Indie Box Spotlight is a series that features a more in-depth perspective about boxes delivered by small businesses, where you can meet its founders, and learn more about the story and inspiration behind the box.
In April, I did an Indie Box Spotlight interview and review with Your Bijoux Box. For my next interview and review I’ve chosen the beloved Fortune Cookie Soap Box! I spoke with Bethany, the owner of Fortune Cookie Soap and she was kind enough to answer a few questions. Thanks, Bethany! I apologize for the lateness of this article!
Kate: Describe your box in one sentence:
Bethany: Treat yourself to new bath, body and home products once a month, in a variety of themes and scents!
Kate: What makes your box unique?
Bethany: Our FCS Of The Month Box is a subscription box for bath, body and home. Each box includes deluxe-sized samples and one full size product to try out! Every month is a new theme and scent profile to not only reflect the season but the differing theme! At the end of each month you have the opportunity to purchase full sized versions of products from the box along with different products in those same scents!
Kate: What inspired you to create your box?
Bethany: We started our FCSOTM box with the vision of giving our subscribers a way of not only smelling good, but trying out our wide variety of products. Our subscription box gives our customers the chance to see (and feel) the quality they will be getting from every product we make, while giving us a chance to show our skills! We also love how much fun it is to create cute, nerdy, beautiful products that give people the opportunity to get out of their scent comfort zones!
Kate: How long have you had your box?
Bethany: The FCSOTM box has been around for 10+ years now. It has seen many different forms over the years. In the beginning, it was a quarterly box and customers would get a seasonal themed box every three months. We then tried a monthly box with 6-7 full sized products, and now we do a monthly box with deluxe sized samples, with at least one full sized product per box. Our quarterly boxes (Feb,May, August, November) come with 6 deluxe sized samples, with 1-2 full sized products inside.
Kate: Who does your box appeal to?
Bethany: While we always aim for fun products for all, our box appeals to mostly women between the ages of 18-55. A lot of our customers love pop culture, fandoms, and smelling good!
Kate: What item(s) that you’ve put in your box is your favorite?
Bethany: That’s a hard question! I love all of our hair products, especially our deep conditioner. It’s definitely a fan-favorite!
Kate: What’s next for your box?
Bethany: We’ve been very lucky to find a formula that not only works for us, but for our customers as well. Our mission is to make our customers happy and provide a box that everyone can enjoy and love. We aim to make every month the best box yet!
Kate: Where do you see your box in 5 years?
Bethany: We are always going to be excited to showcase new products and scents, no matter what. I hope that as time goes on, we can provide a subscription box that everyone can enjoy and appreciate.
Kate: What social media platforms are you on?
Bethany: Facebook — Fortune Cookie Soap / Instagram — fortunefreak
Kate: Anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t asked?
Bethany: I’d like to mention our specialty boxes that we do throughout the year. We do an Easter, Halloween and 12 Days box.
While the 12 days of Christmas box is no longer available (they take pre-orders months in advance), there is usually an opportunity to purchase the extra items, closer to the release date. I’ve found Facebook the best place to interact with the FCS family; so watch it closely for release updates! While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for the Easter box pre-order. Since pre-orders are done 1-2 months in advance, the Easter box will be available sooner than you realize.
Also, be sure to sign up for their free rewards program here. I’ve literally earned hundreds of dollars of free items with this fabulous program!
November 2022 Review
Fortune Cookie Soap Box is a monthly subscription for $19.95 ($16.95 for those who subscribed before 11/13/22). Included in the subscription, is a $10 off $25 coupon code.
Each box contains 1 full and 3 deluxe sized items. Quarterly, though, they send out 6 deluxe-sized items. This was a quarterly month.
This box was paid for by the author. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
1 of 3
This month's theme is called: "Nutcracker Dreams" and is based on the famous ballet, “Nutcracker Suite.”
Included in the box is an insert with an invitation to the official launch of the full collection of Nutcracker items. The launch was set for December 2, 2022 and there will be games and prizes. Fortune Cookie Soap has a devoted following and their community is very active on facebook.
A Festive Good Time!
Satin Slipper Pedicure Soak – Retail Value $14.99
1 of 2
The first item I pulled from this (amazing smelling!) box turned out to be a pedicure soak. I’m super excited about that because I rarely see pedicure items in subscription boxes. And though winter is traditionally boot season, not a time I typically show my toes, it’s still nice to have an excuse to soak my feet in a warm, delightfully scented bath!
“Satin Slipper” turned out to be my favorite scent in the box. According to Fortune Cookie Soap, FCS, for short, the scent contains:
“...tangy pomegranate, apple blossoms and peach blend with ylang ylang and soothing chamomile and green aloe vera notes.”
Sugar Plum Fairy Body Frosting – Retail Value $14.99
1 of 3
You know autumn has arrived when FCS starts sending out their fantastic “body frosting!” Though it can be enjoyed year round, it is most often sold throughout the winter months because it can melt in warm weather. In one of the FCS facebook groups, I’ve read that many subscribers keep theirs in their refrigerator. I have a beauty fridge I keep mine in.
