Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge 2026

[itsfi]

Hello, BIC! 👋 Whether you're looking for a fun way to use the new-to-you and tried-and-true products in your collection or if having a set of makeup products picked out in advance makes it easier to get ready in the mornings, welcome to the Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge!

Please don't hesitate to jump right on in from the get-go, or feel free to take part during a week when the theme suits your style or piques your interests. We love seeing and being inspired by what beauties everyone is using. For more information on the challenge, check out the FAQs a little further down this post. ⤵️

▶️  NOW PLAYING: CURRENT Makeup Capsule Theme: [Updated 5.3.2026]

Week 18 (May 1 - 10)  The  AAPI Founded / Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule 

To celebrate May's Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) National Heritage Month, let's put together a capsule with one or more products 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) identity 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 are available at Sephora and/or Sephora at Kohl's
 
CLE Cosmetics (Lauren Jin)
CTZN Cosmetics (Aleena Khan, Aleezeh Khan, and Naseeha Khan)
Em Cosmetics (Michelle Phan)
* Glow Recipe (Christine Chang and Sarah Lee)
* Hung Vanngo 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)
* Wander Beauty (Divya Gugnani)
Yensa Beauty (Jennifer Yen)

OR, if you're just having too much fun with the goodies you picked up during the Spring Savings Event, keep on using your newness. Or, put together a makeup capsule incorporating both of the week's themes.

[OPTIONAL] MONTHLY THEME (May 2026): Include one or more makeup products from an AAPI-founded or owned makeup brand in each of your makeup capsules this month.

⏩  UPCOMING Makeup Capsule Themes [Updated 5.3.2026]

Spoiler

Week 19 (May 11 - 17) The Fashion-Inspired Makeup Capsule 

"Fashion's biggest night" aka The Met Gala will have occurred on May 4, following on the heels of the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the sequel to one of the most well known fashion-industry-inspired films. Curate a makeup capsule with one or more makeup products from launched by a fashion house or fashion designer and/or inspired by any of the following: 

* looks worn by attendees at The Met Gala, this year or past year's

* looks from The Devil Wears Prada 2 (or the original if so desired)

* looks inspired by this season's red carpet looks

* looks inspired by your inner fashionista

[NOTE: A non-exhaustive list of fashion houses / fashion designers with makeup lines will be posted before the end of Week 18].

***

Additonal makeup capsule themes for May 2026 can be found here.

⏪  Previous Makeup Capsule Themes [Updated 3.22.2026]

Spoiler

For a list of makeup capsule themes from previous weeks, check out the following:

❄️ Winter 2026 Makeup Capsule Themes - for weekly themes from January, Febuary & March

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Spoiler

What is a makeup capsule?

A makeup capsule is a collection of makeup products curated by you with the intent of simplifying your makeup routine without compromising quality or functionality. It typically includes essential products that can be used to create a variety of look. A makeup capsule can reduce clutter, help save time getting ready in the morning or for events, and provide you with a streamlined and versatile makeup wardrobe tailored to work for you, your budget and lifestyle. While makeup capsules generally include a few pieces, the size of your capsule collection is ultimate up to you.

Why a makeup capsule challenge?

Many of us here have a robust collection of makeup and it can be difficult to pare that down to a handful of pieces for capsule. This challenge, with its weekly themes, is meant as a fun way to try your hand at curating a makeup capsule for yourself. Each week you'll have an opportunity to go through your collection, identify one or more product(s) that fits the weekly theme (all you need is one product for this challenge), and put together a makeup look with that and other products.

The challenge is also another way to use your makeup stash, allowing you a chance to discover products you might have missed out on or re-discover past favorites. If you're looking to use or work through more of your beauty collection beyond just makeup, the Shop Your Stash Challenge: The Spring 2025 Edition or Pan It! - 2026 Challenge may be worth a look.

For examples of what capsules folks have put together in previous makeup capsule challenges, check out:  Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge 2025 
Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge 2024 

[itsfi]

Winter 2026 Makeup Capsule Themes:

MARCH Makeup Capsule Themes

Spoiler

Week 9 (March 2 - 8 ) -  The "International Women Founded / Owned Beauty Brand" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Feature Focus" Makeup Capsule (Actors Awards Inspired)

International Women's Day has historically been celebrated annually on March 8. Assemble a capsule this week with one or more makeup products from a woman founded / owned beauty brand. 

Alternatively, curate a capsule (a) focusing on one or more of your favorite features and/or (b) inspired by a makeup look worn at the Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards) - a red carpet look, one seen at the ceremony and/or at one of the after parties. 

