User Experience on a box curation of 10 items that costs only 15% of the retail
A fickle member
I often change my mind when it comes to FabFitFun, a lifestyle subscription box company. In their earlier years, I am an annual subscriber. This means I will prepay the cost of four boxes that will be shipped to me every quarter — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
But two years ago I did not renew my membership. I begin to notice the FabFitFun curation of fashion, beauty, home, fitness, and hobby items is starting to be a hit or a miss.
However, instead of completely signing out of their service, I decide to downgrade my subscription to ‘seasonal’. This means I pay $5 more than the normal box price, but I am not obligated to pay a year upfront. With this option, I can 'pass up' on a box that I do not fancy.
The pillow gets me to sign up!
The latest FabFitFun box intrigues me with three products. Specifically,
and the Erno Laszlo Soap and Scarf Headband bundle.
The acupressure pillow alone costs the same as the box, which is $50, after I tack on a $10 discount using an affiliate link.
So I sign up and snag two of the three things I had wanted. The Erno Laszlo Soap and Scarf Headband bundle is already unavailable after the annual members took all the inventory (this is a perk of annual membership, which is the ability to call first dibs on selecting items).
As a ‘seasonal’ member I am allowed to customize four items in my box. The remaining eight items will be a mystery.
My FabFitFun Box customization selections:
Here is a rundown of what they are and why I like them:
The Erin Condren Stationery Bundle — consists of 16 cards, 16 envelopes and three dual-tip markers in gray, turquoise, and pink. The cards are unique from each other, with four for birthdays, four for congratulations, four for friendships, and for thank you. The MSRP is $35.50.
Images by FabFitFun
I am a fan of the female-founded brand Erin Condren. The company’s designs are whimsy, colorful, and very chic.
I know product quality will be superb. I am currently using the Erin Condren planner and notebook, which paper thickness and manufacturing are excellent.
I am a stationary ‘old-school’ user. I love sending greeting cards and writing letters. I have been remiss of this for many years, but I need to get back onto this thoughtful practice.
The set is a wonderful mix. And I love that they come in an organized box too, which three marker pens to boot.
2. The CARAVAN Acacia Wood Lazy Susan — A 10.8" D made of Acacia wood and a sturdy rotating bottom consisting of stainless steel, iron, and plastic parts. MSRP $60.
Images by FabFitFun
I am a fan of the Lazy Susan. I currently have a large wooden piece on my dining table and a smaller glass version that I use for cake design. And this nearly 11" size is perfect for my essential oil diffuser which I house in my living room.
The FabFitFun Forum, which is comprised of existing customers/members, have also given rave reviews on the quality and look of this homeware piece.
3. The Yoga Wake Up Acupressure Pillow and a 3 Months Audio Guide Subscription — An acupressure pillow with buckwheat shells filler, polypropylene nodes, and satin. It measures 13.75" x 7.85" x 1.85". MSRP is $49.
This acupressure pillow is what caught my eye when I read a FabFitFun curation email. It piques my curiosity because I am looking for a home alternative to acupuncture. And this type of homeopathy treatment is working well for me to manage pain of an existing injury. Base on the positive reviews from users, this pillow is worth giving a try. Fortunately, I do not have to pay for the retail price.
The pillow size is small enough to make it perfect for travel. I can easily use it on my bed, on my work chair, and on the floor.
The accompanying audio Yoga app is an added bonus. Albeit it is only for three months, it is sufficient to see how I am liking this relaxation method.
4. The Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter and Sweet Citrus — an 8-ounce vegan, organic, cruelty-free, and gluten-free formula that is made of 100% pure Argan oil, Shea butter, and avocado oil. MSRP $38.
Images by FabFitFun
I am a fan of Josie Maran since her Maybelline modeling days. And when she starts her organic beauty brand and helps many other female-founded companies, my admiration for her grows because her work encourages women empowerment.
