How to Create a Makeup Capsule Collection

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As the underconsumption core trend gains momentum, many of us are rethinking our purchasing habits and decluttering our lives. This shift extends beyond just clothing and home goods; it’s impacting beauty routines as well. If you’re over the cluttered makeup drawers and endless product choices, you might prefer the simplicity of a makeup capsule.

Think of it like a capsule wardrobe for your face—a curated selection of essential, multi-tasking products that allow you to create a variety of looks with less. Rather than accumulating stacks of eyeshadow palettes, why not choose one versatile palette that offers multiple looks? Instead of hoarding dozens of lip products, select a few that can transition seamlessly from day to night.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through creating a minimalist makeup kit that works for you. We’ll cover the must-have products to include (both drugstore and high-end) so you can streamline your beauty routine and keep everything neatly in one makeup bag.

Discover these must-read posts to elevate your beauty routine:

What is a Makeup Capsule?

A makeup capsule is a curated selection of makeup products designed to meet all your needs with minimal effort. Think of it as the beauty equivalent of a capsule wardrobe. By selecting high-quality, multipurpose items, you simplify your routine and easily transition from a natural day look to bold night-out glam.

Why Create a Makeup Capsule?

Less clutter. A makeup capsule means no more sifting through a pile of products. Everything you need is easily accessible.
Efficiency. Make your routine more efficient with products that multitask. Your beauty routine becomes quicker and easier.
Travel-friendly. Ideal for when you’re on-the-go or traveling. A well-curated capsule makeup bag ensures you’re always prepared.
Save money. No more impulse purchases. With a makeup capsule, you buy fewer products and save money as a result.
Reduce waste. Expired mascara? Dried-up foundation? By using your favorites regularly, you get the most out of your products.

How to Create a Makeup Capsule

1. Primer

Primer is a game-changer for creating a smooth canvas for your makeup and extending its wear. It’s not always a necessity—a good moisturizer can often do the trick—but if you’re looking to prolong the longevity of your makeup, a primer is a must.

Choose a primer based on your skin concerns and desired finish. For a smooth, even surface, a silicone-based primer can fill in pores and fine lines. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating primer to add moisture and create a dewy glow. For oily skin, a mattifying primer helps control shine and keeps your makeup in place.

2. Foundation

Start with a foundation that provides buildable coverage and a natural, satin finish. This option offers the most versatility, allowing you to powder it down for a matte finish, or wear it with a glowy primer and extra highlight for a dewy effect. When you need lighter coverage, you can mix your foundation with moisturizer to achieve a more sheer finish.

3. Concealer

A good concealer can hide imperfections and brighten up your under-eyes. Look for one that offers a creamy texture and medium coverage without being too heavy.

The best concealer depends on your skin concerns—some formulas are better for covering blemishes while others excel at brightening under the eyes—but a shade similar to your foundation is a great starting point.

4. Powder

Powder is a crucial step in your makeup routine, especially if you're aiming for a flawless finish. It helps to set your foundation, control shine, and can even out your complexion.

For your makeup capsule, choose a translucent setting powder for a lightweight finish that won’t alter your foundation color. For more coverage, a pressed powder can provide a bit more coverage and control oil throughout the day.

5. Blush

Blush not only adds a pop of color but also helps to bring your face to life, making it an essential part of any makeup routine.

Cream blushes offer a natural, dewy finish and are great for a more blended, seamless look. They can also double as a lip tint. Powder blushes provide buildable color and are ideal for a matte finish. Choose based on your skin type and the finish you prefer.

For fair skin, opt for soft pinks, peaches, and corals. Light to medium skin tones can use rose, peach, or warm pink. For medium to tan skin, deeper pinks, peaches, and terracotta blushes add vibrancy, and deep skin tones might opt for rich, bold colors like berry, plum, and brick red.

6. Bronzer

Bronzer is a must-have for adding warmth and dimension to your face, giving you a sun-kissed glow year-round.

Powder bronzers are great for a matte finish and can be easily built up for a natural or more dramatic effect. Cream or liquid bronzers provide a dewy, radiant look and blend more seamlessly into the skin. Both types are great options—just avoid super shimmery for the most versatility. That glittery bronzer might not be the best choice for an everyday look.

7. Highlighter

Highlighter is key to achieving a radiant, glowing complexion by accentuating the high points of your face.

Powder highlighters offer a shimmering finish and can be built up for a more intense shine. Cream or liquid highlighters provide a dewy, natural glow and blend effortlessly into the skin.

To choose the best highlighter, match it to your skin tone. If you have warm undertones, opt for golden hues. For cool undertones, pink or icy shades work best. Those with neutral or olive undertones will find champagne shades flattering.

Also, consider the depth of the tone. To avoid an obvious stripe on your cheeks, select a highlighter that is the same shade or lighter than your skin tone. This ensures a seamless blend without a stark, shimmery line across your cheekbones.

8. Contour

Contouring is a technique used to enhance your facial structure by creating shadows and highlights that define your features. Unlike bronzer, which adds warmth and a diffused glow, contour is cooler-toned and focused on the hollows of your face.

Choose a contour shade that is 2-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone for a subtle shadow.

9. Eye Primer

An eye primer is essential for achieving a smooth, long-lasting base for your eye makeup. It helps to prevent creasing and fading, while also making eyeshadow application and blending easier.