Spoiler

Below is a list of the women-founded brands (with makeup as their primary line of products) sold in Sephora US:

Ami Colé
Anastasia Beverly Hills
BASMA
Benefit Cosmetics
Bobbi Brown
caliray
Charlotte Tilbury
ciele
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Estee Lauder
Fara Homidi
fel beauty
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Freck Beauty
Glossier
Grande Cosmetics
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga
Hourglass
Huda Beauty
Iconic London
Ilia
Iris&Romeo
ISAMAYA
IT Cosmetics
Kosas
Kulfi
KVD Beauty
Laka
Laura Gellar
Laura Mercier
Lawless
LYS Beauty
LIXR Beauty
m.ph by Mary Phillips
MAED
Make Up For Ever
Merit
Milk Makeup
Natasha Denona
Nudestix
Pat McGrath Labs
Range Beauty
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
Rose Inc.
Saie
Sarah Creal
Simihaze Beauty
stila
tarte
Tower 28 Beauty
U Beauty
Urban Decay
Violette_Fr
Wander Beauty
Westman Atelier
Wonderskin

Week 10 (March 9 - 15) - The Sleeping Beauties Makeup Capsules and/or The Palettes Makeup Capsule

We've got some choices this week. Put together a capsule made up of one or more makeup:

(a)  one or more makeup palettes; 

(b)  one or more makeup product(s) that have been sleeping in your collection (read: that have been neglected / could use a little more attention - with sprig coming up, consider this an opportunity to do a little inventory of your collection and maybe getting a little jump start on spring cleaning)

(c)  a mix of makeup palette(s) and product(s) that have been sleeping or otherwise neglected in your collection. 

Week 11 (March 16 - 22) - The SEPHORiA Makeup Capsule and/or The Travel Makeup Capsule

Take a look at your collection and curate

(a) a capsule made up of one or more brands that will be in attendance at SEPHORiA 2026 Los Angeles, California and/or 

(b) a capsule consisting of your "go to" or "must have" makeup products when you travel. Travel where? When? That is up to you. 

Spoiler

Below is a list of the brand that have been announced as participating in SEPHORiA 2026:

ciele
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Fenty Beauty
Glossier
Haus Labs
LYS Beauty
Makeup by Mario
m.ph by Mary Phillips
Natasha Denona
One/Size by Patrick Starrr
Pat McGrath Labs
Patrick Ta
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
saie
Summer Fridays
Sephora Collection
Tower 28 Beauty
Violette_Fr
Yves Saint Laurent

Week 12 (March 23 - 29) - The "Spring is in the Air" Makeup Capsule

By the time Week 12 rolls around, spring will have made its way here! So here's a chance to build a spring makeup capsule. Put together a capsule this week made up of one or more makeup products to help you usher in the spring season. It could be a lighter foundation, or pastel hues. Or, maybe now is the time to bring back bronzers into your makeup look. Or perhaps you picked up some new beauties during the spring savings event that you'd like to put to use here and/or show off on some of the other threads in the Community. [NOTE: Links to a few other threads will be posted during Week 12].

FEBRUARY Makeup Capsule Themes

Spoiler

Week 5 (February 2 - 8 ) - The Black Founded/Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule and/or The "Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Inspired" Makeup Capsule
Curate a capsule with one or more products from any of the following (or any combination of the following):

• a black founded or owned makeup brand in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month; and/or
• an Italian makeup brand in honor of the host country for the 2026 Olympics / Paralympics; and/or
• a makeup brand representing the spirit of the Olympics / Paralympics, sponsoring the Olympics / Paralympics, or endorsed by an athlete competing in the Olympics / Paralympics; and/or
• a makeup brand from one or more country/countries represented at the Olympics / Paralympics.

Spoiler

Included below are non-exhaustive lists of brands that have a portfolio primarily focused on makeup falling within the week's theme(s). There will undoubtedly be others and some that I've missed (apologies in advance); this list is again non-exhaustive. If there's a brand in your collection that falls within one or both themes, we'd love to see it / them in your capsule(s). Brands with an asterisk (*) next to its names are available in store or online at Sephora US or Sephora at Kohl's. If the founder or owner of the brand is not readily distinguishable by the brand name, that information is noted in parens next to the brand name.

