FabFitFun Fall 2018 Subscription Box Review + $10 Coupon

ByLiz CadmanAug 16, 2018 | 219 comments

The FabFitFun Box is a quarterly subscription from FabFitFun.com. Each season they send you a box of $200+ worth items in categories like beauty, fashion, and fitness.

Each season, FabFitFun features a different design for their box. So pretty!

This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

The Subscription Box: FabFitFun Box

The Cost: $49.99 a box sent every quarter

COUPON - Save $10 Off Your First Box with coupon code MSA10

The Products: The hottest seasonal items (worth at least $200) selected by the FabFitFun team

Ships to: US and Canada

Check out all of my FabFitFun VIP Box reviews and the Women’s Subscription Box Directory!

FabFitFun sends out a mini mag in each box. It details the items included and also provides background on some of the featured makers and designers.

This page shows all the different items that are available for customization and the items that all subscribers will receive.

And the magazine features content besides the items in the box, too. For example, this season they included a checklist for 50 ways to show gratitude, and there is a horoscope section:

Now, time for the items!

(There are a lot of pictures in this review because there are SO many items! And I'm going to show you all variants at the end of the review, too!)

I'm going to start with the items that all subscribers will receive:

GLAMGLOW Bubble Sheet (Set of 2) – Retail Value $18

(All subscribers will receive this item.)

A GLAMGLOW sheet mask?! Yes, please!

This was super fun to use, but it does get pretty foamy/bubbly, so I recommend using it before a shower, so you can easily rinse it off. You leave it on for about 3 minutes, remove, then use the remaining bubbles to cleanse your face – it creates a really rich foam lather.

My skin felt super clean after using it, but also a bit dried out, so just a heads up that you’ll likely want to follow this with your favorite face oil or moisturizer.

Beautyblender - Retail Value $20

(All subscribers will receive this item.)

This is an item I pay full price for, so I was thrilled to see it in the box! If you haven't used this before, it's amazing for applying foundation with a streak-free finish. To use it:

Wet the beautyblender and squeeze out any excess water
Dab your foundation onto the blender, then bounce it across your face. (You don't want to rub it in.)

I've been using a beautyblender for years to apply liquid foundation, but I just recently discovered you can use it for powder, too. (I now use it for setting powder and it's great!)

Simply Whimsical Tea Towels - Value Listed $14.99

(All subscribers will receive this item.)

These tea towels are 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester. The simple grey + white design should go with most decor, and they have a hanging loop:

Not the most exciting item in the box for me, but definitely a practical one! (And my kitchen is all white, with a stainless steel countertop, so these match perfectly!)

Skin & Co Roma Blue in Capri Shower Gel - Retail Value $22

(All subscribers will receive this item.)

This shower gel can also double as a bubble bath! The scent is an herbal and pine blend - I love it and my husband Eric likes it, too!

Luna Rica Cashew Butter Filled Fruit & Nut Bar in Salted Caramel Nut - Bonus Sponsored Item!

(All subscribers will receive this item.)

This bar is organic and gluten-free! (I get way too excited when there is a food item I can eat because of my dietary restrictions!)

I have to admit on the first bite, I wasn't sure if I liked this bar, but then 10 seconds later I wanted another bite, so it grew on me! Obviously, the texture is a little different than your typical nutrition bars (with the cashew butter as the filling) but after I got used to it, I really like this bar! The bar is 170 calories, with 16 grams of sugar. The bar is pretty sweet, so I think that sugar gram count is decent, and I like that you can break the bar into 4 pieces.

Next up, we have the Choice items. If you aren't familiar, every season, FabFitFun allows subscribers to pick their choice between different items to customize their box!

Vince Camuto Luck Tote - Retail Value $128

All subscribers will be able to pick this bag (in one of two colors) OR a Crown Brush Set. (I'll show you all the other options at the end of the review.) As of publication, if you subscribe now, you'll have an hour after signing up to make your selections.

This is made of pebbled vegan leather. Here’s a closer look at the material:

I think this is an excellent faux leather – the pebble detail really helps.

This is an open slim tote with one inner pocket.

The tote measures 17.5 x 12 inches. And if you are wondering if it can fit a laptop – the answer is yes! Here it is with a mini 12-inch MacBook, but as you can see, there’s plenty of room for a larger laptop:

(You may still want to still put your laptop in a protective sleeve inside the tote.)

Here it is on to give you a better sense of scale.

I have always attended meetings/events with my laptop in my backpack, so I'm excited to have this classy option, now! (As you can see it's a slim tote, but the material isn't stiff, so you can definitely fit larger items in it too, if you prefer.)

