Subtl Beauty Reviews: What To Know About The Makeup Brand

I don’t know about you, but I kinda hate packing for trips. It stresses me out to no end. And trying to figure out which of my many beauty products I’m going to take with me on a trip is annoying. That’s why I’m super excited to write these Subtl Beauty Reviews.

I only learned about this brand recently. The publicist who represents the brand reached out to me and asked me if I would like to test out the product for editorial consideration for the many articles I write for media outlets. The packaging looked really cute, and I was curious if the formulas were actually high-quality or not.

After applying Subtl Beauty Staks — Before applying Subtl Beauty Staks

In these Subtl Beauty reviews, I will go over all my thoughts about the brand, from the packability and packaging, to the formulation, applicators, and shades, too.

My Honest Subtl Beauty Reviews

Packability

Unsurprisingly, these little staks couldn’t be easier to pack into your suitcase, carry-on, purse, or gym bag. They are extremely convenient, and you can customize your stak to include the absolute basics, or add more Subtl staks for a longer trip or for more makeup look options.

I have found them really easy to place into my cosmetic bag while traveling and they really don’t take up a ton of room. I’d say they take up about the same size as two mini, TSA-approved bottles.

Packaging

I do like the packaging of these staks, but I also think there is room for improvement. I love that each stak comes with just the right amount of product. According to the brand, each Subtl Beauty stak will last you about three months if used every day.

Sometimes I’ve found that it’s difficult to unscrew the staks when I’m trying to get to one. It’s not the biggest deal in the world, but sometimes it can be a bit annoying. Another downside of these staks is that my mirror lid stak actually broke after mild use. Thankfully, I had another one to replace it with, but I found that pretty frustrating as well. I don’t know if it broke because I was being too rough with it, or because it’s not sturdy enough.

Top is "Dune" and bottom is "Staycation" — Top is “Dune” and bottom is “Staycation”

Dune and Staycation swatches — Top is “Dune” and bottom is “Staycation”

Formulation

I’ve been impressed with the formulation of these staks. The formulas I’ve used include the Cream Concealer, Lip and Cheek Tint, Shine Control Pressed Powder, Eyeshadow Duos, Cream Highlighter, and Lip Balm.

I’ve especially loved all the cream formulas. I love how they apply, and I think they last most of the day, too. The eyeshadows are well-pigmented, and I find them really easy to glide onto my lids and blend. I don’t use the Lip Balm very often because I have a bunch of other lip balms that I use, and I’ve used the Pressed Powder multiple times with no issues.

Shade "Mauve in the Maldives" — Shade “Mauve in the Maldives”

Subtl Beauty Reviews cream highlighter and lip & cheek — Shade “Mauve in the Maldives”

Applicators

There are a bunch of tools that you can purchase on the Subtl Beauty website to help you apply these staks to your face. Transparently, I haven’t actually tried any of them! I have the Dry Brush Cleaner and the Mirror Lid, Base, and Brush. I typically will bring my own brushes when using these staks while traveling. But I honestly think you could use your fingers for most (if not all) the products that this brand offers.

Top is "002C"; Bottom is "003N" — Top is “002C”; Bottom is “003N”

Shades

I think the shade range for this brand is pretty good. It’s not amazing, but it’s not terrible, either. It has 19 Cream Concealer shades, nine Lip and Cheek formula shades, five Bronzer shades, and nine Eyeshadow Duo shades. Maybe as this brand grows more, they will offer more shades in different categories. But for a brand that just started in 2019, I think they are offering a decent amount of shades.

subtl beauty reviews Dry Brush Cleaner — Dry Brush Cleaner

subtl beauty Base and Brush — Dry Brush Cleaner

Is Subtl Beauty Worth It?

If you travel a lot, need a mini beauty kit for your car, or don’t want to lug your giant makeup bags everywhere you go, I absolutely recommend Subtl Beauty. I think the staks are worth the price. Each product varies in price between $12-$18 per stak. I think that’s a pretty fair price for the high-quality formula and super unique packaging. Note that this type of packaging/stackable containers probably cost a bit extra than your typical makeup palettes and compact packaging.

I also think this is a great brand for those folks who aren’t super into makeup and just want the basic necessities to use every day. It makes life a lot easier when you’ve pared down your makeup routine and can store everything in one convenient stak. The brand has made a bunch of Premade Staks (you might want to start out with the Starter Stak) in case you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help choosing what to add to your bag.

Where To Buy Subtl Beauty

You can purchase Subtl Beauty products on their website! Perhaps as the brand expands, it will be available in more retail stores soon.

Looking for more makeup brand suggestions? Check out my thorough review of Laura Geller Makeup.

*Please note: The brand gifted this product to me. I am under no obligation to review it, and all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through the links on my site at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my small business by shopping through my affiliate links. It’s what keeps my blog running and I am so appreciative!