Trying Out the Summer FabFitFun Box: My Must Haves

In paid partnership with FabFitFun

Hi everyone! I can’t believe it’s already May and summertime is just around the corner. Do you have any fun plans for this season? I’m currently in the works of planning a summer trip, *possibly* with a brand, (after being on hold for over a year), and I’m so grateful to be fully vaccinated and able to go. Since it’s a new season, I recently received FabFitFun’s Summer box, and am going to give you the details on my favorites inside the package.  

If you’re not familiar yet with FabFitFun, it feels just like a blogger receiving surprise PR mail. Their highly curated boxes are shipped quarterly, packed with high end products reflecting their theme for every season. Whether you’re into skincare, beauty, travel or wellness, there’s something in the box that you’ll definitely enjoy. 

I am someone who tends to stay in my comfort zone with products, so whenever this box comes in the mail, I’m always excited to try the brands everyone on the internet is hyping right now. I have a code “SUMMERA10” to allow you to get $10 off your subscription and see what the excitement is all about. 

Prior to shipping, you are able to customize the box from a few selections, that way it reflects what you’re interested in trying. Through the FabFitFun standard, they have a list of 12 harmful ingredients that they never include in their products to give their customers the best curated experience. I love that they only use clean beauty products, and are dedicated to female empowerment through a majority of their brands being female owned.  

As I begin to open this season’s box, I notice it is all full size products that are worth more than you pay for the entire box, which is an amazing value to indulge in on its own. Here is this gorgeous neoprene emerald tote bag by Summersalt, which is great for a beach or picnic day. I’m actually going on a mini beach trip with my friends this week, so I will be taking it along with me. Summersalt is a brand I absolutely adore, and I worked with them on a modest swimsuit launch in 2019, if you remember the subway ad in NY! 

One of my favorite hair care brands I fell in love with years ago is Ouai. In this summer package, they’ve included the Ouai Detox Shampoo and Scalp massager. A lot of times, we don’t really think of our scalps as part of of our shower routine compared to shampoo in the hair, but this product is perfect for reducing oily heads from product build up. I’m a medium to oily type hair person, so this is definitely a great item to have next to my shower essentials.

Another hair product is the Living Proof Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo, which is one of the most popular dry shampoo products that will actually clean your hair for you. The best time to use dry shampoo is before bedtime, that way it will absorb the oil in your hair while you are sleeping, and in the morning you will only have to do touch-ups. Although I wear hijab in public, or a headscarf, I definitely enjoy having my hair done during the day at home and taking just as much care of it as anyone else!  

Besides haircare, they’ve included an array of facial beauty products. I immediately notice the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Purifying Cleanser, which is focused on unclogging pores and eliminating excess oil. My skin type is typically more oily in the hotter weather, so this is an exciting product to try out.

Next to it is the SKIN & CO Roma Truffle Therapy Whipped Cleansing Cream. It’s luxurious formula is all about banishing dull skin and promoting hydration. I definitely am looking forward to switching between the two different cleansers, depending on what my skin is needing that day. 

Alongside these skincare favorites is the Erno Laszlo Pore Cleansing Clay Mask, which I have been using, and it truly leaves your face feeling soft and bright. Last but not least, the package included the Ciaté London Watermelon Dewy Setting Spray. It’s super lightweight and helps your skin tone appear radiant and glossy! Not to mention, it’s also watermelon scented which alone is iconic for summertime. 

Besides the quarterly box filled with the most hyped products of the season, FabFitFun also has member-exclusive sales, and a community of like-minded women through their online articles with instructions on how to use the products, beauty advice, recipes, and more. I always find it fun to rave about the same products with my friends, and that’s what it feels like on their site (like YES I have so much to say about this product too!). 

If you are interested in experiencing the FabFitFun for yourself, be sure to use my code “SUMMERA10” for $10 off your subscription. I’d love to know what your favorites end up being! 

Much love,
Summer

What’s In That FabFitFun Box I See in Everyone’s Mail? Here’s What I discovered

In paid partnership with FabFitFun 

Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather out there lately, and getting to really soak in the beauty of this year’s spring. I got to try out FabFitFun’s Spring box and discover why everyone is obsessed with this subscription service. 