Black Founded / Owned Makeup Brands 

AJ Crimson Beauty

*Ami Cole (Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye)

Balaeyon (RaeDawn)

Beauty Bakerie (Cashmere Nicole)

BLK/Opal (Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack)

Bossy Cosmetics (Aishetu Fatima Dozie)

*Cay Skin (Winnie Harlow)

Cecred (Beyonce)

Damone Roberts

*Danessa Myrick Beauty

Dehiya Beauty (Dr. Mia Reddy)

D'Lashes (Dionne Phillips)

*Eadem (Marie Kouadio Amouzame, co-founder)

*Fashion Fair (Eunice Johnson (original founder), Desiree Rodgers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack)

*Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Gloshood (Sienna Brown)

Juvia's Place (Chichi Eburu)

Keys Soulcare (Alicia Keys)

Lamik Beauty (Kim Roxie)

*LYS Beauty (Tisha Thompson)

Marie Hunter Beauty

Mented Cosmetics (KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson)

Mintty Makeup (Junior Mintt)

*Pat McGrath Labs

Pound Cake (Camille Bell, co-founder)

*Range Beauty (Alicia Scott)

Relevant: Your Skin Seen (Nyakio Grieco)

The Lip Bar (Melissa Butler)

*Topicals (Olamide Olowe)

Uoma Beauty (Sharon Chuter)

WYN Beauty (Serena Williams)

Italian Makeup Brands

*Armani Beauty

*Gucci Beauty

Kiko Milano

Nabla Cosmetics

*Prada Beauty

Rodin Olio Lusso

*Valentino Beauty

Week 6 (February 9 - 15) - The "Perfectly Paired" Makeup Capsule 

Are there certain product or shade pairings that just work beautifully for you? Let's build a makeup capsule around them. Here's your chance to shine a spotlight on the dynamic duos, trusted trios, or killer combos that are go-to's for your everyday and/or special occasion look(s).

Week 7 (February 16 - 22) - The "New York Fashion Week Inspired" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Lunar New Year / Year of the Horse" Makeup Capsule 

A few options for this week, depending on your mood or preference.

        ** New York Fashion Week 2026  (see "BONUS" below) runs from February 11 - 16 and will have just wrapped up by the time we start Week 7. Collections from various shows should be available online before the start of this week. Were there any makeup looks or trends that made their way down the runway that caught your eye? Put together a capsule consisting of one or more makeup products or trends that made their way down one or more of the runways at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). See spoiler below for a brief summary of some of the beauty looks that made it down the runway at NYFW.  

Spoiler

Below are a few commentaries about the beauty looks seen down the runway at a few shows during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) as well as looks on the street during NYFW. [Note: There seems to be a slightly different observation as to the look at the ASHLYN show by a couple of publications.]

From Bustle "New York Fashion Week Fall / Winter 2026's Top Beauty Trends"

Short Summary: Maximalism is back

Bottom eyeliner 
- '90s grunge with bold black eyeliners at Marc Jacobs
- black eyeliner just along the lower lash line and inner corners at Ashlyn

Rom-Com Flush
- peachy coral on cheekbones and temples at Ralph Lauren
- diffused flush at LoveShackFancy (with Tarte Macaron Blush - Honey Blossom)

From Coveteur "The Fall/Winter 2026 Beauty Trends We Spotted At NYFW"

Short Summary: Lived-in Looks are in!

Late'90s/early 2000s makeup resurgence a la under-eye lining
- eyeliner under just lower lashes at Proenza Schouler for a lived-in look reflective of a working woman on the go
-thick and bold liner with dark smokey eyeshadow and dramatic and full lashes at Pamella Roland
- liner wrapped around entire eye while the rest of face is bare at ASHLYN

Two-tone lips / unevenly distributed lip products

- Bow lips at Collina Strada with a little silver at the curvature of the cupid's bow
- messy girl makeup trend at Proenza Schouler with artfully smudged bright red pigment across the lips, in a manner said to be reflective of brushstrokes

From Marie Claire "The Best New York Fashion Week Beauty Street Style Looks Are All About Bold Bangs and Crimson Lips"
Short Summary: strong eye and pop of color on lips

- strong eye and bold lip with winged liner and berry lipstick

- subtle but striking color liner at the corner of the eye - and color coordinated with suit

- pop of red (cherry red or crimson) on the lips on an otherwise bare or nearly bare face

        ** Lunar New Year 2026 / Year of the (Fire) Horse starts February 17, 2026. If you're looking to build a capsule around this theme, consider adding one or more makeup products from or that includes any of the following (or any combination of the following):
(a) a Lunar New Year makeup collection or release, past or present; and/or 
(b) a makeup brand from one or more countries or regions that celebrate the Lunar New Year; and/or
(c) "lucky" colors for 2026 Fire Horse Year, which per the internet, balances fire with the elements of water and wood, with heavy focus on reds (vermillion, burgundy), blues (aquamarine, deep blue), blacks, emerald green, and golds/yellows.

