner Pencil 772 Classic Rosewood (is the full name)

🇨🇳  Lipstick: Florasis Blooming Rouge Love Lock Lipstick - M7319 Burgundy Berries (gratis) - this is part of Shop Your Stash / Use Your Stash Challenge: Fall 2025 🍂🍁 and I'm trying to decide which of the lipsticks in that bunch will be part of the go-to group for my holiday lips.

🇫🇷  Lip Gloss: DIOR Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss (112 Sunlit Amber) - I've been wearing this beauty since I picked it up during the September Friends & Family Sale. It's beautiful and along with Cheekbone Beauty lip gloss will be among my go-to lip colors for holiday events.

🇹🇭  Mistine Lip Gloss Lip Oil J03 Rose Wave - I'm excited to try this lip gloss from Thai brand, Mistine. I don't run across very many Thai makeup or skincare products. 

[NOTE: I'll be back later in the week to post swatches of the lip colors]

Tools:

🇬🇧Brushes: Going with some of my Wayne Goss brushes (not pictured) this week. 

Fragrance:

❓  Undecided at the moment which perfume(s) I'll rotate through this week. I should pick out something from my shop my stash group but I've been wanting to play with some of the new scents I've picked up over the last couple of months. 🤔 Will update this when I post lip swatches.

The "Fits":

Lightly puffy in a mauve-y fall hue, this makeup bag (gratis) has plenty of room - in depth and width. 

[itsfi]

RECAP - Week 47 - Global Makeup Capsule 2.0

I really enjoy the do over / "Take 2" capsule themes; it gives me a chance to either repeat a well loved set of products or it gives me a chance to play with other products in my stash that I wasn't able to include the first time around because I was trying to keep my capsule more manageable or practical (or more like what I would actually use or include in my options in a given week). 

No duds from this past week; if anything, I found myself wanting to use a handful of items for a few more days. I'll quickly give my thoughts on the products pictured.

• Dior Sunlit Amber lip gloss will be one of my go-to's for the special events this holiday season. 
• Like the consistency and wear of the Mistine Lip Gloss Lip Oil J03 Rose Wave. The wand is a little more bendy than I'm used to but it works nicely. Does not bleed or feather but pairing it with a liner doesn't hurt. Would be interested in trying other shades from the line - and checking out other products from this Thai-based brand.
• Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray (Oil Control) - This is good; I like for setting my makeup around my nose and mouth. This for every day and One/Size for special occasions for those areas. I mean, if someone were to need (or allow themselves) 2 setting sprays for just those areas of their face. 🙄
• Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium to Full Coverage Radiant Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid is excellent to pair with a lighter coverage skin tint. 
• Kicking myself for only recently rotating the Victoria Beckham by Augustinus Bader The Concealer Pen with TFC8® into my routine. It really performs very well at toning down the puffy dark circles under the eyes. 
• Heme Shade Liner (00 Shadow) had a learning curve. I only just go the hang of it (I think) near the end of the week - spent more time using the VBB. 
• Heme Liquid Eyeline (01 Black) is one I definitely want to continue testing - I didn't wear liner much this past week but it performed pretty well when I did use it.
• Generally speaking, I do like the Gucci Multi-use Palette De Beauté Quatuor, Summerina Brown - the red shade I wear as blush with a light hand. Working on learning to use the browns as bronzer but I can see how they could work well. Nice to have something for the cheeks in one palette.
• Cle de Peau The Foundation is lovely and as I've said before, it really needs to be given the price tag on it. - it's truly a skincare makeup hybrid, and a good one at that.

[danielledanielle]

@itsfi , you know how I feel Skindinavia 🥰🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 

I did love the lip liner for each day.  Reminds me of barettes I used to have with the days of the week on them.

Oooh, CDP.  It's easy for me to not to eyeball it since it's not at Sephora, but if it pops up (again?), I'm in danger!  I need to pretend it's not good.

[itsfi]

Kinda kicking myself for not trying this oil control version sooner @danielledanielle. The bridal version was a mainstay in my collection waaaaay back when and is still one I enjoy, but this oil control one fills a need that I've been looking for when it comes to setting sprays. One/Size is good but for my skin it can be too drying to use on a daily basis, even on just the oiliest parts of my face. 

