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. 

[itsfi]

It’s so cuuuuuute, isn’t it @faithnmoore?!! Ooouh, the Happy blush shade is such a beautiful shade. 😍 The new pressed powder looks good; it feels so velvety smooth. 

[CynthieLu]

Oh em gee that's sweet!! @itsfi 💖 😍

[itsfi]

It’s such a fun accessory @CynthieLu; larger than I expected. It’s puffy and soft like the full size bag. 

[itsfi]

Rounding out Week 37 with my review of the beauties in The Runway Inspired Makeup Capsule. What a week! 

Top Shelf:

Here are some new ones to add, though I'm wondering if I've already mentioned them being part of the Top Shelf collection. [NOTE: just wanted to make clear that for me, all products that are GOATs for me are products I'd have on my Top Shelf, but not all products that are Top Shelf are GOATs. Hope that makes sense; if not, I can explain more.]

🏆  Urban Decay Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation - I don't know if I've designated this a Top Shelf product; making a note to self - Self, go through and update list of Top Shelf products. This is my go-to in the matte-finish, medium-coverage, waterproof foundation category. I know, very specific, but I don't foresee me having very many matte foundations in my ultimate makeup capsule collection. This and one, possibly two, others will likely make the list at the end of the year.

🏆  Tower 28 Beauty eyelash curler - it's my favorite eyelash curler at the moment. It's a smidge clunky to transport but a small price to pay for something that fits the natural curve of my lashline, doesn't pinch and curls my lashes without putting a crimp in them. 

🏆  Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Brightening Pencil - Light I - I imagine you're probably tired of seeing this in my capsules, week in and week out, but I love, love, looooove this pencil. It really is a tragedy that it took me so long to really put it to use, as it's been discontinued - of course, it has. In that sense, I won't be in a position to repurchase it so GOAT status but this definitely has a place on my Top Shelf.

Standouts: 

😍   Gotta shout out the Westman Atelier Lip Suede Lipstick Palette Les Nudes again - I've really been reaching for this more than I ever thought I would. Good thing, too, as it's part of this year's project pan

😍  Other standouts are these Canmake cream blushes. And yes, @danielledanielle, I'm less fearful of the terracotta shade. Less. I need to be mindful to go in lightly and layer, if and as needed, because a little can go a long way. There was a morning this week where I was in a rush and oops! Needless to say, a rushed morning became an even more rushed morning. Works best if I apply and sheer out with my fingers; a brush helps to diffuse and blend the color even more.

Undecided:

🤔   Didn't get a chance to use the Danessa Myricks Color Fix because I was still finishing my foil sample of the Urban Decay eyeshadow primer from last week - a little of that goes a long way and there's a lot of product in the foil packet. I'm undecided because I currently have 2 eyeshadow primers that I really like using, with one being a GOAT for me. Does a gal really need a third??

Declutters: 

🗑  None this week. We're holding at 3 for the month. 

I really had some top notch beauties with this week’s capsule. 😍 I plan to continue using the Canmake cream blushes and Tower 28 eyelash curler this weekend, but will be swapping out a few of the other pieces - not because they're not good, but I have some other products, including new / new-to-me items, that I've been meaning to test out. Will be back in a couple of days with my week 38 capsule. 

[danielledanielle]

@itsfi I have blown out a blush or two, 😆, I just lean into it and clean it up when I get the chance.  Until then it's  "Yeah, I meant to do that"  Blush blindness? I say it's BLUSH BOLDNESS.

I really like all the swatches, but 19 without blending is ooohhooohhh.  Both blended out are great, too

Spoiler

I don't know if this helps, but I've also used diffusion to drag a blush upwards, but I use a lighter color.  It helps marry the complexion products better.

 

 

Here I used Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight Captivate  as a blush and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Virtue to soften.  I use the glazed cheeks technique and then diffuse it with my foundation brush I used so it blends the color and complexion

I then set the upper part with a powder, using NARS Talc-Free Powder Blush Dolce Vita – 888 as they are lighter and build up-able (?)

[itsfi]

This is incredible @danielledanielle! 😍 Thank you, thank you! 

After a break for the summer, BIC University is back in session, loooove it! This should be on the curriculum for 
🏫🎓BIC University 🎓🏫 

You look fab! 

