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 40 - (September 30 - October 6) - The "Pop of Colour": Fall Edit Makeup Capsule and/or The Musician Founded or Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule - Hey BIC! Fall is in full swing. Show us some pop of fall color, be it lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, etc. Shouting out @missjeanie for the great theme suggestion and @cianni who I think mentioned earlier in the year some fall-worthy red lippies in her collection. ‌‌

With the American Music Awards airing on October 6, thought it might be a fun way to jazz up the prompts with a capsule consisting of one or more products from beauty brands founded or owned by musicians. See spoiler for non-exhaustive list.

Spoiler

Below are some musician founded or owned makeup brands. This is a non-exhaustive list. Brands with an asterisk (*) next to it are available at Sephora (in store or online, or both). If the founder/owner is not easily identifiable by the brand name, his/her/their name appears in the parens.

about-face (Halsey)

Dolly Beauty (Dolly Parton)
*Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
*GXVE by Gwen Stefani
*Haus Labs by Lady Gaga
Keys Soulcare (Alicia Keys)
*Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
R.E.M. Beauty (Ariana Grande)
Victoria Beckham Beauty

Upcoming Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 10.2.2024] Take a sneak peek at the weekly themes to come.

Spoiler

Week 41 (October 7 - 13) - The "Dynamic Duos (or Trios)" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Products with Interesting / Attention-Grabbing Names" Makeup Capsule 

Are there certain combinations of products that are just so exceptionally well suited for you, be it a go-to lip liner and lipstick pairing, or a smokey eye and red lip combination that slays, or a blush and highlighter mix that makes your cheeks pop? Curate a capsule that incorporates your all-star beauty combinations. and/or 

Put together a capsule with products bearing interesting or attention-grabbing names. I'll leave it to you to define what falls within the definition of "interesting" or "attention-grabbing".

Week 42 (October 14 - 20) - The "Makeup I'm Thankful For" Makeup Capsule and/or The Do Over / Take 2 Makeup Capsule - 

In celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving (October 14), put together a capsule this week of 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 can't be without
• because it holds sentimental or nostalgic value to you
• other

OR, use the week to repeat or "do over" a past makeup capsule or capsule theme. Consider posting the look you do over on the Makeup Challenge of the Week 2021/2022/2023/2024 thread.

Additional October themes can be found here - October 2024 Makeup Capsule Themes

Previous Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 9.30.2024]

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

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. 

[heartsmyface]

@peculiarzmakeup  I love that Kosas!  Now I’m second guessing my choices!  😁. Good thing I don’t physically have to commit to a capsule!  

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you! That’s a great point! Flexibility and what finds you in the moment is key! Love that outlook 🫶💄 @heartsmyface 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Makeup Capsule General Thoughts

Below is some notes I took on what helps me decide my capsule will post this weeks theme capsule in another post I was reading the top post and I guess just started writing haha I’d thought I’d share! Does anyone have ways they determine what goes in capsule.

Shop My Stash

• Creating a template to assess current needs, good fits, and what works.
• Writing a category list with all products that fit (for instance blush (4) I have 4 blushes)
• List products

What to Keep

Does this product provide,

1. Comfort and consistency
2. Reliability across the board
3. Work well with other makeup I generally use

Declutter

• Assess by category and condition

Checklist to declutter

• How often do I use this product and on what occasions?

• Which products just don’t work for me? Can they become workable in different conditions? @itsfi mentioned weather or occasion I loved this.

• What makes a product a good fit for me?

Save for another day

• Participate and plan ahead for makeup challenges in BIC community
• Preplan a look with uncommonly used items in stash
• Ask for suggestions and find inspiration in community

✨✨✨💕

[caitbird]

@peculiarzmakeup  I love this, it seems like you have such a great organized, well thought out system for planning a capsule! I really need to start being more organized about planning my capsules and makeup looks, since it is getting a little difficult keeping everything straight in my head. For example, I try to think,

- what products would work for this week's capsule theme

+ what products would work for this week's makeup challenge of the week/cheek challenge of the week

+ what products can I incorporate that I am trying to use for this year's project pan

+ what products haven't I used yet/in a while, etc.

