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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Penn chapter.

I’ve learned the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to most things in life, especially over the past year. Over the past few months, I’ve been purging my closet and donating things I don’t wear anymore. I also decluttered more than half of my makeup collection. The entire experience has been so refreshing, and I feel much lighter.

The makeup industry is constantly releasing new products and creating new trends, and I always feel like I need to be trying the latest and greatest. And while it’s fun to swatch and test fun new products, no one can use so much makeup, which means much of it will inevitably go to waste.

I’ve streamlined my makeup collection down to ten of my most–used products since my last decluttering session. Now, I can use and enjoy each and every product in my collection. This has also decreased the amount of time I spend doing my makeup, because I know exactly which products I have and what to use. I call this special lineup of products my “capsule makeup collection.”

I can create any look, from “no makeup makeup” to a full–glam red carpet using just the ten products below. This is such a versatile collection of makeup; it can be your starting essentials or your entire collection — like mine.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation

Every makeup look needs a good base. This foundation is so versatile, which is why it’s perfect for a multi–use product. The Synchro Skin Foundation is a lightweight liquid foundation, and it’s buildable — so you can achieve a light, medium, or full coverage base. On days you want a more natural look, you can also skip this step and go right to the next one!

Kosas Revealer Concealer

This concealer from Kosas is my favorite out of all the formulas I’ve tried. It’s the perfect consistency — not too thick, not too thin. You can use this concealer as your base alone or on top of foundation to spot–conceal. It has skincare properties and won’t dry out your undereyes overtime. This concealer also blends out very easily and is undetectable.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Face Palette

A great way to streamline your makeup collection is to invest in a good palette. This Hourglass face palette includes a blush, bronzer, highlight, and face powder. These powders are all finely milled and have a blurring effect. The blush shades are gorgeous, and the highlighting powders are subtle but buildable. Every year, Hourglass releases a new version of their face palette around the holidays.

Tartelette in Bloom Eyeshadow Palette

A neutral eyeshadow palette can take you far. You can use one or two shades to sweep across the eye for a natural wash of color, or you can use multiple shades to create a more detailed look like a smokey eye.

You can also use the darker, matte shades in the palette for a soft eyeliner as well. The palette also provides shades perfect for highlighting your inner corners and brow bone.

Overall, this palette can create any look you could want; it can even be a base for a fun color or design you want to add on top.

Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner

If you prefer a bolder eyeliner, this creamy eye pencil is versatile and effective. It comes in many different shades, but I personally prefer the 08 Brown. This is a deep brown color with a bit of bronze shimmer.

You can also sheer this formula out to create a softer liner look. A good eyeliner can be a pop of color in your collection.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow

The way you do your eyes can change the vibe of your makeup look entirely, so having more eye products can never be a bad move. These eyeshadow sticks are a cult favorite because the formula is creamy but doesn’t budge after setting. These sticks also come in several shades, so you can spice up a simple look. You can also wear this product by itself on days when you’re feeling lazy!

Clio Kill Lash Superproof Mascara

Last eye product, but arguably the most important — mascara. This mascara is from the Korean brand Clio. It’s superproof — one step above waterproof — so this product isn’t going to budge no matter what.

This is also a very lightweight formula that won’t weigh down your lashes, so the curl lasts all day. Despite the longevity of the formula, the application is quite natural–looking — but you can still build it up to create a fuller look. You could definitely use this product for a “no makeup makeup” look as well.

YSL Vinyl Cream Lipstain

Another product that can change an entire makeup look is lipstick. This one from YSL is a great, long–lasting wash of color that freshens up any look. It’s a very comfortable formula that wears off naturally as well. This formula is also buildable, so you can adjust the pigmentation and intensity to your liking.

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip

This lip product is the more MLBB (my lips but better) option of the two I have included. I wear this on a daily basis for more natural makeup looks or when I want a more subtle lip.

This formula is delectable. Just as the name suggests, it leaves your lips feeling juicy and shiny. It’s not sticky at all, and the shade range includes many classic nude shades.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting + Refreshing Spray

Lastly, a setting spray is a must to set everything in. This one from Milk locks in your makeup for whatever occasion. You can also use this throughout the day if your skin is feeling tight or dry. The mist on this bottle is very fine, so it will not leave your face feeling unpleasantly wet afterwards; instead, the formula feels refreshed and dewy.

These are the ten products in my “capsule makeup collection.” These products, or similar curations, can last you through any occasion or season. Though it isn’t a must, streamlining your makeup collection is not only good for your wallet, but also allows you to appreciate the products you have for their fullest potential.

Minimalist Makeup Without Compromise