INKnBURN

INKnBURN

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

FabFitFun VIP Fall 2014

FabFitFun was my first introduction to Subscription Boxes and may be what got me hooked. I love to receive packages in the mail and surprises make it even better. The box is guaranteed to contain at least $175 full-size, premium products in beauty, fitness, fashion, and Wellness finds. There is a wide range of items included, so for me, it's a lot of fun. . .not a bunch of the same. And, I try things that I might not have otherwise sampled. The cost is $49.99 per season, but there are discount codes available. 
There are a few things about this box that make it a different from the rest and I really like that.
1.       You can purchase an annual subscription to receive 4 seasonal boxes, or you can purchase individual boxes.
2.      I like quarterly. Not too much $$ a year and I'm not filling up on too many products. You can also purchase extra boxes (until they sell out) without having an extra commitment. My communication with customer service has been good. 
3.       The products are all plant-based and cruelty-free. I am not giving away food to friends (like I do with other boxes), although my friends appreciate me for it....Well, they used to be this way...
Since this box is quarterly, I am always really anxious and excited for it's arrival. There were a few spoilers and I really liked them.I was thrilled when I received the email that the box was being shipped. I waited ... impatiently ... but not too long for arrival. They ship by FedEx and it only takes a few days. Every box comes with a fold-out card detailing the luxury items inside. One of the things I love about the curation is that I might not purchase these splurges for myself independently, but I feel like I'm getting a value in the subscription and I feel a little decadent when enjoying the products. Fortunately, each box comes with a fold-out card detailing what's inside. 
Jessie Steele Apron: What a super cute apron this is. There were a few options, but I received an email several weeks ago and was allowed to select my first and second choice. I chose the white with black dots as my first choice and it really is adorable. I don't cook much, but my husband said that in that apron, I didn't need to cook ... he had other ideas. Blushing!!! Retail $32.  To keep the value coming, a 25% off coupon was included to order more.
Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster: This was the second spoiler item and I was happy. This is a product line I use and really like. I have never been disappointed. I haven't used this particular product, but I'm sure I will love it. Retail $56
Gramr Gratitude Co. Thank You Card Set, Sealing Wax, & Wax Press: I really really like this idea. I am still a little old school and do like a little slow mail now and then. These are not fold-over cards ... more like post-card that do come with a lovely envelope. They are pretty and feminine. The wax and press add a nice touch of sophistication and will last beyond the 4 cards. My seal did have my last name initial, so I'm thinking they were customized for different names. I do like the personal touch. This felt like the box was personalized and allows me to be a little more personal when I send the cards. Retail $43.



Great Soles Pink Ribbon Ballet Barre Ped: Great little soft and comfortable yoga sock. I am a fan of grippy socks when walking around the house and these are pretty and dainty with a Mary Jane look. They are really soft. I could use them for yoga ... or I can use them around the house. HMMM!!! Maybe both. The Rose Pink was created to inspire commitment and action in the fight against Breast Cancer, so I also like the theme. Retail $12. A bonus was a coupon for two free pairs of socks with qualifying purchase. I'm not sure what qualifies, but I may check it out. 

Beauty for Real True Color Lip Cream "Always There": I have received this from FFF before and I think it's kind of fun. It's lip gloss that has a light and a mirror on the tube. It is very soft and soothing ... creamier than lip gloss. Nice fall red, maybe a little dark for my fair skin tone, but I think it will add some Glam when I do full face make-up. Retail $22

Chi 44 Iron Guard: Something I haven't thought of. I straighten my hair with a flat iron and I know the heat isn't good for the hair ... even with the ceramic ionic plates. I like the shine I get from flat ironing and this product is supposed to protect the hair and replace moisture that may have been burned from the heat. Maybe a little more shine, too? Retail $14.50

The Honest Co. Hydrating Shea Butter Cleansing Bar: When I opened the box, it smelled clean and fresh and wonderful. This lavender scented bar is the reason why. Absolutely devine. I am already a fan of the Honest Co., so I already know I love the moisturizing cleansing bar. Retail $4.95. But for me, the bigger value is the 25% discount for a one-time purchase up to $500. 
La Natura Travel Size Body Butter: This also smells amazing and is soft and smooth and creamy. I like the little tin that it comes in and it's free of parabens, slfates, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, artifical colors, mineral oil, PABA, or animal ingredients. Will fit nicely in a handbag for daily use on the go. Retail $18


Fit Fusion 3-Month Digital Subscription: This certificate gives you three months of unlimited streaming work-out videos that can be used on computer of mobile device. It's a great concept ... if you use it. I will admit that I'm not one for workout videos, so I'm not sure how much value it has for me. I also don't really like that a credit card is required to sign-up and you have to cancel (anytime) to not get charged at the end of the trial. Too much effort for me to search the catalog to pick a work-out to stream and then the hassle of cancelling. Retail $29.97















A few bonus (sponsored) items in the box just for a little more fun. Mary's Gone Crackers. Vegan and gluten free. I'm a fan of crisp crackers wtih my favorite grains ...flax and quinoa. I'm happy to find another option when I go shopping. Numi Organic Tea. Who doesn't like tea? I will definitely use the sample and see where it goes. I like the sponsored items in this box better than the summer box. They feel more in line with the luxury feel of the box and the cruelty free nature of the box that I love so much.



Verdict: VERY VERY VERY HAPPY!!!! This box had a great mix of fall-themed items. Some that I already knew about and loved and have used. Some new products to try. Some total splurge items that I would not have purchased for myself, but will absolutely enjoy. 

Last season, I noticed that the box wasn't really completely cruelty-free, animal-friendly, vegan. This season, back to one of the things I like most about this subscription. I read labels and I'm happy with what I found this quarter. 

Total retail value $232.42 (not including the sponsored items). If you're not likely to use the Fit Fusion (like me) free trial, then the value is still great at $202.45. I have the 1-year subscription for $175 so the box cost $43.75. Pretty good bargain since I love almost everything in the box. I'm hoping they will have another Black Friday sale so I can get my next year discounted as well. If not, I will still keep the subscription. Are you jealous? Do you want one? Here is a link: Use the code 5779985 and get a $15 discount. It's good for the first 3 people who use it. If you like my review, it also helps me out because I get a discount, too. 

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)