SECRET ROOM’S ULTIMATE IN LUXURY RED CARPET STYLE LOUNGE IN HONOR OF THE GOLDEN GLOBES 2016

Held once again at the classy SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, this gifting lounge in honor of the Golden Globes was yet another jam-packed (with products and guests) winner for Secret Room. My co-writer, Alice Farinas, (whose comments are in quotes,) and I always love their events, so we were thrilled to discover all the fun items they were featuring this time.

I have to first give a shout-out to the lovely Secret Room staff. Each girl made us feel most welcome, and they explained every product in the auxiliary bags (which many guests received on the way out) with such enthusiasm! It was a pleasure to be treated like that.

The gifts were all so special. And, of even more interest to us, we had never seen more than a handful of them before! So, let’s get to the highlights of them already!:

Nadri Jewelry—I was stopped in my tracks by this gorgeous jewelry display! Each individual collection that was featured at the suite by this company was stunning and luxurious. When we checked into the pieces, we discovered that, although each one sparkles like diamonds, they’re all actually quite affordable, which makes them doubly special. www.nadrijewelry.com

Adore Cosmetics—I’ve actually used some of this company’s products before, with good results, so I was so happy to finally meet the upbeat owner, who grew up—guess where?–up the block from me, in Brooklyn!!! OMG! Talk about synchronicity! Alice said this organic skincare line was “created to a whole other level,” using plant stem cells. Good call on her part because their Advanced Firming Eye Cream even comes with a Certificate of Authenticity! www.adorecosmetics.com

Pretty Woman Perfume—Every time I hear the words “pretty woman,” I think not of the famous movie, (or even of myself!, haha,) but of the iconic Roy Orbison tune from the ’60s, which means so much to me. Here’s why: When I drove my beautiful first classy car off the lot years ago, I said that whatever song comes on the radio first will be my theme song. And, I guess you can figure-out, it was Pretty Woman. So, I especially loved meeting Roy’s granddaughter, Emily, at the suite, and learning about this scent created by his wife, Barbara. www.prettywomanperfume.com

Santa Anita Park—This was a truly different, exciting suite sponsor. Guests not only got to have their picture taken with pro jockey Iggy Puglisi, but they also received a beautifully-embossed leather envelope containing an invitation to one of their Guest Chef events in the Chandelier Room at the Park. Alice told me she can’t wait for us to “enjoy a day at races.” And to cheer-on Iggy, too, of course! www.santaanita.com

Denman Brush—Alice and I both have enough hair for ten people, (knock on wood,) so we were thrilled to see this popular UK brush company here. We’ve both used their paddle brushes forever, (with Alice saying, “This brand has been a constant in my life,”) so it was fun to see that they were gifting golden-handled ones, to celebrate the Golden Globes! Nice touch. (I wish I had realized at the time that they’re the ones who make a “straightening” brush, because I cannot imagine how that works, but I’ve been most anxious to try it! I would have gotten all the scoops on it for you. And for me!) www.denmanbrush.com

Frency and Mercury Sunglasses—There was a lot of excitement around this sponsor’s table because each pair of attractive sunglasses was custom-chosen for the recipient. The pleasant rep studied each guest’s visage, and then chose the perfect frame for him or her. That made the experience extra-special. www.frency-mercury.com

Lilach Adoni—This designer was gifting her (in Alice’s description) “unique, very stylish, and pretty jewelry pieces.” They’re medallions with your favorite rhinestone-encrusted state in the middle, and the words “home is where the heart is” surrounding it. I, kidding around, asked if Lilach made ones with just “Brooklyn,” without the rest of the state of New York on it, and to my surprise, she said that she’ll be working on it! So, for now, I just went with California, which you know I’m really proud to be a resident of. (Especially when I get to to go to wonderful events such as this one!) www.lilachadoni.com

Derma e—Alice and I both carry this company’s hand cream (of which she says, “I love it–no other works like theirs,” and calls it “a must have in your purse”) all the time, so we were happy to see them here again. The line was developed by physicians, which led Alice to declare, “No wonder it’s one of the best natural skin care lines out there.” Now we can’t wait to try their Marine Algae and Activated Charcoal products, with high hopes for similar results. www.dermae.com

