This is a compensated review by BlogHer and L’Bel.
When I was younger, I was all about make-up. I loved looking at it, trying it, applying it, buying it – the whole shebang. I could spend an afternoon sitting in front of a mirror and trying out various and sundry new looks with one of my mama’s big ole palettes of eye shadow, and on more than one occasion, my sister looked at my handiwork and said something along the lines of “Um, less is more, you know.”
Now that I’m a little older, I know that my sister was exactly right. Less is definitely more when it comes to make-up. I still get a little giddy when I buy some new powder or blush, mind you, but I’m not nearly as concerned with make-up as I am with taking care of my skin. That’s one reason I was so happy to participate when the folks at BlogHer asked me if I’d like to try some skin care products from L’Bel Paris. I was even happier when I read that L’Bel – which is manufactured in France – focuses on “radiant skin that withstands the passage of time.” That sort of hit me where I’m living right now.
Ahem.
Anyway, here’s what they sent me:
You will never know how happy I was to see that tube of really nice mascara. Sometimes it’s the little things, you know (and the fact that the mascara brush is excellent makes it even better). And they also sent me some perfume, but unfortunately I ripped the perfume packaging when I got my shipment-o-products. You’ll be happy to know that the perfume is none the worse for the wear and is currently resting comfortably in my bedroom.
I’ve been trying the L’Bel products for about a week now, and oh my goodness, I like them so much. They’re light enough that my face doesn’t feel coated, but they’re moisturizing enough that my skin feels completely hydrated. And there’s this stuff called Collagennesse – and I can only hope that I’m spelling that correctly because it is currently packed in my suitcase since I WILL NOT LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT IT – that is pure magic. I put it on after I put on moisturizer, and it fills in the fine lines and makes my skin feel super-smooth and quite honestly I’m not sure how I’ve lived without it. It’s one of the best products I’ve ever tried.
And believe me, internet: I have tried some products in my time.
It makes my head hurt a little bit when I think about all the time and energy (and money) I’ve spent on my skin over the last twenty or so years. But here’s the thing, at least with me: make-up isn’t the thing that makes me feel beautiful. I have never looked at my adult self in the mirror and felt oh-so-attractive because I’ve achieved the perfect smoky eye. But do you know when I probably feel the most pretty? When I’m hanging out at home with my people without a stitch of make-up on. When my face is clean and I’ve put on all my “potions,” as my husband calls them – and I feel like LO, THESE MANY YEARS of taking care of my skin has been worth it.
I mean, I can always buy new eye shadow. But I’ve got to live with this skin of mine forever.
I’m so happy to be able to share these products with y’all, and one lucky reader is going to win $500 worth of L’Bel products to try. Seriously. $500 of skin care products and make-up. The prize will include Delyr, Bleu Intense, Resurgie Jour, Cellvivance, Pore Specialiste, Day Moisturizer, Night Moisturizer, Eye Cream, Makeup Remover, Cleanser, Toner, Face Mask, Divenesse Lotion, Supremacie Mains, Lip Gloss, Mascara and a sassy little bag to hold it all.
By the way, if you think I have any idea what all those French words in the list mean, you are sadly mistaken. But still. I bet they make your skin super-pretty. And I bet they smell really good, too.
Now. A few rules before we get our little skin care sweepstakes started:
To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me the place where you feel the most beautiful – or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will end on January 8th. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct. I’ll select the winner using random.org.
Also, be sure to check out the list of other bloggers who are also doing a L’Bel giveaway – you can enter to win the giveaways on their blogs, too.
Have fun, y’all!
p.s. You can follow @LBelParis on Twitter for beauty tips and special offers if you’re interested.
This giveaway is now closed.
I feel the most beautiful when my husband tells me:)
I feel most beautiful when I have time to spend on my hair and outfit. And if there’s enough time to spare that I can actually choose complementary jewelry, I really feel beautiful.
I feel most beautiful when I’ve spent time in the shower exfoliating, moisturizing, etc…
I feel most beautiful after coming home from work and changing into yoga pants and a t-shirt. The work hair and makeup is still happening, but the clothes are oh-so-comfortable!
i feel most beautiful on mornings when i am not in a rush and i have time to slowly apply everything, instead of quickly applying things.
I feel most beautiful after a fresh shower where I’ve done a complete exfoliating and moisturing treatment.
Two minutes after blow drying my hair, then its all down hill from there. I have fine, thin, graying, hair.
I feel the most beautiful when I have a good hair day with my natural curls and have my makeup done. I must not be using the right “potions” because I definitely don’t feel beautiful without makeup on. :)
I feel most beautiful when one of my children tells me and it is usually when I really look my worst!
I am the mother of a 16 month old with my second on the way! I feel beautiful when I actually get to take a shower, shave, etc! Ha!! Joking aside, I am beautiful because I belong to the King!
http://twitter.com/treadingwater
I feel the most beautiful when I’m dressed up with some place fun to go with my husband and my 8 year old son says, “You look good, mom!”.
