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 

[danielledanielle]

Hurray 🙌🏽 Thanks for keeping this going, @itsfi