SECRET ROOM EVENTS RED CARPET STYLE LOUNGE FOR THE 2016 MTV MOVIE AWARDS

I think it’s no secret by now that I absolutely adore all of Secret Room’s events! And their Style Lounge in honor of the 2016 MTV Movie Awards was no different. This one took place in the ballroom of The SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, and was jam-packed from the get-go. My co-writer Alice, (whose comments are the ones in quotes,) and I enjoyed every minute of it. So, let’s get started on the highlights of the day:

Even though we did them last, I have to first tell you about the two services we received right on-site, because we enjoyed them so much. And then the gift highlights will follow.

Parfaire Medical Aesthetics–This company was treating guests to their choice of a Signature Silk Facial, (which I chose,) a Forma, (which Alice went with,) or even Botox, (which I have a feeling was the choice of most of the others!)  They took us to a lovely private room on the fourth floor for the procedures. For my relaxing service, performed by the lovely Karissa, I was even snuggled under a heated blanket.  I could have easily just stayed there overnight! Here’s what Alice had to say about hers: “Dr. Winnie Moses did my Forma non-invasive treatment on my lower face and jaw line, where we all can use a lift, girls–let’s admit it. And boy, did it work! I noticed some lift and skin renewal the day of, and even more the day after. This is absolutely what you want to do instead of surgery; I highly recommend this fountain-of-youth-without-a-scalpel!” www.parfaire.com

Fake Bake–I loved seeing this popular sponsor here again, especially because, at the end of the day, Tonya Pongrac gave me a spray-tan. They were set-up right there in the ballroom, and, with the tent turned towards the wall, I had total privacy, and in just a few minutes, I was good to go.  Besides that their home self-tan products have become Mr. X’s favorites of all time, (especially the one for the face,) their blusher and lip gloss have now become my faves!  This time, they introduced their new tanners, which also have moisturizing properties now. Alice was impressed with their “extensive line of cosmetics” that she just discovered, which includes a PABA-free bronzer. www.fakebake.com

Repeat Cashmere—These gorgeous cashmere scarves from Switzerland are perhaps the most luxurious gift of all time!  Alice deemed them “luscious,” and added that the “great width makes them perfect to wear either on your neck or draped over your shoulders.” Guests had the hard choice of just one of a trio of lovely colors that were spot-on for the fabric and style: a lush gray, a deep burgundy, and a rich olive green. I wanted them all! www.repeatcashmere.com

The Fleur-De-Lis & Me—These bangle bracelets are unique in that they feature charms that are not only beautiful, but interchangeable! It’s easy to pick the ones you want each day; all you do is click them off and on. And Alice deemed them “the funnest!” www.thefleurdelisandme.com

Furrfighters–We loved these innovative, easy-to-wash pet-hair-cleaning gloves, brought to us by a fun company from one of my three beloved states, Rhode Island.  If you have a pet, (or just a lot of dust and cobwebs–ew,) you absolutely must get them. Alice said they make it “a breeze” to remove all traces of hair from your clothing.  They’ll be a life-saver for me, who rides in the cars of people with big white dogs, (and horse hair, too—don’t ask,) while rocking my little black dresses! www.furrfighters.com

Xentris Wireless—They were gifting an item everyone needs nowadays—wall chargers for you cell phone. They come in black or white, and are attractive enough to be on display in your home. And they’re said to do the job rapidly, which is all we time-constrained peeps really care about anyway, isn’t it? www.xentriswireless.com

Tracey Tanner Bags—We loved every single item on this table! It boggled my mind that all these fabulous designs came out of the mind of just one pretty little girl! Alice was impressed that “Tracey designs purses of all kinds, from all types of fabric.” She was letting guests choose their own, but the items were all so fabulous that I don’t know how they could do that in just the timespan of the suite! www.traceytanner.com

Spider USA Headphones–These earbuds come in several choices, which I find very interesting. I never knew there are so many varieties of sound! Depending on how they like their music, guests could choose from among “high bass,” “crisp,” or third one that I forgot because they had me at “high bass!” (You can take the girl out of the club, but you can’t take the club out of the girl, right?) How amazing is it that you can have choices like those nowadays? www.spiderusa.net

Gris Jewelry—We loved everything this designer was showing! She was gifting her upscale stretch bracelets, which I can tell you are no ordinary ones of that genre! They’re made of the gemstone chrystophase, which Alice says “has a jade look to it.” She added that they have “a beautiful shine,” which means they “can be dressed up or down, and look great either way.” www.gris-designs.com

Jaseboards–We could barely make it over to this popular, and unique, sponsor.  Since the very pleasant Jase Bennett is headquartered in Hawaii, you would think the boards he designs would be surfboards, but no—it’s skateboards! In all sizes and shapes.  He was here gifting his in-demand Mini Cruisers, which are perfect for beginners, (like moi! Or shall I say “like a’u,” for his Hawaiian pals?) www.jaseboards.com

