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. And, subscribers can purchase extra boxes (usually $39.99) for gifts. I purchased an annual subscription last year for $179.99 and it automatically renewed (annual) at the same price for next year.
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. When my subscription was up and it was time for renewal, I was renewed at the annual rate instead of reverting to the quarterly rate.
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...More on that later
4. The last few boxes, the curators have been offering customization to people who have been subscribing for a while. This month, I was able to customize 2 items in the box.
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...More on that later
4. The last few boxes, the curators have been offering customization to people who have been subscribing for a while. This month, I was able to customize 2 items in the box.
When this box arrived, it was HEAVY!!! Over 5 pounds of goodness. I waited (impatiently) to open it on Christmas day ... as a gift to myself. I admit it, I have always tried to sneak a peak under the tree and this year wasn't different. I had already read the spoilers, so I knew what was coming. Still, it's nice to see it in person and touch it. Each box comes with a fold-out card detailing the contents. Not just what the items are, but a little bit about why the curators like them. This month a few items were also supporting good causes and that's a good thing.
First up ... Zumba 60-minue DVD and $25 gift card. I have wanted to try Zumba, but I'm super clumsy and not coordinated and I have no rhythm. So, the idea of trying this out in a gym is intimidating. I'm looking forward to giving it a try at home. See if it makes me sweat and just how much I have to laugh at myself. I am sometimes leery of gift cards in subscription boxes because they are often to sites where the gift card comes nowhere close to any of the prices. And, often for sites I would normally use. But, voila ... I went to the Zumba site and I found a cute top for $30. I will actually wear this. The gift card included shipping, so it was a great deal. Value $55 including gift card. 
Next ... another gift card, so again, not so sure. Fashion Project is really cool. It's a resale shop of high-end designers. People donate their pre-owned items (free shipping) and Fashion Project lists them for 80-90% off new retail. They are particular about what brands they accept, so nothing low end. Each item is linked to a charity and a portion of the purchase price goes to that charity. Then, at the end of the year, donors are given a receipt for tax purposes. Everyone wins. I purchased a Coach wallet (I needed a new wallet) for $29 + shipping. So, I have a new designer wallet that would retail for $99 for $5.99. Some items still have tags. I would show you a picture, but it's no longer listed on the site because it is shipping to me. I may become a big fan of this site. Value $30. 
Now, onto the products!!! I love the new product lines I try out with subscriptions and I was not disappointed at all.
First was Lather AHA Hand Creme with Evening Primrose. It's thick and creamy and soft and smooth. It has a nice subtle scent. Not too strong. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids and other natural products. My hands were happy. Retail $30.I am a big fan of eye creams and serum. I like the Passport to Beauty Tibetan Goji Berry Intense Anti-aging Eye Serum with Retinol. I've been reading about the benefits of Goji berry, but haven't tried it. I'm really looking forward to trying something to keep those pesky wrinkles at bay and maybe plump up the soft delicate skin around my eyes. Feels totally decadent. Retail $88.
I have been introduced to Juice Beauty through subscriptions and now I'm always happy to receive a new product from the line. The Green Apple Peel Sensitive is smooth and not rough like an exfoliator. It has a very delicate scent. I think I'm really going to like this. I haven't been finding time for facials and this may give me that "just-had-a-facial" feel. Retail $39.
This was the first customized item of the box. yourMinerals put together a Swedish Beauty Eye Shadow Duo just for FabFitFun. The Swedish Winter tone was in all the boxes, but I was given the choice between a bronze color, a pink color, and the color I chose Shimmer Grey. I have to admit, I was torn between the grey and the bronze. I would have been happy with either option. I am a mineral shadow user and I love the colors. Can't wait to add them to my repertoire. Retail $44.
The next customized item was the Half United Figthing Hunger Necklace. It's a spent bullet casing on a chain. Some people didn't like this because it seems a little "rough." I'm not a gun owner or a member of the NRA, but I like it. I have what I call my "dark" side and this will be great when I'm dressed a little tougher and less "girlie." I like the cause. Half United gives half the profits to feed children in need. I chose silver. The other option was gold. Retail $34.
I love candles and could have them everywhere. One day when my house burns down, you will all know it's because I lit too many candles and forgot to blow them out. My favorite scent is gardenias. So, how happy was I to receive a Daniel Stone COCO Candle in Gardenia. It is made with coconut wax ...nicely plant-based ... and is supposed to have a clean burn. I haven't tried it yet, so we will see how it smells AFTER I blow it out. Retail $42.
FabFitFun has been adding sponsored items to their boxes recently. I don't mind a few little samples. This month ... Justin's Classic Almond Butter ... already a fan. This will go in my running bag for when I need a quick fix. Special K Snack Bar and Organic Valley Organic Balance Milk Protein Shake. Both contain dairy, so will be gifting to a friend to try instead. I did not include the value of these items in my tally.I really love that most of the products are really socially and environmentally conscious and free of animal products. It seems that this box, the only animal products are in the sponsored items. I admit I would like to see a return to exclusively cruelty-free products in the box, but I am a realist and know that not everyone feels as strongly about it as I do.
Total retail value $392 (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 $362. I have the 1-year subscription for $179.99 so the box cost $43.75. Pretty good bargain since I love everything in the box. Are you jealous? Do you want one? Here is a link: Use the code WINTER!) and get a $10 discount. BETTER YET!!! Through December 31, use the code OMG to get half off your firsts box. That's a $25 discount. 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.)