I've been testing out different ways to rotate through products at a pace that works for me - the one liner a day changes things up, but I can see doing it every so often, like when in a phase where I'm cycling through a clear or lightly tinted balm/gloss/oil.

Ahhhhh Cle de Peau!!! I've tried all but 2 of their foundations in my lifetime thus far - their matte one and the cream one that comes in a tube, which I considered but ended up going for this one.  It feels on the thicker side coming out of the jar but it thins out upon contact with the skin and glides smoothly, sheer, buildable coverage, and feels light, like skincare. Slightly fragranced. It's really glowy, not like in a blinding, strobe light sort of way but it's one of foundations in my collection with the most radiant finish. It needs to be set. 

Just warning you (and mainly your wallet) to open the spoiler below at your own risk:

Spoiler

Cle de Peau will be having its Black Friday sale - 25% off sitewide (some exclusions may apply) on 11.26.

[itsfi]

Week 46 - The "Collabs & Crossovers" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Sleeping Beauties 2.0" Makeup Capsule  

Going with a combination of both themes for my makeup capsule this week.

🍦= collab 

🌺= sleeping beauty 

⚖️= under consideration or “on the chopping block” 🔪 

⭐️ = new / new to capsule challenge 

❣️= favorite 

🎀= everything else (needed something to tie it all together in a pretty package of emojis 😚)

COMPLEXION:

⚖️  Primer - I thought I had donated this Touch in Soul Pretty Filter Icy Sherbet Primer after last year’s challenge so I was a bit surprised to see it in my stash 😬 but here we are. 🤷🏻‍♀️ This isn’t all that uncommon so I shouldn’t be all that surprised really, but I thought I was getting better at it. Clearly not. 😂

🎀  Foundation - I’ll rotate between MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint and BASMA The Foundation Stick for Hydrating, Buildable Coverage and Natural Finish#. Both are good 👍🏼 though neither are the top shelf product in their respective category.

❣️Concealer - An OG, Armani Beauty Power Fabric + Longwear Matte Concealer continues to work well for me and holds some nostalgia too - it was the concealer I was using when I actually started posting on the boards. The consistency is thinner than many of the concealers in my stash, but it covers & blends out nicely. One of a small handful of concealers that I’ve repurchased over the years.

🌺  Setting Powder / Powder Foundation - DIOR Forever Natural Velvet Matte Compact Foundation became a surprise hit last year - it performs well worn alone for some coverage & color on “no makeup” makeup days, or as a setting powder. I’ll primarily be using it as a setting powder this week. but it’s nice to know that I have a third option for a base. 

⚖️⭐️  Setting Spray - My go-to setting spray within the Skindinavia range is their bridal edition (though I’m not so sure there’s a difference between that and this original - it’s on the list for a future Beauty Product Battles, Throw Downs and Showdowns if this original version of the Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray survives this week).  

🎀  Finishing Spray - There’s always at least one product in my Pan It! - 2025 Challenge that gets neglected and this year that distinction fell on the Hourglass Mini Ambient® Lighting Powder Dim Light. I’ve reached for it more over the past 4 months but finishing powders are not typically something I instinctively include in my routine.

EYES: 

❣️Eyeshadow Primer - NARS Pro-Prime™ Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base Original is the OG and is still going strong! 💪

❣️Eye shadow - Yves Saint Laurent Couture Mini Clutch Eyeshadow Palette 100 Stora Dolls, a lovely, luxe addition to my collection and another item from this year's pan it! challenge.

🌺❣️Under eye concealer - I haven’t included the ISAMAYA 5 Point Lift Illuminator in a capsule in a while but it’s a good one for my under eyes.

❣️  Eye liner (waterline) - Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Brightening Pencil  - Light 1 (discontinued) is back!! Back in my capsule rotation, not back in supply. Brightens my eye area like no other. 

⚖️  Brow gel - MERIT Brow 1980 Volumizing Tinted Eyebrow Gel-Pomade (from the 2023 holiday set) is alright. Weighing whether it will stick around for a battle (next year at this rate) or if 2025 will be it. 