Hydra Vapor Tech–I semi-seriously asked if these vape cases were for tobacco or marijuana. (I needed to know because I will never write positively about tobacco.)  And I was (pleasantly) surprised to hear him answer the latter.  I guess marijuana use is out in the open now, thank to progressive states like Colorado and Rhode Island. This case is perfect for those who need to carry the herb to get relief from pain. (Or stress!) I’m a nescient on this topic, but I can tell you that the cases are very attractive, and I love the tiny “box” inside. Mr. X and I always joke that containers we can’t figure out are to “carry your weed,” from a classic SNL skit. And now, here’s something for exactly that real purpose! I love it! (Their detailed website will break it down further for you, if you’re of age.) www.hydravaportech.com

Urban Skin Rx—Alice said that this skin care line’s moisturizer with an SPF of 45, and their interesting cleansing bar in a jar (that’s really a reusable pad,) is “great to add to your daily cleaning routine.” And the packaging is so crisp and clean that I imagine it encourages people to use the products. www.urbanskinrx.com

Serenol—Alice said of this product that’s for relief of the emotional symptoms associated with PMS, “This could be the one. It’s said to assist you with everything from mood swings to sleeping issues” at your time of the month. This just might be a breakthrough, but when will someone finally invent something for when the guys act like that?! www.serenol.com

Clixit—I’m sure this duo of acne-fighting products is a godsend to those people who suffer with their skin. Alice says, “Once you’ve conquered a pimple with the Acne Eraser, you have a fabulous concealer, Heal & Conceal, to follow.” And they’re the perfect size and shape for “blemish-control on-the-go!” www.clixit.com

Prep—This San Francisco hair salon makes products directed at the under-served age group of tweens. That’s so cool. I’m sure the grown-up Hollywood types at the suite, most of whom want to be ageless, (myself included,) will appreciate them, too! www.prepcuts.com

PantiePads—I think these are so cool, even though they may not be cool to talk about.  They are disposable panties with pads built right in, but they’re far from being “adult diapers.” These are way thinner, and attractive, and invented just for that “time of the month.” Great for us gals to take on a vacation when “Auntie Flow” is visiting! (Okay, I know that last sentence was goony, but I just could not help myself.) www.pantiepads.com

GuruNanda—I already own one of these aromatherapy diffuser kits myself, so I was happy that the guests at this suite will get to have that peace, as well.  They could also choose a book on how to do yoga at home, which is always helpful. www.gurunanda.com

Nikki Blaine Couture—Nikki was showcasing her beautiful gown designs, and gifting her blinged-out tee shirts, which totally match her sparkling personality! www.nikkiblaine.com

Marina Cottage Soap Co.–This company began as a nurse just trying to help her daughter with a skin condition, and has now blossomed, with many products to help others who also have sensitive skin. At the suite, they debuted a line of scented goats’ milk soaps for children, with flavors like Giggling Grape, which Alice said was “so yummy-smelling” that she “literally wanted to take a bite out of it!” They also gifted a children’s book, Maggie McNair Wears Stinky Underwear, to go along with the theme of making baths and getting cleaned-up more attractive to kids, whether they have painful skin, or not. That’s what I call great teamwork! www.marinacottage.com

Smart Flour Foods—We got to taste these frozen gluten-free pizzas right in the suite (which trust me, we needed at that time, to keep up our strength to meet the very many sponsors!) They really are delicious, and since I’m so health-aware these days, I was thrilled to discover they’re made without white flour. www.smartflourfoods.com

Aloha Drinks—Alice went nuts for these refreshing beverages that she sampled right on-site, and exclaimed, “What a satisfying drink! It comes in the best flavors, and it’s good for you, too, because it’s composed mainly of aloe.” Her fave was the strawberry, but she told me that she thinks “they all taste great!” www.aloha-drinks.com

Bond Pet Products—This dog products company was gifting uber-colorful collars, that are so much more than that. Alice pointed-out that they’re waterproof, and even better, “won’t let odors penetrate.” She feels they have a “sophisticated Euro vibe,” and says, “Your dog can look the smartest in the neighborhood wearing one.” www.bondpetproducts.com

Garb2art Cosmetics—I was happy to discover this company that combines two of my passions—make-up and ecology! They were gifting mini lip glosses, whose packaging is made from recycled materials. Not only do they come in a great selection of colors, but they also light-up when you open them, and have a mirror on the side. Alice said they’re “the coolest!” www.garb2art.com

Twisted Cherries—Alice said that these liquor-infused cherries are “tantalizing drink treats.”  She added that she thinks that the “Balls of Fire” ones, with whiskey and cinnamon, “would be the best if you like drinks with a bang.” www.twisted-cherries.com

JAM Cellars—This wine company outfitted their booth in old LPs, to go along with their name, as in a “jam session,” I’d imagine. But they use the other definition to name their wines—Jam, Butter, and Toast. Alice lauded the “exceptional wine selection,” saying the Chardonnay is “music to my palette.” www.jamcellars.com

Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach Miami—This hotel in Florida was once again gifting what Alice calls “cool, unique speakers made out of mason jars,” and this time they added-in their comfy slippers that guests of their hotel receive. I hope to get there later this year to try them out for myself, while luxuriating with the rest of their amenities. www.shelbornewyndhamgrand.com

Sagjol—Alice said that this clothing designer, (whose company moniker is pronounced “social,”) is trying to “bring awareness of love, not war, to the world through her designs.” She gifted guests sleeveless tee-shirts which “are made from the softest fabric.” www.sagjol.com