Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge

[itsfi]

Hello, BIC Beauties! If the idea of makeup capsules piques your curiosity, or you're interested in seeing what's in the beauty collection or weekly makeup bag of your fellow BIC beauties, jump right on in - with questions, comments or a capsule of your own to share.

To add a fun take on putting together a makeup capsule, I've included theme(s) for the weekly capsule - some weeks, I have enough products in my stash (eek!) to make a whole capsule based on the prompt; other weeks, I have just one or two items that fit neatly within theme.

Whether you find yourself in the same place or somewhere in between, jump right on it and share your weekly makeup capsule. Check out the FAQ section below ⤵️ for more info on this challenge.

CURRENT MAKEUP CAPSULE THEME:   

Week 50 (December 9 - 15) -  The Sticks 2.0 Makeup Capsule and/or The "Favorite Theme From The Challenge" Makeup Capsule 

Ahhhh, stick products - they're easy to use, portable,and get the job done! Shine a spotlight this week on one or more stick products that bring you joy. Thank you to @danielledanielle and @missjeanie for their love of stick makeup products.

Sticks not your thing? Not a problem. Curate a capsule based on your favorite theme from this year's makeup capsule challenge.

Upcoming Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 12.2.2024] Take a sneak peek at the weekly themes to come. 

Spoiler

Week 51 (December 16 - 22) -  The Winter Wonderland Makeup Capsule and/or The "Take 2" / "Do Over" Makeup Capsule - With the winter solstice coming December 21, let's put together a capsule of one or more product that celebrates the season! OR was there a favorite capsule you want to revisit from this last year? Or, perhaps a week you missed and wanted to try; or just a fun theme you want to do over? Here's your chance.

Week 52 (December 23 - January 5) - The Holiday Glam Makeup Capsule and/or  The "2024 Makeup Capsule Collection" Makeup Capsule - Some options for us to close out the makeup capsules for 2024 (or to kick start 2025)!

Show us the beauties you use when you want to add glitz and glam (or, that up the glitz and glam element) to your makeup look.

and/or 

Curate a bag with your go-to, GOAT, ride-or-die products that would make up your ultimate makeup capsule collection (for 2024). If it's too much to put together a creme de la creme capsule or if you're at your best with options, consider putting together a makeup capsules of one or more favorites you discovered (or re-discovered) in 2024. 

Previous Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 12.8.2024]

Spoiler

1 - The First (of the Year) Makeup Capsule

2 - The Quick & Easy Winter Edition Makeup Capsule

3 - The $20 USD ($27 CAD) & Under Makeup Capsule

4 - The "On the Go!" Makeup Capsule

5 - The Best of January 2024 Makeup Capsule

6 - The Black Owned / Founded Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule

7 - The Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon Makeup Capsule and/or The "Things I Love" Makeup Capsule

8 - The "BIC Inspired" Makeup Capsule

9 - The Best of February 2024 Makeup Capsule and/or The "On The Chopping Block" Makeup Capsule 

10 - The International Woman Owned / Founded Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule

11 - The "One Brand" or "All The Brands" Makeup Capsule 

12 - The "Springing Forward" Makeup Capsule and/or The Pops of Color Makeup Capsule 

13 -  The Fast & Furious / Quick & Easy Makeup Capsule and/or The March 2024 "On Top" or "On The Chopping Block" Makeup Capsule 

14 - The "Do Over" or "Take 2" Makeup Capsule

15 - The Makeup-Artist-Founded Brand Makeup Capsule and/or The Sephora Spring Savings Makeup Capsule

16 - The BIC Inspired (Spring Edition) Makeup Capsule and/or The Sephora Spring Savings Makeup Capsule

17 - The "Green" Makeup Capsule and/or The Sephora Spring Savings Makeup Capsule

18 - The  April 2024 "On Top" or "On The Chopping Block" Makeup Capsule and/or The "More Play Time With My Sephora Savings Event Hauls" Makeup Capsule

19 - The AAPI Owned / Founded Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule

20 - The "Sleeping Beauties" Makeup Capsule and/or The "OMG, More Stuff From the Sephora Spring Savings" Makeup Capsule

