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 don’t feel beautiful a lot anymore..especially like I used to pre-65 lbs and pre-baby…but sometimes after I get a shower, do my hair and find something that fits..
I feel most beautiful when I’m home with my family – whether I have makeup on or not!
I feel most beautiful when my husband chases after me =)
Honestly I feel the most beautiful with my hair up in my pj’s at the end of the evening when I have done my make-up earlier in the day. I’m weird that way.
Hi there,
I always feel the most beautiful when I haven’t washed my hair for a few days and haven’t put on make-up and then once I do, you know, get all fixed up, I feel great! and I always feel the most beautiful in the summer time with a tan, and being at the beach makes it that much better!!!!
Ashley
My wrinkles and I are in !!!
Thanks!
I feel the most beautiful when I have no make-up on, my hair is pulled back in a quick pony tail, I have comfy clothes on, and my honey runs his finger tips over my jaw line and says “You are so beautiful. You know that?” and I roll my eyes and he says it again, until I manage to not roll my eyes.
I feel the most beautiful when I get ready for a date night with my husband. Freshly showered, smelling delish, with my face “done”. Love the way he looks at me, even after eleven years.
When one of my daughters tells me I am pretty :)
After I have polished my toes and showered and put on moisterizer and fixed my hair, and put on my most comfortable clothes, then working on some fun Christmas gifts. That is my favorite way to be–and I feel beautiful in that place.
After a haircut!!! Getting one today!!
I feel most beautiful when my precious little girl says, “Mommy, are you old?” LOL!!
I feel the most beautiful when I’m all decked out to go on a date with my hubby. Even though it doesn’t happen too often, I love to take my sweet time getting ready – I may not technically look any better, but I do feel better!
I feel the most beautiful when my boys notice something about me. Because, you know, I’m just mom and they see me every day. And comment on my blemishes. But sometimes, they notice something they like, and lo, it is magical.
I don’t feel beautiful often. The last time I remember feeling pretty was one afternoon this fall when I was playing frisbee with my son on a perfectly beautiful afternoon. There was just something about the blue sky, orange leaves, and lots of laughing that made me feel good all over!
Thanks for the chance to win some wonderful beauty products!
Just like you–at home. My family loves me whether I have on makeup or not or whether my hair is done or piled up on my head. They see me not what I look like.
I feel most beautiful when I am next to my husband because he NEVER fails to tell me how beautiful he thinks I am. Yes, I am very blessed and no, I do not take it for granted. =]
after a bubble bath!!:)
Wow BooMama! What a treat! I feel most beautiful when my husband (of almost 29 Yrs.) first thing in the AM, calls me “Beautiful” and gives me a kiss to start the day. Love your blog…..
I feel most beautiful when the teen-agers at church come to me with a hug and the comment: “Thanks for being you…I love you!!” I have many more miles on my skin than you, lol, and to feel appreciated by the younger crowd is a day-brightener!
I feel most beautiful first thing in the morning after a night full of good rest and good products on my face. My skin always looks radiant (and so smooth!) first thing in the morning. These products…just might make that even better!
when getting ready to go somewhere in the evening (like a date with my hubby!) thanks for doing the giveaway!
I’m with ya – I feel the most beautiful when I’ve done my complete, head-to-toe skincare regime. For me, though, it’s at the times when I’ve gone through all that plus makeup & hair and I’m going out with hubs. Wonderful contrast to the ponytail & no makeup I usually do.
I feel most beautiful on an evening out, in a candlelit environment!!
I feel beautiful right after I see professional portraits that my family has had taken. Those professionals somehow always make me look better than I really am!
Sandra
I guess when I’m getting ready to go out for an evening with my husband or a friend! AND NO KIDS!
I feel most beautiful when I am all washed up with my “potions” on, ready for bed!
Oh, sounds fun!!!! I love good skin!
I feel the most beautiful when my son looks at me and grins, telling me, “Mommy, you’re pretty!”
No skin care product (although I would like to win some!) can do that…
I feel beautiful most beautiful when I’m all made up and ready to walk out the door… the feeling usually subsides by the time I get in my car.
