A Quick Touch-Up with Bryce Dallas Howard: How I Discovered the Subtl Beauty Stack
Is it hygienic to brush a microphone and then brush your face? We’ll see.
Hi everyone, I’m Bryce Dallas Howard, and today I want to show you how I touch up my look—because yes, it does need a little refreshing! And along the way, I’m sharing a cool story of how I stumbled upon one of my new favorite beauty finds.
It all started on a plane. I was seated in front of this woman having a conversation with the guy next to her. He asked her what she did, and she replied that she had a makeup company focused on convenience and portability—stackable makeup, she said. That instantly caught my attention. I wanted to ask her more, but I didn’t want to out myself as an eavesdropper. So, I sat there quietly, trying to figure out how to casually bring it up.
But then—plot twist—we almost missed our connecting flight. In the mad dash to make it, I lost sight of her. Total bummer. I figured that was that. But, as we all know, our phones hear everything (and possibly read minds), and soon enough, an ad popped up on my Instagram. It was her! Promoting her creation: the Subtl Beauty Stak.
Let me tell you, this little thing is brilliant. It’s compact, customizable, and has everything you need to do your makeup—apart from setting spray. My go-to? A deeper lip shade. I’m fair-skinned and can look a little ghostly if I don’t have color on my lips, so berry tones and richer hues are my best friends. Coral? Not so much.
The stack includes Lip & Cheek, Lip Glaze, Highlighter, Concealer, a brush, and even a mirror. (Actually, two mirrors—I almost forgot!) Everything fits together like a little tower of beauty essentials. And yes, there’s even a built-in brush cleaner. Thought of everything!
Now, I’m not a heavy touch-up person. I’m okay being a little greasy. But here’s the truth: I almost never do my makeup at home. It usually happens in the car, especially when I’m directing. Being an actor on set means someone is always making sure you look your best. As a director? Not so much. I’d go into the bathroom and see myself in the mirror like, Whoa. Human tumbleweed alert.
So I had to rethink my routine. I needed something fast, simple, and effective—so I could feel put together without anyone worrying about me. That’s where the Subtl Stack became a game-changer.
To the woman on the plane—Rachel—thank you for creating something so genius. And thank you for unknowingly letting me stalk you just enough to discover it.