Catherine Malandrino Umbrella - Retail Value $39.99

All subscribers will be able to pick this umbrella (in one of two prints) OR a Bluetooth headphone set. (I'll show you all the other options at the end of the review.) As of publication, if you subscribe now, you'll have an hour after signing up to make your selections.

I am someone who always ends up losing umbrellas, so this item was another win for me. (Hopefully, I don't lose this one, though, it is so cute!)

It's a quality umbrella too - it has a good weight to it, and you can open it one-handed by pushing the button on the handle:

Here's another look at the pattern:

ALFRED Ceramic and Stainless Steel Teapot - Value Listed $26

All subscribers will be able to pick this teapot OR a french press. (I'll show you all the other options at the end of the review.) As of publication, if you subscribe now, you'll have an hour after signing up to make your selections.

This adorable little teapot is about 4 inches tall and holds 20 ounces – it’s the perfect size for two servings of tea or one extra large cup!

Inside there is a stainless steel loose tea infuser.

And here it is in hand to give you a better sense of scale:

And here it is in "action":

FYI - this isn't a teapot that can be used on a stove or in the microwave. Just add your loose leaf tea, fill with hot water, and let it steep for a few minutes.

(FYI - part of the handle does get a little warm with the hot water. Not harmful - but just a warning if you aren't expecting the handle to be warm!)

Next up, we have the Select items. If you aren't familiar, every season, FabFitFun allows annual subscribers to pick their choice between different items to customize their box. If you aren't a Select member (annual subscriber), FabFitFun will pick the item for you.

Cuccio Yogahhh! Detox Bath - Retail Value $39.95

Annual subscribers will be able to pick this detox bath, OR Farmacy Eye Cream, OR Touch in Sol Lipstick Duo. (I'll show you all the other options at the end of the review.)

This is an ingredient-conscious brand, and I love the packaging too - so easy to use!

The salt blend is designed for relaxing post-workout. And the naturally Eucalyptus scent is amazing!

Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant - Retail Value $67

Annual subscribers will be able to pick this facial exfoliant, OR Grown Alchemist Day Cream, OR Grown Alchemist Cream Cleanser. (I'll show you all the other options at the end of the review.)

This is a pricey, high-quality, ingredient-conscious beauty brand, and I was thrilled to see it in the box! This facial exfoliant has a fabulous natural grapefruit scent. The formula is creamy with a fine exfoliator particle - this is gentle enough to use every day. It made my skin soft and smooth, and no irritation either - I'm hooked!

Verdict: This box has a retail value of $375.93! As always, I'm so impressed with how many items FabFitFun delivers for $49.99. I don't know how they do it - this box is full of name brands I love so much I pay full price for, and I love how much customization they are now offering to subscribers. I don't think there are any bad options in this box either - I really love all the beauty options that annual members get to pick from!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? As of today, 8/16, yes!

Coupon –Use coupon code MSA10 to get this box for only $39.99!

Value Breakdown: There are so many variations for this box, but the total value of the box depending on what you select will range from $285.97-$375.93. At $49.99 for 9 items, you are paying only $5.55 an item!

What do you think of the Fall 2018 FabFitFun box? Which items did you pick?

Ready to see the other options? Here are the other options that are available to subscribers:

Crown Brush 6 Piece Brush Set - Value Listed $75

FYI - the magazine includes tips for using each brush:

Each brush is made with synthetic, densely-packed bristles. This set includes:

-Powder Brush
-Blush Brush
-Concealer Brush
-Shadow Brush
-Blending Brush
-Eyeliner Brush
-Travel case

Alfred French Press Coffee Maker

This coffee press has a glass vessel that is completely removable from the metal base/handle.

-Stainless steel filter, press, and frame
-20 oz capacity
-Borosilicate glass

CYLO Cobra Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds - Retail Value $40

These earbuds are super comfortable (they come with two different size silicone ear tips), and the sound quality is good for the $40 price point.

They have a playback time of 4 hours, and also have a built-in microphone so you can use them for calls, too.

Farmacy Dew It All Eye Cream - Retail Value $38

Farmacy is another great ingredient-conscious brand! This formula is designed to help minimize signs of aging, stress, and fatigue.

It's a bit of a gel/cream hybrid. Pretty lightweight, and still very moisturizing. It absorbed quickly, too.

Touch in Sol Metallist Liquid Foil Lipstick Duo in Penny - Retail Value $24.99

This side is the metallic liquid lipstick. And the other side is the shimmery lip topper:

Here are both shades swatched:

The liquid lipstick (on the bottom) really stays put! It's impressive for any liquid lipstick, but especially for a formula with a metallic finish!

