I had kept FFF because, truth be told, it’s fun getting a package in the mail. Is it the most sustainable thing to do? No. But it provided me with a little bit of joy once a quarter. Unfortunately, the boxes have gone downhill. This season, Annual Members were able to choose everything in their box, which I liked. There is a lot of plastic, in terms of product packaging. It’s frustrating because these are all products that work well with my skin. Anything I ended up not using was gifted in my local Buy Nothing group. I’m not sure if the same applied Seasonal Members, but most things sold out right away. I’d been wanting to try PMD’s face cleaner, but realized I have more devices than I could possibly use, so I opted for the towel. I chose things I needed, or would genuinely use, like the sunscreen and ceramic bowls. Unlike previous boxes, there was way less plastic in my box this go around. I can’t help but feel like FFF is going the route of greenwashing with their more “eco-friendly” packaging and product options. There were add-ons that are “sustainable” but, as with many other cases, there is no evidence to back up those claims. Anyway, I’m getting on a tangent.

This is my last FFF box, and honestly, one of the better boxes (since I chose what went in it). Had I bought these items individually, it would have cost far more than that of the box. So, money-wise, it was worth it…packaging-wise, not so much. Included in my box were the following (prices are accurate as of the date of this post):

Rae Dunn Guac & Salsa Bowls, $40

These bowls, which are an off-white, were packaged with wood spoons for serving. This design is very popular, apparently. The first time I saw them, I liked the font, but had no idea that people were obsessed with it. To the point where people go and purchase everything they can, at a discount, often to re-sell. Anyway, that’s for another post. I chose the bowls because they will get a lot of use.

L*SPACE Tie Dye Towel, $58

There were so many skincare options this time (I’m overly sure they set things up the way they did to get rid of excess inventory) that I’ll never use, so I went with this towel. Other options included a cover-up, wrap, and different totes. I almost went with the PMD cleaner, but as mentioned before, I already have enough devices. The picnic blanket was my other alternate choice, but I have so many blankets already. The towel is something I needed. I received this towel in another box and really liked it. It’s absorbent & quick drying (although, the Turkish towel from awhile back is my number one).

Ciaté Watermelon Burst Setting Spray, $22

I loved the scent of this primer and setting spray. It reminds me of a picnic on a late spring, or early summer, day. I’m not sure how well it works since I sprayed it just once. Then, I realized that I wouldn’t actually use it. I hope the person who received it from the Buy Nothing group likes it.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $34

I love Supergoop! and have discussed them before. This isn’t as high of an SPF as I usually use, but I’ll still use it. I just ran out of my COOLA sunscreen, so this came at the perfect time. This formula is lightweight and doesn’t leave a white case like most sunscreens. Once this is used up, I’ll be on the lookout for a zero-waste option. If you have a favorite, let me know in the comments.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion, $70

Murad has been one of my favorite brands for years. The formulas make my skin look amazing, and I’m excited to try out this collagen infusion.

Dr. Brandt® Pores No More Purifying Cleanser, $36

I have always been a huge fan of Dr. Brandt products. Unfortunately, after doing some research, it looks like the company might not be cruetly-free, as they claim. There is a clause that states that. while they do not engage in animal testing, some countries they sell to/in require it. Such a shame because the products work well with my skin. You can read more on the Ethical Elephant and the Dr. Brandt websites. Looks like this is one more brand to scratch off my list.

Overall, this box had a total value of $260. Will I miss getting the boxes? Perhaps. Awhile back I had stopped all but this subscription box since (1) The quality went downhill, (2) They weren’t worth the money, and (3) They do not fit in with the lifestyle I choose to lead. I just don’t need anything more. I’m already in the process of gifting, donating, and selling several things, and there is no point in accumulating more. Did you get a box this quarter? If you did, let me know your thoughts.

Peace & Love, always!