❣️  Mascara - Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara Black lifts and lengthens even my straight & sparse lashes. 

CHEEKS:

🌺  Highlighter - Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator Starglow - my intro to this was as part of a very generous and luxe gratis practice and has been one of the beauties I've repurchased since. The lit from within glow is subtle but very pretty, making it an ideal highlighter for me. 

❣️  Bronzer - Also included in a gratis package (but a different one, equally generous and thoughtful) is the the MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer®. I've picked up this product on my own in a couple of different shades and alternate betwee them depending on the time of year and what look I'm hoping to achieve. Once I actually work my way through a couple compacts, this will certainly get a GOAT designation. I need just a teensy amount to warm up my complexion and glow.

⚖️🎀  Blush - This deluxe sample of the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Cream Blush Provence is practically bottomless. The soft, pale pink is a pretty, wash of flush on me; I imagine it’ll be even prettier in the winter months. I have a feeling that I will pick up a full size at some point: just debating whether to do it now during the sale or to wait a little longer. 

LIPS: 

❣️  Primer - MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Lip Colour-Free Lipstick Base Primer for Under Lipstick 0.05 oz/ 1.7 g is a classic, and for good reason.

🍦  Lipstick - Merit x Brandon Maxwell The Limited Edition Lipstick - Maxwell and 

⭐️  Lip Liner - #m.ph by Mary Phillips The Overliner Lip Liner Pencil - Cherry Cola

🌺  Lipstick - Lipstick Queen Color Changing Lipstick (discontinued) - Frog Prince

⭐️  Lip Oil: The Lip Bar The Prototype Botanical Lip Oil - One of One was a pleasant surprise find as I was working on a declutter project. Interested to see how it performs.

❣️  Lip Gloss: DIOR Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss 001 Pink 

This is a larger capsule for me, coming in at 21 items (not including tools 🛠️). It, however, offers me options in the categories I most like having options when it comes to my makeup - my base and lip color. 😁

TOOLS: 

🍦  This beauty sponge from the Fenty x The Smurfs collab is almost too cute to use. A few years ago, I wouldn’t have used it, but I’m in a different place now and am about making the most of what I have, or, at least trying to. 

🎀  Otis Batterbee, a UK based beauty brush brand. I picked up the set of mini’s and the dual ended brush last year and have been using them off and on, mainly for travel as these particular brushes are well sized for it. 

THE “FITS”:

❣️  I tend to guard my privacy and that includes what's inside my bags, but I love these clear/see through makeup bags for making it so much easier to see what I’ve brought with me. The double decker component of this one keeps everything together in one place; well, most everything. 😏

FRAGRANCE: 

🍦In keeping with the collab theme, I'm putting together a DIY perfume collab 😆, highlighting the ginger notes in Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit and Origins Ginger 🫚 I'll plan to post more deets about this combination to the Olfactory Overtures: The Fragrance Layering Thread sometime this week.

[itsfi]

I had a few products that were newer-to-me / newer-to-the-capsule-challenge in my Week 46 capsule so decided to do a quick recap of some of the ones that stood out for good and bad reasons, among those items.

Standouts: 

The good standouts from Week 46 consisted of:

• These 3 Otis Batterbee brushes performed very well - soft enough to be gentle against my skin and to make apply my makeup a pleasant experience but dense enough to buff and blend product with little to no fallout. The dual ended brush I used for my foundation; the larger brush for setting powder and the smaller for eyeshadow.

• Lipstick Queen Frog Prince is quick, easy and has a fun side to it with the color changing aspect. This produces a cool toned, dark pink shade that I like and that isn't usually the case with that color group.

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Cream Blush Provence continues to surprise me - the shade looks like it would be too pale for me but I like the natural flush of color and glow this provides.

• I forgot how much I liked the ISAMAYA 5 Point Lift Illuminator - lightweight but provides good color correction (and brightening) to my puffy under eyes & dark circles. 

• Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara Black is the newest mascara to break into my top 5

Promising

• m.ph by Mary Philips The Overliner Lip Liner Pencil has a good consistency to it, especially for a traditional wood lip liner - it's firm without being difficult to apply, no tugging or pulling. It has enough slip and creaminess to it to glide on smoothly without it smearing or feathering. Blends easily too. The color is well pigmented, at least the shade I picked up - cherry cola, which is, as its name suggests a pinky-red brown. Wear time is okay, not bad but not great either. I have to reapply more often than some similar wood lip liners like MAC or NYX. With those two, I can get about 4 hours with lightly sipping on liquids before needing to reapply; with the m.ph, I can get 2 - 2.5 hours. I think @danielledanielle you asked about this one?

• I was a little nervous about the Merit x Brandon Maxwell Signature Lipstick - Maxwell shade - it's a berry and those shades are typically a little too bold for me as far as lip color goes. This limited edition shade though, despite how dark it looked coming out of the tube, worked out really well - cool toned berry that gives a soft, blurred, demi-matte finish. Buildable finish - it looks nice lightly blotted onto the lips for a more sheer effect or (in my case, softly) glided against them for a deeper but not too deep color.

• Turns out it was a good thing that this Touch in Sol Sherbet Primer made its way back into my stash. I like the cooling and soft mattifying effect. My lower T-zone has been producing more oils of late so this was helpful but I feel like it'll be relegated to maybe once a week every month until late spring to mid-fall when my skin leans more combination. 

Nope

• By the color of the packaging, I thought The Lip Bar The Prototype Botanical Lip Oil - One of One was going to be more on the plummy side. Never judge a book by its cover. Indeed. On my lips, which naturally have more pigment to them than average, this shows up a very vibrant reddish-pink on me. Formula-wise, the lip oil has a slip and slickness to it that is hydrating and easy to wear, but the color is outside my comfort zone. I probably could find a way to, in the words of Project Runway alum, Tim Gunn, "make it work" but I have other products I want to use and get to more than to do that with this lip oil so I shall be offloading it from my collection. 

[danielledanielle]

I do love the look of those Otis brushes.  They're cheeky! 

Do tell me more about the BASMA The Foundation Stick for Hydrating, Buildable Coverage and Natural Finish ...I waffle on this one a lot @itsfi 

[itsfi]

The Otis Batterbee brushes are great for travel or just to use any day. I like that they're getting more exposure and are becoming more accessible in the US. 👍 I'll pick up more at some point but there are / will be a more makeup brushes being released now and probably through the earlier part of next year that I want or may want to pick up when they're released.

I like the BASMA foundation stick, especially the shade range it offers. Formulation-wise, the Dior stick is still my favorite; the BASMA is slightly less creamy. The BASMA though, if you have olive undertones or leanings in that tone, can be a good fit or if you have undertones that maybe have a mix of the traditional categories of undertones. 

The entire color range is only available in select stores, at least here, and it's a really good idea to do some swatching and shade matching in store. Better yet if you can get a sample of a shade or two that you think may work for you. When the brand first launched its foundation stick they had samples you could purchase but it doesn't seem like that is an option anymore. Their website has photos and swatches of the shades and I get that's not always accurate but I would say theirs, along with the description for the shades, is pretty good. I debated over 2 shades in store (and I really could have gone with either, with one being better for me when I have a smidge more color and the other when my complexion is at its most fair in recent times) and looked up both shades online and the description for the shade as well as the swatch and short form description for the swatch shade is fairly on point. @danielledanielle 

[danielledanielle]

I forget how many collabs there are...I thought I wouldn't have much with the Star Wars Mothership...I left it on the wayside to shop my stash.

Also ❌ posted to Shop Your Stash / Use Your Stash Challenge: Fall 2025 🍂🍁 

Anytime I look at that Miss Piggy x Ciate London, it gives me joy.  Miss Piggy is one of my makeup role models... Heck, just a role model for me in general. 