I feel most beautiful in my husbands arms! He makes me feel like a million dollars!
I feel most beautiful this Christmas when my husband is feeling my pregnant belly, watching him smile at me in anticipation of our first little boy due in 7 weeks!
Hmm…I feel beautiful after a good work out followed by a shower…it’s refreshing!
Gimme a beach and a sweet, salty marg. Who cares if my stretch marks are showing and there are some lumpy-dumps coming out of my bathing suit like sausage bustin out of its casing?!
I FEEL PRETTY!
I love the way I feel right after a fantastic haircut and style from my favorite hairdresser. Especially showing it off to my very special fellow. Talk about feeling beautiful!
To be honest, I don’t feel most beautiful in a “place” – i feel most beautiful when i’m laughing my head off at something. like a REALLY good shared laugh with someone. that’s when i feel beautiful.
When I have just washed and moisturized my face!
I think I feel the most beautiful on those rare occasions I get a night out with the hubby. When I have actually done my hair and put on a little makeup. Tomorrow’s our anniversary, and I have no idea what he has planned, but I’m hoping for at least dinner where I don’t have to feed anyone else from my plate or let anyone sit in my lap!
I feel the most beautiful a few days after a haircut, when I’ve had some time to get used to styling it. And when I’m wearing my favorite pants, shoes, and jacket combo. :)
I feel the most beautiful when my little boy tells me so!
I feel most beautiful after a good haircut. No split ends, cute layers, fancy free!
Fertility treatments have killed my skin, please help!!! I feel most beautiful when my hair looks “just right” and when I catch my husband’s eye when I’m laughing it up w/ a group of friends.
These days, being 9 months pregnant, I feel most beautiful when I manage to get dressed in real clothes (instead of my husband’s big t-shirts), and manage to dry my hair before my 2 year old wakes up.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m on a date with my husband. I tend to try a little bit harder to look cute than I do most days.
What a fun giveaway! I feel most beautiful when I can carry myself with confidence!
Samantha O.
i feel most beautiful after a good hair cut, color and eyebrow wax
I feel the most beautiful when get to work with children. I’m about to graduate and be teaching, and they can light up a room!
I also tweeted! :)
@lacefran
I feel the most beautiful when my sweet toddler boys run to me to give me a big hug and kiss!
I feel most beautiful when I am in my snuggly (not Snuggie) fleece with a clean face and hair pulled back. Also love to dress up for a date with my man…he always makes me feel beautiful.
I feel most beautiful when I wake up from an excellent night’s rest.
Pick me! Pick me!
I feel prettiest when I’ve hot-rolled my hair and walk outside to a light, crisp breeze. The key is “light” – it makes me feel like I’m floating on (h)air!
I feel most beautiful when my husband holds me and talks to my belly (we are 8 months pregnant!!).
I feel the most beautiful when my husband or one of my daughters says, “You’re beautiful.”
Woohoo! This sounds amazing!!!
I feel most beautiful after I one of my daughters looks at me with eyes sparkling and says “you look pretty mommy!”…doesn’t matter what I’m wearing, or how I’m made up_I feel goregous.
I feel most beautiful when I feel the best…usually after I’ve had a great work out and a nice hot shower and fresh clothes on!
Right after a shower, blow-dry, flat-iron, makeup and just about ready to leave the house!
I feel most beautiful at home, when I’m all put together – and that rarely happens, with a 3yo & 6mo underfoot!
Right before a night out, as that means I’ve just showered, put on makeup and done something to my hair!
I feel most beautiful after a nice hot bath, and all snugged up in my robe.
I feel the most radiant after a long hot shower, nice clean jammies on, and snuggled up on the sofa with my two babies while they’re smelling like Johnson’s baby lotion! I know I will soon miss these days!
Where do i feel the most beautiful? Wherever i happen to be when my love walks into the room and just freezes right where he stands. Nothing is better than hearing, “You are *so* beautiful” come out of his mouth. :)
When it’s a good hair day and when just a little bit of makeup is enough
I feel most beautiful when I have actually put myself together for the day with my hair fixed, make-up on and some clothes other than a random t-shirt.
