Masked Beauty Facial Masks: Review + Giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided two full size masks of my choice from Masked Beauty free of charge in partnership with Brandbacker. This is a sponsored post via Brandbacker. This review, however, was written by me personally and reflects my personal opinions after trying the products. I was not expected to provide a favorable review.

One of my favorite ways to unwind and provide self-care is by throwing my hair up, putting on some pajamas and using a face mask. While I have a pretty set skin care routine that I hardly deviate from, else I suffer the consequences, I love to try new face masks from time to time. I like that you can find masks now for any skin woe. Back when I was younger, you were basically stuck with the run of the mill peel off mask or clay mask. Nowadays, you can find a mask for anything and in any formula!

When Masked Beauty offered to send me two of their masks to give a try, I was all about it. Although I am not perfect, I try to stick to products that use natural ingredients. I find my skin is happier when I do so as well! Masked Beauty products are never formulated with any Parabens, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Triclosan, Polyethylene Microbeads, Bisphenol A (BPA), or Toluene.

I chose the Exfoliating Coffee and Chocolate Facial Mask which will tone and smooth and the Purifying Charcoal and Diamond Facial Mask that provides brightening and refining. These are two areas that I find help my adult, acne-prone skin. Some days I need to smooth and tone the areas that have acne scars. Other days, if I feel a break out coming on, I like to use the purifying charcoal mask. I was also sent a silicone facial mask brush. I have never used a brush to put on a mask before trying this one and, I have to say, what a world of difference! No more mess on your hands or feeling like I shouldn't be dipping my fingers into a pot of product. This allowed for easy, even coverage over my entire face - even on the hard to reach areas!

Here I am, mask on, hair up, relaxing after a long day! So what did I think, you ask? I loved the purifying feel of the Purifying Charcoal and Diamond Facial Mask. You know that feeling where you just feel like your face is getting cleaner and cleaner as the mask sits on your face? Yep. And when you rinse it off you instantly look brighter? YEP! I also felt that the Exfoliating Coffee and Chocolate Facial Mask not only smelled amazing (as in, enjoy some chocolate with this one!) but also provided perfect exfoliation without being too rough.

Masked Beauty facial masks come in six varieties:
Purifying Charcoal & Diamond
Exfoliating Coffee & Chocolate
Toning Red Clay
Overnight Pistachio
Moisturizing Ginkgo & Oat
Soothing Rose & Peony

I think the Overnight Pistachio mask will be coming home with me next. I've been wanting to try an overnight mask and these are just right for my preferred price point. That's right - you can find these at your favorite grocery stores: Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Marc’s, Weis and Kinney Drugs.

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WIN IT!

Want a chance to try three Masked Beauty facial masks for yourself and win some other beauty goodies to boot? Enter Masked Beauty's giveaway below!

Feeling Active Everywhere in prAna Spring Wear!

Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with prAna. I selected the pieces and prAna graciously provided them complimentary to me for my honest thoughts. Opinions are provided solely by me.

Spring is in the air! Can you smell it!? I know, I know... maybe that is wishful thinking on my part. I live in Michigan, after all. It often seems like winter lasts until May in these parts. Last week we had a beautiful, sunny, 60 degree day... and today it happens to be snowing. Despite the snow, I can feel spring peeking out here and there. My daffodils are pushing through the soil in my garden. The grass is looking a little greener. The daylight is lasting a little bit longer. My dog is itching to get out of the house and take as many walks as she can.

Speaking of getting the winter willies out... I had a chance to try two pieces from prAna's new spring 2018 active wear line. When prAna reached out to me, I was excited to give their new yoga pants a whirl. My husband and I recently joined a new, bigger gym because we were looking to increase our enthusiasm in working out and a friend of mine became a personal trainer at the gym we joined. It was perfect timing to start something new! I have a decent amount of active wear in my wardrobe but am always looking for the perfect, comfortable pant that will provide me with the coverage I feel comfortable in. I started with taking a look at prAna's yoga fit guide to get an idea of what they offer and the fit I might like best. I chose the Leda pant in Volcanic Plum Aster since I personally will always choose a printed pant over a solid. Life is just more fun that way. :) And while this style is labeled as a pant, I would place it into the legging category to be more specific. I couldn't be more happy with the fit. I like to use my active wear for a variety of purposes: gym sessions, workout classes, walking my dog, and lounge wear, if I am being honest. These pants fit every need. They are super soft, super comfortable, fit perfectly to the point where I feel supported but not suffocated and look great paired with sneakers for the gym or boots for some shopping! And, drumroll please... They are not see through! This girl has no tolerance for see through ANYTHING and these pants certainly deliver on that promise!

OUTFIT DETAILS

• Leggings: c/o prAna - Leda Pant in Volcanic Plum Aster [exact / use AEKKS18 for 15% off!]
• Sweatshirt: c/o prAna - Ostara Top in Coal [exact / use AEKKS18 for 15% off!]
• Tank: Thrifted [similar]
• Shoes: Brooks Pureflow 6 running shoes [exact]

Next, I selected the Ostara top in Coal to pair with my new pants. While I usually find it easy to find work out tanks/tops in the stores, I often feel like I am always wanting more when it comes to a heavier layer on top. Sweatshirts and jackets never provide the length that I am looking for. I was pleased with the fit of this top because it is a bit longer than usual and find it provides a nice, boxy fit as well. I want to be comfortable when I am working out or walking my dog. I personally like a looser top layer to provide some warmth - both for the winter cold and also to keep my muscles warm while working out at the gym. The Ostara top has the look and feel of a sweatshirt with a bit of a heavier drape to it. The lace up detail on the sides provides a cute addition!

CHECK IT OUT!
Learn more about prAna's re-imagined new line of yoga pants... designed and tested just for you by women just like you!

If you're thinking about investing in some new, quality workout gear, I cannot recommend prAna more. They use organic cotton and other natural materials and believe in fair trade and sustainability. I'd say that is reason enough to give them a try but the added bonus here is that they make great looking pieces to boot! Here's to walking out the winter willies and heading straight into spring - being #activeeverywhere in my #prAnaSpring18!

SAVE NOW!
prAna has kindly offered my readers a discount shopping code! Use promo code AEKKS18 and get 15% OFF any non-sale items at prAna.com. Hurry - the code is only valid through APRIL 6TH!