Collabs:

Patrick Ta x Barbie 

PMG x Star Wars

Fenty x Arcane (Kabluey is in play, not pictured) 

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani 

Mob Beauty x Monica 

Ciate London x Jessica Rabbit 

Fenty x Smurfs

One/Size x Wicked 

Fenty Showstoppers (Icon case, Riri and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder )

Fit Check 

Spoiler

 Aaahhhhhhh

I ended up swapping out the glitter one size for the regular one because there's so much glitter in this week already

[itsfi]

Look at all those fun & fabulous collabs. I love that Fenty lip case @danielledanielle - who knew football turf 🏈 could look so cute?!! 😍 I forgot about UD x Gwen Stefani - way to shop your stash! 🙌

[itsfi]

Week 45 - The "Sweater Weather" Makeup Capsule

This week's capsule was another lesson in editing. I initially pulled the products in the spoiler pic over the weekend but narrowed it down to this Monday morning and feel comfortable with it for most of the week.

Complexion:

• Cle de Peau The Foundation really does fall in that skincare - makeup sphere. It's easy peasy to work with and great for a natural, radiant 'no makeup' makeup look. Part of Pan It! - 2025 Challenge 🙌
• LYS Beauty Triple Fix Brightening Concealer 
• SEPHORA COLLECTION Microsmooth Multi-Tasking Baked Face Powder Foundation 🐐
• Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Liquid Blurring Balm Mattifying Setting Spray 

Eyes:

• NARS Pro-Prime™ Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base Original 
• Cle de Peau eyeshadow quad - this one has been discontinued but the brand has a similar colorway in the new formuation. They eyeshadows are very smooth and buildable.
• DIOR Diorshow Waterproof Liquid Liner 781 Satin Brown 
• Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara Black 
• Tom Ford Fiber Brow Gel 02 Taupe (this may be discontinued)

Cheeks:

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Cream Blush Provence - I'm almost done with this deluxe sample; trying to decide whether to pick up a full size during the sale 🤔 I can see this being a nice flush of soft pink on my cheeks this coming winter - I'm picky when it comes to pink blush so that's saying a lot.
• Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Liquid Bronzer - I use this to underpaint (bronzer) and to deepen my foundation a little
• Givenchy Prisme Libre Bronzing Powder - 001 Mousseline Bronzee for just a touch more warmth and to set my underpainting work 
• If I'm feeling lazy or don't have time to underpaint, I'll just reach for Rhode Pocket Blush - Toasted Teddy

Lips:

• MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Lip Colour-Free Lipstick Base Primer for Under Lipstick 0.05 oz/ 1.7 g 
• Hung Vanngo Beauty Accentuating Longwear Lip Liner - Fill It In 
• Rhode Pocket Blush - Toasted Teddy

Fragrance: 

It makes for a spendy pairing but: 

• HERM&#200;S Barénia, Eau de Parfum layered with
• KILIAN Paris Angels Share Eau De Parfum Travel Spray with Tonka Bean & Cinnamon 0.24 oz / 7.5 mL eau... 

This is a new layering combo for me and I'm working on the right ratio but this pairing may find its way onto Olfactory Overtures: The Fragrance Layering Thread soon. 

Brushes:

• Brushes this week will be from the Sephora Collection - PRO and Essentials lines - I'm debating whether to go for one of the sets or to pick up some individual brushes (new-to-me and repurchasing tried-and-trues) before the sale ends. 

I'll keep the larger group 👇 on hand for options with respect to my base and lip color (edited: and eye product).

Spoiler

The larger capsule really only has 4 additional products - it's all in the layout 😉

The "Fits":

Bringing this beauty back from last year. Roomy yet when zipped up, it doesn't take up a lot of space but keeps everything all together and provides a nice, clean aesthetic on my vanity table. Feels fitting for fall. 

[danielledanielle]

That bag 🥰 @itsfi 

I feel the coziness of this week.  We've got good base products which definitely lend itself to a feeling of "convered" but not cakey.   I also like the underpainting two ways, like I love glam, but you don't always have the time (or bandwidth) for glam

[itsfi]

I forget how roomy it is (even moreso than it looks) until I start adding things inside ... and adding ... and adding ... and ... 🤣 Interestingly @danielledanielle, when I went to open it for this week's challenge, to fill it with the items from the capsule, what should I see? Just a few products I've been looking for!! 🙄 So thiiiis is where you've been hiding?!! 😲😂🤣😂 