What is body frosting? In my view, it’s like a magical marriage of thick body cream and dry body oil. It’s whipped until it has the consistency of frosting, but literally melts into your skin. See the above photo of it on my fingers. I was trying to show the thick consistency but it gently melted into my skin. Difficult to photograph but it felt amazing!
And the scent? Wow! It smells fruity but not overly sweet. According to the FCS, the scent is
“...savory sweet plums, warm spice and bubbly prosecco….”
Land Of Sweets Reconstructive Conditioner – Retail Value $13.99
I’m thrilled to see a reconstructive conditioner in this box; this is the perfect time of year for one. Cold weather can rob our hair of moisture so including a deep conditioner was a great idea. According to their website, “It works well with dry hair, helping repair problem areas. It does not create buildup on your hair and plus, it's a great detangler.” The conditioner contains vegetable protein, coconut derived moisturizer and is fortified with Vitamins A, D and E.
Plus, it smells so good! Use after any shampoo for moisture and a lovely scented mane. FCS lists the scent as:
“delicious vanilla and marshmallow blend with creamy sandalwood and magnolia blossoms while a touch of juicy berry notes help create a fantasy world….”
Mouse King OCD Hand Sanitizer – Retail Value $2.49
While this (quarterly) box is said to contain only deluxe sized items, FCS has a very generous view of what constitutes a deluxe size, so we’re given a full ounce of sanitizer. If you look closely, you’ll see that the directions for use are actually for their potpourri! That’s fine though, because by this point, sadly, we are all too aware of how to use hand sanitizer.
I find it super useful to have another hand sanitizer. There are so many places that I like to keep a bottle (car, desk, kitchen, mud room, etc) that I’m always happy to receive another. Plus the smell of this one is fabulous. FCS describes the scent as:
...soft bergamot, violets, sandalwood, vetiver and hints of vanilla and patchouli.” In other words, Heaven!
Dancing Snowflakes Fortune Cookie Soap – Retail Value $4.25
1 of 3
Every quarterly box contains a new fortune cookie soap. They always perfectly fit the theme and are almost too beautiful to use. This fortune cookie soap is no exception. The scent is called “Dancing Snowflakes” so it’s fitting that it’s snow-white with a sparkle that, unfortunately, doesn’t photograph well. It’s also dusted with white holographic snowflake glitter. Each soap is as lovely and unique as a snowflake!
The smell is mild and lovely. FCS describes the scent as:
"...cozy, sweet vanilla, tart raspberry and woodsy notes.”
And of course, it has a fortune! I love that Fortune Cookie Soap continues to make the item that gave them their name.
Grandest Christmas Tree Secret Stash Potpourri – Retail Value $12.99
1 of 3
It wouldn’t be Christmas without potpourri! This potpourri actually looks (and smells) better than any I remember. Strangely, I find potpourri fun to fidget with. There are so many different shapes, colors and textures that it’s fun to play with. I suppose it brings me back to my childhood, playing with Great Aunt Mercy’s endless bowls of it.
Rather than a traditional cinnamon, or an other non-decipherable scent, this batch smells like:
"…sweet honeycrisp apples, lemon zest, ripe pineapple, pecans smothered in maple syrup, blended perfectly with soft sandalwood, and warm amber musk.”
While that sounds complex, bottom line, it smells fantastic!
Winter Kisses Sticker – Retail Value $0.99
Every month, FCS makes around 4 stickers. They put one in each box they send out. The sticker I received this month says, “Winter Kisses Snowflake Wishes.” The design features lovely snow flurries and it has my favorite color combination: blue and white. So I’m in love!
To buy the full set of 4 different stickers, the cost is $3.99. They are designed by FCS and the graphics and quotes are all worthy of a place in your sticker collection.
The Verdict
Another home run for Fortune Cookie Soap! I can honestly say that in the many years that I’ve subscribed (since 2018!), I’ve never been disappointed by this subscription. I can remember only one box, out of dozens, that I gifted because the scents were too sweet for my taste. But I was still delighted by the curation and creativity of the items. So, for me, a perfect track record!
To Wrap Up
Can you get this box if you still sign up today?
No, but if you want a box, sign up quickly because there is a waiting list. Once you’re on the waiting list, you’ll be contacted when there is a spot open, and you’ll be given 24 hours to claim your spot. However, all of these items shown above, and many, many more full-size items from the “Nutcracker Dreams” collection are available for sale on www.fortunecookiesoap.com.
Value Breakdown: The box costs $19.95, which means each of the 7 items (including the sticker) cost an average of about $2.85 each. Plus, with every box, you’ll be mailed a code for $10 off any order of $25 or more to be used on any items in their vast store. Shipping is also included, which makes this box an incredibly good deal.
Another thank you to Bethany (and all of the FCS “soap fairies”). I was fortunate enough to get a pre-order in for the 12 days of Christmas box, so stay tuned for that review!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What do you think of Fortune Cookie Soap Box?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.