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser - Retail Value $49

This creamy cleanser is SO gentle! No worries about stripping oils from your skin, either.

(Good to know - on page 10 of the magazine, FabFitFun tells you exactly how much of each beauty product in the box you should use.)

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Day Cream - Retail Value $49

This day cream is hydrating, light, and non-greasy. Plus again, I'm loving the ingredient-conscious formula! (The natural scent is fab!)

Ok, that's it! Thanks if you stuck with me the whole way through! Let me know what you think of all the options!

And new subscribers, use coupon code MSA10 to get this box for only $39.99!

Starting at $54.99

Subscribe Now

FabFitFun

3.7 overall rating

1036 Ratings | 177 Reviews

"FabFitFun is a seasonal lifestyle subscription that sends subscribers 6-8 items every season, worth up to $300 in value. Boxes include amazing products that are trend-savvy ranging from full-size skincare and beauty products, to wellness products, to accessories, to decor and more every season. ... read more.

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Posted in Subscription Box Reviews, Subscription Boxes for Women

Liz Cadman

Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

Read More By Liz Cadman >

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219 comments

Susan

1. I didn’t know when I enrolled tonight I would be getting the Editor’s Box! I really really wanted this box that you reviewed for October, 2018.

2. Also, it wasn’t made clear when I enrolled that I can only CUSTOMIZE each box if I get the annual subscription. I’m not willing to spend $180 when I haven’t gotten any boxes yet and it’s a big risk to pay $50 here.

3. I hope I like most of the stuff in the box. I’m very disappointed at the moment.

CandiB

I ordered mine later than everyone else because this is my first FFF box, so I didn’t get mine until yesterday. I’m just stunned at how awful these things are. For the price I didn’t expect artisan level craftsmanship, but that tote bag is an embarrassment, and it all looks like it came out of a dollar store. It’s nothing like the previous FFF boxes I saw that made me want to buy it, especially the winter 2017 one. Where’s the jewelry? Where’s the makeup palettes? Where is any fall-specific merch? Instead I’ve got a box of random stuff from companies I’ve never heard of– except Beauty Blender, which is terrible on its own. I don’t know if I’m going to say anything to the company because it’s all canned responses over there, and they clearly do not care. I think I am just going to look for another box and advise people to steer clear of this one.

Christine

I agree 💯 with the quality of the items I can’t believe how awful they are. The past boxes may have a lower value but the quality was solid and good stuff! Now they are putting in these so called high value items that are a joke and fall apart when you get them. So disappointed. I cancelled my sub before they charged me for another annual sub no way I am giving money upfront anymore to this company.

Molly

The totes are pretty awful. I ordered both the black & brown. I used the brown one once & was so embarrassed all day. I officially moved them from my closet to my office. Hopefully I can use each as a laptop bag exclusively. If that doesn’t work out I may as well throw them in the trash. I think that’s the all time worst fabfitfun item I’ve ever received.

Rachel

I really liked this box. I think the retail prices are unrealistic as to what I would pay for a lot of these products, but for 50$ and things that I use… it’s definitely worth it. I will say that I am a recent grad though….so my apartment is a bit sparse. I can’t see myself subscribed to this box for more than a year.

Sam

Just a warning to anyone placing a large order…I ordered over $700 worth of add ons last box. 53 items were sent in a box with no packing material. This is the second time this happened. Because everything was thrown in one large box, many items were damaged in shipping or the packaging was damaged. Over $550 in items damaged. I buy all these as gifts for the holidays so items with bent and smashed boxes are not acceptable. I have spent hours on the phone with customer service and sent many emails with pictures and info. At the end, they refuse to replace the items, will not offer a refund, and will not let me send them back. They only offered a $20 credit towards my next add on purchase. They said to talk to my local post office since this happened twice. I told them I wasn’t suprised things were damaged since they shipped 53 items in one box with no bubble wrap, packing materials or any kind of wrapping. After hours of trying to work this out, I was told a $20 credit was all they are willing to do. I just filed a dispute with my credit card company. Just wanted to warn anyone placing a huge order that this happened. Best of luck.

Bee

If I were to sign up today, do you know what would be in my box? I want the one you got.