I feel most beautiful when I’m fresh and ready to go … makeup, hair and “potions” on and possibly a cute new top to wear. :)
I feel the most beautiful when I’ve got my hair and makeup like I like it, all dressed up, and heading out for a date night with my hubbie!
I feel most beautiful after I’ve had TIME to get ready on a slow, unstressful morning!
I feel the most beautiful at night after I’ve taken all my make-up off and I have that radiant glow that comes from a good moisturizer.
I definitely feel the most beautiful with fresh face make-up (just lightly applied – no dramatics) paired with hair that’s casually big (yes, I subscribe to the Beth Moore Hair Club) and I’m hanging with my family. So, basically, on Saturday :-)
I feel most beautiful when my hubby gets that look in his eye… Usually right after taking a shower…
When I’m on a date with my man!!
I feel beautiful when I am home in my ratty bathrobe with no make-up and my husband walks in and tells me I look pretty.
Not sure I’ve felt beautiful in a long time. But, after making a few lifestyle changes this fall, I feel like beautiful may not be lost to me forever…2010, watch out!
I have to say I feel the most beautiful when I’ve had a great night’s sleep, showered, taken my time with my skincare and makeup, and my hair decides to give in to my will instead of its own. That, my friend, spells G.O.O.D. D.A.Y.
Yes please.
I feel most beautiful, when people tell me my lovely 15 year old daughter looks just like me. I don’t see it, but I’ll take it!
I feel most beautiful right after a hair appointment. When my roots are freshly done and my hair is blown out better than I can ever do myself! ha!
I’d love to win this!!! :-)
hmm, probably after a day at the beach – once i’ve showered and fixed my hair. so sad that isn’t very often!
For me, it’s that new outfit, hair looking good, make-up done, walking in the resturant with my man moment.
I feel most beautiful at home, taking care of my family.
I feel most beautiful when my 12 year old son tells me I am the most beautiful mom he knows. (even if he wants something) :)
After a shower, when I’m all lotioned up, wearing my husbands big poofy old blue robe. But my hait has to be halfway dry b/c at that point it still has volume!! A *teeney* bit if eyeliner (brown) and mascara doesn’t hurt – just to make the eyes pop a bit!
what a great giveaway! I feel the most beautiful on Sunday mornings when I am dressed up for church.
I feel my best after a good shower and application of make up for the day…
To me, I feel the best when I’ve been at the beach, have a little bit of sun on my face and am all nice and clean and moisterized after a cool shower. This 53-old skin could use some help, tho.
Sign me up!
After my morning shower (on a day when I shave my legs), makeup, and blowdry routine. I feel ready for the day and empowered to tackle anything!
I feel most beautiful working or reading in a cafe or coffee shop. I really don’t know why, I just do. Maybe it’s all the romance movies set in a little bakery. :)
I feel the most beautiful after showering after a long day at work, no makeup, just pjs :)
When I’m all done up for church or a jewelry show.
Oh my! I would love this! Having babies has made my skin revert back to puberty and I seriously need some new skin-care products to fix it!
Thanks so much for doing this!
I feel the most beautiful when my husband tells me I’m beautiful.
I feel most beautiful when no matter how I look, my wonderful husband comes up behind me and tells me I am beautiful. For no reason. Just because. With my face done or not. Love that guy!
I always felt the most beautiful when I was working as a camp counselor. It’s really hard not to feel beautiful when you have 10 six year olds telling you they want to look just like you when they get older!!
When my four-year old says, “You know what? You’re so pretty.” That’s when I feel the most beautiful.
I feel my best after a long day of work and I’ve showered, changed into my pjs and I’m cooking and playing with my family sans makeup. Its the best feeling.
I have never felt beautiful.
This might be exactly what I need….
I feel most beautiful in the dark! ha! just kidding. I feel most beautiful in a new outfit and when I just get my hair done! :)
I feel the best when I’m at home with
my people- they love me beautiful or not!
I feel most beautiful at home with my family, preferably after I have made a little effort to put on some makeup (rare occasion, I’m sad to admit).
I feel my most beautiful when I am freshly showered, lotioned up, hair blown out and straightened!
I feel most beautiful in my jammies after a shower with nothing on my skin when he looks at me and sees me with my fat rolls and wrinkles and it doesn’t matter.
I feel the most beautiful when I have had 8 hours plus of sleep. But that hasn’t happened in a loong time. Maybe the makeup would help in that dept.
I feel most beautiful when I have fixed my hair and makeup. :)
I feel most beautiful at home, with my family.
I feel most beautiful right before I leave the house for the day…all dressed with my make-up and hair did.:)
I think I feel most beautiful when I have just showered, and am getting into bed at night – clean, sleepy, and cozy :)
I feel the most beauiful after being at the beach for a day….. my hair is different, my skin is less oily, and I can enjoy less makeup!
I feel most beautiful after I’ve finished applying my morning spackle.
(Then I ruin everything by putting my glasses back on.)
Make-up actually really helps me feel beautiful. Or at least sophisticated and polished!
I feel the most beautiful when I am at home.
Playing with my nieces – who never care what I look like! :)
I don’t feel beautiful often – but if I do, it’s when I have a perfect hair and make up day. Something hard to come by in the bayou town I live in.
