Lately, I've been trying to simplify in all areas of my life, and that includes makeup. I decided to create a capsule makeup collection (including tools) that could fit in a pouch no bigger than a quart size bag

The plan was to have these items accessible for daily use and be able to reach for others on occasion. I ended up not missing any of my other makeup and stuck to just these items for months on end. It's not surprising as most of the products that made the cut have been my long time favorites that I used 80% of the time anyway. A lot of people have asked me for my favorite makeup items, so I thought I'd share them here!

I don't use every product listed below every day -- I probably use four products on a typical day and all but one or two when I go to an event.

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The only thing I didn't include in my capsule challenge is lip products because I do like to stash glosses and lipsticks in various purses and jacket pockets. But I still included my favorite lip products below.

My next post in this series will be a roundup of absolute favorites from the women in my Facebook group.

Sephora is my favorite place to buy makeup as they have an incredibly liberal return policy -- you can try an item and return it for any or no reason. I've heard that Nordstrom allows this too, but is more strict about original packaging and receipts. I included Sephora or Nordstrom links wherever possible.

Face

1.  This tinted hydrating gel cream provides a SPF 30 coverage, is moisturizing, enhances my natural color, and doesn't make my skin shiny or oily.  I wear this daily. — 1. This tinted hydrating gel cream provides a SPF 30 coverage, is moisturizing, enhances my natural color, and doesn't make my skin shiny or oily. I wear this daily.

3.  I've been using this Terracotta bronzing powder for many years!! The palette is dynamic and natural looking.  I'm a fair brunette and always choose one of the blonde shades.  I apply it just under my cheekbones daily. — 3. I've been using this Terracotta bronzing powder for many years!! The palette is dynamic and natural looking. I'm a fair brunette and always choose one of the blonde shades. I apply it just under my cheekbones daily.

2.  I have very sensitive skin and it often gets a bit red in some areas.  This powder tones down any redness without making me look yellow.  I use it only when and where I notice redness. — 2. I have very sensitive skin and it often gets a bit red in some areas. This powder tones down any redness without making me look yellow. I use it only when and where I notice redness.

4.  This 12 hour blush is the only newcomer to my collection.  Sephora included it in a shade called "Paaarty" in my birthday gift a few months ago.  The shade gives me a barely flushed glow and seems as close as you can get to univer… — 4. This 12 hour blush is the only newcomer to my collection. Sephora included it in a shade called "Paaarty" in my birthday gift a few months ago. The shade gives me a barely flushed glow and seems as close as you can get to universally flattering. I apply it on my cheekbones.

Eyes

Under the click through images is a tutorial on how I use the products.

Eye Makeup Products

5.  I've tried a bunch of eye shadow primers and this is the best one.  It goes on thin and smooth and creates a clean palette for eyeshadow and liner.  My eyes are a bit hooded and my eyelid can get oily, so this is helpful to preven… — 5. I've tried a bunch of eye shadow primers and this is the best one. It goes on thin and smooth and creates a clean palette for eyeshadow and liner. My eyes are a bit hooded and my eyelid can get oily, so this is helpful to prevent that even on the most hot and humid days. I generally wear this only if going to an event.

6.  This eyeliner is easy to apply as a thick or thin line, dries almost instantly, stays all day and washes off easily in the shower!  I stick to black, but it is available in many colors. — 6. This eyeliner is easy to apply as a thick or thin line, dries almost instantly, stays all day and washes off easily in the shower! I stick to black, but it is available in many colors.

7.  Apply a nude shadow before eyeliner — 7. Apply a nude shadow before eyeliner

9.  Apply this brightener to outer corners of eyes to look more rested instantly!  I use the Radiant Finish shade. — 9. Apply this brightener to outer corners of eyes to look more rested instantly! I use the Radiant Finish shade.

8.  Apply a colored shadow after eyeliner — 8. Apply a colored shadow after eyeliner

10.  I've head this curler for a couple of years.  They include a sample mascara, which is pretty good and more natural than the ones that work best for me. — 10. I've head this curler for a couple of years. They include a sample mascara, which is pretty good and more natural than the ones that work best for me.

11. This is my everyday  mascara is exactly as advertised -- "a tube-forming, water-resistant mascara that gives buildable, glamorous volume with no smudging, flaking, running, or clumping."  It lasts all day, doesn't get crunchy, and… — 11. This is my everyday mascara is exactly as advertised -- "a tube-forming, water-resistant mascara that gives buildable, glamorous volume with no smudging, flaking, running, or clumping." It lasts all day, doesn't get crunchy, and washes off easily in the shower. It isn't the most dramatic mascara, but it is my standby because it is so easy to apply and wear.

12.  This is my special events mascara.  It is a bit trickier to apply, but it is worth the effort.  When I wear it, people ask me if I got false lashes. — 12. This is my special events mascara. It is a bit trickier to apply, but it is worth the effort. When I wear it, people ask me if I got false lashes.

Eye Makeup Tutorial

Here is my full eye routine (on a regular day I use nothing or a bit of nude shadow + mascara):

Apply a thin coat of eyeshadow primer on lids
Swipe a nude slightly irridescent shadow across upper lid with this brush
- a shade called Cultured Pearl made the capsule collection cut
- I plan to reintroduce Nude Beach for evenings
Apply eyeliner to upper lashline (lower lashline too for a more dramatic look)
Apply a colored shadow just along the lash line of upper lid to set the liner and add some color.
- a shade called Wildflower made the capsule collection cut
- Waterlily was my go to for many years

Note that these colors are buildable -- they can be applied very sheer or more intensely for impact. Also, I have hooded eyes, if you don't, you might want to apply color higher up).

If time permits, I may apply another super thin coat of liner very close to my lashline.
Apply brightener to outer corners of eyes. This instantly makes me look more awake.
Curl lashes with an eyelash curler.
Apply mascara
- My everyday mascara isn't the most dramatic but it doesn't flake during the day and comes off easily in shower.
- I use this mascara for events. It takes practice to apply properly, but the falsies effect is worth it!

Lips

As I mentioned above, I don't really stick to one lip product. This product, however, is the one that I always come back to. I wore it to my bridal shower, wedding and many other special events.

The shade that I wear (Keep Blushing), it is a pretty neutral pink with a hint of shimmer. Once it dries, you can layer the included clear gloss or any other lip product over it. When the other product wears off, you will be left with a nice base color. This color would look appropriate on a 16 year old too, so if you like a more intense lip, try a deeper color.