[danielledanielle]

Yes, back to school, indeed @itsfi

I can def put it there, or somewhere. Need to update! Will update!

Also, thanks!  I've been leaning into some new style choices as of late.  Inspo stitch incoming!

[peculiarzmakeup]

Another amazing and reflective capsule @itsfi , these are so informative I think what you said made sense! I like how organized and how you describe what works. When I read capsules when I first read the group thread I thought about the ones you would put away for a while and then come back to in time,  I hope you archive these! Scrapbook! These are so fun to watch unfold. Beautiful swatches! ❤️ 

[itsfi]

Ohhh, time capsule @peculiarzmakeup. My brain is coming up with ideas for a future capsule theme  - thank you! 😃 I’ll be sure to tag you. Fun! 

I’ve had a blast with these capsules - shopping my stash has been fabulous. Not to mention eye opening. 😳 Though sometimes I’m sorry I looked. 🫣 It has made me think about how I acquire so much and I feel like I have a slightly better handle with impulse purchasing and how to curb it (when I need to or know it’s better to pass). I’ve yet to perfect it. A work in progress but it’s been nice seeing some progress along the way. 😅

[peculiarzmakeup]

I love seeing each one! Inspired 🫶 I love seeing everyone’s unique picks and thoughts for the week. I sometimes have a tad difficulty keeping on top of it and would like to be more consistent more cause of are there certain things that help you plan? Thank you so much for this thread ❤️ @itsfi 

[itsfi]

That's so nice of you to say @peculiarzmakeup; thank you. 

Usually for my weekly capsules, I don't really start thinking about putting anything together until the weekend before. My current bare minimum for makeup would be:

* concealer and/or skin tint, depending on what's going on with my skin

* a lip product (at least one, lol)

* eyelash curler

* Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Brightening Pencil - Light I 

For the most part, I work around my bare minimum and add to it, depending on the theme, what I have going on that week, and if there's anything in my current stash (or, that I've purchased, oops! lol) that I really want to try. I try to find at least one thing that fits the theme (or that I can make fit into the theme). 

If I happen to have something I really want to try for a particular week, I'll put it in a small bin so I don't forget. This also goes for if there's a product I'm using in a certain week that I want to continue using - at the end of the week, I'll drop it in that same bin, again, so I don't forget. From there, I just do a mental checklist over the weekend and grab items from my stash - to put into the bin. My mental checklist is basically as follows, but if I'm not feeling like any product on the list, I just skip it.

• Complexion = foundation + concealer + setting product + (optional: primer)
• Eyes - Makeup by Mario liner (or substitute) + eyelash curler + (and the following are optional - primer + eyeshadow + liner (upper lash line) + brows + undereye concealer, and maybe, under eye corrector)
• Cheeks - usually bronzer or blush + (optional - highlight + bronzer/blush, whichever I didn't choose)
• Lips - lip balm + whatever I'm in the mood for. My lip collection is by far the largest of all my makeup items, and I'm 99.99999% sure I'll be able to satisfy the theme with something in my stash from this group of products.

This type of system or routine works for me because I haven't been switching up my basics very often, or, if I do, something like my foundation and concealer choices are usually (80-90% of the time) chosen from the same 3-6 products. So that's pretty much already set, unless I decide I want to try something new or revisit something I haven't reached for in some time. Then I see what, if anything, I've set aside in the bin as wanting to use. After that, it's just running through my mental checklist and grabbing things from my stash. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much I appreciate you sharing what has worked for you in prepping. I think the weekend before is a good idea and I like how you have a bin to remind you. I like how you utilize a bare minimum format and add to it that helps to narrow down to the theme. I love this! It’s so helpful, it’s so neat to see how everyone formulates their capsules! @itsfi 

[itsfi]

100% agree, @peculiarzmakeup - it is fun seeing everyone's capsule and learning about how folks go about putting theirs together! Even though we have a process or system that works for us and our lifestyle, collection size, etc., it is so interesting to see what people do and pick up tips along the way. If you come up with a system that works for you, definitely let us know.

