Capsule Makeup Collection Challenge 2024

[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 52 (December 23 - December 29) - The Holiday Glam Makeup Capsule and/or  The "2024 Makeup Capsule Collection" Makeup Capsule - Some options for us to close out the makeup capsules for 2024 (or to kick start 2025)!

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

and/or 

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

Upcoming Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 12.21.2024] Take a sneak peek at the weekly themes to come. 

Spoiler

Week 1 - 2024/2025 - to be posted the week of December 23, after the Christmas holiday. HINT: Think newness for the new year, or to usher in the New Year. 😉

Previous Makeup Capsule Themes: [Updated 12.23.2024]

Spoiler

1 - The First (of the Year) Makeup Capsule

2 - The Quick & Easy Winter Edition Makeup Capsule

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

4 - The "On the Go!" Makeup Capsule

5 - The Best of January 2024 Makeup Capsule

6 - The Black Owned / Founded Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule

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

8 - The "BIC Inspired" Makeup Capsule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19 - The AAPI Owned / Founded Beauty Brand Makeup Capsule

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

21 - The "My Best Self" Makeup Capsule
22 - The  May 2024 "On Top", "On The Chopping Block" or "On Repeat" Makeup Capsule
23 - The Love Is Love Makeup Capsule
24 - The Repurposed Makeup Capsule and/or The Multi-tasking Makeup Capsule
25 - The "Welcome, Summer!" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Good Stuff" Makeup Capsule
26 - The June 2024 "On Top", "On the Chopping Block" and/or "On Repeat" Makeup Capsule
27 - The Indie Brands Makeup Capsule and/or The Summer Vacation Makeup Capsule
28 - The "If I Were To Curate My Ultimate Makeup Capsule" Makeup Capsule (aka The "These are My Favorite Products" Makeup Capsule) 
29 - The Sticks and (Gem)Stones Makeup Capsule and/or The Pops of Colour: Summer Edition Makeup Capsule
30 - The BIC Inspired Summer Edition Makeup Capsule and/or The Pan It! Makeup Capsule
31 - The July 2024 New, Old, or "Is It Time For This To Go?" Makeup Capsule
32 - The Take 2 / Do Over Makeup Capsule and/or The "Sleeping Beauties" Makeup Capsule 
33 - The Day-to-Night (or Date Night): Summer Edition Makeup Capsule and/or The "Outside My Comfort Zone" Makeup Capsule
34 - The Samples Makeup Capsule and/or The Newness Makeup Capsule 
35 - The August 2024 Throw Down!, Throwback, and/or Throw Out? Makeup Capsule 
36 - The Workhorses Makeup Capsule
37 - The Runway or Red Carpet Inspired Makeup Capsule and/or The "BIC Inspired" Makeup Capsule 
38 - The LatinX Founded / Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule
39 - The September 2024 Throw Down!, Throwback, and/or Throw Out? Makeup Capsule and/or The Brands at SEPHORiA Makeup Capsule
40 - The "Pop of Colour": Fall Edit Makeup Capsule and/or The Musician Founded or Owned Beauty Brands Makeup Capsule
41 - The "Dynamic Duos (or Trios)" Makeup Capsule and/or The "Products with Interesting / Attention-Grabbing Names" Makeup Capsule
42 - The "Makeup I'm Thankful For" Makeup Capsule and/or The Do Over / Take 2 Makeup Capsule
43 - The "How Low Can I Go?" Makeup Capsule and/or The Global Makeup Capsule
44 - The "Sleeper Hits" Makeup Capsule and/or The October 2024 Throw Down, Throwback, and/or Throw Out? Makeup Capsule
45 - The Sweater Weather Makeup Capsule and/or The Holidays Savings (Shop The Sale) Makeup Capsule
46 - The Time Capsule Makeup Capsule and/or The Awesomely Affordable and/or Spectacularly Splurge-worthy Makeup Capsule
47 - The "Please, Don't Go!" / Discontinued Products Makeup Capsule and/or The Newness Makeup Capsule
48 - The Things I'm Thankful For Makeup Capsule and/or The “BIC Inspired” Fall Makeup Capsule
49 - The Beautifully Bold or Delightfully Demure Makeup Capsule and/or The "Savvy Shopper" Makeup Capsule  
50 - The Sticks 2.0 Makeup Capsule and/or The "Favorite Theme From The Challenge" Makeup Capsule
51 - The Winter Wonderland Makeup Capsule and/or The "Take 2" / "Do Over" 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]

Open it! Open it! Andddd let me know whatcha think! @missjeanie 🥰

[CynthieLu]

I love that it is already claiming a top spot @Mellmars1185 that's awesome! Ooh when makeup is exciting, it's just such a thrill! 😀🙌

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu @Mellmars1185, curious to know how long you keep an open mascara in your rotation before moving on? Do you have a set period of time or do you put it to the smell test (i.e., keep it until it starts to perform or smell like it's past its prime)? 

