The Capsule Makeup Bag

The post was originally published on 23 December 2019. It has been extensively updated on 17 May 2024.

My name is Natalie Setareh, an award-winning makeup artist, less-is-more beauty coach, and author of the book Be Your Own Makeup Artist. Here at NatalieSetareh.com, you’ll find real-life, practical makeup education and resources.

Today, I want to have a conversation about capsule makeup bags! What are they? Should you curate one for yourself? What are the pros and cons? You get the idea.

Years ago, I had a brilliant conversation with my dear friend and mega talent of a makeup artist, Nika Ambrozic, on my Be Your Own Makeup Artist podcast. Back when we recorded the interview, I had never really heard about capsule makeup bags, but this was something Nika kept talking about. As a naturally curious person, I wanted to hear her point of view on the subject!

Photograph by Danny Fernandez

If you want to check out this interview or take a listen, I’ve linked it below.

Listen on Spotify | iTunes | Castbox

Who Should Consider a Capsule Makeup Bag?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to makeup, and the same applies to capsule makeup bags. There’s no ‘set’ formula for what you should include in yours.

With that being said, a capsule makeup bag is perfect if:

• You’ve grasped the basics of makeup application.
• You love a minimalist approach, similar to a capsule wardrobe.
• Your current collection needs major streamlining.
• You want to save time and money on impulse buys.
• You care about reducing your environmental impact.

If you aren’t sure whether a capsule makeup bag is right for you, consider how much time you spend every single day applying your makeup and how often you reach for the same products. If you’re overwhelmed by choices or find yourself constantly buying new products that go unused, it might be time to rethink your approach.

Building Your Capsule: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Declutter Your Current Collection

Before you can start building your capsule collection, take a hard look at what you already own. Set aside a few hours to go through your makeup stash, grouping products into three categories:

1. Regularly Used
2. Used Occasionally
3. Rarely or Never Used

As you’re sorting through your extensive collection of makeup, be honest with yourself. If a product hasn’t been touched in over a year, it likely belongs in the “Rarely or Never Used” pile. Don’t hold onto items out of guilt or the “just in case” mindset; it’s essential to let go of products that no longer serve you.

Step 2: Identify Your Essentials

Once you’ve pared down to your regularly and occasionally used products, it’s time to identify the essentials you’ll need in your capsule. At a minimum, you’ll want:

• A complexion product (CC cream, tinted moisturizer, BB cream)
• Concealer for dark circles
• Brow product (like a brow pencil or gel)
• Eyeshadow palette with neutral mattes and shimmers
• Waterproof mascara for the upper lash line
• Blush or bronzer
• 2-3 lip products in varying shades and formulas, including a tinted lip balm

If you have oily skin, consider adding a setting spray to your lineup of essential products. If you have a favorite place to buy makeup, check if they offer smaller sizes or sample kits of best-selling items. This allows you to try new products without committing to full sizes.

Step 3: Streamline Strategically

As you’re building your capsule, look for opportunities to streamline further by choosing versatile multi-use products. For example:

• A matte bronzer can double as an eyeshadow.
• A cream blush can be used on lips and cheeks.
• An eyeliner pencil can fill in sparse brows.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Using fewer yet more hard-working products is key to creating an ideal capsule makeup collection.

Step 4: Incorporate New Additions

Of course, part of the fun of makeup is trying new products and formulas. As you discover new favorites throughout the year—whether it’s an exciting new product from your favorite brand or something trending on TikTok—don’t hesitate to swap them into your capsule collection.

At the end of each week, take stock of what worked and what didn’t. Maybe you found your holy grail mascara or fell in love with a new brow gel. Use this weekly recap as an opportunity to edit your capsule by adding new products while removing any that didn’t make the cut.

For bigger additions like an entirely new eyeshadow palette or set of lip products—including darker shades for evening looks—you may want to wait until the end of the year for an overhaul. This gives you time to thoroughly test out new items before committing them to your core capsule.

The Key Benefits

Creating a streamlined capsule makeup collection has numerous benefits:

• Saves Money: Reduces impulse purchases and product waste.
• Saves Time: Makes getting ready each day quicker and easier.
• Encourages Use: Promotes using up products before they expire.
• Reduces Clutter: Minimizes stress associated with overwhelming choices.
• Environmental Impact: Helps reduce waste from unused cosmetics.
• Familiarity: Allows you to truly get to know your products and how best to use them.

While it does take some effort up front, maintaining a tightly edited makeup capsule pays off in the long run. You’ll have everything you need for polished looks without any excess weighing you down.

Find What Works for You

At the end of the day, the “right” capsule collection is whatever works best for your lifestyle and makeup needs. If you tend to stick to a single natural everyday look day-to-day, you may only need a handful of products. If you love experimenting with bolder lip colors or more dramatic eye looks—like incorporating warm tones or bold lips—leave room for additional products that spark joy.

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the capsule concept. The goal is not necessarily having the smallest possible collection but rather ending up with a streamlined group of essential products that you’ll actually use and enjoy.

 Pro-Tips for Building Your Capsule

• Start Small: Don’t try to overhaul your entire makeup collection at once. Begin with key items like base products or lip liners and gradually add more as needed—perhaps introducing new shades or liquid liners for special events. You can always update your capsule collection throughout the year based on changes in preferences or upcoming seasonal trends.
• Consider Sample Sizes: This is an excellent way to try new products before committing to full-size versions. Many cosmetics companies offer sample sizes or mini sets that allow you to explore different shades without breaking the bank.
• Think Multi-tasking: Look for products that can serve multiple purposes—like a cream blush that doubles as lip tint or matte bronzer that can be used for subtle contouring.
• Invest in Quality: A few high-quality products will perform better than many lower-quality items. Focus on core essentials in your capsule and choose items you’ll love using every day.

Finding Inspiration and Going Deeper: The Capsule Makeup Bag Course

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry!

This blog post has just scratched the surface of creating an effective capsule makeup collection. If you’re ready to elevate your skills further and create a personalized capsule collection that complements your unique beauty needs, consider enrolling in my How To Create A Capsule Makeup Bag Masterclass!

Don’t put it off another day. Declutter your makeup drawer and unlock the power of the capsule makeup collection by enrolling in my masterclass today at this link! You’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve with thoughtful planning and the right set of makeup products.

Additional Resources

If you’re unsure which products suit you best or how to apply them effectively, you’re not alone! Many people aren’t taught how to wear makeup that flatters their unique features. For more guidance or deeper learning opportunities, check out resources available at nataliesetareh.com/shop.

Additionally, I offer a free skin type guide that emphasizes foundational knowledge about makeup tailored specifically for your skin type — you can grab it at nataliesetareh.com/skintype.

Conclusion

Creating a capsule makeup collection is an empowering journey toward achieving an efficient and enjoyable routine. By focusing on essential products tailored for both daily life and special occasions—like finding just the right selection of base products—you can achieve stunning looks without cluttering your space with excess items. Remember, the goal is finding what works best for you while creating your ideal capsule collection filled with all-time favorite items! Happy curating!