Building the Perfect Fall Stak: My Go-To Shades and Brush Review
Hey, beauty lovers! Fall is here, and it’s time to talk about my favorite part of the season—curating my fall makeup stak! Each season, I like to swap in new shades and products, mixing what’s trending with my go-to Subtl faves. This year, I’m focusing on those rich autumnal vibes we all love, plus a few essential brush updates to keep everything fresh and flawless. Ready to build your own fall stak? Let’s dive in!
Fall Stak Essentials
1. A Fresh Brush Base
Let’s start with the essentials. I’ve been loving doing my makeup on the go (hello, car makeup hacks!), so I always make sure I have a fresh mini brush in the base. It’s the perfect size for on-the-go application and still gives me a flawless finish. Plus, let me know if you want to see my car makeup routine—I promise, it’s a lifesaver for busy mornings!
2. Concealer Combo: 003N + 004N
If you’ve been following my tutorials, you’ll know I sometimes like to mix two concealer shades—003N and 004N. It’s the perfect solution when you need to adapt to your changing skin tone as summer fades. For those days when I’m feeling a little more tan, I love the flexibility of mixing them to get the exact shade I need.
3. Lip Balm: Cherry Chateau
Fall is all about hydration, especially as the air gets drier. I swapped out my summer favorite, Zestination Coco, for Cherry Chateau. It’s the perfect blend of summer’s sweetness and fall’s coziness. Plus, it smells like cherries—need I say more?
My Go-To Autumn Shades
Ever since it launched, I’ve been so obsessed with the Road Trip Collection––I seriously can't get enough of these shades. So all three are making it into my fall stak:
4. Lip & Cheek: Guava Getaway
This deep, rich lip and cheek color is perfect for fall, giving both my lips and cheeks that warm, flushed look. It’s stunning on its own but also pairs beautifully with Apricot Avenue.
5. Blush: Apricot Avenue (Powder)
I love setting cream blushes with powder blushes for a dimensional look that lasts all day. Apricot Avenue has been my go-to, and it pairs perfectly with Guava Getaway for that effortless fall glow.
6. Highlighter: Golden Gimlet
No stak is complete without a little shimmer, and Golden Gimlet adds the perfect touch of glam to any fall look. Whether I use it as an eyeshadow topper or to highlight my cheekbones, it’s a must-have.
7. Bronzer: Leche
Leche is my go-to bronzer, and I’m sticking with it this season. It’s the lightest shade and perfect for a subtle contour. I’ve also ordered a darker concealer to experiment with cream bronzing, so stay tuned!
8. Bon Voyage Eyeshadow Duo
I’ve been neglecting this duo, so I’m excited to bring it back into my routine. The matte shades are making a comeback, and these are so flattering for fall.
9. Dune Eyeshadow Duo
Dune is perfect for creating a soft, winged liner look, especially now that I’m not using lash extensions. The dark brown shade is my go-to for a natural, defined eye look.
10. For extra sparkle: Golden Gimlet
Because sometimes you want a little extra glow! This highlighter seriously makes an amazing eyeshadow.
Fall Makeup Pro Tips
One of my favorite tricks for fall makeup is versatility. You don’t need a massive collection to create a ton of different looks. For example, you can use Apricot Avenue as an eyeshadow for a monochromatic look, or swipe bronzer on your lids for a quick, easy glam. Fall makeup is all about layering and using your products in creative ways!
And of course, no stak is complete without the trusty Shine Control Powder. I just swapped in a new one, and it’s my lifesaver for keeping my makeup matte all day. Another stak essential? The Dry Brush Cleaner. This season, I swapped out the old one for a fresh pad. Subtl’s stak system makes this so easy, and I love that all the pods are refillable. Just pop out the old one, drop in a new one, and you’re good to go!
Brush Review: The Ultimate Makeup Tools
Fall is the perfect time to refresh your brushes, and if you haven’t tried the Subtl Beauty 4-Piece Brush Set, you’re missing out. These are hands down my favorite brushes—they’re travel-sized but deliver the performance of full-sized brushes. Plus, they’re covered, which keeps them clean and free from germs (we love that!).
Here’s a quick breakdown of each brush and how I use them:
- Powder Brush: Perfect for all over powders like shine control and even bronzer. I love how versatile it is!
- Cream Brush: This one’s amazing for everything from concealer to lip and cheek products. It applies just the right amount for a flawless finish.
- Blush Brush: This tulip shape is amazing for applying powder blush and highlighter.
- Eyeshadow Brush: This mini two sided brush is great for eyeshadow in a pinch! You can even use it for a little natural contour on the sides of your nose.
- Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush: This one is not included in the set, but it is my all time favorite. The lids keep the brush clean, and I love that you get two eyeshadow brushes in one! One side is perfect for blending, while the other is great for precision work like lining the eyes.
- Bonus Tip: I still have a small eyeshadow brush from an older set, and it’s my secret weapon for liner. If you can get your hands on one, I highly recommend it!
Final Thoughts
So that’s what’s in my fall stak this season! From versatile eyeshadow duos to the perfect mix of blush and bronzer, I’m ready to create all my favorite fall looks. The best part? Everything fits neatly into my Subtl Stak, making it easy to take with me wherever I go. And if I need to pack lighter, I can just remove a few pods and simplify my stak even more.
Don’t forget to share what you’re including in your fall stak! I’d love to hear what shades and products you’re excited about. And of course, stay tuned for my next tutorial where I’ll be showing you how I use this stak to create my go-to fall look. See you next time!