[CynthieLu]

I think a combination @itsfi  thou I use them up pretty well that nothing is open past 8 months. 😂

But exactly, if it works and isn't dry or acting funny I keep it in. If any thing feels off, out it goes. But that's just my personal thoughts. ( I think I'd always recommend following the shelf life on the container.) Honestly thinking about it, I've never had one go bad on me. ☘️ What about you?

[itsfi]

For the most part, for the last 3-4 years, I've pretty much just had a couple mascaras open that I used on a near daily basis - I wear mascara on average 4-5 days per week. Since doing these capsules, I've had more mascara tubes open at one time, but at the same time, I'm decluttering the ones that just don't work pretty quickly after giving it a fair shake. That said, the mascaras that are tried-and-true for me, I tend to keep around for 6-8 months, with one having been used for almost a year. Eeek! I know, not the best idea, and I'm aiming to not have that happen again. I've read that the shelf life for an open tube of mascara is 3 months, so I was just curious what others were doing. That same article also said eyeshadow had a shelf life of a year and, ummmmm... it'll be 5 years 😮 with Natasha Denona Biba All Neutral Eyeshadow Palette Full Size Biba Neutral Eyeshadow Palette as part of the Pan It! challenge at the end of the year, so ... clearly, I'm not in compliance with that article. 😂🤣😂 On more than one thing. lol @CynthieLu @Mellmars1185 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi I don't comply with the dates either when it comes to these products. Even with foods...doesn't it mean 'best before'? Maybe they are past their prime, but I have never had any issues using products past the date. I can tell when they are no longer good. Actually now I am having memories of a mascara turning but I can't remember how long it was open @CynthieLu 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi I don't have a set time. If a mascaras texture turns really dry or the texture changes in a negative way, I toss it. I don't know if I have ever truly completely finished a mascara tube. I have not had a smell turn on me. So in that sense I can relate to @CynthieLu because I use them often enough for them not to go bad....we will see though now because I have 5 open...I wonder how long it will take me to get through them all?

[itsfi]

Beautiful capsule @Mellmars1185❣️ I’m really glad you brought up this idea for a capsule theme. It’s been a lot of fun using products from one brand. Initially there’s that “wow, I have THAT many items from <<insert brand>>” and then, there’s the excitement of trying the newness. ♥️ Or, revisiting or rediscovering older items that I loved before! 

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Thank you! I am looking forward to testing some of these goodies out.

[itsfi]

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

I'll be putting together a face full of Merit this week! 😉

Spoiler

I've placed an asterisk (*) next to any products that I'll be using for the first time. Many of those will be the lip products, which I've sadly neglected. 😣 Since they're unopen and unused at this point, my plan is to use them in the most sanitary / hygienic way possible so that if it's not a color that works for me, it'll be easier to sanitize and give away. I'll plan to take product out of the tube with a disposable lip wand, place the color on my mixing plate, and work from that. MERIT's collection does not include any primers or setting products so I'll plan to prep and prime my skin for makeup with my sunblock.

Foundation & Concealer:	MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Linen
Blush:	MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush Cheeky
Highlight:	MERIT Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm Bounce, a pretty, soft rose gold. It's fairly neutral for a rose gold, which I like.
Bronzer:	MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer Clay, a little on the warmer side for my preference but it blends beautiful
Contour:	MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer Leo - the undertone on this one works well for my complexion as both a contour and/or bronzer
Eyeshadow:	#MERIT Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow Vachetta  * MERIT Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow Glace - this was a limited edition shade included in the Winter 2023 Le Gloss Set (gratis)
Eye Brow:	MERIT Brow 1980 Volumizing Eyebrow Pomade Gel
Mascara:	MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara
Lip Liner:	* MERIT Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner Bespoke - a soft brown color with slightly taupe and pink undertones to it. Forgot I had this one. It was exclusive to the Winter 2023 Le Gloss Set.
Lip Oil:	* MERIT Shade Slick Gelée Sheer Tinted Lip Oil Mapleton  * MERIT Shade Slick Classics Tinted Lip Oil Bel Air * MERIT Shade Slick Classics Tinted Lip Oil Taupe  * MERIT Shade Slick Classics Tinted Lip Oil Falcon  * MERIT Shade Slick Classics Tinted Lip Oil Cara Cara  The 4 tinted lip oils from the Classics range were part of the brand's Autumn / Winter 2021 set (limited edition)
Brushes:	MERIT Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brush  MERIT Brush No. 2 Double Sided Eyeshadow Brush
Bag:	Merit x Proenza Schouler The Signature Bag Fall/Winter 2023 - this was a limited edition collab gwp last year. Made of vegan leather and reversible - one side black, the other a soft, dusty, slate blue.

