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.
After raising and loving the four children God blessed me with, I feel the most beautiful in their presence… all four at the same time! Nowadays, that only happens a couple times a year! My how fast they grew up!
Oh gosh…where I feel most beautiful? Where a mirror is no where in sight. :)
This is going to sound cheesy, but it’s the truth… I feel the most beautiful when I see the face of my husband or one of my precious baby boys light up when their eyes lock with mine… That sweet smile that says, “You’re MY Mama/ Wife and I love you SO MUCH!”
I told you, it’s cheesy, but I promise that I don’t make up stuff like that!
I feel most beautiful wrapped up in my hubby’s arms, face snuggled into his chest (he’s a foot taller than I am!). He is kind enough to still be smitten with me after all these years, and nothing makes me feel prettier!
I feel the most beautiful when I get all dressed up and have my hair curled and have applied my makeup!
When my grandson says “I love you, Mimi!”
I feel most beautiful right after a haircut when the stylist has done my hair for me… and I have all my makeup on, and a black dress so i look skinnier
When I know I’ve done something good for someone else…without expecting anything in return….
On the couch with my people! While snuggling last night at the end of a loooong day my 3 y.o. said to me “Mama you’re pretty!”. A few minutes her Daddy came in asked how his beautiful wife was. I felt as un-lovely as could be, but the people who love me thought otherwise. I jsut want it to be that way 15 years from now when there are no long crow’s feet at my eyes but pterodactyl feet! ;)
I’m always in such a rush to get ready – I feel most beautiful when I can take a few extra minutes to actually blow dry my hair and actually apply makeup instead of just swiping at my face with foundation, powder and blush while encouraging my kids to get their teeth brushed!
I feel the most beautiful when I’m surrounded by my family. I feel secure and loved and just ok as I am, because I know they love me no matter what.
After I shower and dry my hair! Something about having my hair fixed (as opposed to a ponytail) makes me feel great!
Well sure, I’d like to win all of that! Blogher is doing some fabulous giveaways this month.
I feel the best after a shower and after putting on my mositurizer and brushing my teeth! I don’t care if I just put on sweats as long as I am clean I’m good. :)
My kids say I am most beautiful on Sundays going to church.
I feel most beautiful at the beach! A little sun, lighter hair, warm breezes. Its therapeutic. Thanks!
wearing heels… they give some added confidence!
On the very rare occasion that I get to go on a date night with my husband – showered, blown out, make-up and high heels as well.
I feel the most beautiful in my husbands arms.
I feel most beautiful when my kids hug me even though I’m wearing ratty mismatched pajamas with my frizzy hair and yesterday’s makeup smeared under my eyes!
Denise
I am a skin care freak. Seriously, it baffles my dear husband. I keep reminding him that when we’re 80 he’ll thank me because I’m still going to look young and radiant. He says the joke’s on me because he’s going to be a shriveled old man when he’s 80 and I’ll look like some grave digger. Whatever – I’ll take it.
I feel most beautiful when I’m all dolled up with my makeup and hair and with my beautiful family! :)
At this season of my life, I feel most beautiful dressed up with heels AND pantyhose! I have always loved the feel of good hose, but nowadays don’t have reason to wear them so much. Now, when I do put them on, I just feel a bit of ooomph in how I look!
Honestly? I think I feel most beautiful at home where I am loved and accepted just as I am.
I feel most beautiful first thing in the morning. The makeup is fresh, the hair hasn’t gone flat, and my baby hasn’t spit up on me yet.
The place I feel most beautiful is right after the blowdry and make-up application! It’s as if I walk through a time warp when I walk out of the house suddenly my hair is a mess and my make up is lacking in many places.
i feel most beautiful when my toddler says i look pretty! although he has been doing it lately to get out of trouble. :)
I’d like to say I feel most beautiful at home, but home is where I’m sporting unwashed hair and “active wear”. So, I feel most beautiful on a rare night out on the town!
I feel the most beautiful right after…well, you know (wink ,wink!)
I feel beautiful anywhere there is candlelight! ;-)
Home in my PJs!
I feel most beautiful when I am outside, playing with my 3 little girls.
Right now, I’m very pregnant and I’ve still got 3 months left. So fat cow = how I feel I look.
At any rate, I feel most beautiful in jeans, flip-flops and a cute little tshirt, just hanging out and laughing with my man. You’re right, it is the little things in life.
I feel most beautiful when I am worshiping. Somehow I know the joy in my heart has to radiate onto my face!
After a relaxing bath!
I’m a make-up girl, so while I hate to get ready in the morning, I feel great once it’s all finished!
I feel the most beautiful when I’m ready to walk out the door…wearing heels!
I feel my best when I am dressed for a special occasion!
I feel the most beautiful when I wake up and my husband is staring at me. He tells me I’m beautiful all the time.
I’m not sure I’ve felt most beautiful in a very long time. But I feel pretty darn cool in my skinny leg jeans and knee boots. I am most content with me when I’m sitting in the chair rocking my precious grandbaby.
I feel the most beautiful when I play dress up with my little girls :) Thanks for offering this great giveaway!
I feel the most beautiful when I am lounging around the house in my pj’s and slipper boots. Love it!
I think it may be time for me to answer my skin – it has been telling me I can’t just ignore it anymore. How lovely. I don’t know about feeling beautiful, but when the guy at the Steak ‘n Shake drive thru flirted with me over my hot fudge shake the other day – it made me smile!
Right after I get a haircut.
