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.

FabFitFun Summer 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.

As usual, I got a little excited when shipment notification was sent and I stalked my mailbox. I always appreciate the notecard detailing each of the items.  

Wren 14Kt Gold and Black Sapphire Necklace: There have been a lot of delicate necklaces in boxes this spring and summer and I’m not complaining. The boxes came with horseshoe, heart, or moon and I really love the moon which would have been my first choice. The tiny little black sapphire adds just a little extra touch. Retail $100

The Everyday Wireless Speaker by FabFitFun: This is probably my favorite item in the box. It’s small, compact, charges with a USB, and pairs to my phone. You can answer calls when it is playing. I was surprised by how great the sound came through. The Musician was also impressed and he has a better ear than I do. I also love the way it feels. I don’t have words to describe it, but it feels “soft” instead of like a hard plastic. And it’s nicely portable for anywhere you want to take it. Retail $29.99

Inkling Scents Sultry Roll-on Oil Perfume: I am a big fan of roll-on perfumes because they are easy to toss in my handbag and go. I love the delicate scent. Also included is a code for 15% off with over 20 other options. Retail $25

Gorge “I’ll Make You Look Amazing” Daily Spray: Another favorite in the box. I am skeptical about leave-in conditioners because I have thick, course, curly hair. And a spray mist? Really? But, wow … I was impressed. Just a little mist and I was easily able to comb through the tangles and my hair was really shiny and controlled. I wear my hair up and back at work, and even pulled back, I had people ask me what I had done differently because my hair didn’t have loose wispies and it was shiny. Retail $24.95

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss: Sure, who doesn’t love a little more lip gloss. It has a nice hint of color and it gives moisture. I will add it to the rotation. Retail $19

FabFitFun x CosmoBody Jump Rope: Always need something fitness related in FabFitFun. And I love a good jump rope. I have wanted one for a while to work on coordination, fast-twitch muscles, and stamina. It ranks up there with a hula hoop for fun and return to my younger days. It’s amazing how many calories you can burn while having fun.  There are some jump rope workout videos at fabfitfun.com/jumprope to help you find a routine that is more than just jumping. It’s nice to have some variety. Retail $14

Scratch Nail Wraps: I think of these about like I think of temporary tattoos. Fun occasional novelty, but not something that I am jumping up and down over. Retail $12

Headspace 3-month Subscription: OK, I admit it, I haven’t used it yet. But I love the idea of this app for guided meditations to just slow down my spinning brain. Apparently it’s great for Type-A personalities like me. OK … next week, really. Retail $38.85. And even better, no credit card required, so you don’t have to remember to cancel in 3 months.

Hello Konjac Cleansing Sponge: What an interesting concept. This sponge is from Konjac potato plant, a perennial native to Asia and found at high altitudes. I love a non-animal sponge.  It seems hard when dry, but soft when wet. Retail $12

Sponsored Item: Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer: Who doesn’t want a light, non-greasy moisturizer? I fight dry skin in summer after being in the sun and in winter cold. So … I’m pleased. Retail $7.99

So, my verdict: This is one of my favorite FabFitFun boxes. There were so many things in the box that I loved that it is hard to pick a favorite. I have 2 favorites and some close runner-ups. And, for $45, I felt the retail value of $275.79 (plus the sponsored item) was a great value. 

FabFitFun Spring 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.

3. 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 1 item in the box. 

As usual when my shipping notification is sent, I get very excited. I couldn't wait to see what was in my box. I had seen spoilers and I was ready to see the rest.

The item I was able to pick myself was the Jules Smith Scarf in Watercolor. I had the option of Watercolor or Modern Arts. I chose this one as it's a bit more subtle. I love the light airy colors on a light airy scarf. It will add a great springy pop to dress up my wardrobe. $42

I am always a fan of facial Serums and am looking forward to minimizing wrinkles and keeping my skin smooth with Palmetto Derma Collagen Booster and Restoration Serum. I love it for springtime to refresh the skin after months of indoors during the cold winter. $48

Merrithew 3 DVD Set "Intense Body Blast" +25 Gift Card. I admit it ... I need to get back to working out and building strength. This is mat-based Pilates and includes Levels 1, 2, and 3. I need the instruction so I'm looking forward to giving it a try. And for $25, I can buy either some equipment or another DVD to kick myself into gear. I have to admit, I have been lazy and haven't tried it yet, but I've read great reviews. Another good springtime item to work towards summer bathing suits after a season of sweaters and covering up. $61 Update: The $25 gift card is pretty useless in my opinion. It cannot be applied towards anything that is on -sale and shipping is at least $15 even for small items. I have tried to use the card, but no success. It continues to tell me that "conditions aren't met" and if I try to use it for a non-sale item, it tells me the card has "already been entered." So, I'm downgrading my value for this to $36 for the DVDs. 

