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 just after I’ve showered and gotten ready for the day.
I feel most pretty when like most…after the shower and a bit of face stuff on
I feel the most beautiful after a successful weekly weigh-in. :)
I feel the most beautiful after a workout. Like at the gym. I really need to feel beautiful more often…
I feel the most beautiful when I’m sitting in my tiny living room with my husband and kids, just spending time together.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m on vacation and I’m rested and having fun!
Feeling my best at the beach with the ocean wind blowing in my face! So tell me – why in the world am I not on the beach….
The place I feel most beautiful is at home! I can be having the worst kind of day and my four year old can come up to me out of the blue and say, “Mommy, I love you. You my bestest friend.” Never feel more beautiful than in that moment!
However, being a stay at home mom and minister’s wife, there hasn’t been much in the budget for extras like make-up;hence, the 7 year old tube of lipstick that’s probably going to make my lips fall off soon!
This would be great to win!
I am now realizing I haven’t felt beautiful in a long time, but I do love having some color in my face in summertime. I am happy anytime I don’t look tired!
After my daughter was born I stopped wearing makeup and putting products in my hair because I realized that I felt the most beautiful when I was breastfeeding and caring for my infant daughter.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m in the water, swimming.
Don’t really feel beautiful, but would love the products! :)
i feel the most beautiful after a great run. seriously :)
I feel the most beautiful after a great haircut and fixin!
this looks fabulous!
I feel the most beautiful when my husband kisses me on the forehead.
At 12 weeks pregnant, my new baby bump and the ever-present nausea leave me few moments of feeling pretty, but there is something about getting dressed up for church on Sunday that makes me feel beautiful.
I feel I’m at my best after a cool shower, blow-dried hair, no makeup except mascara – in the company of my hunky husband!
kim
I feel most beautiful in the presence of the One who made me…
I feel the most beautiful when I have lost a few pounds and can fit into some clothes I haven’t worn for a while.
I feel the most beautiful when I have several hours to get ready for an evening event. I can blow dry and straighten my hair. I can take my time doing my make-up, listen to music and then put on a fabulous dress!
I feel the most beautiful when my kids look at me and tell me that I look great without make-up. I go ahead and put it on anyway of course. :)
Ahhh … heavy sigh… beautiful? I’d settle for hydrated right now. Just went to the Dr. today about my skin and beautiful? Maybe 5 minutes after I put my make up on and come back and touch up several places… ahhhhh :) Perfect!
After kisses from my sweet baby boy. (2nd: in my dreams, maybe, because I never have time or cash to indulge in beauty treatments that I really could use!)
I feel the best after a nice quite shower!!
I feel the most beautiful when I’ve just had my hair highlighted, dried and flat-ironed!
When my eyebrows are freshly waxed… How’d that for brutal honesty? I wish I was good about staying on top of the tweezing, but I’m not. Right now, my eyebrows are about to take over the universe…
I feel most beautiful when I look at a picture taken on our wedding day when we were just laughing coming down the hall at church.
Right after a good haircut and highlight!
Immediately after I have put on my make up and blow-dried my hair. It never takes long for my hair to fall and my make-up to fade! I’m right there with you about the skin care these days. It seems to be my main focus now that I’m in my 40’s. :-)
…when i can force myself to work out, i know i’m stinky and sweaty but i still feel beautiful for the effort.
Definately not in the department store changing room! I feel the most beautiful after a massage, whether a rare one from a professional or from my fiance. Relaxed is a good look on me. :)
After a workout! thanks for the giveaway :)
Most beautiful? After I wash my face,brush my teeth,put on my pj’s and put on a movie with my hubby and 4 kids right next to me!
Sunday mornings,after a shower, make up and hair done, Bible in hand, walking out the door with my family, oh yeah and dressed too.
Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee
I feel the most beautiful after a nice shower and am able to relax.
Where I feel most beautiful? Relaxing with my family in my PJs after a long day :)
I feel the most beautiful cuddling on the couch with my huband and kids.
I feel the most beautiful when my husband of 16 years tells me I look beautful….usually when I have on no makeup, my hair is a mess and I’m wearing sweats!!
Merry Christmas to you & your family!
I feel the most beautiful when I’m wrapped in my husband’s arms.
Well, it’s definitely NOT when I first get up in the morning, but I think I feel the most beautiful when I am fully engaged in worshipping God, radiant with the joy of His love and acceptance and basking in His peace.
I feel most beautiful while at church … I love seeing all of my friends dressed up and love worship!
At home in my flannel pjs!
I feel most beautiful when I’m freshly showered, legs shaved, sugar-scrubbed and lotioned up. It doesn’t matter what I wear after that, jeans, classic tailored look, or fancy dress…I feel beautiful.
I feel the most beautiful after having taken a shower and actually doing my hair…I have a 2 year old, so it’s usually pulled up in a pony tail. :)
In the bathroom after I get ready. The dim (poor) lighting is so good at hiding everything and I feel like a star!
I felt beautiful on my wedding day. The weather was a perfect fall day and I feel like my happiness was spilling out of me.
This sounds sappy, but I feel most beautiful when I walk into a room and watch my husband’s eyes light up.
although I love wearing a dress and heels, hair all soft and shiny from the shower and make-up just right- still- after a day working in the garden, just to step out of the shower, put on a soft faded old denim shirt and a pair of boxers, run a comb through my hair and then go sit outside in the swing with my husband- that’s truly when I feel my best-
I love the feeling of just walking out of the beauty salon – hair just done, perfect, smells yummy, etc
Beauty is such an interesting word because it encompasses so much of a person. True beauty only exists in combination of inner beauty and outside appearance. With that definition, I would say that I feel the most beautiful in my home with family and friends around me. We love to have people over even though we are VERY casual people, so enjoying friends in my home is when I feel most comfortable and at my best.
