A capsule makeup bag follows the same concept as a capsule wardrobe. Picking the best products that work together, allow you to put together a variety of looks for different situations and events with the minimum number of products. While a number of holy grail makeup products do make it to my capsule collection there is more to it than being a ‘best of breed’ collection.
When putting together and updating my capsule makeup bag versatility of a product and multi-use items are just as important as they are for a capsule wardrobe but there are other factors to consider too.
1. Size of the product
Size matters for a number of reasons, not just to keep my bag as compact as possible. When flying the volume in any liquid or cream product matters if it’s going to be transported in cabin baggage The individual packaging, as well as the total volume of all those products that will need to fit into that relatively tiny ziplock bag, needs to be considered. If you’re flying long haul you’ll almost certainly want it at least a portion of your makeup bag in your hand luggage so you don’t get off the other end looking like the living dead.
2. How fragile is the packaging & product
While some of the cardboard packaging around now is super cute, yes I’m looking at you here Benefit, I’ve learned from experience that it just looks sad after having its corners dented and being crushed once or twice. Others, especially eye and powder palates are often oversized for the product quantity they contain. They look gorgeous on the vanity but not practical when I’m packing.
3. How heavy is it
Weighty products and especially where that weight comes from glass packaging also don’t make it into my travel capsule makeup bag. This has made foundation and many of my serums in my wash bag especially limited for choice. Most of my preferred base products come in a glass bottle with a pump, heck many of them are my favourite because they come in a glass bottle with a pump but they still aren’t going to travelling with me.
4. Is it multi purpose
Being multi use, or at least multi-occassion is really a condition of entry to any capsule collection. Some products suit this more than others but it’s worth critically assessing each item. If you’re travelling to a single destination it can be a bit easier but think about your skins changing needs too, is the destination substantially hotter, more humid or drier than you’re used to? Can any items serve more than one purposes? A base product that works sheered out with lotion for a no makeup daytime look and offers more coverage when layered in the evening? Look at your face powder products, can they do double duty on the eyes? Can your lipstick work to give a touch of colour to your cheeks?
5. Does it dictate the inclusion of other items
An item might be compact but if it can only be used with a specific primer and tools for application that you might not otherwise need that is space that could be better utilised. Ease of application is one of my prime considerations, I don’t want to pack a full brush collection or deal with dirty brushes if I’m moving on every day or two. Damp brushes and sponges in and out of your luggage isn’t ideal as it can encourage the growth of bacteria at a time when it’s not practical to necessarily clean them as well or as often as you might at home. If I can apply a product with my clean fingers or with a limited selection of multi use tools that’s going to be preferable. I limit myself to only 2 eyebrushes when travelling, one to pack colour and a fluffy crease brush to make it work. It’s minimalist but with your fingers and 2 brushes you can go from a simply daytime look to a full smoky eye. I generally also have a kabuki and alternate on whether or not the beauty blender makes the cut, I like the finish best with most foundations but fingers give a reasonable result with most products and they are always with you and easy to clean and dry. For bronzer and blush I do need a brush, by preference I use a large dense powder brush but after squashing a couple of much loved brushes beyond recovery even while using brush guards I’m trialling the Real Techniques retractable kabuki brush in Japan later this month. It’s a lot smaller but big enough to get the job done, it’s protected inside the case when not in use and that also prevents powder residue ending up all through my bag.
6. Do I want to risk it
A final consideration is whether I want to risk it. A much loved, brand new or super expensive palette might be better left at home in favour of another that will do the job rather than risking the disappointment of reducing it to an unusable crumble. I know you can put it back together (sort of) with a bit of alcohol but it won’t be the same, especially by the time it gets shaken around for the return trip. The breakage factor is another reason I’m more likely to include cream and liquid products for travel than I might in my everyday routine.