21 - The "My Best Self" Makeup Capsule
22 - The  May 2024 "On Top", "On The Chopping Block" or "On Repeat" Makeup Capsule
23 - The Love Is Love Makeup Capsule
24 - The Repurposed Makeup Capsule and/or The Multi-tasking Makeup Capsule
25 - The "Welcome, Summer!" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Good Stuff" Makeup Capsule
26 - The June 2024 "On Top", "On the Chopping Block" and/or "On Repeat" Makeup Capsule
27 - The Indie Brands Makeup Capsule and/or The Summer Vacation Makeup Capsule
28 - The "If I Were To Curate My Ultimate Makeup Capsule" Makeup Capsule (aka The "These are My Favorite Products" Makeup Capsule) 
29 - The Sticks and (Gem)Stones Makeup Capsule and/or The Pops of Colour: Summer Edition Makeup Capsule
30 - The BIC Inspired Summer Edition Makeup Capsule and/or The Pan It! Makeup Capsule
31 - The July 2024 New, Old, or "Is It Time For This To Go?" Makeup Capsule
32 - The Take 2 / Do Over Makeup Capsule and/or The "Sleeping Beauties" Makeup Capsule 
33 - The Day-to-Night (or Date Night): Summer Edition Makeup Capsule and/or The "Outside My Comfort Zone" Makeup Capsule
34 - The Samples Makeup Capsule and/or The Newness Makeup Capsule 
35 - The August 2024 Throw Down!, Throwback, and/or Throw Out? Makeup Capsule 
36 - The Workhorses Makeup Capsule
37 - The Runway or Red Carpet Inspired Makeup Capsule and/or The "BIC Inspired" Makeup Capsule 
38 - The LatinX Founded / Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule
39 - The September 2024 Throw Down!, Throwback, and/or Throw Out? Makeup Capsule and/or The Brands at SEPHORiA Makeup Capsule
40 - The "Pop of Colour": Fall Edit Makeup Capsule and/or The Musician Founded or Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule
41 - The "Dynamic Duos (or Trios)" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Products with Interesting / Attention-Grabbing Names" Makeup Capsule
42 - The "Makeup I'm Thankful For" Makeup Capsule and/or The Do Over / Take 2 Makeup Capsule
43 - The "How Low Can I Go?" Makeup Capsule and/or The Global Makeup Capsule
44 - The "Sleeper Hits" Makeup Capsule and/or The October 2024 Throw Down, Throwback, and/or Throw Out? Makeup Capsule
45 - The Sweater Weather Makeup Capsule and/or The Holidays Savings (Shop The Sale) Makeup Capsule
46 - The Time Capsule Makeup Capsule and/or The Awesomely Affordable and/or Spectacularly Splurge-worthy Makeup Capsule
47 - The "Please, Don't Go!" / Discontinued Products Makeup Capsule and/or The Newness Makeup Capsule
48 - The Things I'm Thankful For Makeup Capsule and/or The “BIC Inspired” Fall Makeup Capsule
49 - The Beautifully Bold or Delightfully Demure Makeup Capsule and/or The "Savvy Shopper" Makeup Capsule  

FAQs: [Updated 4.28.2024]

Spoiler

What is a capsule makeup collection?  

A capsule makeup collection is a selection of makeup products that can be used to put together different looks for a variety of occasions. For some of us, that may mean a group of essential products for your everyday look plus a few extra items for a more glam or dramatic look; and, for others of us, that may mean, a lineup of our holy grail product(s) in each makeup category. My ideal capsule makeup collection probably falls somewhere in between - we'll (hopefully) find out at the end of the year! I don't see myself as a minimalist, but I don't have an extensive collection of makeup either. I appreciate the collections of people who fall within both camps but I float somewhere in between - on the one hand, my brow product collection would earn a gold star if we were using a minimalist approach to makeup; my lip product lineup, on the other hand, would not. 🤣 It would most definitely not.  

Why have a capsule makeup collection?  

Everyone will have their own reasons for having (or not having) a more streamlined makeup collection. Over the years, I've just become more interested in having less beauty products on hand (well, except for lip products, lol) - a handful of items I use or reach for more frequently with maybe a few additional products that are go-to's for me for special events or occasions.  Don't get me wrong, I love trying new products and I don't see that changing. I just like the idea of having a simpler collection (I appreciate that "simpler" can be relative), curated to my needs and lifestyle.

Why weekly? 
A few 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. I may not post detailed reviews, but will at least try to include a weekly recap (probably at the end of the week) of what products I like and which ones didn't work for me.  If weekly works for you, great. If not, feel free to join in based on what works best for you.

What if I don't have enough products to fit the theme for a full face?

No need for your entire makeup capsule to fit the weekly theme(s). Just one 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. 

[itsfi]

Oh, I like that approach @missjeanie. You're inspiring me to mask tonight when I post my capsule for this coming week. Better go pick out a sheet mask now and place it somewhere where it will job my memory to use it tonight.