Twisted J Apparel—This ranch in Texas was gifting appropriate apparel. They handed each guest an already-packed Indian-themed bag containing a tee-shirt, a cap, and one of the softest, most comfortable hoodies I’ve ever seen, all with their feather logo. www.getalittletwisted.com

City Color Cosmetics—I’ve actually used this make-up company’s highlighters and bronzers before, so I thrilled to see them again here. Alice, a former make-up artist, really enjoyed their “wonderful array of colors for all the basics.” She observed that there was “blush, shimmer shadow, and creamy lip gloss for all skin tones,” and after trying some, she advised “just a little bit goes a long way,” which makes each product last longer. www.citycolorcosmetics.com

Visit Santa Barbara—To let us know about their fair city, they were gifting a special edition red wine, made where else, but in Santa Barbara. Its moniker is “Red Carpet Red,” which Alice deemed “so apropos” of the occasion. The recipients were lucky to receive it because only two barrels of it were produced, just for this event! www.santabarbaraca.com

Scentuals—This body care company from our neighbors in Vancouver, Canada, has specific, interesting collections including ones for yoga, baby, and men, all with ingredients from nature. They also feature many scent-free items, which this asthmatic really appreciates! www.scentualsbodycare.com

Brevena Skincare—Alice discovered that this company began by “treating burn wounds, and has now developed a line of complete skin care.” I’ve used their Intensive Foot and Heel Repair on my poor troubled tootsies for awhile now, so I was happy to see that they were also gifting an Overnight Cream to make my face as soft as my feet! www.brevena.com

Eve & Nico Crafts & Home Decor—I was immediately drawn to these one-of-a-kind, uber-colorful bowls that are handcrafted by Zulu women from…telephone wire! (I didn’t even know such a thing existed anymore!) And they had half-made ones on display, so we could see just how it was done. www.eveandnico.com

Aspen Tea Company—Having spent two decades worth of summers in Aspen, Colorado, the place is very close to my heart. So, this company evoked happy memories for me. Alice said that the minute you open their book-shaped wooden gift box, “you smell the beautiful fragrance of the teas.” She also loved their “great selection of both caffeinated and decaffeinated” varieties, while I admired the soothing colors of the whole presentation. www.aspen-tea.com

Travel Org—This travel line was helping guests “travel in style” by gifting leather-bound luggage tags, eye masks, and just what I needed—a large comfy toque. Now we can travel in style, and comfort, too! www.thetravelorg.com

Sculpey—As a big kid, my eyes popped open when I spied this “adult clay set,” with which you can even make jewelry! Alice said it’s “not your typical clay set,” in that “you can create masterpieces.” www.sculpey.com

MyntSmile—Alice deemed this toothpaste that’s formulated for cosmetic dental work to be “revolutionary.” I’ve often wondered what all those Hollywood peeps with veneers do to keep them sparkling white, and now I just may have stumbled onto their secret! www.myntsmile.com

Fuel—Alice, who’s a hair product junkie, was happy to discover this line that used to be available in salons only, but is now open to everyone. We enjoyed learning about their whole line, from volumizing foam to frizz-preventing products. And let’s not forget the shine serum, which I used right at the suite. www.fuelhair.com

Betty Boop—We loved the tee-shirts with the Boopster on them because, as Alice said, “You can never go wrong with Betty Boop anything!” I totally second that emotion, especially because I always refer to the inventive Mr. X as “Betty Boop’s grandfather.” www.bettyboop.com

Ruffle Girl—This girly-girl company was gifting matching colorful striped scarves for moms and daughters. I noticed one big posse (mom with three girls) at the suite, so I was wondering what they were going to do at this booth. All match, I guess! www.rufflegirl.com

Oleavicin—This line of natural products which relieve cold sores (and dry itchy skin, as well,) was developed by a mother trying to help her son get rid of his without using meds. I’m with them on this one! (Since I had just gotten over a bad New Year’s cold, I actually needed this item that very day! What luck to happen upon it!) As Alice added, “Happy Healing!” www.oleavicin.com

Fernanda Japan—This skin-and-hair-care company from Japan has products in oh so many categories. And all the packaging is so delicately pretty! I’m trusting them most in the hair category because if my tresses come out looking as gorgeous as that of Japanese girls, I’ll consider myself lucky! And I love that the description of their “Hair Milk” includes, “Gentle fragrance surrounds you whenever hair sways.” You just know that I’ll be swishing that hair back and forth now! www.fernanda.jp