Nicole B

I was planning on getting the brown Vince Camuto tote but for some reason I changed my mind at the last minute and chose the black one. I don’t know what I was thinking. Now I’m really kicking myself for not getting the brown one. I really, reallyyyyyy want the brown one now! There’s nothing wrong with the black one, it’s just doesn’t speak to me at all. *sighs*

Would anyone want to trade for the Cylo earbuds (white)? I tried them on but my ears are so tiny they’re too big for me, but would probably fit someone else much better.

Would anyone want to trade for the Cylo earbuds (white)? I tried them on but my ears are so tiny they’re too big for me.

Lucia

I’m thinking of subscribing to this one for the first time. Is it easy to cancel if I don’t want the next box? Can you cancel after spoilers are released?

Cynthia

Only if you get the seasonal sub. Annuals cannot skip boxes.

Anna

What’s with the wash separate and hang to dry towels ?

Jessib13

Can we please get a break from exfoliant? I haven’t even used up the Kate Somerville stuff from last year! Now I have one from summer and fall? Different beauty items would be great. I like many items I’m this box though. Sadly got the lipstick cause I am seasonal. Would’ve rather have gotten the bath salts!

Sophia

I am kindof surprised that not many people seem excited about this box. This is one of my favorite fabfitfun boxes ever! Loved the practical items. And the add-ons were awesome this time around. Ordered both glamglow masks and a few of the grown alchemist creams.

Dorothy

I have to say I’m pretty pleased with my box! I’m glad I read these comments and was prepared for a flimsy, smelly, tote, because that’s exactly what it was. But with my laptop in it, it looks fine and I will get a lot of use out of it. I have some loose-leaf teas I got as a gift and now that I have the teapot (which is adorable) I can use them. Love the umbrella and the Luna Bar is delicious! And the tea towels are great. I’m honestly glad they’re not super-high quality so there is no pressure to treat them with great care, which I’m not good at. All the skincare and the beautyblender will will be swapped for items I’m pretty stoked about (my skin is ridiculously fussy and I have no patience for cleaning makeup sponges). For, like, forty dollars I have no regrets.

Noelle

I know. I have some regrets for the items I selected, like I wish I had gone for the brushes instead of the bag, but every single item in that box is useful, which is what makes it worthwhile to me. I’m more interested in usefulness over retail value. I’m giving away the tea towels and the beauty blender, but only because my little sister loves them. I’d totally use them myself, but I like to share with her. The skincare items are great, I actually like the lipgloss (if used lightly), the teapot is used daily, and I totally got $50 worth of items out of them. I’m thrilled.

Also, a lot of people keep bringing up the florals, saying that the feels like more of a spring box than a fall box. However, apparently florals are the trendy pattern this fall.

Anna

I love my box and add ons, but I haven’t ever received a box I haven’t liked. I guess I am just optimistic and realistic – I know they can’t curate a box exactly to my specific tastes but that’s also part of the fun of subscribing! Trying new things. There are items I haven’t always likes but I usually try everything in the box. It’s a $50 box – I can’t go to the store and get even half of these things for $50 so I am definitely happy. The day I no longer am excited about the box or feel negatively towards most of the items is when I know I should cancel my sub.

Lollbit

Okay, my box has not even shipped yet. I am very annoyed with this. It’s pouring here in Cincinnati & it would great if I had my umbrella right now. But, what’s worse is everything I’m reading about the quality of some of the other things I ordered: both totes & the headphones. Now I’m not even really that excited to receive my box. What a disaster this experience has become.

Monica

Yeah, I got mine, but half of the items were not the ones I chose in customization. The tote is Walmart quality. Very disappointing.

Cary San

OK I just received my box and the coffee press feels a little cheap and it had black lint around the filter and the brush set smells like heavy plastic chemicals, the umbrella was beautiful I got the black polkadots. The tea towels are thin. Shower gel is small but smells good (pine). The beauty blender comes in a lot of (ugly) colors Luckily I got baby pink. I got the GA day cream and it is heavily too fragrant for a face cream. And lastly that metallic lipstick was horrible it should not have been a variant I HATE IT.

Beth

I agree about the coffee pot! I had passed up a few discounted french presses when I saw that it was an option, but now I’m regretting it. This one feels like something I could have gotten from Five Below–I’m not even a coffee snob, and I can still taste a difference when I use it!

Noelle

I hated it initially, but have discovered that I like the gloss side, as long as I keep it really light.

Molly

I am hoping for the best but, I REALLY don’t want the lip item either.

Tabitha

Do you think you could fit a lunch bag in the tote, or is it too thin?

Elena

Way too thin in my opinion.

A me

Wait, what is the “fit” item in this box?! I got hooked back when the boxes seemed well-rounded.

