Empowered women empower other women. With that in mind, we decided to spend a little time celebrating and highlighting our Pittsburgh-based team of amazing women.
We are dedicated to helping other women save time while looking their best through a simplified beauty solution. We constantly challenge each other to be the best versions of ourselves and that’s something we’re proud of. Today we’re answering some questions to help you get to know us better.
Meet Rachel, our Founder, and CEO
Horoscope sign: Virgo
Hobbies: Exercising, cooking, and working on Subtl
Fun Fact: I have two accents! I can switch between my American and Kiwi accents with a snap of the fingers.
“I founded Subtl Beauty because I could never find a beauty brand that worked with my lifestyle. They always seemed to be working against it; requiring a ton of time, space, energy and precise application. Subtl was created as a solution to all of these problems; the ultimate wing-woman to a busy lifestyle.”
Favorite product: Our Shine Control powder. Most powders really dry out my skin but I love how lightweight ours is. It has this ability to mattify and blur without setting into any dry patches.
Favorite beauty tip: For a subtl/e, day contour I like to use a subtl concealer 2-3 shades darker than my original and apply my contour as my first step before foundation. If I'm trying to elevate my makeup look at night, I'll go over it with our Cool bronzer to create a more defined contour.
Most inspired by: I don't draw inspo from any one particular individual but what I find most inspiring is the relentless grit of people who get up and go after their goals every single day.
Meet Nikki
Horoscope sign: Leo
Hobbies: Yoga, playing with my dog Rudy, and finding/trying new beauty trends
Fun Fact: I worked in NYC for 11 years
Favorite product: Bronzer (Warm) - I love a bronzed/sunkissed glow
Favorite beauty tip: Put highlighter (Champagne) on your cupid's bow because it makes your lips appear fuller.
Most inspired by: Pinterest. People are so creative and the ideas are endless.
Meet Alexa
Hometown: Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Horoscope sign: Pisces
Hobbies: Rock climbing, thrift shopping, and eating ramen
Fun fact: In high school, I was the only girl on a local sporting clay team called “The Smokin’ Guns.”
“Growing up with 3 big sisters showed me that every woman has an incredibly unique lifestyle. I joined Subtl Beauty because I whole-heartedly believe women should be able to spend less time doing their makeup, hair, etc. -- and more time living life and loving themselves.”
Favorite product: I love the Lip Cheek because a little color is a pale girl’s BFF.
Favorite beauty tip: Drink more water! This will help you achieve glowing acne-free skin.
Most inspired by: My sisters. They taught me that every woman’s path to happiness is different.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know us! We love supporting other women-run businesses and getting to know our customers. As busy women ourselves, we understand that the struggle is real when it comes to beauty. Hopefully, our work here at Subtl will help you have a little less struggle in your day.
Phoebe
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA
Horoscope: Cancer
Hobbies: rock climbing and gouache painting!
Fun fact: I’ve been to 11 different countries, from Turks and Caicos to Australia!
“I first heard about Subtl Beauty at a 2019 startup event, and when I received a Stack for Christmas I fell in love! Naturally, when I saw the opportunity for an internship I knew I had to apply, and haven’t looked back since.”
Favorite Subtl Product: Perfectly Pink Lip Cheek! I love the brightening effect it has on my whole look and is my go-to for early morning classes.
Favorite Beauty Tip: Apply in layers - it’s always easy to build up coverage, but much harder to tone it down if it’s too much.
Most Inspired by: My father. Over the years, he has taught me how to make the most of my strengths, and has shown me over and over again that with determination and focus, anything is possible.
Meet Jenna
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Horoscope: Taurus
Hobbies: I LOVE to cook! I also love to hike with my golden retriever, do yoga/pilates with my girlfriends, and of course traveling!
Fun fact: I play guitar and piano and write my own music!
I was excited to join the Subtl Beauty team because it’s a brand that gets the modern woman and what that realistically looks like at times. Some women work multiple jobs, balance work and kids, balance school, and the days can get so hectic! It’s a brand that understands the need for quality products without any hassle or inconvenience. It’s products I proudly use myself!
Favorite Subtl product: I LOVE the highlighters! Especially during summer, they add the perfect glow against any skin tone!
Favorite beauty tip: You don’t need to cake on makeup to look beautiful! Sometimes it’s the littlest additions to your routine that make all the difference or add a pop to your look! Don’t be afraid to explore what looks and feels best for YOU!
Most inspired by: My girlfriends! We are all so different physically, culturally, ethnically, and professionally, and it’s so inspiring to watch them grow into who they are, and see how our own experiences have helped educate and influence each of us to be better individuals, friends, and the way we look and define beauty.
Meet Pauline
Hometown: Conshohocken, PA
Horoscope sign: Taurus
Hobbies: Yoga & pilates, trying new skincare products, beach walks, lounging with my dog and cooking w/ a glass of wine in hand
Fun Fact: I have an addiction to seltzer water (Bubly and La Croix all day)
"Subtl Beauty stood out to me from the start. Not only is their package design genius, but the quality of the makeup is impressive. As a makeup artist, I appreciate products that are versatile and easy to use, and Subtl has that mastered!"
Favorite Subtl product: Lip and Cheek (Mauve is my go-to shade)
Favorite beauty tip: always use natural light when applying makeup, believe me ;)
Most inspired by: Katie Jane Hughes, Patrick Ta and Nikki Wolff
Meet Courtney
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Horoscope sign: Sagittarius
Hobbies: Working out, interior design and home renovations, listening to podcasts
Fun Fact: My husband and I instituted a #cocktailhour during the pandemic and, we have a drink together every day at 5 pm!
“I love makeup and trying new, easy products that make me look beautiful and effortless! Subtlbeauty fit that description and so I started working with the team!”
Favorite Subtl product: Chartiers concealer and Champagne highlighter
Favorite beauty tip: Use highlighter on your eyelids and on top of your eyeshadow for a bright, metallic look!
Most inspired by: Gabby Bernstein
Meet Jung-Shan
Hometown: Taiwan
Horoscope sign: Libra
Hobbies: Talking to my dogs and hiking.
Fun Fact: I was once an eating contest champion
“I don’t use makeup often. The minimal stack is perfect for what I need.”
Favorite Subtl product: Mauve Lip Cheek
Favorite beauty tip: blend concealer with lotion as a foundation
Most inspired by: My grandma