In addition to shining a spotlight on the MERIT brand, I'll be focusing on the tinted lip oils this week. There are two different finishes. I have and have worn the original lipsticks from the brand, and am looking forward to seeing how these tinted lip oils perform. I have 5 here - that means a new lip oil every day during the work week. Fun! 😊 Will be trying the MERIT Great Skin Instant Glow Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid 1.69 oz / 50 ml too for the first time this week; today is the patch test day. 🤞

[missjeanie]

@itsfi Beautiful capsule.  I'm kicking myself now for not snagging the Merit Holiday set.  I wasn't interested in everything, but was hoping to see the shimmer solo shadow debut as a permanent item in their collection. Your swatch of it has me thinking I should have snagged it while I could!

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi You have made up a lovely capsule of Merit. I can relate to feeling a bit sad about neglecting items in my stash also. The shade of the Merit highlighter sounds really pretty.

[itsfi]

Thank you @Mellmars1185. I feel like working on these capsules has really helped me take stock of just how much I have!! I mean, let’s be honest, it’s not that I didn’t know!! 🙄 But, it’s cast a very bright spotlight on it when I sort through my things trying to decide what to include in a particular week’s capsule. Especially since I’ve been trying to incorporate more items I haven’t used a lot (or ever). A good checks and balances for myself for when I through future purchases. 

We’re heading into Day 4 and I’m really enjoying MERIT Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm Bounce. Rose gold highlighters can often be too rosy or warm or both so I’ve avoided them in the past, but this one is really nice. 

 

[CynthieLu]

Oooh now, that looks beautiful! @itsfi I like the beautiful glow I'm seeing here. ✨🩷

[itsfi]

@CynthieLu, I'm happy I decided to pick it up. It's a good rose gold shade for me.

[Mellmars1185]

@itsfi Ohh thanks for the swatch. It is beautiful.

[itsfi]

I've been very happy with this highlighter stick @Mellmars1185! 😍 

[CynthieLu]

Your collection of Merit is leaving me a bit in awe @itsfi 🤩 ( you even have a Merit bag! 🩵)

And it's really amazing the steps you are taking to keep the products sanitary in case you end up passing them on. That's so thoughtful! 

This is a beautiful capsule you put together for this week.

[itsfi]

Aww, thank you @CynthieLu! Merit's been one of those brands that I've picked up a few pieces here and there and then all of a sudden realize how much of the collection I have. One of their draws is that you receive their signature makeup bag with your first order through their site - their signature bag is similar in shape and style to the collab but it's made of a cuorduroy material in a tan/saddle shade. They have some good collabs as a gwp every so often, like the reversible bag. 

I think I will employ this new approach when it comes to using makeup products for the first time - it'll help when it comes to either donating them or giving them away and that will make me feel better than having to toss it. Though I must say that between multiple years of taking part in the Pan It! challengs and now this one, I'm more mindful of what I pick up because I know I have something similar, for the most part - some things I haven't gotten around to using ... yet. 

[makeitup305]

@itsfi I really enjoy Merit. Their complexion stick was a surprise hit for me and I like their lip oils and blushes. Their tinted brow pomade was nice but I wish it had more hold. Their lipsticks and bronzer are still on my “must try” list. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

[itsfi]

@makeitup305, it's only the second day, but focusing on one brand has been fun. I have a few of their MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Satin Lipstick and like them - color, formula and wear - but chose to keep them out of the capsule to focus on the lip oils. I know they just released matte lipsticks but I'm not sure whether I'll pick one up, at least not quite yet. 

I used their brow gel and mascara when they were first released but it's been a while so I'm looking forward to giving them another try. Is there a brow gel you prefer?