 If you’re not a blogger who receives PR mail, then this is the perfect way to feel like that, haha! FabFitFun sends out highly curated boxes quarterly, packed with high end products reflecting their theme for every season. I have a code “SUMMERA10” to allow you to get $10 off your subscription and see what the excitement is all about. 

The best part is, they are all full-size items that range from fashion, fitness, beauty, & lifestyle, which just makes the whole experience more useful considering you won’t have to deal with sample size products with one-time usage. Prior to shipping, you are able to customize the box from a few selections, that way it reflects what you’re interested in trying. Through the FabFitFun standard, they have a list of 12 harmful ingredients that they never include in their products to give their customers the best curated experience. 

Now, let’s dive into what came in my FabFitFun Spring box. 

Your package arrives in this adorably printed box to indicate the theme of their collection. Right off the bat, I notice these beautiful fluffy “Splendid” slippers amongst an array of beauty products. I love wearing something comfortable around the house, and they were totally reading my mind when I remembered I needed a new slipper since mine have become quite worn out by the end of winter now. 

Next, I’m instantly drawn to the Halston pair of aloe infused pink gel socks and pumicestone. Something we all could use for sandal season is a good foot pamper, and I can’t wait to incorporate into some self-care time. Milk makeup is SUCH a popular favorite, so I was excited to get on the hype about their Watermelon Brightening Face Mask and serum which comes on a pink stick for an easy roll on application. The box also included these adorable stickers which just instantly makes everything more fun and cheerful. I actually used to collect sheets of stickers as a child from all my travels and have this box to this day! 

On the topic of self-care and pampering, they included several shower products that will make a luxurious experience right at home. I especially love that they only use clean beauty products, and are dedicated to female empowerment through a majority of their brands being female owned. 

Overall, FabFitFun is a great way to discover new products while spending less than you normally would. The subscription is like a gift from you to you! I would highly recommend it as a unique birthday gift idea for a friend as well. Who doesn’t love receiving surprise packages?! I’m now super excited to change up my beauty and skincare routine a bit for the season, and incorporate these new favorites by women across the country. 

Let me know personally if you have any questions about the experience and curation process. Don’t forget to use my code "SUMMERA10” for $10 off your order. Wishing you all a lovely spring and summer ahead! 

Much love,
Summer Albarcha

Our Sister "Hairitage" ft. Pantene

In paid partnership with Pantene

Growing up with two sisters means sharing a beauty routine since childhood. I remember standing on our little step stools in our bathroom, brushing our wet hair out the shower and running to our mom to have her “add her magic touch”. She would love to braid all of our hair, right out of the shower with a small dose of moisturizer to maintain its natural health & style right before school the next day. One of her biggest concerns was using heat products that could possibly over burn our hair, and she always tried to make use of natural ways to add waves or to straighten our hair with natural products. Til’ this day, she still calls me when I’m straightening my hair to make sure I’m not applying heat “too long!”.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve loved experimenting with what does and doesn’t work for my hair. Although it may be covered with a headscarf in public settings, hair care is so important to me (and so many girls alike!). I’ve teamed up with Pantene to introduce their latest Shampoo and Conditioner as part of their Nutrient Blends Collection, made to soothe and hydrate dry and brittle hair and help maintain its natural oils.

Natural ingredients have always been important in my family’s “hairitage”, and this collection is free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and mineral oil. I especially love that the collection is made of Rose Water, which is a Syrian household staple. I use it in desserts, facial toners, cleansers, infusers, and now my haircare! It’s known for its hydrating and soothing benefits, not to mention its heavenly smell.

Years later, I still find myself having the same post-shower routine. After using the shampoo and conditioner, I like to braid my hair and let the natural ingredients soak in so my hair can form into its natural waves. Some things never really change :)

Much love,

Summer Albarcha

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Hello, World!

