After 2 years, I’ve spent nearly $300 on 8 FabFitFun boxes full of a variety of beauty, lifestyle, and fitness products. I’ve decided to take a closer look and re-evaluate my purchase of their annual subscription service.
What is FabFitFun?
FabFitFun is a lifestyle service that has become known for its seasonal lifestyle subscription box. The company was co-founded by Katie Rosen Kitchens, Daniel Broukhim, and Michael Broukhim as an online lifestyle magazine.
Its subscription box began making waves in 2013 after boasting that it offered full-sized products, instead of the sample sizes that were offered by its competitors. Their original box was intended to bring the “swag bag” experience that many prominent influencers and executives receive at brand events, to everyday people.
The service has recently expanded its offerings, which now also include a video streaming service (FabFitFunTV) and an online magazine.
What’s in the FabFitFun Box?
The items that you are gifted each month, actually tie back into the core name of the company. So this includes items that center around young women being “Fab”, “Fit” and having “Fun”.
“Fab:” I’d say the box features about 80% beauty products. This includes things like makeup, lip products, face products, skin products, and hair products. You can expect anything from a full-size blush palette to a can of hair spray.
In my most recent Summer 2020 box the items that fell into the “Fab” category were:
- The Lyfestyle Co. Beach Mist $42: It’s a nice little wake-up spray.
- WINKY LUX Uni-Brow Universal Eyebrow Pencil $16: Haven’t used this one yet!
- Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Mask 6 Pack $25: On the list to use. I’m excited to get rid of my undereye
- Spongellé Coconut Verbena Hand Cream $18: It’s not my go-to, but I keep it in my car in case I need quick lotion.
- Cali Cosmetics Foot Cream with Menthol in Tarocco $24: This is good to use right before you go to bed.
- Silked Satin Pillow Sleeve $29.50: I have natural hair, and this helps me avoid tangles at night.
“Fit:” I’d say that the “fit” part of the box only accounts for about 5% or less. I’ve seen the products that you could get (yoga mats, exercise bands, etc.) but I’ve never actually received any of these items. I’d also classify at-home meal kit coupons as an item that you could receive.
I suspect to make up for the lack of physical fitness items, the company launched FabFitFunTV. It features workout videos, where premium members (those who purchase the annual subscription) can take advantage of unlimited fitness videos.
FabFitFun Discount: Get $10 Off Your First Box!
In my most recent Summer 2020 box the items that fell into the “Fit” category were:
- $90 Off Green Chef coupon
- Unlimited Fitness Videos on FabFitFunTV: only available with the FabFitFun Annual Subscription
“Fun:” The remaining 15% of the boxes’ items are dedicated to promoting a “fun” lifestyle. That could be anything honestly. I’ve received tote bags, blankets, jewelry, sunglasses, and more. They’ve even given out a few clothing items, like shawls and cardigans.
In my most recent Summer 2020 box the items that fell into the “Fun” category were:
- Draper James Straw Bag with Floral Scarf $75: This is basically a beach tote. It’s a pretty good size.
- Michael Kors Bedford Travel Passport Wallet $78: This is the perfect travel wallet because my passport, cash, and cards all fit seamlessly into this wallet. I actually made this my everyday wallet too.
- $50 Wine Coupon
- TOMS Sydney Sunglasses $58: These are my go-to sunglasses right now!
FabFitFun Fall 2019 Unboxing Video
Here’s a video of me Unboxing my FabFitFun Fall 2019 Box. I opened and gave first impressions of every item in the box. This box was one of three boxes that I received in 2019, as a FabFitFun Annual Subscription customer.
Along with the box, subscribers also receive a magazine with a breakdown of all of the products, and a few fun activities.
Watch my unboxing now!
How Does the FabFitFun Subscription Work?
The subscription options are very well displayed and laid out on the FabFitFun website. Both are basically the same, with the Annual Subscription offering a few more extra add-ons.
FabFitFun Annual Subscription vs Seasonal Subscription
With the Annual Subscription option, you pay for all 4 seasonal boxes at one time. In addition to a reduced bill, you will also receive extra items, early shipping, unlimited access to FabFitFun TV, and more. Personally, I chose the Annual Subscription because of all of these added features.
Alternatively, subscribers can choose to purchase one-time boxes (Seasonal Subscription) for $49.99. Some of the perks, such as early access, early shipping, and add-ons are not available with the Seasonal Subscription option.
You can see a breakdown of what you gift in the FabFitFun “Choose a Plan” breakdown below.
FabFitFun Editor’s Box
If you purchase the subscription after the season boxes are shipped out, you will receive the “Editor’s Box.”
The Editor’s Box is filled with the most popular items from past FabFitFun boxes. My very first box was an Editor’s Box. These are cool, but I personally wanted what the season had to offer. If you’re like me and want what everyone else is getting, then you have to subscribe to FabFitFun before their Billing Date.
