You may be familiar with the idea of a ‘capsule wardrobe’ – the idea of streamlining your wardrobe to just a few staple items that you can mix and match to create a variety of different looks to suit different occasions. Whether it be work, a relaxed weekend at home or a date, your capsule wardrobe has you covered. It makes life simpler and less complicated when getting ready and gives you a selection of classic, good quality items that you can always rely on. This got me thinking – could this concept be applied to makeup, too?

Since creating my capsule, I’ve saved time, space and my makeup has never looked so put-together and polished. I love the fact that I don’t have to think too much when it comes to application. Less choice doesn’t mean being less creative. Incorporating a complimenting line-up of different textures, shades and formats mean I can create everything from a barely-there everyday look or a dramatic full-on smoky eye with this carefully curated assortment of makeup staples. Like the idea? Here’s what you’ll need to create your own:

For Your Face…

A Flawless Foundation

It can be any foundation of your choice. Still, I think it’s a good idea to choose something in the medium to full coverage category because if you want to achieve lighter coverage, you can always sheer it out a little with a moisturiser. I love the DIOR Forever Skin Glow foundation because it’s just the right amount of glowy. Plus, it’s long-lasting, and the extensive shade range and the finish is extra impressive.

If you’d like to know more about the Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation take a look here.

A Clever Concealer

Streamlining is key when it comes to a capsule makeup collection, so three different types of concealer for spots, blemishes and your under-eye area isn’t what you need. Instead, pick a multi-tasker that can tackle all three needs. I like the Shiseido Synchro Concealer, because, not only does it boast a creamy and blendable texture that won’t crack on your face throughout the day, it also has self-refreshing technology to keep your skin looking flawless.

Learn how to micro-conceal to save time here.

A Nomadic Setting Powder

Setting powder is a great product for ensuring your makeup stays put all day, and it’s also a must-have to keep in your bag for any touch-ups throughout the day. The YSL All Hours Setting Powder has been a mainstay in my collection since its launch a few years ago. It’s finely milled and never looks cakey on the skin and has the added benefit of having a built-in mirror for on-the-go application.

Find out more about the YSL Setting Powder here.

A Beautiful Blush

The easiest way to look more awake and perky is with a pop of blusher on the apples of your cheeks. A healthy flush can transform sallow skin in an instant, and it can also really pull your makeup look together. I love the Clarins Joli Blush because it comes in an array of colours to suit all complexions, my favourite is Cheeky Pink because it gives a natural rosy glow that you can build according to your preference.

A Sun-Kissed Bronzer

A sweep of bronzer on your complexion adds instant sun-kissed radiance and health to dull and lacklustre skin, but its uses don’t stop there. Placed more strategically; it can also be used to contour the face and create a more chiselled effect. I’ve been a long-standing fan of the GUERLAIN Terracotta Bronzing Powder. Not only is it a cult favourite, but it’s also the best-selling bronzer in France and with its blendable consistency and ability to recreate a natural tan, it’s no surprise! The smell is divine too, notes of ylang-ylang, tonka bean and vanilla will take you to a faraway place every time you use it!

For Your Eyes…

A Face-Framing Brow Pencil

Even if you’re not wearing makeup, tidying up your brows is an easy and quick way to make you look more put-together while framing your face. The Benefit Precisely My Brow pencil is a long-standing favourite of mine because it allows me to create a barely-there or more-defined brow look depending on how dramatic I want them to look. It also has the added benefit of having a spoolie to tame unruly brows (like mine!) into place.

A Buildable Mascara

For most, mascara is one of those non-negotiable makeup items that even those who dislike wearing a lot of makeup will apply daily. For me, I like to choose a mascara that I can build up; I like to adjust the way my lashes look according to the makeup look I’m going for. Shiseido’s Controlled Chaos Mascara fits this brief perfectly. With just one coat, I can create natural, fluttery lashes, but, by adding a few more coats, I can achieve a full-on voluminous false lash effect that’s perfect for a night out.

See the Shiseido Controlled Chaos Mascara in action here.

An All-Occasion Eye Palette

Most of us are secret eyeshadow hoarders, or is that just me? Whether you are or not, the reality is you only need one really good (multipurpose) palette that will allow you to create a variety of eyeshadow looks. With this in mind, I turned to Urban Decay because they know how to create a great eyeshadow palette! I love the Naked 2 Basics palette because it’s neat and compact, but contains a range of shades to play with. It’s easy to create a very natural contoured eye right through to a smudged and smoky effect and the shade ‘undone’ also doubles up as an eyeliner when you need it.

For Your Lips…

An Everyday Lipstick

If we’re talking every day, I’m always going to pick a brownish pinky nude, mainly because it looks great with every makeup creation and it’s failsafe. At the moment, bareMinerals Gen Nude Lipstick in ‘Honeybun’ has been my go-to because it ticks all the boxes and keeps my lips smooth and nourished. For your everyday shade, pick something that you love, and that fits your style, whether that be a coral or a berry hue, the choice is yours!

A Statement Lipstick

When I think of a statement lip, I think of red. There’s just something about how a red lip can be added to a very basic makeup look and gives it an instant boost. For me, there’s no better red than DIOR Rouge Dior in 999 because it’s so universally flattering, comfortable to wear and has a slight sheen that makes your lips look incredible. Red isn’t for everyone though, so if your statement lip happens to be a bright fuschia or a dark and dramatic berry shade, go with this instead, you do you!

Over to you…

We’d love to know what products you’d put in your capsule makeup collection, what would be the staple item you couldn’t do without? Join in the conversation Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let us know!

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