I feel at my most beautiful when my husband looks at me and winks. :)
Right after a new haircut and color!
I always feel great once I get my makeup on and my hair curled!
oooo, ahhhh. I feel the most beautiful whenever right after working out. I may not LOOK it..but I FEEL it!
I definitely feel most beautiful fresh out of the shower…all clean and smellin’ nice ;)
i don’t feel beautiful, but i feel most at peace/ loved when i’m at the beach. His creation gets me every time.
For sure, just after getting my hair cut and colored (did that yesterday) and then I try to do my make-up better than before the cut and color! Thank you!
Um, yes please!
I feel most beautiful on the nights I get ready to go out on a date with hubby.
my skin is blah. Seriously. so dry that after an haircut, the stylist said, “You need to put some lotion on your face.” Really? Geez. Need that stuff, like, yesterday.
Wow! Great giveaway! I feel most beautiful when my son says “Momma, you are too beautiful.” :-)
I feel the most beautiful when I am sitting beside my husband, riding in our jeep, the wind blowing my hair everywhere and he reaches over and takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. I am amazingly beautiful at that point!!
I feel the most beautiful when I’m at church and have taken the time to do my hair and make-up and put on my best clothes, but mostly because I’m there in the presence of my Great God. Actually, I’m always in the presence of my Great God, but sometimes I can feel his presence more when I’m worshipping with other believers. And that’s beautiful!
I feel the most beautiful when my skin looks clear and smooth.
I feel most beautiful when my three year old – sticky peanut butter fingers and all – gives me a big hug. Not because I asked. But because I’m his Momma. :)
When I get done working out I feel the best about myself!
Since I’m a SAHM, there are many (MANY) days that I don’t bother to put on make-up. So on those RARE occasions when I do, that makes me feel beautiful.
I feel most beautiful after a trip to the gym and a bubble bath…
I feel the most beautiful after I work out. I would gather people around me might disagree, but I feel beautiful and healthy!
I feel the most beautiful when I put my make up on & have my hair all sassy & curly. It doesn’t happen often cause hubby doesnt like it curly but thats when i feel the best.
I feel the most beautiful after showering after yoga. I feel strong, accomplished and squeaky clean!
I feel the most beautiful when I’ve showered, fixed my hair and applied makeup. I’m learning that it affects my whole attitude.
I feel great when I first put my makeup on in the morning. Mascara and eye liner especially! Thanks!!
When I plan out my outfits in advance, get a nice long shower, fix my hair, put on makeup. Those days that are few and far between! :)
I feel the most beautiful surrounded by my family (especially my 2 year old grandson).
I feel the most beautiful when I am with my girls and they tell me I am. Especially when it is one of those days where the rest of the world would most definitely not agree!!
The other day we were at a clothing store and I overhead my daughter telling the clerk that her mommy was the “pretty one over by the pants”. Granted, I was the only customer in the store but still…
when I’ve “put my pretty on” and am going out with the hubs for a date night or with friends for fun and fellowship.
~C
I feel the best about myself after my shower when I’m done working out.
i’m not sure i ever feel that beautiful. the absolute best is when my husband takes me in his arms and tells me i am beautiful. but i still don’t always believe him!
I defintily feel most beautiful on date nights with the hubs… no one to spit up in me or wipe food in my hair!
Yesterday I threw on a warm sweater (hello SNOWSTORM – as in 16″ SO FAR), and threw my hair up in some pigtails which I haven’t done in ages. I didn’t get so far as to put on makeup. And yet all evening my husband couldn’t stop telling me how beautiful I looked. Generally though, I feel most beautiful when I put in a little effort.
After a really sweaty workout
I feel the most beautiful after I have showered and put on some fresh makeup. ‘Cause after having a child, my skin is hideous. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I wash my face with SafeGuard and moisturize with Aveeno baby cream. I always let myself fall through the cracks like any mom, but now my face has become angry with me.
When I have on a new dress, preferably something in a vintage style.