You can check the Billing Cycle Calendar if you want to skip the Editor’s Box, and get this Season’s Box!
FabFitFun Discount: Get $10 Off Your First Box!
What are the FabFitFun Annual Subscription Perks?
Skip a Box: Skip one of your boxes in your yearly subscription and receive a $45 credit for a future FabFitFun purchase.
Add-Ons: Add additional items to your box for a discounted price.
Customize: If you’re not big on surprises, you’re in luck! You get to choose 2-3 items that go inside of your box.
Exclusive Offers: Get exclusive deals from FabFitFun partners.
Community Forum: Learn about FabFitFun spoilers, be the first to hear announcements, and interact with other FabFitFun fans.
FabFitFunTV: Get unlimited access to FabFitFun workout, cooking, and lifestyle videos.
Warehouse Sales: Get 50% off of seasonal warehouse items.
Accrued Credits: Credits that can be used for future purchases.
The Verdict: Is The FabFitFun Annual Subscription Worth It?
Short Answer: Yes the FabFitFun box is worth it! I think if you’re interested in it, you should at least try out one of the Seasonal Boxes ($49.99). If you’re like me and you need even more of a reason to purchase the box, here’s a pros and cons list.
FabFitFun Discount: Get $10 Off Your First Box!
FabFitFun Pros and Cons
After purchasing the Annual Subscription Boxes for 2 years straight (yeah that’s right no breaks), here are a few things I’ve noticed:
FabFitFun Cons
- Price Increase: The company has amassed enough support to raise its prices. Instead of the annual subscription of $149.99 (which I’d been paying), it’s now $179.99. While this would still be considered a steal for some people, I can’t bring myself to pay an extra $30.
- Lack of Diverse Products: There are only so many different ways to spin “Fab” “Fit” and “Fun”, so a lot of the products that you get become repetitive if you decide to continue your subscription past one year. Really, how can one girl use 5 different types of face creams? You tell me.
- Limited Brand Partnerships: They have a list of brands that they work with, and they mostly stick to it. Although, I will say that I’ve never received the same type of product from a brand twice. It’s usually something else in their product line. BUT it doesn’t happen often, and I can tell that this young company is continuously working to expand its brand list.
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FabFitFun Pros
- Company Progress: I’ve noticed the progress. As I mentioned before, they’ve stepped up their game in terms of what they offer all of their subscribers. Towards the tail end of my first year, they started offering videos via their online portal, FabFitFunTV. They also have a digest of weekly stories that they send to your email inbox and post to their website. After all, they did start off as an online magazine, so I like that they’re sticking to their roots a bit.
- Brand Awareness, User Experience & Thoughtful Design: The magazine, box design, marketing, and web user experience, is something that I can absolutely not complain about. I’m a creative person, so they get an “A” when I look at their overall user experience as well as an uptick of their marketing efforts. And it’s starting to show! I’ve seen more and more people become engaged with the brand, as well as purchase the box.
- Quality Products: LOL OK. While it may seem like I was whining above, I absolutely was not. I can not take away from the quality of the products that are presented in this box. You pay $49.99 per box (if you’re not an annual subscriber), but according to the magazine that you’re given with your box, the value of the products in the box is worth way more than that. As an annual subscriber, I also have the option to customize a few of the items that I receive, and I get an extra item in each box.
- Box Curation & Design: The design of the boxes is also very detailed and well-thought-out. I remember my Fall 2020 box having little women gardening, reading, blowing bubbles, skating, etc. These depictions of Fall were reassuring and quite honestly cute! I thought that was just a very nice touch. The magazine is also well laid out and thought out. It’s informative, as well as engaging. I also have to mention that the boxes are thoughtfully curated for the seasons that they fall in.
The pros definitely outweigh the cons. I admire the company’s founding story, what it stands for and promotes, and the quality of its products. So yes. I will go ahead and say that you should definitely try the FabFitFun box out for at least one year because it’s a nice way to treat yourself…
…but let’s be real, I can not keep amassing more products. Ugh! While I contemplate getting yet another annual subscription from FabFitFun, I’ll definitely take full advantage of the products that I’ve already received, as well as the extra perks that I get for being an annual subscriber.
If you decide to purchase a one-time seasonal box or an annual subscription, let me know in the comments below!
FabFitFun Discount: Get $10 Off Your First Box!
Self-Care Activities Challenge
Want to put those new FabFitFun items to good use? Check out the Self-Care Bingo Card Template below. Try to complete all the activities in a month!
Self-Care Activities Bingo Template | Breakroom Buddha
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Spice Up Your #SelfCare Sunday
Here are a few activities to add to your self-care Sunday list.
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