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you. I definitely will! This is so fun 🙂 @itsfi 

[CynthieLu]

They way you talk about Makeup By Mario's brightening pencil, I wish I'd seen more from it when it was still around. Ahhh, we all read about so many loved products go the discontinued route but it does sound like it was a really good one. So many of them disappeared ones were. 💔

I think we all feel that way a little about our beloved capsule repeats 😉 I know I've felt like I've put a few (or more than a few 🙈) items in many times now, but they reappear for a good reason, we love them! 

[itsfi]

Ahhh, I see a future capsule theme from your reply @CynthieLu 🤩 Will tag you when it hits the schedule. 

Yes, yes; there are just certain products that bear repeating. Capsule repeats speak volumes! I always love seeing what makes more than just a guest appearance in everyone’s capsules. 😍

[CynthieLu]

Oh my gosh, following the last capsule feels impossible. I'm still got my stars in my eyes from the layout, the photos and the pretty bag. 😍😉 But here we go!

This week I leaned into the BIC Inspired Theme. It really is one I love. 💖 I have found and learned so much from this community over the years and it shows throughout my entire collection.

The products I chose this week are:

 

Product deets and inspo in spoiler:

👌👌

Spoiler

Natasha Denona's Retro Palette was my *first ever* ND palette. It was the whole BIC that put this brand on my radar, I never heard or knew of her before. The ND available locally was practically non existent at the time. ( completely non existent now 😅) The What are you wearing today Pt2 thread showcasing everyone using her palette's was a huge motivation.  

⭐ DIOR Forever Glow Star Filter Multi-Use Complexion Enhancing Booster 2N was @faeriegirl
💚Dr. Jart+ Cicapair ™ Tiger Grass Camo Drops Color Corrector SPF 35 1 oz / 30 mL @missjeanie 
❤️ Westman Atelier Lip Suede Hydrating Matte Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid Minx  @lmaster @SportyGirly125 and @Mellmars1185 
✨ Gucci Brume de Beauté Beauty Mist 2.7 oz / 80 mL 
@itsfi @heartsmyface 
🧡 Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Lift & Flex Hydrating Concealer With Hyaluronic Acid & Caffeine 4 
@WinglessOne 
🩷 Fenty's Holiday Lip Luminizer @danielledanielle 
💜Burberry Weekend a friend 
🙏 Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Virtue @TeamBIC 🤍🖤

You are all an inspiration to me in so many ways. 💖🙏 

Everything except the huge palette (😅😅) fit inside my chosen bag snuggly. I like these brand bags, they hold so much more than you'd think. Especially something like the Gucci Must, she's not small.

 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Beautiful capsule! I love how it encompasses your experience at BIC and what you found have worked for you. Truly beautiful reflection and thought of this capsule. Great photos too! Thanks for the descriptions these are always helpful in my learning experience. It’s so neat to see everything together 💕 @CynthieLu 

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu, your capsule this week has so many pretties in it! I love that you're using  your first ever Natasha Denona palette - she makes such beautiful palettes! 😍 Speaking of the ND Retro Palette, I like that last photo of it - the light is hitting in such a way that it's casting onto it some taupe, grey, blue, dusty peach watercolor hues that with the beige of the palette cover gives this look that makes me think of a film camera pulling away/fading away, at the end of beach scene where the colors from surf, sand, and sun all sorta come together. 

lol, the Gucci mist is on the larger side, which given the amount of the product, is a good thing. I transfer some of the product into a travel size spritzer. It helps with fitting it into a bag and with not dropping it when pulling it out to use - I'm clumsy so these little adjustments help when a product will inevitable fall out from my bag or slip out of my hands and onto ... desk, floor, etc. 🤣

[CynthieLu]

You made me smile at @itsfi lighting in our apartment is lacking. The light comes in the morning and only from one direction. I feel like if I don't take my pictures at a certain time of day it's just not the same once the natural light is gone. 😅 Thank you! 🙏

Ahhh Retro. I think she will always hold a special place in my collection. I remember how excited I was to use and experiment with this one, and I finally understood what everyone was talking about with the praise her formulas get.  They really are fantastic 😊 

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu, I can relate about lighting being scarce. There was a long period where I would leave the house before the sun was out and got back home long after the sun had set. I will say that I learned how to take photos and set up my shots in a different way during that time - some good lessons and takeaways were had then. A ring light or the light from another phone can be helpful.