[missjeanie]

Week 4 recap... I had a major miss this week, but overall was quite happy with this weeks capsule.  I kept this basket right on my counter and remarked daily how nice it was not to think about what I was picking out in the morning, yet I was still giving a bit more love to some older products.  

Spoiler

YSL Palette -- Quite enjoyed this one, I used it five days this week and I'm reminded about how I can do a quick one shadow look with my fingers. This palette can get lost amongst others and I'm glad I pulled it out.  I'm going to try and pull out a variety of palettes that just don't get used as much as they should with this challenge. 

Tower 28 Mascara -- This one is about done.  I may use it once or twice next week then toss it in my January empties. I liked it more than I thought I would given my preference for a fat traditional wand style.  I don't think I'd seek it out again, but if mini's make their way to me, I ain't mad. 

Base products - The Dior Backstage concealer is done!  I used this three days as both concealer and foundation.  I liked this concealer just fine, but since I've had it I've found others that I much prefer.  Won't likely purchase again, but I'm not mad at it.  The Cle de Peau concealer stick is just so good.  Great coverage, blends easily, works with a brush or fingers, works first thing in the morning or as a touch up after work.  It's going back in my purse make up bag.  The MUFE powder foundation... is the one thing I was disappointed with this week.  It usually lives in my make up bag in my purse and I LOVE it for swiping on some all over coverage after work if I'm going out.  It gives my complexion a great boost after it gets looking tired.  I was trying to use it as my powder this week and it was just too heavy to use as a setting powder.  My under eyes were looking cakey and haggard, the shade is too dark for under eyes as well.  I had to give up on this and pull out another setting powder after 3 days.  This  is a great example of how some products are good for some things and not others.  The OH colour corrector was fine.  Quick to use, I can put it on right out of the tube. VB Stick Blush is same... quick, easy to use right out of the tube and can blend with fingers. 

Lip Products -- All were great, I knew going in that I enjoyed all of these.  Oh... the Stila liner is a bit of a paler colour than I'd like so I may try to pan this one this year. 

[Mellmars1185]

@missjeanie Congratulations on finishing your concealer! I am still trying to develop a better opinion on the OH stick. I feel like it would be better if mixed with the banana shade but I can't justify purchasing it right now.

[missjeanie]

@Mellmars1185 Lol... I have two shades and I did like it better when I mixed them, but with my higher coverage concealers they're working well with either shade.  I think I'm going to try a new corrector during spring sale season, but the portability of this type of stick is just so handy. I'm quite happy there are so many corrector options these days.... but now I can't choose which new ones to try!  Are you able to make it into a store to swatch both shades together?

[Mellmars1185]

@missjeanie Yes I can definitely make a trip to Sephora to try that out. It is about a 15 minute drive. I will try that out 😊. Thank you!

[greeneyedgirl107]

@missjeanie pretty palette!

[missjeanie]

@greeneyedgirl107 Thanks!  I kinda forgot that I had it until digging around for this challenge.  So glad I've now re-connected with it!

[ather]

@missjeanie  Sounds like a pretty good week other than the powder. It’s good you tried it out tho! If you didn’t try you wouldn’t know it wasn’t going to work!! 

[missjeanie]

@ather Yes!  The only way to find out is to play around a bit.... It's still great as a touch up powder after a long day of work so it can go back to living it's life out in my purse lol

[itsfi]

@missjeanie, is it weird that I'm getting so much joy from reading everyone's recaps? I have absolutely loved reaching about what people have learned about products - whether oft reached for beauties or ones that people have rediscovered in connection with putting together their capsules, what they've learned about their collections, about what works for them, gap areas that need to be filled, etc. I also really enjoy hearing how it makes folks' morning easier with their makeup picked out. I know for myself that has been such a treat from these capsules. I feel less rushed and feel good about the makeup I pick, even when there are misses. 

When I first read that you were disappointed with the MUFE powder foundation, my initial reaction was "ohhhh noooo!" But then I thought about it more and thought, "no, wait; this is part of what this challenge is about." Finding what works and what doesn't; or, to your point, what works when. Not all products will work in every instance and you are so right - some products are good for some things and not others. I'm excited to see what you'll curate for your best of capsule! 

