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 42 (October 14 - 20) - The "Makeup I'm Thankful For" Makeup Capsule and/or The Do Over / Take 2 Makeup Capsule - To celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving (October 14) with our Canadian BIC beauties 🇨🇦, let's curate 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
• or, just because

OR, use the week to repeat or "do over" a past makeup capsule or capsule theme. Consider posting your "Do over" / "Take 2" 🎬 look on the Makeup Challenge of the Week 2021/2022/2023/2024 thread. 😍

Upcoming Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 10.14.2024] Take a sneak peek at the weekly themes to come.

Spoiler

Week 43 (October 21 - 27) - The "How Low Can I Go?" Makeup Capsule and/or The Global Makeup Capsule - Two new themes this week - curate a capsule inspired by one or the other, or both. 

You may be asking, for the "How Low Can I Go?" prompt,  What do you mean by "low", itsfi? Like the green capsule we did back in Week 17 (April, 2024), you tell me what "low" means to you this week. Low can mean:

• minimalist - as in the number of makeup products you will use this week
• budget friendly - are the makeup beauties in this week's capsule awesome and affordable?
• low-key - like this fall's demure makeup trend
• other: your definition of "low" for this capsule prompt

October 24 is United Nations Day, a day that is intended to be "devoted to raising awareness of the goals and achievements of the [United Nations] and gaining support for its work." I imagine so many things can be said here; I am intending that this prompt be an opportunity for folks who so desire to do so, to create a makeup capsule consisting of products or brands from around the world. This can be one or more product. It can be based on a brand with a founder born, raised or based in a country that is different from yours. It can be as simple (a US-based BIC'er including a product from a Canadian brand - e.g., MAC, Cheekbone, Nudestix; or a Canadian-based BIC'er using a product from a US brand) or as diverse as you want to make it (having a product from a brand based in each continent, though probably not Antarctica; a Japanese beauty or Korean beauty based makeup capsule, etc.). 

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

Previous Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 10146.2024]

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

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. 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Thank you so much. The gloss so far has impressed me. I would definitely be tempted to buy a f/s. So you have heard of this brand before?? It is new to me. I will post a look I did later today. I did my first full face of samples today!!

[itsfi]

You did a phenomenal job with your samples @Mellmars1185; the look you created was beautiful - eyes, lips, cheeks, all of it! 😍 

Oh yes, Too Cool For School made one of my all time favorite sheet masks. Then they discontinued it 😩 that was years ago but I’m still sad about it - it contained ceramides before ceramides were as popular as they are now. They have a makeup collection (based on the concept of art class) - this is reminding me I have a couple products from the collection. 

[itsfi]

Oooh, these are some marvelous samples @Mellmars1185! What’s the product in the second pic, next to the MILK primer and below the Westman Atelier sticks? 

Are there any products among these samples you’ve been especially interested in trying?

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Thank you! The mystery item is a sample of lip balms. I will post a close up photo of it soon. I have no idea where I got it from! I am excited to try the K18 hair oil. I have been meaning to try it, but I am working through some full size hair oils. This will be a fun change. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much for coming up with such an amazing theme list for September, this thread is incredibly and I appreciate how much dedication and all your efforts this is my reminder to get more on top of my capsules, thanks @itsfi 

[itsfi]

@peculiarzmakeup, looking forward to seeing your capsules. 

[itsfi]

Week 34 - The Samples Makeup Challenge (with some new-to-me products sprinkled into the mix)

My stash of samples has been waiting for this week. LOL. 

Most of my makeup samples are of foundations or fragrances, neither of which are in short supply as far as full size products go. I love being able to test to see how well a shade matches my skin tone and how the product performs throughout the day. Product are tagged or listed in the spoiler sections; items with an asterisk (*) next to its name means this week is the first time I am using the product.