This Is Why You Need Glycolic Acid In Your Skincare Routine ft. SkinCeuticals

Paid partnership with SkinCeuticals 

As you all know, I’ve been doing quite some traveling lately so I always end up finding my skin clogged and feeling a bit dull. On the other hand, living near NYC does not make this any easier with all the pollution. I was feeling quite concerned about my skin quality, and there’s been several moments my mom would Face Time me and be like SUMMER! Why aren’t you taking care of your skin? And she’s completely right. 

When SkinCeuticals reached out to me, I knew that this would be the perfect time to get my skin back on track. After discussing my concerns, I made a visit to the Kaga Institute in partnership with SkinCeuticals to try out their Express peel using the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight. Click here to see the video of my experience! 

 Throughout the past few weeks, I was able to take the product home and incorporate it in my own skincare routine! This nightly treatment promotes cellular turnover for healthy, glowing skin. I began by trying it out every other night, in order to see how my skin would react initially. I found that it works best when maintaining moisturized skin with creams in my morning routine, to avoid any dryness from the glycolic acid. It’s normal to feel a bit of tingling! 

Over a few weeks, you can begin to see your skin reducing its buildup of dead skin cells, and overall really improving the appearance of your complexion. I’ve definitely had those moments where I wake up and my skin is glowing and feeling so bright! And in turn, I feel the need to wear less coverage / makeup, and thus avoiding clogged skin occurrences. 

If you visit SkinCeuticals you can learn more about the benefits of using glycolic acid and see what skincare products are best for your skin type. I know I’m so much happier with brighter, healthier skin, and incorporating this small change in your nightly skincare routine would make getting ready in the morning just a little easier! 

Much love,

Summer Albarcha

MY CURRENT MAKEUP ROUTINE | SUMMER 2017

Hi loves! I know it's been quite some time that I've been blogging and never had the chance to share my everyday makeup routine. While I don't consider myself to be the best makeup expert there is, here is just a post of what I do for an everyday look as an everyday person. I attached links and images to some of my latest faves. A lot of these products were sent to try, and I've really loved a lot of them! I'm not the type to change makeup routines, but go through the post and see if there's anything you'd like to try. :) 

1. Face: You want to start out with a clean, freshly washed face (of course). Instead of a lot of skin prepping that probably should be done, one beauty hack I’ve learned over the years is to wipe my face with a makeup remover wipe— and it instantly glows after makeup application! I love using the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. #lazygirlhacks

2. Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer? On a daily basis for school, traveling, hangouts, etc, I LOVE using the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. I've been using it for about 5 years now, and it really gives a tan, natural glow. If I don't have time to put any makeup on, I'll at least put the tinted moisturizer on as a sunscreen, moisturizer, and color all in one. One downside is that it is likely to come off by the end of a 15 hour day, especially after coming home from university (can someone explains how this occurs?!), but it is absolutely perfect for wanting to look fresh and ready for something occurring soon (such as a meeting to head to in half an hour). Also, I find myself not needing to add any blush or bronzer when I’m wearing it. #lazygirlhacks

For those liking powder compact foundations, I’ve been recently using the Halo Compact Powder Foundation by Smashbox. It really feels like there's nothing on your face. I begin by rubbing a little of their foundation primer on my face using my hands, then powder on using a round powder brush from Bare Minerals. I'm wearing it right now!  I also sometimes layer it on top of my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer face days for extra setting. 

2. Concealer. We Middle Easterners definitely like our under eye concealer. For the past year, I’ve been using the Smashbox Studio Skin concealer for under my eyes in a lighter shade-- and it really brightens up your bags. For facial concealers, the Almay stick has always been a great color match for me, and it has salicyclic acid which helps heal the covered acne AT THE SAME TIME. I've been using it for 8 years now! I always carry it in my purse, and find myself adding it to any blemishes on those non-makeup days to have a fresh, healthy, natural glow. #lazygirlhacks

3. BROWS. Once, I was on set for a makeup shoot, and I learned that when you fill your brows with gray powder, it creates a natural, full shadow. I've been doing it for the past year and swear by this beauty secret. I'm obsessed with using the Smashbox Eye Shaping kit, and am almost out of their gray powder compact. It also comes with lighter shades to use as a brow highlight (and for clean ups) which is AWESOME. To top it off, I use eyebrow gel from Anastasia to keep the shape in place. Even if I’m too busy to do the full look, I find myself using just the gel and it really leaves your brows looking full and perfectly shaped ALL day. #lazygirlhacks

4. Eyeliner. To be honest, most days I just skip the eyeliner. Instead, I line the bottom of my eye with brown eyeshadow from the Smashbox eye shaping kit. 

