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I always try to minimize my luggage for one reason. It was the fateful (perhaps traumatic?) passage through security at Heathrow Airport. I added a full-size foundation and a mini body lotion and fell victim to the airport’s strictly enforced one clear bag policy. And since that day, I’ve reduced the number of liquids in my carry-on and continue to be on the lookout for new ways to organize my makeup bag.
One makeup product I’ve found that seems to address both of these concerns is Subtl Beauty’s Portable Makeup Subtl Staks ($36). The makeup kit comes with almost everything you need for on-the-go makeup, including a mirror flip-top, your favorite makeup compact, and a brush base. Additionally, all makeup products are available in cream or powder formulations that allow you to avoid that dreaded liquid policy. It seemed like a great way to keep my makeup routine in one place, no matter where I go: traveling, the gym, a night out. So, of course, I had to give it a try when I had the chance.
Check out my review of the Subtl Beauty Stak ahead of time to see why it’s one of my favorite products.
About Subtl Beauty Stak
Subtl Beauty’s custom and ready-made makeup Staks feature a variety of products and shades. Products include cream concealer, lip and cheek duo, shine control pressed powder, cream highlighter, eyeshadow duo, bronzer, powder blush, powder highlighter, and lip balm. Stacks are individually packaged and come in stackable layers. To assemble the tower, screw the mirror layer, makeup layer, and brush layer together. Our makeup products are cruelty-free, vegan-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free.
What I like about Subtl Beauty Stak
First and foremost, I was impressed with the color payoff of Stak’s products. The Subtl Stak I created is part of the brand’s Road Trip collection, which includes a powder highlighter in Golden Gimlet (a shimmering golden nude), a lip and cheek duo in Guava Getaway (a rosy brown), and a lip and cheek duo in Apricot Avenue (a pink It featured a powder blush (color). soft peachy pink) – and all the shades appeared on my skin with just a few light swipes with a brush or fingertips. Each of these products worked a little bit, but the lip and cheek duo layered under the powder blush was especially effective. This color combination created a super glowing yet naturally tanned look that you can sport even in winter.
The quality of the makeup was definitely comparable to my full size favorites, but what I liked most is that it can easily fit into your carry-on, gym bag, or even a small shoulder bag. I felt like I could touch up and apply makeup anywhere with just my fingertips and the brush in the little tower. I also went from having 8 products in my toiletry bag to 5. This left me with only three liquid makeup products in my bag (tinted moisturizer, mascara, and brow gel) and left room for other important liquids like SPF and body lotion. Overall, Stak was the convenient, space-saving, travel-friendly solution I was looking for.
(Note: The Road Trip collection is sold out, but the individual shades listed above can still be included in personalized stacks.)
Things to consider before trying Subtl Beauty Stak
I bought the Stak off the shelf, but personally, I found myself wanting to order more layers after a few uses. That’s why we recommend taking the quiz on Subtl Beauty’s site to determine which stack configuration makes the most sense for you. However, you can always add products to Stak later. The first tower I made included blush, highlighter, and blush and lip duo, but then I decided to add a bronzer layer to complete my face makeup routine.
Also note that not all products can be added to a stack. If you’re like me, you find yourself packing tinted moisturizer, brow gel, mascara, and eyelash curler to top it all off. But that’s okay with me because Stak helps me organize my makeup bag quite a bit.
Who is the delicate beauty stack best suited for?
Subtl Beauty’s makeup stack is perfect for those who apply makeup on the go. Instead of carrying multiple products, you can store almost everything in one small tower. It’s also great for travelers, especially those who prefer to travel with carry-on luggage and need to reduce the number of liquids in their bag.
Where can I get Subtl Beauty Stak?
You can create a personalized stack on the brand’s site or buy a ready-made stack on Amazon.
evaluation
★★★★☆
Alida Araica is POPSUGAR’s Newsletter Manager, where she oversees and executes editorial and client email strategy and production. From time to time, she leverages her expertise in writing product reviews. Alida has over 5 years of marketing experience in digital media.
