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 45 (November 4 - 10) - The Sweater Weather Makeup Capsule and/or The Holidays Savings (Shop The Sale) Makeup Capsule - Curate a capsule that gives you those comfy, cozy vibes for sweater weather season. Or, put together a capsule that shines the spotlight on one or more of your purchases from this year's  Holiday Savings Event. Or, create a capsule that fits both of this week's themes.

Upcoming Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 10.28.2024] Take a sneak peek at the weekly themes to come.

Spoiler

Week 46 (November 11 - 17) -The Time Capsule Makeup Capsule and/or The Awesomely Affordable and/or Spectacularly Splurge-worthy Makeup Capsule - Two fabulous and fun themes to choose from this week. Curate a look with one or more beauty products that have stood the test of time; the beauties you would place in a time capsule - to share with future you, or to preserve for future generations. Thank you so much @peculiarzmakeup for this super creative theme. Love it!

OR, with the holiday sales in full swing (and the Sephora Holiday Savings Event wrapping up on the 11th, show off one or more of your awesome and affordable finds, as well as one or more of the lavishly luxe splurges you picked up during the sale in your makeup capsule this week. 

OR, curate a look with one or more beauty products that have stood the test of time; the beauties you would place in a time capsule - to share with future you, or to preserve for future generations. Thank you so much @peculiarzmakeup for this super fun and creative theme. Love it!

Week 47 (November 18 - 24) - The "Please, Don't Go!" / Discontinued Products Makeup Capsule and/or The Newness Makeup Capsule - Curate a capsule consisting of one or more products that has/have been discontinued or are headed in that direction - can't wait to see what products folks pick for this prompt - which comes courtesy of our very own @CynthieLu - thank you! It'll be so fun to see everyone's selection(s). 

OR, in addition to (or in lieu of) the Discontinued Products capsule, go for a set of makeup products containing one or more new-to-you beauties - it could be an item in your stash that you just haven't had time to get to; or, a new brand for my you; and/or a treat you picked up during the Holiday Savings Event. 

Week 48 (November 25 - December 1) - The Things I'm Thankful For Makeup Capsule and/or The “BIC Inspired” Fall Makeup Capsule - With  Thanksgiving (November 28) in the US taking place this week, let's curate a capsule made up of one or more products you are thankful for, be it: 

• because it was gifted to you by a friend, family or brand
• because it's a HG or a tried-and-true product you just can't be without
• because it holds sentimental or nostalgic value to you
• or, just because

Alternatively, put together a capsule with this season's makeup picks inspired by our phenomenal Beauty Insider Community.  

Previous Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 11.4.2024]

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 (Summer 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

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. 

[ather]

Week 9 best of!!

 I’ve fallen behind on the Capsule thread. But I have still been participating in my own way! 

I am doing the best of February! These products I have been reaching for non stop this month! 

MERIT Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm Bounce 

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick Contentment 

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint with Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane 

LAWLESS Forget the Filler Lip-Plumping Line-Smoothing Tinted Lip Balm Georgie 

caliray come hell or high water clean tubing mascara set 

Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cream Blush Chilly 

SEPHORA COLLECTION Bright Future Gel Serum Under Eye Concealer 

Kosas Air Brow Clear + Clean Lifting Treatment Eyebrow Gel with Lamination Effect 0.13 oz/ 4 g 

[CynthieLu]

You definitely selected the best of the best here @ather 👌💕. I feel like I've seen a lot of these make thier appearances on the monthly favorites thread. 😊

Wonderful choices for your capsule of February faves!

[ather]

@CynthieLu  Thank you!!! 😊 that makes me feel like I’m trendy! Which I never feel. I like it!!! 

[CynthieLu]

You're in tune with what's good @ather 😉🎉 

[cianni]

@ather these are some amazing faves! Happy to see you had such a nice rotation of go to products this month 😀

[ather]

@cianni  Thanks!!! 😊 I’ve been having so much trouble with allergies that I stick with what works for me! 

[Mellmars1185]

@ather Lovely picks. I see a few items from one of the Sephora Favorites sets. I am glad they made them to your monthly favourites. Do you find the Saie blush long lasting?

[itsfi]

@ather, your best of capsule for the month is so well curated. 😍 I spy a lot of fabulous products I enjoy using too - Merit Bounce is a beautiful highlight. 💗 I hadn’t realized caliray did a tubing mascara. 

[itsfi]

Week 9 The February 2024 "Best Of" and/or "On The Chopping Block" Makeup Capsule

A slight change of plans. I was going to put together a capsule with a mix of best of products and those I’m on the fence about, but as I was sorting through my stash, I realized I could do a whole face with just products I’m not sure whether to keep or let go. So, here we have it, this month’s bundle of products on the chopping block. Literally. 😝 Thank you @cianni for this great theme!

Spoiler

🌼PRIMER - The two e.l.f. primers (matte and luminous) were part of a trio set. I’m not sure these matte or luminous versions do anything that the third primer, the original, doesn’t already do (except the luminous formula is slightly more glowy than the original). The Smashbox color correcting primer has been sitting in my desk drawer at work, unused and unloved. Let’s see if my neglect of it is misplaced. 