5. Eyeshadow. I've had a Naked 3 Palette from Urban Decay for the past few years, and use it EVERYDAY. I absolutely love the gold and pink tones. I start by using a smashbox eyelid primer on my eyes (which can be substituted with moisturizer or concealer), then add a full eye of a lighter color, followed by a darker shade in the crease. I always stick to nude tones like pastel pink and gold bronze to keep a natural glowy look. 

6. Mascara. I'm obsessed with the CHANEL Le Volume de Chanel mascara. I find it that it instantly makes my lashes thick & long with only a few coats. I'm also a huge fan of the Smashbox Indecent Exposure Lengthening mascara- it's definitely not messy and is great for girls with longer natural lashes.  

7. Lips. I switch this up 24-7, but I always carry a Rimmel London light pink lipstick in shade 40 in my purse, along with a YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-in-stick in shade 44 Nude. I love light pink lipsticks since I tend to focus a lot on the bronze tones in the eyes. Recently, I've been using the new Lancome Juicy Shakers, and they're so so moisturizing! It's almost as if you have on a tinted chapstick. I use a little dab of the bright fuschia tone, and it makes a glowy, fresh lip. 

8. Bronzer, blush & highlighter. I've tried a mix of options, but currently, I'm only using the Smashbox Spotlight Highlight Palette as a bronzer, blush and highlight ALL IN ONE. It's amazing. I've never been a fan of contouring and layering multiple products on my face, so this all in one palette is just perfect for a natural, bronze glow. Try it and let me know your thoughts! Now, I only have to pack one little palette with me when I travel. :) #Lazygirlhacks

9. Let it Set. I find that makeup always looks more put together after 10 - 15 minutes post - application. I spray a little Smashbox Photo Finish Primer spray to speed the process up as well. 

10. aanndddd.... TA-DA! 

I hope you'll try some of these products out & let me know your thoughts on my makeup routine (if you've made it this far down- congrats!). As I said earlier, I'm not the expert makeup applicator, but I find that this process works great for me! 

Here are links to all my fave products. 

Share your lazy girl makeup hacks below! 

Much love,

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FACIAL GLOW: GOOD NIGHT EDITION

It's officially fall and like many of you, I'm back in university classes everyday. Being out of the house from 9-5 pm really takes a toll on your skin. From sleepless nights completing assignments to *accidentally* sleeping in your makeup, sometimes we just have to let our skin breathe!

I recently discovered the clay mask set from Facetox. I decided to try it out with my mama and sisters for a fun girls-beauty night and the results were phenomenal.   

First, the package includes packets of rosa damascene flower water and clay, which you mix together using the provided bowl and spoon. Next, place the mask on your face, avoiding eyes and mouth. Let the mask sit for 30 minutes, then remove with warm water. I'd highly suggest removing it while taking a shower, because it can get messy (the clay mask is thick!) . 

Results: After taking off the mask, your skin might turn red for about 15 minutes. DON'T PANIC. It's part of the detoxifying process. I put moisturizer on my face then went to bed. I woke up and my face felt LIKE A BABY'S FACE (well almost, haha!). I LOVED the results. I have used several face masks in the past, but this detox mask really made a difference in how my skin feels. It's been almost a week since I last used it and I've had very minimal acne, if not, any. I would recommend using this mask at night about 2-3x a month, that way you can get a good night's sleep and see results in the morning. Also, the packets the masks come in are quite big, so I recommend sharing the clay mask mix with those in your house hold (if they'd like a mask on) or save portions for later.

 My mama, Suzi, Sara and I all tried it and absolutely loved the results. Let me know if you try the Facetox mask and how you like it below!

MUCH LOVE,