A first step would probably be inventorying my collection, which is going to be...a project 😅

[itsfi]

@caitbird @peculiarzmakeup, I often do my inventorying on parallel tracks - as I pull out products to use which this year means as I'm curating my weekly capsules and then grabbing a drawer or bin full of product and cataloging. In addition to that, I catalog new products as close to in real time as I can from when I receive them. 

As I go through items, if there's something that catches my eye for a future capsule or challenge, I'll make a note, either on my computer or phone. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

I love these prompts those are such great questions to ask! Yeah I definitely find a lot of hidden gems when I do the challenges because sometimes it makes me take out and play around with stuff I don’t typically use, give yourself time to sort! It could be really fun to go through! Turn on a tune if need be, you got this! ❤️ @caitbird 

[caitbird]

@peculiarzmakeup @itsfi  thank you for the encouragement! 💜 With my beauty inventory project, I am trying to just work on a little at a time every day. Going through everything I have, and being reminded of what I have, is definitely giving me some ideas for future capsules, and project pan too!

[peculiarzmakeup]

That sounds like a great strategy 💜 @caitbird 

[CynthieLu]

I really like your layout for your thoughts and approach here. 💪🗒️ @peculiarzmakeup This will make capsule curation a lot smoother a process I think and way more productive to your end goals.  Hum... I think I need a more organized approach. 😅

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much! I think writing things down helps a lot but then life happens so I try to do it In my head. I appreciate it ❤️ @CynthieLu 

[itsfi]

@peculiarzmakeup, that's a nice process you have for shopping your stash and deciding whether something should be taken out of your collection. I don't have a set way of determining what goes into my capsules - it typically depends on what I have going on that week. I tend to use the capsules for most of my work week looks more than anything (it's easy and convenient), but have lately been trying to creat a subcapsule or mini capsule from that group for a more minimalist look over the weekend. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

I like the idea of a mini capsule, that is such a great concept. Thank you 😊 @itsfi 

[danielledanielle]

This is so thought out @peculiarzmakeup 

I feel like each week I either blank out or get chaotically enthusiastic 🤣

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that ❤️ lol it’s definatley difficult to apply in the moment but planning it out sometimes helps! I totally get what you mean ☺️ @danielledanielle 

[caitbird]

WEEK 28 (July 8 - 14) - The "If I Were To Curate My Ultimate Makeup Capsule" Makeup Capsule (aka The "These are My Favorite Products" Makeup Capsule)

Tbh, this is less of a capsule exactly and more of "a collection of my faves in each category" - i.e. I wouldn't wear all of these products at the same time. A few were included partly because I am working on them for my Project Pan 2024 goals, and a couple are new (or new-to-me at least) but already looking like strong contenders for the top of their respective categories. Breakdown by category & tags below: ⬇️

Spoiler

*primer: Milani Supercharged Dewy Skin Primer (my HG) & a new fav, ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr Secure the Blur Makeup Magnet Primer 1.18 oz/ 35 mL - while I still love the Milani primer, I am loving the OS primer this summer for when I want something a little more mattifying.
*base: Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint for Dewy Sheer Coverage G12 & Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundation 125  (new) - depending on whether I want a more no-makeup look or more coverage; the Fenty foundation is new, but so far I'm quite happy with it.
*serum/oil tint: Glossier Futuredew Facial Oil-Serum Hybrid 1 oz / 30 mL  - I use this every time I do my makeup, it's definitely a HG for me. I like to mix a pump with my base and add a drop or two to each cheek.
*concealer: Glossier Stretch Concealer G12 (project pan) & a new fav, NATASHA DENONA Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Medium to Full Coverage Crease Proof Serum Concealer ...  - I have loved the Glossier concealer for a while, but have recently been trying and really impressed by the ND, which has more coverage but is still lightweight.
*blush: Glossier Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush Puff  & PATRICK TA Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo She's That Girl  (new) - the Cloud Paint is probably my favorite liquid blush, although I haven't used it much in a while bc I've been working on another for project pan; the PT is new but I am really liking it so far.
*highlighter: Rituel de Fille Rare Light Creme Luminizer Ghost Light & Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter Enlighten  - my favorite cream & powder highlighters respectively, both so beautiful!
*setting powder: Hourglass Veil™ Translucent Setting Powder - Talc Free Translucent  - this one is the only setting powder I've tried so far and had a bit of a learning curve, but I now consider it essential for full-face days.
*setting spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray Standard Size - 4 oz/ 118 mL  - there are a couple of other setting sprays I'd still like to try, but I've been quite happy with this one so far.
*brows: MILK MAKEUP KUSH Fiber Eyebrow Gel Dub  & Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Brow Wiz® Ultra-Slim Precision Brow Pencil Caramel  - the Milk makeup brow gel narrowly edges out another longtime favorite, Glossier Boy Brow; for lighter makeup days I just use the brow gel alone.
*eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original  & Natasha Denona Xenon palette (project pan) or Danessa Myricks Lightwork V: I Am palette (project pan) - I have oodles of eyeshadow singles and palettes in pretty much every color in my collection, so it was hard to narrow it down, but I chose these two palettes as both are favorites, and both are included in this year's Project Pan, so I reach for them regularly.
*mascara: Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Mascara (my HG) & Glossier Lash Slick Lift and Lengthening Mascara Brown (not pictured) - the Milani is my all-time favorite mascara, and I like the Glossier for no-makeup makeup looks.
*lips: Glossier Balm Dotcom Lip Balm and Skin Salve  or Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer  (not pictured) or Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid  (not pictured) or Glossier G Suit Soft Touch Matte Liquid Lip Crème  (not pictured) - some of my favorite lip products in their respective categories, I have each in many colors and use them frequently.

