I know. I know. If you know me, a capsule anything is VERY aspirational. I am a maximalist. I like all the things. I have two Substacks that start with “Things I Buy” for a reason.
Read: Do You Really Need InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream?
But I’m also a working new mom and I needed to edit my makeup routine if I want to actually be able to wear makeup right now (and I do; for me, it’s self care). My routine needs to be quick and the products need to work well, last all day, and feel springy.
Read: What Kristen Kelly Buys With Her American $
Here’s what’s in my makeup capsule wardrobe for next few months.
The foundation
Illuminaire Moisturizing Foundation I love this formula. My shade is Fair, the second lightest shade. It provides seamless, beautiful medium-to-full coverage and a little goes a long way. I also love that it comes in a small, travel-friendly bottle that lasts me almost a year.
The eye and cheek
Nudestix Nudescreen Blush & Lip Tint in Sunkissed This is my favorite, makeup artist Mary Phillips-developed shade in a new liquid format. I use it for eyes and cheeks for a kiss of color and this genius shade toes the line between bronzer and blush perfectly.
The liner
Sweed Satin Eyeliner in Golden Beetle I’m impressed by this new-to-me brand. The formula is blendable but pigmented and this shade is special — it’s brown enough to define my eyes despite being much lighter than what I typically go for, plus the rich, metallic color payoff defines my green eyes in the most stunning way. lia
The mascara
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara I’ve recently returned to this formula when the brand sent over a few of its best sellers along with a new release and I was reminded that it is, in fact, superior. It lengthens, it thickens, it washes off easily enough with my go-to makeup-removing cloths.
The brow pencil
IT Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil gives my brows the perfect amount of heft and comes in a single shade that works for everyone. I fill in the top and bottom of my brows, then brush through for an easy, breezy brow.
The tinted lip balm
Augustinus Bader X Sofia Coppola The Tinted Balm in Shade 1 is the exact shade I want my lips to be this spring. It’s sold out (ugh!) but this shade is close.
P.S. In case you missed it, I started a second Substack,
wrote a Scrubstack, this is my spring home scent I’m pairing with this genius invention, I made the mistake of perusing Moda Operandi’s home goods and now I can’t stop thinking about these place mats — and Baby Reindeer on Netflix is a must watch.I’ll be covering my spring skincare capsule, my spring nail capsule and my spring hair capsule too, so stay tuned.
RE the Ilia mascara - I don't know why I am so addicted to test driving alternatives when it proves over and over again to be the most superior. There's a few mascaras I like, but every single time I put on the Ilia, it's like an epiphany: oh right, this one is the best.