[missjeanie]

@itsfi I'm loving reading all the recaps as well!  I know I won't be able to do the challenges every week but I'm going to really try for most weeks.  I have way too much stuff that isn't being used and that's just sad.  I've tried so far to pick out products that are a mix of 'ohhhh yaaaaaaa, I do own that' and things I know I'm into at the moment.  And while I've always had a bit of a capsule (Okay it was a box the size of a shoe box that just got stuffed and got emptied when it was too full) going in my washroom for my morning routines, it had a tendency to get clogged up with new things and wasn't great at rotating in older products.  Having just a handful of things to grab at in the morning is a joy for me.  I'm only half awake when I do my skincare, makeup and hair in the morning and I'm someone who needs to get all that done in the 30 minutes between getting out of bed and into the car to go to work.  Speed and ease are everything! lol

The MUFE was disappointing, but I also just had to realize, powder foundation isn't really made to set our under eyes with.. it's okay for it to be a fantastic touch up powder in my purse and not a setting powder for my mornings.   

I'm trying to pick out my next week right now... I have a box I've been putting all the products into after the week is up and am rummaging through it. Lips is the hard part.  So many wonderful choices.  I can't see what everyone else ends up picking... I might narrow down some products based on everyone's choices this week for my 'capsule challenge made me do it' spring sale list.

[itsfi]

@missjeanie, my plan for weeks where I can't do an entire capsule in step with the theme is to just include what I can and supplement with one or more of the following other category or types of products - (1) things from my pan it! challenge; (2) tried-and-true products, / staples in my collection, and/or (3) products that fell within the "undecided" camp in previous weeks. I know I won't have enough products for the Lunar New Year theme by itself but it'll be good to supplement with some of these other products. 

[itsfi]

Week 4 Recap: The "On The Go!" Makeup Capsule

The "On The Go!" Capsule: The Everyday Edit. My work-week makeup, with the exception that I switched between the Guerlain and Rare Beauty face primers.

On The Go! Makeup Capsule - The Weekend Edit. This is what I have on my face at the moment - keeping it simple for the weekend!

Week in Review: Timing-wise, this week's capsule really came in handy, with some mornings providing opportunities to see these beauties in action literally On The Go! 😉

Spoiler

Beauty All Star(s): 
⭐ MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Linen - quick, easy, evens tones, conceals redness (from sneezing and blowing my nose)
⭐ NUDESTIX Nudies Glow Cream Highlighter Stick Hey, Honey - initially, this was the stick I wasn't sure was going to work. I thought it might be too warm, but it's offered a nice illumination and color to my cheeks - my favorite of the three 
⭐ NARS Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick Thunder Kiss - 115 - apparentely, I've been confusing this shade with another one in my head so whenever I've reached for it this week, I've been surprised that it's the slightly deeper my-lips-but-better shade that it is. It's a pleasant surprise, for sure. 
⭐ Gucci Brume de Beauté Beauty Mist 2.7 oz / 80 mL continues to be a favorite. 💗 My skin was a bit more dry and dehydrated this week - I'm getting over being under the weather and wasn't hydrating as well as I should have been. This mist refreshed my skin and also helped with the application of the Merit foundation/concealer over the extra dry areas.

Undecided:
❓NUDESTIX Nudies Matte Cream Bronzer Bondi Bae - this shade is a little too yellow for my liking and skin tone. I prefer a bronzer with more of a red undertone. For now, I'm going to keep this in my stash and will try playing around with it every so often. Or, looking for a way to repurpose it. Putting this in the "revisit later in the year" camp. 
❓ Wondering if Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Mini Pore Diffusing Primer- Always An Optimist Collection 0.50 oz./15 mL would perform better on my skin in the springtime. Gonna hold tight to this one for more testing.

Relocated:
🏠 I have a feeling that, at some point, many of the beauties from this On The Go! capsule will be included in my rotating makeup bag at the office. Going to include a few items into this upcoming week's Best of capsule so we shall see. Stay tuned!

Decluttered: 
🗑 Nothing at the moment. 

Excited to hear how this week's "On The Go!" capsule worked out for everyone; and seeing what your best ofs for the month will be. We're at the end of January - how?!! 😲 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi I am glad the Merit stick has helped you out. I hope you are feeling better. I have been using it as Foundation this whole time. I should try it as a concealer because I was finding it a bit heavy as Foundation.

[itsfi]

@Mellmars1185, thank you. I'm feeling better; it seems that the first couple of days it was a bug and the lingering cough had more to do with being around all the dust from the house remodel. I was going over every night after work to clean. They're still working on different rooms so I'm just going to wait until they are completely done and then have a company come in to clear out the dust and sawdust, and then I'll do a deeper clean - I'll probably wear a covid mask to help block out dust. How are you feeling? Are you fully recovered?