Here is a look I did the other day using many of these products, including both eyeshadow palettes (and some others):

thank you to @itsfi  as always for this fun challenge/thread! It's been so much fun this week to see everyone's favorite products!

[danielledanielle]

I love both the look and the flat lay @caitbird 

[caitbird]

@danielledanielle  thank you! 💜

[itsfi]

What is this gorgeousness?!!! 😍

"this is less of a capsule exactly and more of "a collection of my faves in each category"" Hmmm... interesting @caitbird; I feel like that is exactly what a capsule should / can be. Just my personal opinion. Yes, capsules, like a wardrobe capsule or a makeup capsule has often been taken to mean or suggest something very small. But, small doesn't necessarily mean 5 items ... says the gal with 75 products in her current "ultimate makeup capsule collection" in July. 🤣

Right now, I don't know what the outside number will be for my capsule collection but I'm low-key aiming to carve out from that larger capsule collection a group of oh ... say ... twenty <<said while squinting my eyes and wincing>> that will be my "core" capsule, the things I tend to reach for often, the tried-and-true, can't be without. And, as I write that, I think "are we sure 20 will be enough, Fi???" Hahaha! 

Okay, back to the capsule and photo. 

Capsule - what, what, WHAAAT is that I see - that Glossier cloud paint looks like it's going to make its way to the Empties - V2 thread at some point, possibly this year. That is some major usage in the works. Excellent! Hmmm, I'm now intrigued by the ONE/SIZE primer, at least for later this summer. I may need to try a sample - mattifying is something I look for in the warmer season but too mattifying and my skin isn't happy. Making a note...

Photo - The placement and use of the flowers and jewelry against that wood desk/table and the lighting strikes a lovely mood; I love the ambience to it. That bee pin is super cute and I find the bracelet in the lower left hand corner to be very pretty. 😍

btw, you look fantastic! Love the eye and lip shades - so jelly how well you wear those pinks and red eye shades. 

[caitbird]

@itsfi  thank you so much! 💜 this was a fun capsule to do. I guess you're right, I suppose I just have this idea in my head that "capsule" means something more pared-down, but after all, it means what we decide it means.

I kind of didn't realize how much of the Cloud Paint I had used up until I looked at this picture, haha. And I have been really liking the One/Size primer for this hot weather we've been having, when I am worried about looking too shiny. I like it because it's not *too* mattifying, which I don't like, but it still helps keep that excess shine at bay.

Thank you! I tried to make my capsule flat lay look a little more interesting and pretty. I've used flowers in my photos before, but this time I thought, why not add some jewelry too for a little sparkle?

[itsfi]

I love the addition of the jewelry @caitbird. The pieces are unique and they provide a glimpse into your style, who you are - I love that so much when a photo does that. 📸

[caitbird]

@itsfi  that's such a fun way to look at it, I love that! 💜