COMPLEXION:

Spoiler

Primer - 

MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide 1.52 / 45 mL - I've tried a full size before and it hasn't agreed with my skin (though I do enjoy the setting spray from the line). My skin has changed over the 12-18 months to being more normal-to-dry so we'll see whether my skin feels differently about this primer now.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base Primer & Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid - not a sample size. This is a GOAT primer for me in the cooler seasons (which it has been despite it technically being summertime). Adding it to this week's capsule in the event the MILK doesn't work out or I run out of it.

This particular Dior packet includes a blister packet of DIOR Dior Forever Glow Veil Makeup Primer 1oz / 30ml and several shades of their foundation. Both I have in full sizes; both, in fact, have been repurchased over the years, though this sample packet is of the new formulation.

Foundation -
DIOR Dior Forever Skin Glow Hydrating Foundation is a well loved foundation. At some point I'll need to do a battle of the medium-coverage hydrating glowy foundations in my stash.

*Cle de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation - I've used different foundations from this brand but have yet to try the Radiant Cream Foundation ... until now. My wallet is definitely not wanting me to like this one. 💸 

Valentino Very Valentino 24 Hour Long Wear Liquid Foundation LN4 - looking forward to seeing if I can find a good shade match in this one. I'm being very Goldilocks about it and wanting to find the one that is just right.

*Hermes Plein Air Natural Enhancing Complexion Balm didn't pique my interest when it was first released. Did that stop me from agreeing to receive samples 2+ years later? No. Ha! I have a feeling that either 30 will be a good match or I'll need to mix it with the other 2 shades, depending on the season. 

Hourglass Veil™ Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation is sheer enough that I can probably do either of these shades for most of the year, but now I'll have a chance to see if one is a better match than the other or if I need to custom mix to get the best match.

Concealer -
*Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Creaseless Precise Angles Concealer - I didn't actually know this concealer existed - oop. Historically, I've not had good luck finding a shade match with YSL foundations. Maybe that's changed.

Setting Powder -
Going to use the SEPHORA COLLECTION Translucent Loose Setting Powder (gratis) this week, as part of my effort to use this up. It's unlikely this will be fully panned by year end, but I need to work my way through it and now is as good a time as any. If I find myself needing or wanting a setting spray instead, I'll pull out my deluxe sample size of MAC Fix+ Stay Over Alcohol-Free Long-Lasting Setting Spray (not pictured). 

If I find a good match from these beauties, I'll post an update to the What are your Foundation and Concealer Matches? thread.

EYES & CHEEKS:

Spoiler

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is one of the OG eyeshadow primers. My recollection is that these are good but that it's not a favorite or GOAT for me.

Thrive Brilliant Eye Brightener Highlighting Stick is a great formula and while it is not my first time trying out this product, it will be of these shades. I'm excited.

Ahhhh, Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer Mini Hoola Bronzer - my first ever bronzer and one I still enjoy wearing.

This sample packet of DIOR Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter includes 3 shades - a blush color, a highlighter and a bronzer 💗 - Rose, Gold and Bronze. I love sample sets like this and each blister packet contains a generous amount of product. Excellent job, Dior! 👊 I have a full size of DIOR Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter 014 Rosy  (and I feel like I may have DIOR Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter 016 Bronze as well? It feels like it is saying something about the size of my collection that I don't know for certain if I have Bronze. I'm judging myself for it. 🤣) In any event, I'm planning on using the full size of the shade(s) I have and using the sample of DIOR Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter 013 Gold*. I'll save the sample blister of Rose (and possibly Bronze) for my travels. 

@CynthieLu @danielledanielle @Mellmars1185, what's your preferred way to apply these Dior liquid highlighters - fingers? beauty sponge? brush (and if so, which one(s))? Or a combination of tools?