10. Eyeshadow Palette

An eyeshadow palette lets you create a variety of eye looks with a range of colors and finishes. For your capsule makeup collection, choose a palette that includes a mix of matte, shimmer, and satin shadows to suit different occasions. Matte shades are perfect for adding depth and definition for daytime looks, while shimmer brings sparkle and dimension, and satin offers a soft, radiant glow for evening looks.

When choosing the perfect palette for you, take your skin tone into account. Warm-toned palettes naturally complement warm skin tones, while cool-toned palettes are better suited for cool skin tones.

Depending on how often you wear eyeshadow, you might choose a larger or smaller palette. If you’re more of a minimalist, you can opt for a 4-quad palette that has just enough shades for a basic day-to-night look. If you prefer to change up your makeup more often, you can go for a larger palette with a wider range of shadows.

11. Eyeliner Pencil

To define your eyes, an eyeliner pencil is a must. It’s perfect for creating a winged look—much more beginner-friendly than using liquid liner—or for adding a smoky effect by smudging along the lower lash line. Additionally, it can help open up your eyes for a fresh, doe-eyed appearance.

You can find various formulas, including traditional pencil, retractable, and gel. Traditional pencils need to be sharpened but offer precise application. Retractable pencils are convenient and eliminate the need for sharpening. Gel pencils provide a creamy texture that glides on smoothly and offers long-lasting wear.

Choose a shade that complements your eye color and makeup look. Black or brown pencils are versatile and work well for everyday use.

12. Mascara

Mascara is a crucial step for enhancing your lashes, adding definition to complete your eye makeup look. Whether you’re after a volumizing, lengthening, or curling effect, there’s a formula and wand type to meet your needs.

Select a mascara that matches your preferences, such as waterproof for lasting power. Color should also be considered—a true black mascara is better for a bold, dramatic look, while brown or black-brown is ideal for lighter features.

With so many options available, experimenting with different mascaras is the best way to find the one that works perfectly for you.

13. Eyebrow Pencil

Your eyebrows frame your face, making an eyebrow pencil a must-have in any makeup collection. Use it to shape and define your brows to your desired style.

Choose a pencil shade that matches or is slightly lighter than your natural brow color. For cooler-toned hair, choose a taupe or ash-toned pencil. For warmer hair, opt for a warm or soft brown shade. Using a micro pencil can help you create hair-like strokes, giving you a more natural brow look.

14. Eyebrow Gel

Ensure your brows stay in place throughout the day with an eyebrow gel. Clear options offer a subtle hold without color, while tinted formulas add both color and definition—perfect if your brows are on the sparser side. Be sure to choose a shade that matches or is slightly lighter than your brow pencil or brow color for a natural look.

15. Lipstick

Lipstick is a powerful tool for defining your lips and completing your makeup look. Whether you prefer matte, satin or glossy, the right lipstick can truly elevate your overall appearance.

When selecting a lipstick shade, consider your skin tone and the look you’re aiming for. For a classic everyday look, neutral shades like nude, pink, or soft brown are a must. or special occasions, you might opt for more dramatic colors like red, berry, hot coral, or deep plum. Pick no more than two shades to add to your capsule collection.

16. Lip Balm

We all need lip balm for keeping our lips moisturized and protected. Stick, tube, pot or gloss, there are endless options to consider for your capsule makeup kit. A lightly tinted balm or oil is an excellent choice for everyday wear, providing a hint of color for that barely-there makeup look.

17. Lip Liner

Lip liner is a must for enhancing the shape of your lips and making your lipstick last longer. For your beauty capsule, you’ll want to choose a shade that matches your lipstick. On days when you’re aiming for a natural, no-makeup look, you can even use it with just lip balm to subtly define your lips.

18. Setting Spray

Setting spray is the final touch in your makeup routine, designed to lock your look in place and ensure it lasts throughout the day. Available in various formulas like mattifying, hydrating, and illuminating, select the one that best suits your skin type.

To enhance the spray's effectiveness, you can also use it to dampen your makeup brushes or sponge before applying foundation or setting powder.

19. Tools and Brushes

The right tools and brushes can make all the difference in your makeup application. Here’s a guide to essential tools for your makeup capsule:

Brush set. A good brush set includes a variety of brushes to cover all your needs. Key brushes to have are a foundation brush for applying and blending your base, a concealer brush for targeting specific areas, a blush brush for adding color to your cheeks, and an eyeshadow brush for precise application.
Start with these basics, and you can expand your collection as needed—consider adding an angled eye brush for winged liner or a fluffy tapered brush for bronzer. Investing in high-quality brushes is always a good idea to improve your makeup application.
Beauty sponge. A beauty sponge is perfect for getting that seamless finish with liquid and cream products. It helps to blend foundation, concealer, and other products effortlessly for a natural, airbrushed look.
Eyelash curler. An eyelash curler is essential for lifting your lashes and making your eyes appear more open and bright. Investing in a good curler is definitely worthwhile—I personally swear by my Shiseido curler for long-lasting curls.
Pencil sharpener. Keep your eyeliner and lip liners in tip-top shape with a pencil sharpener.

20. Makeup Bag

Now that you’ve curated your ideal makeup capsule, it’s time to store it! A makeup bag or small train case is a necessity for keeping everything organized. Make sure it’s easy to clean and has any desired compartments for arranging your products.

Creating a makeup capsule is a game-changer for simplifying your beauty routine. With these key products, you can streamline your makeup kit for an effortlessly chic beauty regimen.

What essentials are in your makeup capsule? Let me know in the comments below.