Building My Perfect Summer Stak (and a New Favorite Hack!)
Hey guys, it’s Niara Alexis! I’m so excited to share how I build my summer Stak and introduce you to a new product that I’m seriously loving right now. Let’s get into it!
My Summer Stak Essentials
I actually have a few different Staks for the year: a winter Stak, a fall Stak, and now, my summer Stak. Each one is curated to fit the season and my skin’s mood. So, for summer, here’s what I’m working with.
First things first, I always start with my Makeup Brush and Dry Brush Cleaner. Full disclosure: my brush definitely needs cleaning (don’t judge me!). But the brush cleaner is a must-have because I want my brushes fresh no matter what I’m using.
Lip Balm, Highlights, and Blush
I always start with the Original Lip Balm — it’s perfect year-round. Then I move on to Cream Highlighter and my favorite highlighter shade, Espresso Martini. I use this so much I actually finished one container, so you know it’s a go-to.
For blush, I’m all about Pink in a Pinch. This shade has been a game changer for me. It just gives the perfect pop of pink on my skin tone.
Then I have two Lip and Cheek options depending on my mood: Runway to Rose and Terracotta Tour Guide. But honestly, Guava Getaway has to be in the mix, too. So now I’m juggling three Lip and Cheek products! And of course, my Iconic Lip Glaze — it’s just so pretty and perfect.
The New Bronzing Balm (My Favorite!)
Now here’s the exciting part — the new Bronzing Balm in Truffle. It’s so buttery and easy to blend, it’s quickly become a must-have in my Stak.
I used to use a Concealer shade or two deeper as a cream bronzer, but now that I have this, I’m officially retiring that hack. I like to start applying the Bronzing Balm at the back of my face and blend it up toward my hairline so it looks natural — like a warm sun-kissed glow.
Pro tip: tilt your head back and check the blend so there’s no harsh line. Also, I like to dust a little bronzer down my nose for a subtle sun-kissed effect.
Setting the Look and Adding Dimension
To make sure my bronzer lasts all day, I go over it with my Cocoa Powder Bronzer — it sets everything perfectly.
I also like to use that Bronzer as a base for my eye look, sweeping it across my crease to add some warmth without overdoing it.
Then, it’s blush time! I layer Pink in a Pinch right on top of Guava Getaway. This combo gives me the perfect summery flush. I’m not shy about going heavy on blush because it tends to fade quickly in the summer heat. Sometimes, I even add a little blush on my nose for that cute sun-kissed vibe.
Brows and Lips to Finish
Even though it’s not part of my Stak, I always do my brows with the 3-in-1 Brow BFF. I use Dark Brown. It’s award-winning for a reason, and it literally takes two seconds to fill in my brows.
For lips, I finish with the Iconic Lip Glaze. Usually, I just use my finger when I’m on the go, but this time I grabbed a brush just for you guys!
Here’s a fun hack: I tried using the Bronzing Balm as a lip liner, and it worked so well! It tied my whole look together with this warm, bronzed finish.
That’s my summer Stak!
So that’s my go-to summer makeup routine, built around a few favorite products and one game-changing Bronzing Balm. It’s fast, fresh, and perfect for that warm, glowing look we all want in the summer.