LIPS & FRAGRANCE:

Spoiler

New-to-me in this group is the Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick (my sample packet is apparently the more seasoned version of this lippie as it has a slightly different name - Giorgio Armani Lip Power Longwear Vivid Color Lipstick). I'm surprised I haven't tried these before because I do love Armani as a brand in general, and except for the last couple of years, every haul I've ever made has, on a weekly basis, included a lip product of some sort. There are 3 shades in this packette and I'm excited to give them a try. Maybe I shouldn't be so excited. 💸💸💸

LAWLESS Forget The Filler Lip Plumper Line Smoothing Gloss Rosy Outlook is one I've enjoyed and I'm happy to see I have a foil sample of it for this week.
*LAWLESS Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask Sweet Dreams - I have a lot of lip masks but that won't stop me from giving this one a fair shake - how cute is the shade name - Sweet Dreams!

*The 7 Virtues Coconut Sun Eau de Parfum Travel Spray 0.34 oz / 10 ml eau de parfum spray - not sure about this one as I've not had the best of luck with the scents from The 7 Virtues Collection that I've tried so far. 🤞

Sol de Janeiro SOL Cheirosa ‘62 Eau de Parfum Travel Spray 0.27 oz / 8 mL Eau De Parfum Spray makes for a fun summer scent.

I'm thinking this week's capsule is going to give my monthly foil usage a boost, @ather.  I'll post about my faves and fails from this group of beauties here and leave a more detailed review of each product on the foils thread. 

THE FITS:

If my memory is right, this bag was a gwp from a long time ago, but I can't recall whether it was from a Rewards Bazaar promo or part of an in-store giveaway. Maybe someone here will know. "Fits" just right! 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Amazing sample capsule I love how you sorted these and assessed how you will use them it’s really helpful to see them displayed this way. Capsules are so important and a good reminder to utilize I have so many sample I have to go through and create mine. I’m trying to figure out in which way I’ll have to see 🙂 @itsfi 

[itsfi]

Curating these capsules have challenged me to take a hard look at my collection - the holes to be filled as well as the areas where I could cut back @peculiarzmakeup. It’s also been helpful in curbing my more-than-occasional 😆 knee jerk reaction to purchase a product. It’s been a lot of fun to put favorites to use and try things in my collection that been sitting idly in my stash. 

[peculiarzmakeup]

That is such a thoughtful and strategic way of looking at it! I love that! It’s a good reminder for sure 🙂 @itsfi 

[Buootiful]

I think you are going to love The 7 Virtues Coconut Sun Eau de Parfum Travel Spray 0.34 oz / 10 ml eau de parfum spray ! I love it and will definitely get it with a good gwp or fragrance set during the Holidays. Its a lovely "grownup" scent of coconut. It's just a lovely coconut scent-which I don't really gravitate to but on my skin, it's the same smell that doesn't dry down. It doesn't change into something else. If you know what I mean-it's the same note throughout the next day. @itsfi 

[itsfi]

I read your post the other night and immediately set Coconut Sun on my vanity to make sure I didn’t forget to use it the next day @Buootiful! You are right - it is a lovely “grown up” coconut scent - I love it! 💕 I *almost* picked up a larger size, but am going to exercise some restraint, well, for just a teensy bit longer. 😉 

[ather]

@itsfi  Wow this is a great lineup!!!! I’m excited to see how this plays out! You haven’t tried the lawless over night mask!!! How has it gotten past you? You are like queen of lip products!!! I have the Cherry Vanilla on my nightstand as we speak! It’s one of my go tos when my lips are extra dry! I can’t wait to see your thoughts on this one! 

I am so excited! I have stashed a pile of my makeup samples for this challenge! I can’t wait to dig them out! 

