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 i’ve gotten all ready for the day and my hubby gives me that look. You know the one, where it shows exactly what he thinks, written all over his face, and its all good!
I feel beautiful…after a nice shower and shave!
Thanks!
I feel most beautiful when I’ve just showered, have all the creams and lotions on, have fresh make-up on, have just finished fixing my hair (really fixing it, not just pulling it back) and have on new clothes.
It’s a lot, I know!
I feel the most beautiful when I have had enough SLEEP and my hair is blown out with tons of volume and it is the weekend so I’m really really happy!
I feel the most beautiful when I am surrounded by my family.
Thanks so much for the great giveaway!
Merry Christmas
I feel most beautiful when my nieces and nephews tell me how much they love their “fun” aunt and want to spend time with little ole me!
I feel the most beautiful when one of my daughters tells me that I’m pretty! It does this tired mommy’s heart good!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I feel the most beautiful when my DH leans in and says, “You look very pretty today”…where ever that may happen!
I feel most beautiful when my children look at me and smile. Seeing myself in those precious faces is beautiful indeed.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m in the midst of WORSHIPING my Savior!
This is a great giveaway! I feel most beautiful after I shower, do my hair and a little makeup, and dab on some special perfume.
When I am fresh out of the shower, smelling clean. Thanks!
I feel most beautiful when I am home just relaxing with my family.
Merry Christmas.
When I’m with my dh. He says the nicest things!!!
I feel the most beautiful anytime my man is by my side. And since I know he loves me with my hair up or in a baseball hat that makes me feel beautiful too.
I feel most beautiful when I am finished with my shower, face just moisturized and sitting with my husband in front of a fire.
I linked to it here:
http://helpingmeup.blogspot.com/2009/12/you-will-really-want-to-win-this.html
Where do I feel most beautiful? My elbow! Ha ha. J/K, probably by a fire, near a Christmas tree. I love this time of year!
I feel most beautiful in my husbands arms, knowing he finds me beautiful all dressed up or in my pjs sans make up!
I feel most beautiful when my little ones have slept through the night and so have I!
I feel most beautiful at home with my family who I love. We’ve had a really hard year this year, but we’ve managed through it, and I’m grateful to have them, so they make me feel happy & beautiful!
I feel most beautiful when I am getting ready to go out on the weekends and I have a little time to do that extra stuff.
I feel most beautiful when I stand back from the mirror a few feet in really flattering light
It’s definitely time to start the anti-aging regimen … 31 hit this year =)
I always feel the most beautiful when I’m on vacation. I don’t know if it’s the freedom or the extra sleep, but I always feel pretty on vacation.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m dreaming…dreaming that I listened to my mother and used moisturizer instead of neglecting my skin! Almost 40 so trying to make up for lost time!
After 12 years of marriage & three kids, I feel most beautiful when my (blessedly nearsighted) husband tells me I am!
I feel best when someone else has fixed me up!
It is wonderful when my teenage boys give me a peck on the cheek for no reason.
The most beautiful place I have ever visited is Hawaii. How could you not feel beautiful yourself in a place where all the plants flower year round.
Two hours to get ready all by myself and an outfit that makes me look skinny.
I feel most beautiful when my boyfriend looks at me with “those” eyes. When he grabs me close for a kiss. I could be just fresh from a work-out or completely done up. I love it
my beautiful place is Ocean Isle Beach, nc!
I may be dodging the question, but I’m not sure where I feel most beautiful. But I know it is when I am smiling. I never feel pretty if I’m not smiling. And it seems true of others-they are always more attractive when they are happy, aren’t they?
Great giveaway!
Oh please, I need help! So much help. I actually feel a little sorry for myself since I need so much help. :)
At a spa! Possibly a silly (or obvious) answer, but I feel beautiful when I am relaxed and pampering myself.
most beautiful after a shower and I have put on all my lotions.
I feel most beautiful on Sunday mornings. It is the one day a week that I take the time to do my hair and makeup and get dressed up for church. It may happen other times during the week, but as a stay at home, homeschooling mother its only guaranteed on Sunday!
I feel most beautiful when my kids catch their breath and tell me that I look beautiful…usually when I’m dressed for church or a date with their daddy. :)
I feel most beautiful when i’ve just come in from the cold and my cheeks are all rosy.
I feel most beautiful after a run. I worked my buns off (literally!) this past year and amazingly enough, found out that I actually enjoy running. And wearing cute running outfits. I will never *look* like a real runner… but I still feel strong and healthy and beautiful afterward.
This is totally cheesy, but the place where I feel the most beautiful is in my husband’s arms. :)
I feel most beautiful after I’ve worked out. Sure my face is sweaty, red, and I’m panting like a dog, but I feel so proud of myself.
I would LOVE to win this for gosh sakes! I am getting a little older and need some “help”!
I feel the most pretty when I am just a little dressed up and my hair and nails are done!
I feel the most beautiful when my 14 yr old daughter tells me I look good instead of saying, “you not going to wear that are you?”.
I feel most beautiful at home just being me with those that I love.
monk5 at charter dot net
My husband makes me feel the most beautiful. After 11 years of marriage, I still believe him! You see, he sees me in all my moods, in all ways, good and BAD, and when he STILL says “you’re beautiful” (which I’m so not), I know he means it. I could still use some fancy beautification creams and whatnot. I really could. Thanks! ~ Lynn
lynn@sefcoelectric.com
When I’m with my Husband. The way he looks at me…makes me feel like a million dollars.
I feel most beautiful first thing after the shower and fresh makeup are done!