🌸FOUNDATION  

• Once upon a time, IT Cosmetics Mini CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color Correcting Foundation with SPF 50+ Light was my go-to base product. New similar products have entered the market and I’ve found some I really like/love. Wondering if the IT CC Cream is still one I’d consider a go-to.
  
  
• I have a love-hate relationship with cushion compacts. Let’s see where this IOPE cushion falls on that spectrum. 

🌻CONCEALER - I’m thinking this Revlon 5-in-1 concealer might not make it to the end of the week - I don’t  remember ever buying it, let alone opening it to use. I should probably be worried? 😬 

🌺CHEEKS - 

• I love the convenience of products like this Kaja Face Bento Cream Bronzer, Powder Blush & Highlighter Sculpting Trio 02 Cloud Latte. The colors for the most part seem right up my alley but I’m a smidge nervous about the blush shade - coral crumbs.
  
  
• NUDESTIX Nudies Matte Cream Bronzer Bondi Bae is pretty but not as well suited for my coloring as other bronzers I have. We’ll see how it fares this week. I’ll switch between this one and the one in the Kaja Bento Trio.

🪻 EYE PRIMER

• The Sephora Collection Eye Shadow Primer (has this been discontinued?) has some stiff competition to meet or beat if it wants to keeps a spot in the stash.

🌹EYESHADOW 

• Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Stick Moonstone - love the BB sticks but I’m not such a fan of this shade
  
  
• SEPHORA COLLECTION Sephora Colorful® Eyeshadow - I may have used this a couple of times a while ago; it looks pretty in the pan; let's see if it's a keeper.
  
  
• If either or both of the eyeshadows end up being a pass this week, I’ll bring in the ND Biba palette (from the Pan it! Challenge)

💐EYELINERS

• Kaja Wink Stamp Original Waterproof Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen Original - Ink Black - going to give it an other try. I don’t have an eyeliner on the chopping block so I’ll pair it with different liners from my stash to see how it works out
  
  
• Makeup by Mario put out these liners for the waterline, but I'm not seeing them online. I like these types of products but don’t reach for them as often as I should. 

💮MASCARA

• Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara - I've used it a couple of times for different capsules but wasn’t a fan. Let’s see how it does this week.

🪷 LIPS

• E.l.f. Lip scrub - going to see how this scrub preps my lips.
  
  
• SEPHORA COLLECTION Beauty Amplifier Clear Universal Waterproof Lip Liner 0.04 oz/ 1.2 g - do these work well? We shall find out.
  
  
• Now comes the moment of truth for Tower 28 Beauty OneLiner Lip Liner + Eyeliner + Cheek Pencil Work Of Art  - should it stay or should it go?
  
  
• Tower 28 jelly gloss Magic isn’t one I normally gravitate towards but am wondering how it would pair with Work of Art. Hmmm…
  
  
• (Not pictured) Not on the chopping block but will rotate Westman Atelier Lip Suede Lipstick Palette into the rotation a couple of times this week, to keep things moving on my Pan it! Challenge .

🌷SETTING SPRAY

• MAC Fix+ Stay Over Alcohol Free 16H Setting Spray - it’s an alcohol free formula which intrigues me. Let’s see how it performs.
  
  
• Iconic London Prep-Set-Glow Hydrating Glowy Setting Spray Original - I’m all for a glow (and it sets?) but always forget I have this one which was part of a Sephora Favorites Set, so we shall see how this fares.

Okay, here we go! 

Well lovelies, here's my capsule for this week. I'm curious to know what capules you've curated. 

[CynthieLu]

Best of luck with your Cleaning house Capsule @itsfi 🧹😊

It's funny how much we change, right? Old products we used to swear by get replaced by something even better. I'll be interested to hear the fate of It Cosmetics foundation 😉

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu, it’s definitely a kick to see some of the things I gravitate towards in the past. Some were for because of my skin concerns at the time, some were based on my budget, and others are for a variety of other reasons. I went for the IT CC cream a lot because it covered up my acne without being too heavy. Or as I think about it, without being too heavy compared to what was out there at the time. Who knows CynthieLu, I could have had so much of it on that it looked like a mask to everyone else, but to me it was lighter coverage than what else I tried before. 😂 

[cianni]

@itsfi im so excited to see how this weeks theme plays out for you! That universal lip liner has always intrigued me, although im never quite sold on how it would work… super invested in your thoughts on all these products!

[itsfi]

@cianni, I’m with you on the liner. I picked it up because I wanted to see how it would work. Then didn’t use it much, but I will this week. Will keep you posted. 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Wow! You have come up with a full chopping block capsule. The song is popping in my head with the lyrics "Should I stay or should I go now"...I am sure you can create some beautiful looks with everything. I will be super curious to hear your thoughts on the IT Cosmetics. I have a full unopened bottle waiting to be used. 

[itsfi]

@Mellmars1185, I think it speaks to the size of my stash that I have so many products on the fence that are still there - and probably says a thing or two about how I hold onto things. 😔 Quality over quantity. That's my aim for this whole challenge. Going to figure out what works best for me under different scenarios and try to create a collection consisting of those items and a few others that I enjoy (or that I may have sentimental reasons for keeping). 