Orly Nail BB Creme and Orly Nail Polish "Cake Pop" I have never tried a nail cream, but it is supposed to brighten natural nails and is nourishing. I really like the very subtle Cake Pop Polish. It's a pale pink. I think these would look great together in a french tip. $15 and $8.50

Yasi Metallic Flash Tattoos. Really? More metallic temporary tattoos? UGH!! So many of these this year and so junior high. Priced at $36 for a single sheet? I have no idea where that pricing came from and I am sooo not interested in temporary tattoos.


Rifle Paper Co. Cities Coasters Set: OK ... so these are really cute. Little Scenes of New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris. These will get good use, but I wonder how well they will hold up. Probably good for one season. $16

OFRA Cosmetics Eyeshadow Brush Duo (#11 and #20). These are high end eye shadow brushes. But, they are made of synthetic hairs and Capra, which is goat. I'm a little sad because FFF used to be all about animal friendly and cruelty free ... animal products aren't really cruelty free. Although it is soft first cut hair, my belief is that in order to keep getting baby hair, you have to keep making babies and what happens when they aren't babies anymore. I couldn't find a lot of information on-line about Ofra so I reached out to the company. They responded by confirming the Capra hairs, but also said they were Peta and Leaping Bunny certified. So, this means they don't do any animal testing, but animal using? Hmmm ... I don't know what to think. If you like the products, they did include a code for 40% off your first purchase. Retail $45.90

Sprout it App Card _ Miracle Grow Grow-able Seed Pod. Seed pod is pretty easy. Dig a hole and plant it. It has everything it needs to grow. My pod was basil and it's my second herb gowing thing this season and both are basil. The app is free, but I'm not much of a gardener and I'm not sure this will make me one. It's not that I don't know how (which I don't), but I also don't know that I have time. $1.49




Cosmos Creations Premium Puffed Corn (sponsored): Can't go wrong with popcorn. Mine was salted caramel and contained dairy. Gifted to a friend. $1.49

Vow to be Chic Gift Card (sponsored): This is a gift card for a bridesmaid dress rental service. I guess it's OK for parents who have teens going to prom? Maybe? Valued at $125, but no value to me.

And another Hello Fresh Gift Card. I've received about 3 of these in the past few months $40 off first week's delivery. I guess this could be useful because it includes all you need to make a meal. No grocery shopping. They have "vegetarian" options, but they contain a lot of cheese and some of the cheese is notorious for rennet, so not really vegetarian at all. So ... again no value to me.

So ... what do I think? Overall, I'm really happy with the box. I love the spring theme. Everything fits pretty well. I wish they would get back to where they started where animal-friendly meant animal-product free. I would have less to give away and would be able to use more items. But, then again, my friends love getting gifts. I really was disappointed by the number of gift cards because they never really fully cover the cost of purchases and I don't want to be induced to spend in order to feel like I've saved. I don't mind the cards like Merrithew where you can actually purchase something in it's entirety with the card. Except that you can't really use it. See above. So ... not counting the sponsored items and gift cards which really don't have a lot of true value, the value of this box came out to $237.89. $212.89. I didn't count the tattoos, either, because the value seemed over-valued and really? Really? no more tattoos. So ... all in all, I'm happy as I always am with FFF. Spring boxes are still available and a Mother's Day box is available that also contains a Jesse Steel apron and FFF Water Bottle. You can save $5 with NEW5 code.

FabFitFun Winter 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. 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. 

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. 

Third gift card of the box ... SaltedTV is an on-line cooking tutorial/class. Described as Netflix for cooking. Pick a cooking class. Step by step instructions. This is a 3-month subscription. Normally subscriptions are $9.99 per month. You can sign up on-line for 1-month free. So ... I haven't tried this, but I am guessing you could give it a month trial and then maybe use the gift card to get a total of 4 months? If not, then it's still a $20 value above the free trial. I'm not the cook in the house, so I'll give it to a friend ... or the Musician, but he's not that creative, so I don't know if he will use it. Value $29.97.

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.)