I’m a single mom, employed outside the home, and a full time student. The only place I feel beautiful these days is in my dreams. *sigh* Doesn’t mean I’d turn down some amazing beauty products, though. ;-)
I feel most beautiful when I’ve worked out before I shower and get all “dolled up”!! I feel more energized too which is a big plus in feeling beautiful.
Great giveaway!
I feel the most beautiful right after I get my haircut and styled and my eyebrows waxed!
I feel the most beautiful when I am truly happy!
I feel most beautiful in Africa when the little kids we’re ministering to love you no matter what you like.
I feel the most beautiful when my 16 month old son loves on me and gives me hugs and kisses.
http://namenazi.blogspot.com/2009/12/its-christmas-and-everyone-is-giving.html
Right after getting my hair cut and styled for sure :)
I feel the best right after a great haircut! I have been going to the same woman for 10 years, and I always love it.
I think I’m most beautiful in the presence of my family, especially when we are laughing, having fun, and creating memories together.
Two times when I feel most beautiful come to mind, at night when I first wash my face and apply a nightly moisturizer and in the morning after I’m showered and all made up.
After I was and moisturize my face, it feels so clean and tingly and I feel so good!
WOW who wouldn’t want to win this!
my email is donnie76@windstream.net
Hmmm… I guess when I’m in a pair of jeans that I haven’t been able to fit into for more than a year :)
I feel the most beautiful when I am sitting on the couch snuggled with my husband and four children!
Blogged! I so want to win this! I feel the most beautful when I am laughing :)
for about 5 seconds after my work clothes are on, my hair is done and make up is on. After that, the hair gets crazy, the eyes start watering, the cat rubs fur all on me and then it’s all down hill from there!
I feel most beautiful after I spend the morning studying. After an hour with my Father I have the right perspective of me.
I feel most beautiful on a low humidity day when my hair is cooperating! Oh, and when I can tell I’ve lost weight. Natch.
Haven’t been feeling so beautiful lately. Oy.
I think “tired & haggard” are usually the descriptive terms of late, but am hoping to win this giveaway and experience “beautiful” instead!! Merry Christmas!
While sitting at my vanity, my almost two year old daughter sitting next to me, copying my every move in the mirror.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m in my pjs and comfy slippers, sitting on the couch next to my husband, with his arm around me and our two puppies sitting at our feet.
I feel most beautiful when my two kids and my husband are cuddling with me on the couch, watching a movie… :) Thanks for this great giveaway!
My new husband makes me feels beautiful whenever he is near. Hope the newlywed feeling never goes away. I always want him to think I am beautiful
I have to be totally made up and hair “did” to feel even remotely beautiful anymore. That’s what being 46 does for you! I love to try new products!
I feel most beautiful when my precious little 2 year old little boy tells me that I am. I could be dressed in rags but he still thinks I am beautiful!
I feel most beautiful on the days I take the time to flat iron my hair.
I feel most beautiful with my husband on a date night!
Meredith
I feel beautiful when I’m having a good hair day. I wish that happened a little more frequently!
I feel most beautiful on our boat out on the lake with the wind blowing my hair and the warm sun on my face!
Tweeted @ itsmelaniew
Pick me, Oh Random Number Draw-er! :) I love walking into places like Sephora. It smells pretty, and everything looks just perfect. And I love getting my colors done and such..to be pampered. AND, to find something that makes my skin look fantastic and young. Maybe this will be the product!!
I feel most beautiful when I catch my boyfriend just staring at me.
I feel most beautiful right after I hop into the bath after a long day at work & wash the day off my face & have my hair pulled back. I just feel so fresh & calm. It’s great :)
I feel most beautiful at home when I have actually cleaned myself up and tried to look nice.
I feel the most beautiful when I’ve done my complete daytime routine, down to make-up and blown dry hair. BUT, I do love the days when I can just brush my hair and teeth and call it good!
It’s amazing what good lotion will do for you! Thanks for the giveaway!
where I feel most beautiful? In candlelight. I mean really, what isn’t beautiful in candlelight?
this is so cool! I feel most beautiful outside after I have relaxed in a nice bath, and then fixed my hair and make up! Just something about being outside that makes everything beautiful!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Beautiful Beauty Products. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.
WOWSA! I feel the most beautiful when I have my full make up on with primer and eye-liner and everything. I so rarely do the whole entire face thing that it feels good when I do!
I feel the most beautiful when I’m at home with my boys (husband and two boys) and my 4 year old calls me a princess!
I feel the most beautiful out on dates with my husband. It’s like we are young and can’t stop looking at each other.
I feel the most beautiful after I’ve been at the beach for a few days! Unless I’m sunburned..
I feel most beautiful right when I’m walking out the door for church, but then the humidity hits and ruins the whole look. : )
I feel most beautiful when I get a pedicure. It’s amazing how good I feel when my feet feel good!
I feel the most beautiful anytime I am in the sun! It gives me such energy!
I feel the most beautiful when I’ve just gotten ready for a date. Something about all the prep work and anticipation. It just makes me feel all lit up inside and I think that radiates.
I feel beautiful when I go grocery shopping. Staying home all day with children I hardly ever put makeup on except for when I go to the grocery store. Mascara and lipgloss!
I feel most beautiful when my husband is by my side. He loves me no matter what, I really could not ask for more.
The place I feel most beautiful is at home with my family!
I feel my most beautiful when I’m out with just the husband. With 3 small kids it’s rare that we get out alone, so when we do I try to put in a little extra effort. Plus it’s probably the only time I’m not covered in drool, snot or juice from those 3 little ones!
I feel the most beautiful when I give up the focus on me & focus on ministering to the families I encounter in my job as a hospital chaplain.
I feel the most beautiful with my husband.
kstoner@crosspointe.org