How to Achieve a Quick Everyday Look with Subtl’s Starter Stak
Hey everyone! Welcome back to the Subtl Beauty blog, where we’re all about simplifying your beauty routine while still looking flawless. Today, I’m excited to share a quick, classic everyday makeup look using one of Subtl’s most popular products—the Starter Stak. As a busy mom and business owner, I’m always on the go, so I need something that’s portable, easy, and efficient. The Starter Stak checks all those boxes, and today, I’m going to walk you through how I use it for my everyday routine.
What’s in the Starter Stak?
Before we jump into the tutorial, let me give you a quick overview of what the Starter Stak includes. This is a customizable five-product kit that gives you all the essentials for an everyday look. These are some of Subtl’s best-selling products, pre-selected to make it easy for you to create a complete, natural look.
Here’s what you get in the Starter Stak:
- Concealer – A creamy, buildable formula for easy touch-ups and coverage.
- Bronzer – To warm up the skin and add natural dimension.
- Lip & Cheek Color – A multi-purpose product to add a flush of color.
- Highlighter – A subtle glow that brings life to the skin.
- Shine Control Powder – Perfect for setting your makeup and controlling any excess shine.
Plus, there’s a handy little brush hidden at the bottom of the Stak for on-the-go touch-ups! I also added the Dry Brush Cleaner to my Starter Stak because it makes switching between products so much easier. Now, let’s get into the routine!
Step-by-Step Starter Stak Makeup Look
1. Foundation (Optional)
If you’re like me and skip foundation most days, the Starter Stak can carry your entire makeup look. However, since I have a dinner later today, I’m going to start with the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation for a little extra coverage. I apply a small amount with a damp beauty blender to even out my skin tone. But feel free to skip this step—Subtl’s concealer can double as a light foundation!
2. Concealer
Next, I reach for the concealer in my Starter Stak. My shade is 003N, and I love how creamy and spreadable this product is. I tap a little on any areas that need extra coverage, like blemishes or under my eyes. What makes this concealer perfect is that it blends so effortlessly. I also love the mirror that comes with the Starter Stak—it’s perfect for getting ready on the go, especially when I’m not near good lighting.
3. Bronzer
For a quick contour and warm glow, I grab my bronzer. I use Leche, a lighter shade that works well with my complexion, but there’s a range of shades to choose from depending on your skin tone. Using the fluffy brush in the 4-Piece Brush Set, I apply the bronzer in the shape of a “3,” sweeping it across my forehead, under my cheekbones, and along my jawline. Don’t forget to blend! I also like to smush this brush to add a little bronzer to the sides of my nose for a soft contour.
4. Lip & Cheek
The next step is my favorite—Lip & Cheek in the shade Terracotta Tour Guide. It’s the perfect color for a year-round flush of warmth, and if you prefer something more neutral, the Starter Stak now offers it with Mauve in the Maldives too. I love how versatile this product is—you can blend it into your cheeks for a rosy flush, dab it on your nose for a little extra warmth, and apply it directly to your lips for a natural tint. You can also mix shades together to experiment and customize your look even further!
5. Highlighter
For a subtle glow, I go in with the highlighter in the shade Champagne. I use the tulip-shaped brush and apply it right to the tops of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, and a little on my brow bone. The result is a soft, lit-from-within glow that looks fresh and natural without being too shiny.
6. Shine Control Powder
To set everything in place, I use the Shine Control Powder—the only powder I’ve ever used that doesn't dry out my skin. I focus on areas like my forehead and chin, where I don’t want too much shine, and leave the rest of my skin looking dewy. If you have oily skin, you can use this powder all over to lock everything in.
Bonus: Using Bronzer & Highlighter as Eyeshadow
The beauty of the Subtl's products is how easily you can multitask! Even though there isn’t an eyeshadow in this stak, I use the bronzer in my crease for a soft, natural eye look. Then, I take a little highlighter and tap it on my lids and inner corners for some brightness. This is such a quick trick that makes your eyes pop without needing extra products.
7. Lips
Finally, I go back to the Lip & Cheek and apply it to my lips for a hint of color. The creamy texture makes it easy to blend, and the Terracotta shade looks flattering on pretty much everyone.
Finishing Touches
If I have extra time, I’ll add a little more bronzer to marry everything together. And just like that, I’m done! This look takes me about 5 minutes on a regular day, and around 7 minutes if I use foundation. It’s perfect for busy moms or anyone who needs a quick, polished makeup routine.
Why the Starter Stak is a Game-Changer
The Subtl Starter Stak is a game-changer for anyone who wants an easy, customizable, and portable makeup kit. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or getting ready for a night out, it’s all you need. You can even switch out the products in your Stak as your preferences or needs change!
Have you tried the Starter Stak yet? Let me know in the comments! How long does it take you to get ready these days? Moms, I’m looking at you—how much time have you saved thanks to Subtl? Don’t forget to subscribe for more tutorials and tips—we post new videos every Sunday!
Thanks for stopping by, and see you next time!