I think allowing spoilers and customization for all the high ticket items ruins the fun.

Dish towels, face masks, and a granola bar don’t equate to 3 months of anticipation!

Nikki

Love this box!! It’s my first FFF box and definitely going to stay on!

ShelAce74

I was so excited to get this as I got the Pintrest box and while I didn’t love everything in that box it all felt very nice and the customer service was amazing. So along comes this box and the add-ons of which I ordered way too much but you only live once so I went for it. Well I just received everything today and talk about a major let down. Whoever packed the box did a really poor job. Some items had fallen out of their packaging, while other items were crushed, the fabfitfun box itself was damaged along with some of the items in that box as well. Then as I was unpacking everything I noticed everything had kind of a cheap feel to it. The french press is warped at the bottom, the crown brush set feels super cheap, the face scrub stuff is all crushed in due to poor packing. I’m so disappointed in this whole experience. Just bad bad bad.

Got my box today! I actually didn’t receive either of the Grown Alchemist options list ( cream cleanses or day cream) the one I received was the polishing facial exfoliant.

Merlisha

I got my bag yesterday and I already knew it wasn’t going to be the greatest thing ever (but, I already signed up for a subscription, so there wasn’t anything I could do). I received the brown tote, teapot, headphones, Farmacy eye cream, exfoliator, tea towels, body gel, and glamglow sheet masks. Nothing to get too excited about. I was looking forward to the bag for work purposes, but it feels kind of flimsy, like if I were to put in documents and my laptop, it would feel like it was going to rip. Also the headphones felt cheap, which was disappointing because I wanted to use them for my runs, but they fall out easily. The tea pot is cute, but I didn’t realize that it is NOT made to be on the stove-but that’s fine. I am excited to try the sheet masks and eye cream.
Also for add ons, I purchased a massage rolling ball (needed it for post work outs) and the Summer and Rose natural Weekender bag, which I absolutely loved! I think it’s really cute, but I haven’t used it just yet.

Gale

I didn’t find this box thrilling, but I found some of the items useful.
I enjoyed the beauty blender, tea pot, tea towels, face mask and eye cream. But everything else was bleh.
The tote definitely has a smell. The top of the bag (where it opens to put items) looks unfinished and messy. Also noticed the brown color of the bag transferred the same color to the care instructions inside. Which makes me not want to put my light colored canvas laptop color in there. The quality is a lot worse than I was expecting.
The headphones! The are horrible. They should easily be $15-$20 price range. They are flimsy and don’t stay in the ear. They dropped the ball on those headphones.
I am glad I got add ons or this box would feel like a total waste

Jen

The bag smells so bad that it is really not useable. Plus it looks and smells from 3 miles away like a cheap fake bag, I’ll never use it. This box was a disappointment to me.

Monica

Terrible experience this time around, and I’m wondering if it’s happened to anyone else. So, I am a select member, and I selected the following during selection time: black tote, alfred tea pot, white headphones, farmacy eye cream. I also ordered a bunch of add-ons (spent almost $400 really went crazy!!), which included 2 of the Dr. Brandt peptide eye cream. Well, here is what I received in my box: BROWN tote, coffee press, umbrella, bath salts. Like literally, none of my customizations were right. I received most of my add-ons but I did not receive the Dr. Brandt eye creams. I initially thought it was a packing error, but when I logged onto the site and clicked on “view box” all of the wrong options (the ones I was actually sent) were listed. I contacted customer service by chat and they confirmed that they had the correct options (my actual selections) in their system. SOOO…what happened? They want me to take pictures of everything, which I think is over the top given that all the wrong options already show up in my account as being in my box. Anyway, I’ve been “chatting” with them all day basically, it has somehow taken hours to reach a resolution. I’m seriously frustrated by this whole event. I understand mistakes happen, but seriously, this was a big mistake.

justmissjamey

Welllll…I finally took the plunge aND signed up for this box. Love the teapot and I need a new beauty blender and brushes.. figured with the code off etc it will work for me…..seems like all the add ons were sold out..

Can someone please explain. ..when do the add ons get put up on the site?! I’ve read here for years about people saying they put items in their cart and then right up till its time to pay. ..and that you just add to kart and leave them there so they don’t sell out, and then you can take things out of your kart after you are sure that you don’t need/want/afford it….can someone please help me out with explaining a bit more to me please?!?

Thank you 🙂
Jamey

You’ve missed the add-ons. They usually pop up about 1 month before the first ship date and then close about 2 weeks later. You will get them next time.

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FabFitFun Fall 2018 Subscription Box Review + $10 Coupon

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