FabFitFun Fall 2015

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.

This month, in support of Domestic Violence Awareness month, FabFitFun partnered with Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, so the box was also purple.

Instead of the usual foldout card with details, the box included a magazine-like description of items. But, it was more than that. Items were described with the theme and purpose behind the choice of item. A description of the cause. Interviews with artists and designers. I'm not sure if this is unique to this month or if it is ongoing, but I liked it. It is more than a box, it's a thoughtful curaton. And, I admit, I sometimes feel guilty about receiving boxes, but when the curators are getting behind an important cause to support, it makes me feel better because I feel like I'm helping a bit, too. And the awareness stimulates me to provide more support. 

I wanted to start out with the Purple Purse Charm included in every box. Just like an arm band or a ribbon, the idea of wearing the charm on your bag or key chain demonstrates a personal commitment to raising awareness of the issue of domestic violence and financial abuse against women worldwide. Value ... priceless, but you can buy it for $10

I'm a fan of masks. I think I've said that before. So, the Gold Radiance Luxury Facial mask with Collagen and Rose Oil by Passport to Beauty is a winner for me. There are 2 mass in the package and I love the gold color. Sheet masks make me feel just a little decadent. Retail $65

One of the items I had an option to select was the color of this FabFitFun X Tappan Collective Umbrella. This was designed by FabFitFun and has a cute quirky print. I always appreciate umbrellas and this one is sturdy. I did have some trouble putting it back in the wrap, though. I chose yellow (pink and blue were options) because it reminds me of one of my favorite TV shows that recently ended. Retail $32

I'm trying to increase my glam-factor by wearing make-up slightly more often. But mostly I wear a lip color and mascara. Lucky Lip Stain by Manna Kadar Cosmetics has a nice light color with a glossy finish. It's supposed to act as primer, gloss, and stain and add moisture all at once. Since layers sound challenging to me, I'm down with an all-in-one. The color does seem to last. Retail $24

I love receiving moisturizers in subscription boxes. New brands to try. Flawless Skin Fluid by Doctor D. Schwab is lighweight and is supposed to help balance uneven tones and give a healthy glow. It felt nice and smooth, so should be good under my mineral makeup. Retail $39

Next item that I had a choice was the Glass Cyrstal Bead Bracelet by Tribe Alive. I am a fan of Tribe Alive as they employ poor women from around thee world to provide livable wages. This delicate bracelet was handmade in Honduras. I chose blue. I like the delicate bracelet because I can layer it with other items. Retail $49

I also had the option to choose a color on the HISY Battery Pack. Who doesn't need a portable charger? I don't need to say much more, except maybe that it's kind of nice to have a charger that is feminine. Retail $24.99

















I am not always a fan of gift cards in subscription boxes, because they almost always require you to spend money to use them. The Gift Card by Jeweler's Wife was $15. There isn't a lot on the site for $15, but I did find these cute Pandora sterling and cubic zirconia earrings and I only paid $1.24 for shipping. The Gift Card by Picture It On Canvas was worth $75. I have to find a great pic from a recent vacation and I can use it in it's entirety.

I am always a fan of exercising at home. Less excuse not to do it. And, my running has suffered because of hip weakness. I have no more excuses. The Strength Tubing Ankle & Total BodyTone with Tubing: Lower Body &Core DVD by Merrrithew will be useful if I can get off my butt and use it. There was also a discount coupon for 20% off a $50 purchase at Merrithew if you want to buy more DVDs or equipment. Retail $33

Sponsored item was 3D White Brilliance 2-Step System by Crest: I use whiteners and I use this brand. So ... I will use it.

 So, what do I think? I really love the theme of this box. I love the support of a cause. I like the information about the artisits and the reason behind the choice in curation. I will get use out everyhing. It was very full with lots of items of a wide variety. And, for a retail value of  $366.99 including gift cards, I think the value is definitely there. Looking forward to winter.