SECRET ROOM’S RED CARPET STYLE & BEAUTY LOUNGE IN HONOR OF THE 2016 ACADEMY AWARDS

[Note: I visited six pre-Oscars Gifting Suites this year. (Well, actually, it was eight, but two are not worth telling you about!) As always, each one gets its own write-up, in the order that I attended them. This is the third of them, so please make sure to check back for the next three week-days, and to look at the previous columns, as well, to learn about all the fabulous-ness. (And after that, there will be two wonderful stand-alone goodie bags to give you the scoops on, as well!) Because this one had so many services that I had to experience alone, I attended it with no contributing writer. So thank goodness the wonderful girls from Toni and Guy, especially Sharon, helped me with my overflowing bags!]

When the events celebrating the Oscars began this year, I was still feeling a tad bad that I hadn’t wound-up having the birthday party I had planned, just a few weeks before. But, as I said to Mr. X when I arrived home from Secret Room’s Secret Room’s Red Carpet Style & Beauty Lounge in honor of the 2016 Academy Awards, “Who needs a birthday party when you have Secret Room?!”

In addition to the many wonderful on-site sponsors, Secret Room is known for their incredible extra gift bags, which each VIP receives on the way out. And I was the lucky recipient of one of them!

Seriously–this is the best exit bag I’ve ever seen.  Even Mr. X, (who begs me to not bring gifts home) was impressed with it all, even with the bag itself. It was so heavy that he decided to weigh it! And he pointed-out that it was just about as heavy as the weight I had recently lost! (It was nineteen pounds, and I had lost eighteen. How was I able to carry all that extra weight around?! On my body, not the bag, which I had to lift only at the very end of the suite. So, smart move of them to not hand it out as we entered!)

As I was opening all the goodies in the bag, (hence, my “not missing my birthday fete” declaration, ) Mr. X exclaimed, “This is a cut above!” I agree with that, and also with his assessment of the contents all being “classy.” [Note: You’ll have to wait until the end of this column to find-out just what was in it. It’ll be worth the wait, I assure you!]

This was perhaps the nicest group of strangers I’ve ever met. They were all so good to me, I felt like calling my doctor to make sure I was okay! I really enjoyed the international composition of the assemblage, with sponsors from Canada, Australia, Germany, and even Belize! (Florida is not a separate country, is it? I don’t know anymore since I can’t visit there because I hate having frizzy hair.)

Secret Room’s lounge was at the W Hotel Westwood, which is one of my favorite venues (perhaps because it’s basically “down the block” from me.) It was held in a suite with a big, airy, naturally-lit patio, so we never felt enclosed. And, in an adjacent room, there was a beauty lounge, set-up by Omics Live, (which is a lovely charitable organization,) that had a “Joe sent me” vibe to it, (even though all were welcome, of course.) To no one’s surprise, I began the day there, which started me off on a high note. (Actually, the whole shebang was one uber-long high note! It was all fabulous!) (www.fashionomicslive.com)

Here’s what I had done in the Beauty Lounge:

First, Jordan Hanson and Cassie Mendez from Toni and Guy Academy in Costa Mesa (www.toniguy.com) flat-ironed my mess of waves, and then I went around a secret corner to Britney Arcadio, (from the academy, as well,) who did my nails. Before I left for the day, I had a much-needed chair massage by the glamorous Cecilia Alcala, (www.bellabydesignstudio.com) and snacked on mini-desserts created by students from Newport Harbor High School Culinary School.

We also enjoyed hot tidbits from The Perfect Bite Co., whose delish wares I’ve been a fan of for years. (www.theperfectbiteco.com) [Note: The lounge also featured party lashes by Michelle Fong and make-up applications by ColourPop, who also gifted some of their fun lipsticks, but I had showed-up camera-ready, at least facially, so I had to pass on those services.]