Sophie,
Thanks for the op to win some make-up! I feel most beautiful when my husband hugs me and tells me that I’m beautiful. Even if I don’t have a “stitch” of make-up on! Love it!
Melita
Merry Christmas!
I feel the most beautiful on Sunday mornings on the way to church when my husband looks at me and says I’ll be the prettiest girl there.
I have always been good about washing the face, but the taking care part? Not so much. Sign me up!
It’s hard to use the word “beautiful” in regards to myself but I do feel my “best” when I have a shower, make-up and hair done, a decent outfit on and out the door!
I could use some skin care products! My mascara is probably two years old and crusty.
I feel beautiful at home, no matter what I look like with my boys!
Awesome giveaway, thanks!
A place where I feel most beautiful???
When I’m hanging out with my friend Cheryl.
Oh YUMMMMM…..Please enter me too.
Warm blessings,
Spencer
I feel most beautiful when my 3 little girlies, 5 and under tell me so! :)
I usually feel the most beautiful about 20 mintues after I have showered, dressed and am fully ready for the day. However, my hair is usually never doing what I want it to do, so even then I may not feel totally beautiful…
whenever i am making other women feel and look their very best :)
read about it here
http://onefinedayartistry.blogspot.com/2009/12/winter-skin-win.html
At the end of the day, face washed, pj’s on and snuggled on the couch with a book. (or my laptop!) That is when I feel the most beautiful…
I feel most beautiful when I’ve just gotten out of the tub from a good scrub, then apply lots of moisturizer!
Clean, soft and wonderful!
I feel most beautiful when I’m comfortable with what I’m wearing, when I’m feeling good and confident. A compliment from my dear husband and sweet son never hurts, either. :-)
ooooh!
I feel the most beautiful when I am simply at “home”.
Right before going out at night or before church-this means I’ve just showered and put extra effort into my hair, makeup, and outfit. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Several siestas had this giveaway linked, so here I am!
The most beautiful I have ever felt was on my wedding day 4 1/2 years ago. Now, I feel most beautiful right after I’ve put on my make-up and before I’ve left the house (because something happens after I step out of the door…).
Merry Christmas neighbor!
I feel the most beautiful just hanging out at home with my family (make-up or not).
I feel most beautiful when I’m all dolled up and ready to go. I feel most comfortable when it’s all washed off!
I felt the most beautiful when I was pregnant which I find really funny because I ate myself fat… now I feel beautiful when I’m at home and wearing clean pj’s!
I feel the most beautiful when I’m pregnant. It’s the one time in life when it’s okay to gain 30 lbs. With my first pregnancy, I remember realizing one day that I no longer felt self-conscious about myself. Something just changed in me.
P.S. I could really use some “potions” because, although I’m not yet 30, I do have 2 kids and haven’t had a full night’s sleep in a sweet forever. And they do call it “beauty sleep” for a reason… at least that is what the dark circles tell me every morning.
I feel the most beautiful right after I have taken a shower and shaved my legs – ha! Thanks for the opportunity!
I feel the most beautiful when I step out of the shower, clean shaven and proceed to blow dry my hair and moisturize! Then comes the makeup and that just takes the cake! :)
I feel the most beautiful when I am shopping with my 4yo daughter. Anything I try on she says, “Mommy, you look beautiful. Just like a princess”
I feel most beautiful when I’m with my boyfriend. I may think I’m a little chubby, but he loves me just the way I am… or so he says. Hmm?
Hi, Sophie! I feel most beautiful after I shower and do my hair and make-up! No feeling like it!
I feel most beautiful after my bedtime shower, in comfy clean pjs that are fresh from the dryer! Hair blowdried, cozy socks on the feet and a good book to fall asleep with and the hubster right beside me!
I feel the most beautiful when I am in that place of worship with Jesus. Satan can’t get in and tell me any lies about myself.
I feel the most beautiful right after I finish my makeup. :)
I feel most beautiful when I am in my hometown with my family and am able to totally be myself.
I think that I feel the most beautiful after I’ve taken a shower, fixed my hair, done my make up and gotten dressed to go on a date with my hubby. Those are the best times!
I don’t know if it’s appropriate to say on a public forum when I feel the most beautiful … [cough] … but let’s just say that I do feel beautiful at certain times in my life when I’m with my husband. :)
Although I would love to try new things and help me to feel so purty in the middle of the day!
Oh beauty, where have you gone? Maybe the way of the teething, eczema riddled, trying to crawl, adorable eight month old that I spend every day with. Maybe some L’Bel would help this haggard, nearly deaf from the screaming (oh the screaming!), running on empty SAHM!
In other words…pick me! pick me!
Ohhh- wow, what a great giveaway! I feel most beautiful after a new cut and color!
I feel best when I have just got my hair and make up done…
I feel the very best first thing in the morning!
I rarely feel beautiful, but I do feel better with make-up on! :)
I feel the most beautiful when my husband looks at me “that” way and it’s usually when I’m clean and natural. Works for me :)
With my hubby!