[itsfi]

Oh, I need to try the Lawless lip mask, @ather? Well, then … 

Just went to pull it out from my makeup bag. Applying it now! 😉 

lol, I have no idea how I missed trying it before. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 😆  Ooouh, cherry vanilla sounds like it would be fabulous. I feel like I was thiiiis close to picking up the cherry vanilla one when it came out. I must have been distracted by something; or, maybe I was on one of my no buys? Early on, I didn’t give myself a list of allowances while on a no buy. How times have changed. 😂 

Do you get a slightly tingly feeling with this lip mask? It doesn’t sting; but there’s a low key tingle. Or is it just me? 🤔 

[ather]

@itsfi  yay!!! Hmm I think I had a tiny tingle when I first tried it. But I’ll have to apply again and check. I don’t think the tingle was as intense as the DDG one. Hmmm 🤔 what are your thoughts? Was it a miss? Did the forget the filler gloss give a little tingle too?? I have Cherry Vanilla in both the night mask and the gloss. My fav scent! 

[itsfi]

@ather, I was surprised by the mask - maybe it was the sample, but it had a thinner consistency than other lip masks. Is that what you find with the full size? Wondering if it might just be the foil sample. I liked that it stayed on all night; yes, the product absorbed and my lips felt moisturized - my lips were a little chapped so that’s really saying something. 

This is a nice one; I’d be interested in picking up a full size but not right away. I have a lot of balms and lip masks to work my way through. Maybe during the holiday or after holiday sales. 

[ather]

@itsfi  It’s definitely thicker. So I think the thinner is just the sample. Although it’s thick but not sticky in a full size if that makes sense. I did use it last night and I also still notice. Little tingle when I apply it. Again nothing like the tingle the DDG one gives me. A more manageable tingle! I think definitely a good one to try when you have more space for an over night mask 🙂

[itsfi]

@ather, I remember you mentioning how severe the tingling was with the DDG and I took it off my list of things to try. I had 2 mini lip sleeping masks to finish and then I can pick up another one - perhaps I should not as I have full sizes but I will at least allow myself to do so. 😆 My lips were chapped a good part of this month so I’ve made much progress on the lip masks. lol 

[ather]

@itsfi  Do you find your lips get chapped with weather changes and increase in AC in the office and at home? 

[itsfi]

Yes 100% @ather! I was wondering last night why my lips were chapped for so long. Usually, I can take care of it completely after slathering my lips in lip balm for a couple of days. So funny how well timed your post was - literally an half hour before, I had an ah-ha!! 😲 moment. I was fine when I was on vacation - hydrated, moisturized lips. I would apply lip balm in the morning and at night and during the day, I'd have it with me in my backpack or shorts as I was walking around, here, there and everywhere. I was also drinking a lot of water throughout the day. But I didn't drink enough water on flights back and since being back I know I haven't been drinking enough water while I'm at work (better when I've been working from home) and have had the A/C on at work and blasting it in the car during my commute because it's been really warm. It should have dawned on me when I went to lunch with coworkers and before our food arrived, I had already gone through 3 -12-oz glasses of water. 😅 My coworkers made comments about how much water I drink and that they need to drink more but I thought it was more because they really should be drinking more water (I know, that was pretty judgmental but we all agree they need to drink more water!) but 3, yeah, that's a lot even for me before the food arrives - I'm usually 2 glasses max before that happens. Hahaha! 

Anyhow, back to your question, yes! Weather change definitely affects how dry and dehydrated my lips get - A/C in summer and heating in winter adds to that. I haven't been carrying lip balm with me and I finished the one in my drawer at work (and haven't replaced it, eek!) so I think all of those factors contributed to my lips being dry / chapped far longer than they normally would be.

[ather]

@itsfi  Oh no!!! 😬 I find when I am in a more humid area I get less dry too. Especially on vacation! I’m a 2 glass of water before the food too! I actually carry a 1/2 gallon jug around with me and I drink like 3 a day! I might drink too much water. 🤣 We went to Cuba years back and I generally only drink coffee and water and I remember I was running out in my mini fridge and I left some money and a note in Spanish to have more water and literally came back and my room was full of water. I don’t think I even made it through all the water they left! It was so sweet of them! 

I hope your lips get less dry! And back to normal! We have entered fall here so I’m sure mine will get more dry again. I’ll have to make sure I have balm in every room and place I go!