How to Build a Clean Makeup Capsule Collection

You may have heard of a capsule wardrobe, but have you thought about a capsule makeup collection?  Creating a non-toxic collection of makeup staples has similar advantages to creating a capsule clothing wardrobe.

You’ll have everything you need to create classic and fun makeup looks without owning a ton of products.  You’ll also save money and waste less by not buying trendy products that you won’t wear often.  

However, before you invest in your makeup collection, I suggest investing in your skincare first.  After all, healthy skin is the foundation for seamless makeup application.

Why Clean Beauty?

As someone who has fibroids, I try to be very mindful of what I put on my body.  Your skin is your largest organ.  Many chemicals and toxins found in everyday cosmetics can actually be absorbed through the skin.

When creating my capsule makeup collection, I tried to find clean, non-toxic makeup brands with a shade range for black women. Unfortunately, many clean beauty brands still don’t have the range for foundation, concealer, and lipsticks.  But the ones that I did find were truly phenomenal.  

Safer Products for Your Makeup Wardrobe

These makeup products are made with non-toxic ingredients. Almost all of them have an EWG Skindeep rating of three or better unless otherwise noted. You can also use the database to check the ingredients on your current products to determine which items you need to replace.

Breathable, everyday foundation:

Hands down, Beautycounter’s Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation lives up to its name.  It’s both lightweight and

conforms to your unique shade-like skin.  It gives you that flawless no makeup look with light to medium coverage.  I usually only need one layer with my Real Techniques foundation brush.

Brightening under-eye concealer:

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream is ideal for daily use.  Dot a few drops of concealer near your orbital bone for an instant eye lift.  If you’re into baking, this concealer might not be the best for that.  However, going a shade lighter can still give a similar effect minus the potential creasing. 

Blush isn’t a part of my daily look, so I like the idea of a combo product to get more bang for my buck.  Mango People’s combo sticks give you some classic shades that you can use on your eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Clean face makeup:

Brown girl-friendly nude lipstick

The Lip Bar makes tons of lip colors that pop on dark skin. 

I tend to go for their brown nudes like their Liquid Lip Matte in Know It All. Technically, most Lip Bar Lipsticks don’t fall into the “clean” range as defined by the environmental working group.  However, many of them have a 3-4 rating, which is better than most of the lip colors that I’ve found that look good on dark skin.

Bold, red lipstick

Unfortunately, red lipstick can be one of the most toxic makeup items because the red pigment is prone to heavy metal contamination.  Having said that, so far, the only contender I’ve been able to find is Beautycounter’s Color Intense Lipstick in Classic Red.  I currently own Bright Berry in the same formula, and I LOVE IT!  It’s super pigmented and very moisturizing.

Non-sticky lip gloss

Beautycounter’s Beyond Gloss is one of THE BEST glosses I’ve tried so far.  Their formulation is super moisturizing without being too sticky. 

Clear gloss is nice to have, but Sienna works well as an everyday nude gloss.  I also use it to darken some of the colors that I’ve purchased that are too light.

Safer lipstick and gloss:

Volumizing mascara

My top two criteria for a mascara: very black and non-flakey.  MILK’s Kush Mascara meets both criteria along with mega volume. 

During the summer, I switch to waterproof mascara since I sweat more.  In that case, I use Wet n’ Wild’s Waterproof Mascara.  Not does it meet my initial requirements, it also gives good length.  Did I also mention that it’s only 3 bucks?!

Versatile eyeshadow palette

I’m not a big eyeshadow user these days, but sometimes I like to get festive.  I have my sights set on the Artist Couture Mini Supreme Nudes Eyeshadow Palette and Lawless the One Eyeshadow Palette. 

They both have some basics as well as some more festive colors.  If you’ve tried eyeshadow from either, let me know what you thought about them in the comments.

Brow pencil or gel

I’m currently using MILK’s Brow Gel Pencil which I absolutely love.  However, they discontinued it.  Now they have a new one that I’m going to try since I liked the original so much.  Hopefully, the new formulation is just as good as the original.

Longwear eyeliner

There is nothing worse than an eyeliner that scratches your lid.  That’s why ELF No Budge Retractable Liner is a staple.  It goes on smoothly, lasts all day, and gives a rich black color.

Clean eye makeup:

Hopefully, this list helps you get started if you’re trying to build a makeup collection or switch to clean beauty products. 

Have you tried any of these?  Or do you have a recommendation?  Let me know in the comments.