Josie Maran’s company is known for its Argan oil products. Therefore I cannot pass up the opportunity to include this in my box , sans the retail price.
This particular whipped body butter formula is famous among discerning beauty enthusiasts. And I agree. The sweet citrus scent blended with the white tea extract is a luxurious, yet effective, way to caring for one's skin.
The Add-Ons and a dupe for Heart Evangelista's YSL Sunnies
FabFitFun members have an option to 'add on' an extra item for a fraction of its retail. And I select these two:
The FAVOR Ceramic Spoon Rest — This piece of stoneware is unique with its hand-dipped color-block gray and white glazed design. The spoon rest measures 7 by 4 inches. MSRP is $30, but the FabFitFun add on price is $7.
Images by FabFitFun
We need one in my kitchen! Besides, this hand-made item is a steal at that price.
The aesthetic screams farmhouse-style, which is right up my alley. This complements my existing kitchenware.
2. The Juliet Polarized Cat-Eye Sunglasses by Prive Revaux — These shades carry a sleek retro style with its cat-eye shape, yet has a bit of the unexpected with a flat metal accent that gives dimension and contour to the top of the frame. The frame is made of injected molded Tritan with durable metal top pieces. The hardware is customized with barrel hinges that has Akulon-coated screws for durability, adjustable silicone nose pads for a customized fit, and heat-stamped gold logos on the temples and temple tip. The lens is made of TAC polarized Lens for superior optical quality and has a coating that is anti-glare and scratch-resistant. A foldable case and microfiber cloth are included. MSRP is $40, but the FabFitFun add on price is $10.
Images by FabFitFun
I am influenced, not by FabFitFun, but by Heart Evangelista, a Filipina actress and fashion maven whom I follow in my social channels. During the Paris fashion week in January, she declares the Yves San Laurent sunnies as her favorite. And soon after, the sunglasses is sold out in various countries!
The shades are cats-eye in design, which is the right style of frames that fits my face shape very well. So rather than splurge on a designer brand, I opt for a dupe in the form of the Juliet sunnies by Prive Revaux.
The YSL sunnies that Filipina actress and fashion influencer Heart Evangelista endorses in her social media that has caused a sell-out. Image by @iamhearte and Jan Levent of Levent Studio
Prive Revaux is an eye accessory brand I have been wanting to try. The company has created a buzz among the fashion dailies because of its tie-up with Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx. Their philosophy is to offer quality made spectacles but with inclusive prices. And their business model is direct-to-consumer to save on operating and traditional marketing costs. This is a perfect time for me to see if their craftsmanship is at par with designer brands.
The materials (i.e. polarized, scratch-resistant, 100% UVA/UVB, etc.) and overall aesthetic is a thumbs up. So while I do have an array of sunglasses, I actually do not have a black-cats eye. And with that $10 price, it is a no-brainer.
So was the $50 box worth it?
The first four items retail for $182.50. With the retail of the add ons at $70, that comes to an overall total of $252.50. And I am still expecting four more items that will be ‘pre-selected’ by the FabFitFun crew. My box could easily be in the $350 to $450 range.
And my overall cost, including the $7 spoon rest and $10 sunnies add on, is $67. That is paying only 15% of the retail of the total box (if I estimate my total box to be at $450). That is quite a deal!
But more important than the low price is the fact that each item is something I definitely need and want. Even the colorful box they come in will be repurposed as a storage container. So nothing is wasted or becomes clutter.
A prudent and smart buy in my book.
Unboxing the arrival of my FabFitFun Spring 2022 Box:
Interested in a FabFitFun box?
Image by FabFitFun
If you are interested in a FabFitFun box, I do have a member referral code that can give you $10 off your first seasonal box. It is worth checking out if one or two of the items you like has a retail price that exceeds the cost of the box.
If you use my referral link, I will receive a credit which I can use for future box reviews. This post is not sponsored and not paid for by the FabFitFun vendor.
*Note: links in the post may contain affiliate links that will garner referral commission for completed sales.
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