I feel the most beautiful on the beach, after a good hike, or after an exhilerating outdoor run. Something about doing something I love in the nature feels the most “me”- and that’s when I feel the most beautiful. Thanks, BooMama!
I feel the most beautiful when my husband comes home from work and tells me he missed me and how good I look, even without makeup.
Like you, at home, make up free but with well cared for skin. Although my job requires me to wear make up every day I work, I would personally prefer not, too. But a day doesn’t pass that I don’t wear skin care!
Tammy Elrod
I feel most beautiful when hubby and I actually get a “date night”, doesnt happen nearly enough.
In the bed in my PJ’s…no makeup, teeth brushed, reading a really good book.
I feel most beautiful when I am wearing something I made :) Yup, I sew stuff!
I feel most beautiful right after I do my makeup for the day
I wish I could say I feel most beautiful freshly cleaned up without makeup but I am one of those that truly needs makeup, especially around my eyes or I don’t look like I am awake, so I feel the most beautiful after putting on my face.
When all the stress of grad school pays off with a good grade, then I can really glow :)
I feel most beautiful when my husband or one of my sons tell me I look pretty.
I feel the most beautiful after a trip to the salon to get my hair done by a professional.
I feel most beautiful after a shower! It’s like a clean sweet feeling..
I feel the most beautiful after I have had my hair done at the beauty salon. I have a wonderful hairdresses. Last time I thought she overdid the highlights at first…but as I got used to it, I loved it. I received more compliments about my hair that week.
pscole3467 at gmail dot com
I feel most beautiful right after a shower and getting dressed. I just love taking a shower and feeling like I am starting fresh!
I feel the most beautiful right after a good haircut & highlights (dark roots be gone).
I, too, have spent countless hours of my life pampering and fretting over my skin. I’m always up to trying new products!
I feel most beautiful when I am made up and having a good hair day. And when I can successfully match accessories with an outfit.
I feel the most beautiful when my hair is doing what it’s supposed to do and I’ve been freshly sprayed with some Bath and Body Works scent!
I feel most beautiful after a long day at the beach and a shower. You have a little more color, and you have a good excuse to put on coconut body products!!
Honestly, I feel most beautiful on my way to church. Chances are I actually have fresh make-up on, curled hair, and ironed clothes. The glow of gathering with believers doesn’t hurt, either. :)
I feel most beautiful at home with my family. :)
i feel most beautiful after an exhausting run – i am proud that my body (although far from perfect) is strong enough and healthy enough to allow me that freedom.
When my 3 year old little girl tells me I’m beautiful!
I feel most beautiful while sleeping……!!
I feel most beautiful after a shower and my face is clean and moisturized!
I feel the most beautiful after I’ve had a good nights sleep (and didn’t forget to put on moisterizer the night before).
Well, I can’t imaging being any more beautiful than I already am (HA!), but I’ll enter the giveaway anyway!
I feel most beautiful when I am hanging out with my hubby!
I feel my best when I’ve gotten all dressed up to go out. Hair fixed, fresh make up, nice clothes, jewelry, etc.
This time usually being on Sundays when we go to church! :)
I feel the most beautiful laying on the floor, playing or reading with my children! Contributing to their lives is the best thing I can do for my own soul!
I have never felt as beautiful as I have after giving birth. Just those first few days. I just feel so completely at peace with my body and who I am. So blessed to be able to hold and feed my child. In those first few days I don’t think about the jelly belly or anything else. It’s just bliss. For a little while.
I feel beautiful when my 6 month old looks at me and smiles like I’m the best thing he’s ever seen.
I feel most beautiful when my granddaughters come up and hug me and say “Meme, you’re so purty!” Yep…makes my day!!!
I feel beautiful when my chickadees say… “mama, you’re so pretty!” Love those two… : )
I feel the most beautiful just after I have gotten dressed in my favorite outfit and my hubby and I are about to go on a date.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m all dressed up.
wow- what a great question. My husband had his Christmas party last Fri. and I was all dressed up and felt pretty good about how I looked. But honestly, the next day, we went to a local national forest to cut our tree and we took our Christmas card picture and I probably felt more beautiful in the gorgeous mountains, laughing with my husband and kids, playing in the snow, etc. It was a great day!
I feel most beautiful when I am wearing a new stylish outfit!
I feel mosst beautiful when I am dressed to go out. With 4 kids, doesn’t happen often, but it’s fun when it does!
torinkevATnetzeroDOTnet
Please let me win. I so need new makeup!
I feel most beautiful when I’m with my family.
Katie Jean
Place where I feel the most beautiful…hmmmmmmmm…when I get dressed up and things fit properly. Now, that doesn’t always happen, but it’s especially nice when it does.
My other fave is on the weekends when I am able to wear my comfiest jeans, a long-sleeve T-shirt and shoes without heels. Sigh. So happy then!
I feel most beautiful when my husband actually notices what I’m wearing and says “you look pretty.”
I feel my best when my kids tell me that I look nice and when my husband gets that appreciative look on his face!
I feel the most beautiful when out of the blue my 5 year old little girl tells me that I am beautiful. It is said with such sincerity and sweetness.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m outside on the lake and enjoying the sunshine! And I’m not wearing a bit a makeup!
I feel most beautiful when I am all dolled up to go out somewhere or when I have a nice tan (which I never seem to have…)!
Mmmmmm………looks yummy. Please enter me too.
Warm blessings,
Spencer
I think I feel the most beautiful when I am in church with my hubby and four kiddos. I love to look at them sitting all together and knowing that they are MY family.
I feel most beautiful when I’ve just gotten ready for a date with my husband.