I have this (working) theory that it IS possible to do an everyday, soft-but-still-natural-glam underpaint fairly easily and quickly once you get the hang of how to best apply product onto your face. I'm not talking about a full face of underpainting or a commanding full beat that begs for an "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille" moment, but like a "she's just going to the office or about her day with just a little extra glam to her". Anyhow, will work on testing out that theory next year - at least that's what it says on the "to do" list. Gotta earn my place on the BIC Science Team, after all. 😅🔬

[danielledanielle]

Week 45: Sweater Weather , aka Week 44 transformation to toasty treat time 

I went very fragrance heavy, nothing like a toasty treat sprayed into a sweater or a scarf.  Otherwise... it's basically the same stuff, when the stuff is good, you kinda gravitate to it, also I'm tired, y'all

Fit Check 

[curlychiquita]

Beautiful pictures, @danielledanielle! I love how much you can fit in your Fenty bag.

[caitbird]

@danielledanielle  I see Lightwork! 😍 And so many fall shades and yummy fragrances!

PS love the personalized Fenty bag!

[danielledanielle]

TY 😊 @caitbird and @curlychiquita 

Yeah, that's a good sized bag. Everything but the fragrance is in it

[itsfi]

Alrighty BIC, November is (nearly) here! And we have some fun capsule themes as we head into the holiday season and the last couple months of 2025. Take a look at what we have for the next few weeks and get ready to show us what you've got in your bag of beauties for November!

November 2025 Makeup Capsule Themes

MONTHLY THEME: In addition to our usual weekly themes (see below), we will have a month long capsule theme that shines a spotlight on the beauties we pick up during the holiday sales. That's right, for the entire month of November, feel free to curate a makeup capsule (1) based on the weekly themes listed below, or (2) incorporating one or more makeup products you pick up during the holiday sales this month; or (3) based on a mix of both the theme of the week and any product(s) you've hauled during the holiday sales. Speaking of holiday sale hauls, remember to stop on by theNovember 2025 Monthly Hauls! thread to share what goodies you picked up with the Community 🛍 or the looks you created with those finds at the What are you wearing in 2025?? thread.

Week 45 (November 3 - 9) - The "Sweater Weather" Makeup Capsule

I don't know about you but autumn weather is settling in and I find myself reaching more for my thicker sweater and coats. Let's embrace the warm and cozy autumn vibes in our makeup choices this week by curating a capsule made up of one or more products that complement the fall season and your unique individual style, be it by way of a product's texture, tone or hue. 

Don't feel like you need to limit yourself to your makeup either when it comes to sweater weather season. If you have some fall fashions to go with your fall face, be sure to head on over to the The Fit, The Fab and The Face: Outfit and Inspo Thread to show off your seasonal outfit of the day. 

Week 46 (November 10 - 16) - The "Collabs & Crossovers" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Sleeping Beauties 2.0" Makeup Capsule 

We've got options for this week's capsule. In addition to the monthly "holiday hauls" capsule theme, consider putting together a capsule with one or more products

• from a collab collection or partnerships between celebrities and brands - think Pat McGrath Labs x Star Wars; ir Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder; or Danessa Myricks x MyKitCo; or Beis x Rare Beauty; or Fenty x Arcane; One/Size x Wicked, etc.

• that crosses over with another fun thread on the Forums, like Pantone Colour of the Year 2025 - Mocha Mousse or Cheek Challenge Fall 2025: Feed Me, Slay More 

• that has been "sleeping" in your stash or needs some love and attention

Week 47 (November 17 - 23) - The "Take 2 / Do Over" Makeup Capsule 

Was there a past capsule theme you'd like to do over again, whether because it was one you really enjoyed or perhaps that you'd like to revisit because you want to approach it differently? Maybe you love a capsule full of sticks Or one that focuses on a single brand? Or that involves samples or Foil Challenge 

Week 48 (November 24 - 30) - The "Thing(s) I'm Grateful For" Makeup Capsule

In celebration of Thanksgiving (US), curate a capsule with one or more makeup products for which you are grateful. It can be a product you were gifted, or an item you received as gratis, or a makeup product or tool that changed how you do your makeup or changed your makeup / beauty game. While we're on the topic of gratitude, if there's something or someone that you are grateful for, consider heading over and sharing about it on the Gratitude Thread! 🙂