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 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 ofone or more products from a makeup-artist founded / owned beauty brand. [See below spoiler for non-exhaustive list of makeup brands that fall within this category.]

Spoiler

beautyblender

Bobbi Brown

Charlotte Tilbury

Ciele Cosmetics

Danessa Myricks

Em Cosmetics

Half Magic

Huda Beauty

Isamaya

Jason Wu

Jones Road

Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

Lisa Eldridge

MAC Cosmetics

Makeup By Mario

Make Up For Ever

NARS

Natasha Denona

One/Size by Patrick Starr

Pat McGrath Labs

Patrick Ta Beauty

Pixi

Rokael Beauty

Uzo

Wayne Goss

Westman Atelier

UPCOMING Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 4.28.2025]

Spoiler

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...

Previous Capsule Themes: [Updated: 4.28.2025]

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 

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.

[CynthieLu]

The #22 is by far my favorite eyeliner brush, I can get such a sharp tight line with it.👌

The tape is soo handy right? And such a time saver imo.  @itsfi 

Oooh I have a few DM micro pencils 🫣🫣 

 

[peculiarzmakeup]

@CynthieLu  I saw this in the preview section of the thread and my eyes lit up so cool! I’ve seen you use these in some of your looks they looks so beautiful on you! Wow what a collection @itsfi  I had emerald but it broke really fast or dried out. But I think I left it open 🫠🫠🫠❤️

[itsfi]

Ohhhh, the emerald would be stunning on you @peculiarzmakeup! I had my eye on that one - it's such a gorgeous shade. I like the precision I can get from the DM liner but I also appreciate how I can use it in my outer V to give a little extra oomph to my eyeshadow look. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Im gonna pick up a new one eventually and see if maybe another shade will be my lucky charm, definatley that corner of the eye extra spark! Love it 😍 @itsfi 

[CynthieLu]

They are sooooo fragile @peculiarzmakeup I broke my first one.. the first time I used it. Hard lesson learned. I'm sorry to hear yours dried up on you. 😢

[peculiarzmakeup]

I’m curious you said your first one broke, what helps you with the others? I think i might press on it too hard or go to fast 💨 thanks for the encouragement I always appreciate it, I was able to use what was underneath but the color didn’t show up well. I think I should try another just to see how it works 🙂 @CynthieLu 

[CynthieLu]

What's helped me with these is a much gentler hand and I only expose the smallest amount of the product possible. If there was to much of the tip out it seemed to break far too easily. I lost a lot off my first one due to trial and error. 😅 @peculiarzmakeup it was such a bummer but I learned.

[peculiarzmakeup]

Oh my I love those suggestions! Thank you so much. It’s always helpful to get another perspective on things ❤️ @CynthieLu 

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu, I'm making a note on the #22 brush - your tightline and wing are always stunningly sharp! Wooooaaaahhh, look at all those micropencils!! 😍 lol, just a few, for sure. hahaha!

[peculiarzmakeup]

This is so neat! What a beautiful capsule and so cool and inspired. These are great products to match. I love how you included the book in your photo how lovely! @itsfi  ❤️

[itsfi]

Thank you @peculiarzmakeup. I'm really looking forward to putting together outfits inspired by the film and pairing the look with products from this capsule and probably another week's makeup capsule as I think I'll try putting togehter looks based on multiple outfits from the film, modified, of course, with what pieces I actually have in my closet - ohhh, the constraints, but it'll fun to put things together with my own touches. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Looking forward too seeing your fabulous fits! That’s so fun, I am doing the same I have a limited clothing span at the moment I mean wardrobe (I didn’t know how to spell it haha 🤣) I think that will give good time to think about fits and accessories. Yay so excited! Everything you put together is always magical ❤️ @itsfi 

[blackkitty2014]

The Mocha Mousse Inspire Makeup: Here is my line up. Again, I kinda cheat with the lipsticks since I’m doing 100 day lip challenge. I’m so glad itsfi hosts this. It is truly “Get to know yoiur makeup.” Most of the older release lipsticks got neglected. The GA blush 50 Euphorie I used less than 5 times before this week. I’m glad I get to know it this week. It’s a pretty shade and remind me so much of NARS Orgaism but less peachy. The YSL Stora Dolls palette is ❤️. Everyday I was liked “oh this is pretty” 🥰. I still have high hope on panning that MJ Bronzer this year

[Mellmars1185]

@blackkitty2014 Lovely mocha mousse capsule! Did you have a favourite lipstick out of the ones you picked?

[peculiarzmakeup]

Beautiful Mocha Mousse Capsule! I absolutley love how your encorporated your lippies and the challenge into your theme! I feel like the products are stunning pairings! I’m also a huge fan of @itsfi @hosting the capsules I learn a lot from everyone’s unique tastes and perspectives. I love everything you picked out this is such a beautiful lineup for the theme @blackkitty2014  ❤️

[blackkitty2014]

Thx you @peculiarzmakeup @itsfi  🌹❤️ Everyone here is so creative (maybe not me) but yes I’m learning tons from everyone. The Chantecaille skin tint is pretty good and very similar to the Sisley skin tint. Sisley is a tiny bit better but a whole lot more expensive 😘

[peculiarzmakeup]

You are very creative, I love seeing your posts and this is a fantastic photo as well! @blackkitty2014 

[itsfi]

Oh my goodness, forgive me for staring!! No, let me rephrase that @blackkitty2014 - "sorry, but I can't stop staring." This capsule is gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous!!! 

Ahhh, that MJ bronzer is a beauty - the shade and undertones in it are perfect! You will fully pan that MJ bronzer. I feel like it's one of those that can take time to hit pan, but once it does, it's just about getting in your uses and that pan will expand and expand until there's no more product left. You got this!!

You are doing so well with the Chantecaille Skin Tint - there's so much product in that tube but you are well on your way to using it all up!

Not cheating with the lipsticks at all! Around here, we love a robust array of lip products to choose from! 

[CynthieLu]

The "Mocha Mousse" Inspired Makeup Capsule 

I was really excited for this one! I instantly knew some of the products I was going to put in this weeks capsule as soon as I read this prompt. 🤎

 

My Mocha Mousse Inclusions: 

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed - Matte Color for Cheek & Lip in limited edition shade Spiced Latte from her holiday release. She hinted on a live that if there was enough cry for it, this could become a permanent edition to her line.

Too Faced Better Than Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette 🍫This just felt so well matched to this week's theme. Yum!

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Lip Snatcher Waterproof Precision Lip Liner Rent Due is a rich chocolate brown shade

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil Stain Honesty Honest honestly could be renamed Mocha Mousse imo. It's so soft and has a chocolatey hue with a touch of rose.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer is the richest shade in my collection, I thought this would fit right in with this line up.

And the rest:

DIOR Forever Glow Star Filter Multi-Use Complexion Enhancing Booster 2N 

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint Foundation with Peptides + Ceramides 2 

DIOR Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter 017 Nude 

Clarins Mascara

#Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Fiber Eyebrow Pencil 3 

[Mellmars1185]

@CynthieLu Great choices for mocha mousse! How do you find the TF palette wears? I haven't reached for it in while.

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu, love that there were products that just came to your mind when you saw this week's theme! You picked some lovely products for this week's capsule - definitely mocha mousse inspired. And the other shades complement this color family so well. Rare Beauty Honesty sounds beautiful - chocolate with a hint of rose?! Pretty. 

lol, I think this is the first time I've seen the Too Faced palette cover. I know!!! I've always just seen the view of the shades themselves. How is that possible?!