ROGER NEAL STYLE HOLLYWOOD ACADEMY AWARD ULTIMATE BEAUTY SUITE
[Note: each Oscars Suite is getting its own column this season because I don’t want any of you to miss even one item I’m telling you about. So, please make sure to check back several times (and look at the past few posts) to learn about all the fabulous-ness.]
Based on the success of their Golden Globes suite this past January, Roger and Lynn Neal invited back some of the same sponsors to pamper and gift us. This was once again more of a beauty and health suite, which is one of the reasons I liked it so much, so I was pleasantly surprised to find several fun gifts in the plush actually-two-suite suite.
The Neals do a very smart thing–they start their suite at the beginning of the week and it runs for three or four days. That way, since we get facials and other treatments there, we can be camera-ready for all the suites and parties ahead for the week. And we can relax and spend quality time there because we’re not rushing off to the next event. Brilliant move by the Neals, which is to be lauded by their guests.
All photos by Karen Salkin.
It was held again at the always-classy L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, but in a bigger ground floor section than the one for the Globes. There were two full bars along with a well-executed treatment suite, and they made use of the lovely outdoor patio by serving a perfect lunch, catered by the hotel, out there.
You know I love when the suites’ producers feed us, because, no joke, attending suites is actually hard work for some of us. (Not for the many guests who just grab-and-go, but for those of us who spend time with each and every sponsor so we can then sing their praises properly.) So, having victuals around for the guests and sponsors, as well, gives us much-needed energy throughout the day and is always very appreciated. The Neals are a classy couple, so this repast fit right in.
As Roger escorted me through the colorful sponsors’ tables, I was like a kid deciding between cartoons and a playdate–I really wanted to get to my destination, the treatment suite, but I was just so attracted to all the new products that I had to tear myself away. I knew I’d be back in that room in about an hour, though, so it was all good.
My first official raison d’etre was to get a facial by Cheryl Crawford of G. M. Collin skin care. It was fabulous! In addition to the basics, she did a skin-plumping mask (as long as she didn’t put it on my already-plump body, I was fine) that was so interesting. It felt like velvet to my face, which made me start wondering how our faces can feel textures. She covered my lips with it, too. If Mr. X finds out about it, he may just buy a barrel of the stuff to apply to me at home to make me stop talking every now and then! www.gmcollin.com
Before the forced quietude, though, I asked Cheryl if she had seen Steven Tyler on the day he had visited the suite, which was the day I had been planning to be there before a stupid foot injury sidelined me for several days. Darn. Turns-out, she did his facial, too! (So now his and my lips are only two degrees of separation!) She said he was “genuine and humble,” and “a delight,” and has beautiful skin! Who would have guessed that last part? When I asked if he had sung during the facial, she said, “No–he screamed.” With happiness. I could picture the whole thing.
Lynn Cummings of Bao Massage.
Then, after a quick nosh on the patio, I headed over to the Bao Massage section for a mini one from Lynn Cummings, who was a riot. I asked her to help with my very tough-to-open water bottle, and she did it in just one second, explaining, “I have energy.” Then, when she got to my super-tight neck and shoulder area, she said, “This isn’t good.” Duh. Welcome to my world. I can’t wait for her to work the kinks out for me when I visit the spa soon for a real massage. If anyone can rid of them, my money’s on Lynn. www.baofootspa.com
After some more healthful snacks, (mini-turkey sandwiches, fresh fruit and veggies, carrot cake muffins,) I was finally ready to visit the sponsors. The feature of Roger’s suites that I always look forward to the most is that he gives us gift bags that are chock full of goodies, so we don’t have to gather, and carry(!), the gifts as we go. I was planning to tell you about all those products in this column, but, as the sponsors were there in person this time, they didn’t do their usual heavy bags. We still got a filled tote on the way out, which is always fun, but, as this time we got to visit each sponsor in person and choose our own gifts, the bags didn’t have the precious booty that I always associate with Roger’s events. Believe me, I didn’t need even one more gift, but I did miss receiving those delicious chocolates they usually have in them! Yum.
No matter, because this suite featured several products that I’ve never, ever seen before, which I loved discovering. Here are the highlights of the sponsors I met:
CROW WATCHES–this table of colorful watches was calling my name! We got to choose a watchband, and a separate face, thus crating our own signature watch. And, they’re big, easy-to-read, and really comfortable. I wanted every combination there was, especially the red band with a green face to be ready for next Christmas. Hey–a fashionista can’t ever be too prepared now, can she? www.crowwatches.com
MY DREAMBAG HANDBAGS–this concept is really interesting–you go to their website (which has fabulous artwork, by the way,) and design your own handbag! That way, each bag is unique and no one can copy you without grilling you first for your secret formula. I was attracted to several of the colors, but I absolutely love the periwinkle I chose for my new cosmetic bag. www.mydreambagboutique.com
STUDIO PARFUM–while we’re on the subject of personalizing, let me tell you about these signature scents created especially for us on the spot! We consulted with the expert, and as we told her of our likes and dislikes in the fragrance department, she mixed-up a special one-of-a-kind formula to give us. Even with my difficulty with scents (due to asthma–I never know exactly which aroma will set it off,) she did a wonderful job of finding a fun fruity fragrance I can enjoy. www.studioparfum.com
RITUALS LIPGLOSS–these cosmetics are formulated with crushed-up gemstones, such as rubies and sapphires, which makes them super shiny. I love the sparkle of mine. The color actually comes through, too, so I erroneously chose a shade that’s too pink–I’d recommend a more lip color or gold hue, which I think would be perfect. And if ever you get in a desperate financial situation, maybe you can trade them in for the gemstone value! I’m just sayin’. www.rituals.com
AMYN JEWELRY–this local jeweler gave us sweet little turquoise earrings, which I can’t wait to wear; it seems that turquoise was the predominant color this suites season, so all my new jewels will compliment each other. And maybe people will be tricked into thinking that I’m sweet and little, too, like the earrings! If only. www.jewelryon7th.com
That’s it for this year’s Roger Neal Oscars Suite. I can’t wait till his next classy event!
