I used to dread the security line.
Not because of the wait. Because of the unzip, unpack, flatten, re-zip routine that came with traveling with a real makeup bag. Foundation, concealer, eyeshadow palette, blush, bronzer, two lip products, a brush roll. All of it had to come out. All of it had to go back in while 40 people shuffled impatiently behind me.
That was the problem we set out to solve at Subtl. Not "how do we make better makeup" but "how do we make makeup that actually works for the way women live." And women travel. A lot.
Here is what we built.
What makes makeup TSA-approved?
The TSA's 3-1-1 rule requires that liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, all fitting in one quart-sized bag. Most makeup products that fall under this rule are foundations, liquid concealers, lip glosses, and anything in a pump or tube.
The easiest way to stay compliant: use fewer products, in smaller formats, with no liquid formulas where you can avoid them.
That is exactly what the Subtl Stak is designed to do.
The Stak: your whole face in one carry-on-friendly unit
The Stak is a system of interlocking pods that click together into one pocket-sized unit. Your concealer, eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, highlighter, lip color, all of it, in something smaller than most single-product compacts.
Each pod uses cream or pressed powder formulas, which means no liquids, no pumps, nothing that needs to go in the quart bag. The whole Stak goes straight into the bin with your shoes and laptop. That is it.
Full face. Under 5 minutes. On the plane, in the hotel, at the gate.
"Bringing makeup on our many travels was always a hassle. Not anymore since I found your product. Compact, all-in-one and packed to go."
— Anita K., verified buyer
"I keep one in my work bag when I travel so that I always have my makeup with me. The other I use every day."
— Kimberly W., verified buyer
What goes in a travel Stak
You build your Stak around your actual routine. You only include what you use. No filler products, no shades you will never open. Here is what most travelers include:
BB Powder ($24)
A breathable, buildable powder foundation that blurs and smooths for natural coverage that lasts. Applied with a finger or brush, no sponge needed. Goes through security with no issues.
Cream Concealer ($16)
Lightweight and dewy. Covers what needs covering without adding weight or bulk. Works over or under the BB Powder depending on your preference.
Bronzing Balm ($18)
A buttery cream bronzer that melts into skin. No fallout, no mess in your bag. Doubles as a contour for longer travel days.
Lip and Cheek ($14)
A jojoba-infused cream tint that works on both lips and cheeks. One pod, two uses. Shades like Terracotta Tour Guide and Passport to Plum were named with travel in mind.
Eyeshadow Duos ($20)
A buttery smooth two-shade palette. Pressed powder, no mess, no fallout on a long flight. Gives you a daytime and an elevated look from the same pod.
Lip Glaze ($18)
Your 4-in-1 lip product. Nourishing, non-sticky, and fits in the Stak so you are not digging through your bag at 30,000 feet.
The Starter Stak: the easiest way to start
If you want the full travel-ready routine without having to pick every individual pod, the Starter Stak is where most people begin. It includes concealer, lip and cheek, bronzer, highlighter, and shine control powder, all in one Stak, already built.
$55. One click to add to cart. Ships in two days.
"This makeup is perfect for travel and being on the go."
— Shannen R., verified buyer
"I have a set at home, in my car, and in a travel bag I use. The products are so easy to use."
— Karen U., verified buyer
TSA makeup packing tips
A few things that make travel easier beyond the Stak itself:
Swap liquid foundation for pressed or cream powder. Liquid foundation is the most common TSA-bag offender and also the most spillable. BB Powder gives you the same coverage without any of the hassle.
Consolidate lip products. Most people travel with three or four lip products when one good one would do. A Lip Glaze or Lip and Cheek covers color, hydration, and a little shine in a single pod.
Skip the palette. Large eyeshadow palettes take up space and rarely get used in full on a trip. A two-shade duo is enough for a clean everyday look and an elevated evening look.
Use the mirror lid. The Stak Mirror Lid turns any Stak into a compact. No separate mirror to pack.
Build a dedicated travel Stak. Several of our customers keep one Stak at home and one already packed for travel. You never have to think about what to bring again. Start building yours here.
Not sure which shades to build with?
Shade matching from a screen is hard. That is why we built the Stak Quiz. Answer four questions about your skin tone, skin type, and the kind of look you want, and we will tell you exactly which shades to build with.
Free. Takes under 60 seconds.
Or if you already know what you want:
What's actually in a Subtl product
Since we're talking about something you're putting on your face on a plane, it's worth knowing what's in it. Every Subtl product is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, talc-free, and fragrance-free. Key ingredients across the line include Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Plant-Derived Squalane, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil, and Chamomile Extract. No fillers, no fragrance, nothing that's going to irritate sensitive skin at altitude. See the full ingredients list here.
The refillable system also means less waste. When a pod runs out, you replace the pod, not the whole Stak.
Frequently asked questions about TSA makeup rules
Is Subtl Beauty makeup TSA-approved?
Yes. All Subtl products use cream and pressed powder formulas. None of them are subject to the TSA liquid rule, so nothing needs to go in your quart-sized bag. The entire Stak goes through the bin as-is.
Does the Stak count as a liquid at airport security?
No. The Stak uses cream and pressed powder formats, not liquid or gel formulas. It is not subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule and does not need to be removed from your bag for the liquids bin.
What is the TSA 3-1-1 rule for makeup?
The TSA 3-1-1 rule requires that liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, and all fit in one quart-sized clear bag. This applies to liquid foundation, liquid concealer, mascara, and most lip glosses in tubes. Pressed powders, cream formulas in solid form, and lip products in stick or compact form are generally not subject to this rule.
Can I bring a full makeup routine in my carry-on?
Yes, if you choose the right formats. The key is avoiding liquid-based products and consolidating where you can. A Stak with BB Powder, Cream Concealer, pressed eyeshadow, and a lip product covers a full face in carry-on without touching your liquids bag.
How many products fit in one Stak?
The limit doesn't exist, however, most travelers use 4 to 6 pods for a complete routine. Build your custom Stak here.
Is the Subtl Starter Stak good for travel?
Yes. The Starter Stak includes 5 products: concealer, lip and cheek, highlighter and bronzer, and shine control powder, already built into one Stak. It is the fastest way to have a complete travel-ready routine without choosing individual pods.