Week 8 (February 23 - March 1) - The Throwback Makeup Capsule

Curate a capsule with one or more makeup product(s) that
(a) Gives you those 2016 vibes; and/or
(b) Has been discontinued or is in the process of being phased out (and that has not otherwise expired or is unsafe to use); and/or
(c) Harkens back to Old Hollywood Glamour  (see "BONUS" below) in honor of the 2026 Actor Awards (formerly the SAG Awards) taking place March 1 and having the first ever mandatory red carpet dress code, with the theme "Reimagining Hollywood Glamour from the '20s and 30's"; and/or 
(d) Incorporates a previous makeup capsule theme, from this year's capsule themes or from previous years' challenges. Was there a theme you wanted to redo? Go for it. Or, maybe you missed out on a capsule week? Here's your chance to give it a go.

BONUS: If you're going for a New York Fashion Week inspired capsule in Week 7 or an Old Hollywood Glamour makeup capsule for Week 8, consider continuing that vibe to your entire look. If you do, stop on by and share your stylish threads with us on the  . 

JANUARY Makeup Capsule Themes

Spoiler

Week 1 (January  1 - 11) - The "New Year, New-To-You" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Mentally Minded" Makeup Capsule 

The "New Year, New-To-You" Makeup Capsule: Let's start off the new year by putting together a capsule made up of one or more makeup products that are new-to-you or that you want to incorporate into your routine in 2026. Maybe there's a beauty that's been sitting in your stash for a while that you've been meaning to try, here's your chance! Or perhaps you're looking to hone your contouring skills (or if you're like me, get those skills to begin with) a la the face mapping lessons at BIC University, make contour products a focal point of your makeup capsule. Or you might want to focus on primers this month as part of the Beauty Challenge - Twelve Months of Beauty Inventory.

The Mentally Minded Makeup Capsule: January is recognized a Mental Wellness Month. Curate a capsule made up of one or more product(s) from one or more makeup brands that supports or promotes mental health (or mental heath awareness (which is historically recognized in October)). 

Spoiler

Makeup Brands Supporting Mental Health Awareness*
Kiehl's* 
KimChiChic Beauty*
Maybelline*^

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez^

* Included in Forbes' October 10, 2025 (updated December 15, 2025) online article titled "Beauty and Fashion Brands Supporting Mental Health" 

^ Identified in Who What Wear's online articled titled "10 Must-Know Beauty Brands That Empower Mental Health Initiatives" 

*^ Recognized in both the Forbes and Who What Wear publications for its support of mental health and mental health awareness 

Week 2 (January 12 - 18) - The "Glowing & Golden" Makeup Capsule 

The Critics Choice Awards were handed out on January 4 and Golden Globes will have taken place on the 11th. Take inspiration from a look (or two) from a Critics Choice or Golden Globe nominee or attendee, or anyone who walked the red carpet or attended an after party, and put together a capsule inspired by that look. Didn't watch the award shows? No problem. Curate a capsule with one or more makeup products that make you feel glowing and golden ... like you were born to be!! ⭐ 

Don't feel like you need to stop at your makeup either! Have a fly outfit waiting to be shared, get yourself decked out, take some snaps and head on over to the The Fit, The Fab and The Face: Outfit and Inspo Thread to share your beauty from head to toe.

Week 3 (January 19 - 25) - The "Less is More" Makeup Capsule

Is less really more? You tell me. Curate a makeup capsule consisting of:
(a) no more than six (6) makeup products; or
(b) makeup products having an aggregate total (pre-sale/pre-discount) retail price of $100 USD / $137 CAD (I will update CAD based on conversion rate Sunday evening before the start of the week); or
(c) one brand (this is for the maximalists among us; "less" = one = one brand); or
(d) any combination of (a), (b) and (c). 

Week 4 (January 26 - February 1) - The "Musical Artist Founded / Owned Beauty Brand" Makeup Capsule 
The Grammy's are taking place February 1. The beauty industry has seen a wave of makeup lines founded by musical artists, including, but not limited to those in the spoiler below. For this week, curate a capsule made up of one or more product(s) from a musical artist founded/owned makeup brand.

Spoiler

Below is a non-exhaustive list of brands founded or owned by a musician that have makeup products as a primary focus of their beauty brand. Brands with an asterisk (*) after the brand name are available at Sephora US (in store or online) and/or Sephora at Kohl's. 

about-face (Halsey)
Fenty Beauty by 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

[danielledanielle]

Hurray 🙌🏽 Thanks for keeping this going, @itsfi