I feel the most beautiful when I am with my long term boyfriend. The moment I especially feel beautiful is when in a moment of silence he looks at me, tilts his head ever so slightly, and tells me he loves my eyes and that he’s lucky to have me.
That he says it even when I have no makeup on… yeah. He’s priceless <3 and I am lucky.
I feel the most beautiful when I’m just lying in bed in my pj’s :)
Linked on twitter!
http://twitter.com/calidreamin87/status/6558955035
London. It’s my favorite city in the world, one I see all too rarely, and being there makes me forget all my worries and insecurities, because I”m just so thrilled to be where I am :)
I feel my most beautiful curled up on the couch wrapped in the arms of my hubby (aka Big Bear) with a fire crackling in the fireplace. That’s when everything is right with the world.
Took a minute because I am a mother of three children and two insane dogs and a lot of the time I am just that. Sometimes I shower. And when I shower and get dressed in real clothes I feel beautiful.
I feel most beautiful when I am on vacation with the Guy and we are relaxed, dressed for dinner, and just being together.
Tweeted! : https://twitter.com/nancymcb @boomama Win L’Bel products at BooMama! https://www.boomama.net/lbel-paris-giveaway/ 7 minutes ago
I, too, would L.O.V.E. to have this skin care gift!!
Merry Christmas to a MS girl from a MS girl!!!
I feel most beautiful at home curled up with my boyfriend…:-)
I feel most beautiful just doing normal things around the house with my husband, who tells me I look fantastic at the most random moments.
Holding my 8 month old baby boy–when he looks up and gives me a smile full of dimples and baby teeth. Hubs always says, “Are you smiling at your pretty mommy?”. It makes me feel like the most beautiful momma/wife in the world.
When I’m talking with my husband and he interrupts me to kiss my and tell me I’m beautiful, even if I’m a complete mess.
I always feel beautiful around my husband, because he tells me how gorgeous I am all of the time!
I feel most beautiful when I actually take the time to fix my hair and wear non-standard mom attire. I am in need of a new skin care system; this looks great!
I feel beautiful when I get to get dressed up, do my hair and the extra make-up and go out with my husband. Since most days are spent chasing 3 young kids around I don’t even get close to “beautiful” too many times. On a side note, I’m hitting the age where I could use some good products….didn’t worry about it forever and now all of the sudden I see time on my face :)
The place I feel most beautiful is in bed with my boyfriend :)
Ahhh. Lovely!
I feel the most beautiful relaxing on the beach.
I feel most beautiful when my husband tells me I am!
I feel most beautiful in the summer when I am at the beach!
Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I felt beautiful. Sad, huh?? Guess I’m in need of some of those fancy potions. :)
I’d love to give these a try.
I feel beautiful in a dress and heels
I feel most beautiful after I put on my moisurizer and makeup and my hair is all done and I’m all beautified! I would love to try out these products because I have really dry skin and I’m sure they would make my skin feel and look luxurious!
I feel most beautiful after a shower these days! I try to take one first thing in the morning AND once I’ve bathed the kids and they are safely tucked away in their beds. Thanks for the chance!
I feel beautiful just getting out of the shower and putting on some tights and a sweater dress and flats…favorite outfit eva!
I’m not gonna lie, I feel most beautiful when I’m all made up. I love playing with make up and doing my hair. It’s mostly the hair, though. If it’s blown dry and straightened, then I feel like a million bucks! :)
I feel the most beautiful when I actually have time to spend getting ready.
If I get a shower and get out of sweats is when I feel my best! :-) My make-up bag definitely needs a boost. This would be awesome to win. Thanks!
My crow’s feet and I would love to try it!
At the risk of sounding very cheesy… Saturday morning sitting on the sofa with the husband!
I felt most beautiful lingering by the gorgeous beaches in Greece 2001! :)
tweeted http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/6595385003
http://the-prestigiator.xanga.com/718123069/5-steps-to-beauty-giveaway/
blogged!
I’d never heard of L’Bel until today. I like the sound of ‘radiant skin’ – although, it does make me think of Charlotte spinning ‘radiant’ into her web in reference to a little pig named Wilbur. Anyway, I feel most beautiful when I’ve just left the beauty salon after getting a haircut. In fact, I usually try to schedule a date night with my hubby for those evenings – even though he rarely notices the haircut, I still feel like a million bucks!
after I fix myself up to go out to dinner
I don’t really feel that beautiful anymore..after having my children I have added some extra weight, like 20 pounds and I really feel miserable I guess…bad hu? Im working on it! But I do love beauty and skin care products and would love to try this, it looks great!
i think i feel most beautiful when i’m just enjoying time with my kids and husband.
I feel most beautiful when I have a great hair day (which is usually the morning BEFORE I get my hair cut) and when my favorite jeans fit. :)
Most beautiful? At home with my husband who is the most complimentary man alive. And I don’t deserve it! Thanks Sophie!
In my favorite pair of rockin’ jeans, boots with my hair and make up just right!
Hmm, I’d say that I feel the most beautiful when I’m on vacation. The stress of the workweek does NOTHING for my skin, but being able to sleep and relax truly makes a difference!
I feel most beautiful after I have worked out. My face is flushed and I glow. (smell too but that doesn’t count)
I feel the most beautiful at church…sappy but true.
I feel the most beautiful when I just wear chaptstick and mascara. I’m all about the less is more.
I feel the most beautiful at home with my kids. I’m myself, not all dressed up, just me. And I know I’m loved anyway. :)
What a great giveaway! Someone’s going to feel very blessed… and beautiful!
I feel most beautiful when my husband is holding me in his arms.
I feel the most beautiful after I’ve taken a shower, shaved, lotioned up, and applied makeup!