Now, I was finally ready to face the sponsors. So, here are the highlights of the gifts:

Fake Bake—Before we leave the topic of services, though, let me tell you that, once again, I ended my suite visit with a spray-tan from Tonya Pongrac, using this company’s pro products. But, since it wasn’t my first time at this rodeo, I was prepared, and I didn’t have to come up with one of my crazy leaving-the-suite-after-a-tan outfits! I dressed appropriately, and even brought flip-flops to exit with. And Tonya showed me that, in addition to all the self-tan products this company makes, they also have cosmetics, including a bronzer, a dual blush, and an all-over tinted Body Glow! www.fakebake.com

Jan Peyser Jewelry—This designer was so lovely about gifting her dazzling jewelry! She let each guest choose his or her own piece, so it was no wonder that her table was constantly populated by the crowd—no one could decide among all that beauty! Jan works in argentium silver and mixed metals, and her Athena Opera necklace was among my faves. www.janpeyserjewelry.com

Dermesse–This company could not have been repped by a lovelier, more enthusiastic, kind, and attractive girl. She’s what all sponsors everywhere should be like. And if their skincare products work as well on me as they do on her, I’ll be all set! www.dermesse.com

Reptile Eyewear—Besides how attractive their many sunglasses designs are, this company has an incredible “lost or stolen” guarantee! I’ve really never heard of that before. And, the glasses are so attractive that even honest people might be tempted to purloin them, so this warranty just may come in handy! www.reptilesun.com

Airelle Skincare—A couple started this line because the husband is in show biz, and noticed that some of us actor types needed help once everything went Hi-Def. (Thank goodness somebody else saw that besides yours truly! I even wrote a column entitled People I’ve Seen in Hi-Def Whom I Wish I Hadn’t! And did you notice that I stopped doing my TV show when that technology came in?! I’m no fool.) So, he and his wife came up with formulas to help us out. If they work, you may even see me back on the little screen before long. (Notice I said “little.” I can’t hope for a miracle!) www.airelleskin.com

Woss—A very in-shape couple was showing the guests how to work with their easy-to-use pulley exercise equipment for the home. If we wind-up looking like this duo, these will have been a true success story! www.woss.com

Nuvocare—This company, who specializes in all kinds of health supplements, was gifting items from their their latest line—AgeOff, which comes in both serum and supplements. Raise your hand if you think I didn’t make a beeline for this table! Nobody? Then you are all correct! www.nuvocare.us

Label.m Haircare—This company has many different haircare lines, but the one they were gifting, the Diamond Dust collection, is made with so many luxurious ingredients, such as diamond dust, pearl dust, and champagne, that you just might have to insure your tresses!!! www.labelm-usa.com

Island Trading Company—This company from Australia was letting guests choose between a lovely candle and elegant pillowcases. Together, they would make for a romantic bedroom! Also on display was a pretty white flower pot (and its babies) that’s featured exclusively at Target in their country. www.islandtradingco.com.au

Cure Natural Aqua Gel—This gentle exfoliant gel is the #1 selling product of its kind in Japan, where they sure do know skin care! And they’re accomplishing it with no advertising! The guests at the suite were grateful to be treated to their Aqua Gel and their new water treatment hand cream. www.cureaquagel.com

Cailyn—Already a fan of this make-up company for years now, I was thrilled to see them here. They were gifting their new matte lip tints (each guest got to try them on and choose her own…or his!,) along with their famous O Wow blending brush. They had me at “lip tints.” www.cailyncosmetics.com

IvyJade—These are handy little kits to leave in your car or tote bag, and they come packed for different occasions. The ones I looked through contained condoms, so I think I can guess just what one of those occasions might be! But, better to be prepared, I always say. www.ivyjade.com

Rashoodz—We’re all so aware of the dangers of sun exposure these days, but do parents remember to be concerned for their babies, as well? This sun-safe swimwear for kids will sure go a long way to help keep children safe from exposure, while still enjoying the water. And the colorful designs will make it fun to wear! www.rashoodz.com.au