I will keep you posted on the IT Cosmetics CC cream. It was the GOAT product years, decades ago. it says it's full coverage and I can see how back then I probably would have been a-okay with a full coverage foundation, but at the same time, I feel like I might have sheered it out just a teensy bit. I'm interested to see if I still like it, at all or as much. 

[ather]

@itsfi  Wow! I like how this took a turn! Such a great idea to have a chopping block! I can’t wait to see what makes or breaks this list!!! 

[itsfi]

Thanks so much @ather! I’m super curious to find out what the findings from this capsule will be. I hadn’t expected to have this many items I was that undecided about (or that I had a hard time letting go of). 

At first I was disappointed with myself for having enough for a full face and then I thought, “well, it’s as good a time as any to chip away at what’s worth keeping and what needs to go.” It’ll be like a jump start on spring cleaning. 😉

Also, putting together the “ultimate” makeup capsule is about what we move out of our collection (and why) as well as what we keep. So there will be some lessons learned along the way that will hopefully mean better decisions in the long run about what I purchase. 

[cianni]

Here is my week of reds! Thoughts on each in spoiler ☺️ I had to double up on some days to make sure I tried them all!

Spoiler

Sephora Collection - I liked this shade on me, and can’t deny that Sephora Collection makes some of the most long wearing (and comfortable) matte liquid lipsticks. This specific one is a little on the old side, so I think I may declutter for that reason, but the formula is SO good, so I’d definitely be interested in picking up other shades, especially when SC is 30% off

NARS - I’ve loved this formula for a long time. For a while, American Woman was my go-to daily lipstick for work. It lasts forever and is very comfortable on the lips. I’ll be keeping this one because it’s a true blue-red, and I’m a fan of the formula. This one was a no brainer, but I’d have to think hard about it if my SC was newer and still in the running!

Tom Ford - took me by surprise, but this might be one of my favourite reds. It’s a little on the berry side, but the formula is gorgeous. I was hoping to not love it as much as I do given the price point, but this is an absolute win on all counts for me.

Loreal - this was disappointing. I remember liking the color, which I still very much do. However, this went on SO patchy. Because it’s a glossier formula, I found it hard to layer to cover over some of the patchy spots. I wanted to like it because of the reasonable price point, but this looked a mess on me, and I don’t love or use it enough to warrant the effort it’ll take to make it work. 

GXVE - I haven’t worn this in a while and I remember liking it more. This one definitely needed a lip liner. I found it to apply patchy on me and it feathered/faded way too easily throughout the day. The shade is pretty, although in real life it pulled a little pinkier on me, and I didn’t love that for myself. I’ve only used this a handful of times, so I’m hoping to pass it onto a relative who may suit it better

MAC (Matte Lipstick) - I’m a huge MAC lipstick fan (I have quite a few in my collection in various formulas), and I wasn’t shocked to enjoy this one as well. This type of red is more what I would gravitate towards. That being said, I do have an almost identical shade in another formulation, so I’m debating decluttering this as well. The only thing holding me back right now is knowing that the MAC matte formula has been discontinued and replaced. I’ll have to try the new formula and see if I like it before decluttering any of my MAC mattes, just in case. 

PMG - this is in my pan project, so I’ll be keeping it, but it’s on its last leg and will be decluttered at the end of this year if it’s not finished. The color is fun, and reminds me of MAC lady danger, which I also own (and forgot may be considered a red). I just want to work through this and move on. I love the formula and how it looks on the lips, but I’ve found that my PMG minis dry out, fall out of their component and break easily. I wouldn’t repurchase the minis, and if it weren’t for the pan project, this would have been binned.

MAC (Powderkiss) - my all time favourite liquid lipstick formula. I love the color, how it feels on the lips, the lasting power, the scent and the powderkiss effect. this is an HG product for me, and is my favourite, most wearable red. 

Revolution - this is one of the most pigmented glosses I have ever tried. The color is a cherry red, and it does leave a bit of a stain. It’s quite pretty on, but it doesn’t last long because it’s a gloss. This is being decluttered because if I’m going for a red, it’s extremely unlikely that I’d be reaching for something glossy. In the event that I do want something shiny in a red, I’d prefer to layer my Glossier Glassy High-Shine Lip Gloss Red on top of one of one of the reds im keeping

 

[itsfi]

@cianni, you may want to rethink doing reds more often - you look stunning in a red lippie. Gorgeous!

[cianni]

@itsfi thank you! Ill have to prioritize these types of shades in the fall, when im more likely to wear them. Perhaps another possible capsule idea? Best of the season/quarter? I find i have some favourites that are definitely seasonal, but i do reach for them when their time comes!

[itsfi]

@cianni, I have some seasonal themes set up already so that could be a great time to showcase your more seasonal lipsticks or makeup. 👍🏼 They could totally work too for the best of the month capsules for the month(s) that fit for the season. Yaaay, there’ll be multiple weeks where you can pull out these beauties. 💄