Right now, my favorite combo with the Merit is to use the Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation as my foundation and the MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Linen as a spot concealer over any redness or discoloration I have. What are you using to prep / prime your skin before using the Merit a foundation. I've found that the formula is thinner / easier to spread if my skin is well moisturized, either with a traditional primer or with skincare - either a moisturizer or oil. Or, even the Gucci mist has helped it to spread and not feel as heavy as when I don't use a primer.

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Oh, I am glad you're doing better now. It sounds like you are going to have a beautiful new space. I bet the wait will be worth it! I am better now, thank you. Whatever I had knocked me out for a full week, and I just have a bit of a cough and headaches. I am not sure if the headaches are now weather related. It has been gloomy and grey here all of January and now into February. I was using an SPF also with the Merit. When I try it again, I will use the Skinfix serum with my spf and use the Merit as a concealer. I don't know why I didn't try it as a concealer before. Actually I recently I am much more into concealer. I used to be afraid to wear it because of creasing, but I have that figured out now. I am excited to give this a try again!

[ather]

@itsfi  Sounds like you had a great week overall!! It’s such a great way to try other products you may have been passing over!!! I can’t wait to see what you picked out this week! 

[itsfi]

@ather, I feel like the week goes by more smoothly when I have my capsule put together - the mornings are definitely easier. I've been rethinking a few things with my approach to curating my weekly capsules; I may make some adjustments with the February capsules - if I like the current way I'm doing it better, I can always go back to it. 

[missjeanie]

@itsfi It's funny that I have the opposite issue with the NARS Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick Thunder Kiss - 115 , in my head it's always a super dark red.... but in real life it's quite wearable for me. 

Curious to see what makes it into your Best Of week!

[itsfi]

Oh no, that's what I meant too @missjeanie! In my head I think it's a deep, dark red, the kind that makes me think I'll wear it but not go outside because it's too bold (though very beautiful) a shade for me to pull off. Then I look at the tube and put it on and it's MLBB-plus, but not too plus, just plus enough - lololol

I think I'm going to pad my Best Of capsule with more lip products. Because ... that would be more fitting for me. 🤣

[cianni]

My capsule that I’ve been using this week! Although I’m currently on leave, an on-the-fly (or in the car) capsule is just what I need these days! It also gave me an excuse to use this super cute MAC bag - it zips from the top and the bottom into separate compartments, so one side is face and the other side is eyes/lips!

products in spoiler ☺️

Spoiler

MAC Cosmetics Macstack Mascara - not my fave mascara, but it doesn’t leave product all over my lids when I apply, so it does work for quick applications! 

REFY Brow Sculpt Shape and Hold Gel with Lamination Effect 0.28 oz/ 8.5 mL - translucent is definitely my friend when it comes to on the go makeup. I also love how put together my brows look with this product, even without adding color

Smashbox Primer Water - extra hydration and adds dewiness back to my face! It plays well with a powder foundation. 

NYX Born to Glow Concealer in Medium - puff applicator and it easily blends with my fingers, plus it doesn’t dry down too quickly so I can work with it!

L’Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Powder
Foundation in 220 Sand - adds just a bit of coverage that can be built up, plus it comes with an applicator sponge and a mirror, so it was a no brainer for this capsule!

Touch in Sol No Pore-blem Primer - this one doesn’t really fit in the bag, but I apply in the mornings and it just smoothes everything out, and makes for an easier quick makeup application later. It also is translucent so mistakes are undetectable!

Buxom Power Line™ Plumping Lip Liner in Hush Hush Henna - this doubles as a liner or an all over lip color, plus it includes a brush! This is a MLBB type of shade, so even with a rushed application, you can’t really tell if it gets messy 

LAWLESS Forget The Filler Lip Plumper Line Smoothing Gloss in Rosy Outlook - sheer gloss with just a tint of pink that works well with the liner, or just a quick wash of color on its own! 

ROSE INC Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color Delphine - one of my favourite cream blushes, and in a gorgeous shade. It has a big mirror, and I apply it with my fingers, so no need for extra brushes or sponges. Bonus that it can double as a lip color in a pinch! I don’t normally use it that way, but maybe I’ll try it out as part of this capsule

SKYLAR Pink Canyon Eau de Parfum Rollerball 0.33 oz/ 10 mL - a mini I had in my collection that neeeded some love. I first tried it while pregnant and was not a fan at all, but I find it’s smelling differently to me now that I’m not!