Psychic Gloria Bieber—This lovely Canadian woman read my aura for the third time in the past two years, and I’m happy to report that it’s all still looking good! Knock on wood. She said that the yellow light above my head is an especially good sign, and that I’m “communicative, social, balanced, creative, and logical.” Seriously, doesn’t that sum me up to a tee? (Unless the “balanced” part means mentally so!) So, once again, I have to say, Good job, Gloria!” www.metaphysicalcenter.net

Pocket People Dolls—I really missed my little mo when I came upon these tiny dolls. She would have gone nuts for them! So, it’s up to me to do that in her stead. (Which is not hard—I must have inherited her love of little dolls.) They’re all wearing cute hats, (which my mother would have really appreciated,) and colorful dresses. I chose the only one with no hair, because I thought she looked like a cancer survivor, (as is the creator of the collection,) and that she needed me. Maybe that proves their slogan of “Everyone Matters.” Or at least my slogan, “All Dolls Matter.” (Now I just have to get a sister or two for her, which is easy to do because they’re so affordable.) www.pocketpeopleavenue.com

Dam Good Soap—This very pretty olive oil-based soap is made in Canada, where we all may be living soon if Donald Trump is elected President of this country! So, nice to know we’ll all be healthily clean up there, using these lovely products. www.damgoodsoap.com

Amy Social Butterfly—This display wowed me. Amy is a woman from Texas who hand-makes glorious greeting cards. Each one is a work of art. Now my pals will have to work hard to deserve one! www.amyssocialbutterfly.com

Twisted Cherries—I’m always interested in new foodie innovations, so these alcohol-infused cherries fit the bill. I guess they did for everyone else, too, because many of the guests seemed excited to discover them. Perhaps they had already dipped into the jars a bit! www.twisted-cherries.com

Aloha Drinks—This company was gifting their fruit-flavored aloe vera drinks, which are special in this category because they’re pulp-free. You can drink them straight from the bottle, or mix them with smoothies, for the health benefits. www.aloha-drinks.com

Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach Miami—I so wish I had more time to travel because this Art Deco landmark in South Beach was gifting three-night stays to the VIPs. You know my hair and I can’t enter Florida, (because I instantly look like Monica in the Bahamas,) but they gave us samples of their amenities, so that I will be prepared to have some help if I ever get there! www.shelbornewyndhamgrand.com

Okay, here it finally is—the highlights of the contents of the best goodie bag I’ve ever seen! (And, as you can imagine, I’ve seen a bunch. I’ve even received the official one from the Golden Globes a time or two, and one from a recent QVC Oscar bash!) So, now, here to help you understand just why I’m such a fan of the one from Secret Room, a taste of just some of the items in there:

A Denby Cookware dish from England, to make us feel classier than we really are; Herkimer Diamond Mines‘ crystal pendant and earrings set; Sun Sandals‘ gorgeous jewelry for the feet (in a cute little “beach” box, to boot!); a gorgeous wrap bracelet from Mack & Jane; beautiful Red Fern Lingerie mastectomy bra (which is so important); Modo Eyewear polarized sunglasses; Janira Shapewear, packed with glitter, to make it fun; Yazzii International multi-functional jewelry organizer; Hot Tresses haircare; Cherry Bloom eyebrow kit; Keep Asleep Pad for babies (though I wish it was adult-sized, for me!); Style Edit “root concealer” (which don’t we all need, at this point?); Biodroga Bioscience skin care; Kaloo hand puppet; and a little cloth clutch from Ourlieu that says “Beautiful Chaos” on it, which had to be designed just for me! (Because that’s what my house looks like after going through all these gifts to write about!!!) Whew! And, honestly, the bags contained so so so much more! These are just my favorites.

Do you see what I mean about this suite being stupendous?! Gifts, services, food, and a bar–no guest could ever ask for more. (And if they do, they need to be nixed from the next fabu event!)