What's In My HBO Emmys Gift Bag?

You might have seen some of my photos from Emmys weekend which included an invite to the HBO after party.  I have written about the gifting strategy with celebrities quite a bit. (In fact, here's my recent article about the Presenters Lounge backstage at the Emmys for Starpulse.)  However, I haven't written much about the gift bags celebrities receive on the way out of big events and parties.  So, I thought it might be fun to take a peek at the gift bag I received from HBO.  If I were a guy, I might be disappointed, but for me, it was a happy day when I saw what was inside:

 An HBO cookie prepared by Wolfgang Puck.  I'm Gluten Free, so I didn't take a bite, however, my friend who was the lucky recipient of this cookie said it was "delicious".

A reusable HBO bag, Dry Bar shower cap, a gift certificate for a free scalp massage at Dry Bar, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firm Eye (temporary eye tightener), Deborah Lippman nail polish in Purple Rain. 

If you live in a city with a Dry Bar, you know this was the greatest gift created by the hair gods.  For $35, you get a wash and blow out that's perfect for events, weddings, or that hot date when you just want your hair to look good.  Copycat blowout bars are popping up everywhere, so look for one in your city.  Trust me, it's so worth it.  (At the HBO party, Dry Bar was offering hair touch ups after a long Emmys night. Awesome!)

This might have been my favorite part of the gift bag, Stila Cosmetics.  Like Dry Bar, they are offering free touch ups at the party, so I was excited to see a few free gifts in my bag:  the Foliage Lip Glaze Trio in Delicate, Loganberry, and Fawn, Forever Your Curl Mascara, and the Smudge Crayon eye shadow and liner in Pink Violet plus a 20% off coupon and a makeup bag.  Score!  

If you haven't tried Stila Cosmetics before, it truly is a great brand with quality pigments and brushes.  It is pricier than a drugstore brand, but it is a good one to use when you are saving up for a splurge.  In fact, I used to represent the brand on QVC.  See my appearance on my host reel at the 2:41 mark.  

What do you think of my beauty haul?  Do you have any favorite products in the lot? Let me know in the comments below.

Dancing with the Stars fans, I will be co-hosting the after show tonight on AfterBuzz TV beginning at 7pm PST/10pm EST.  I hope you watch along with us live as we will have members of the cast each and every week!  It's going to be fun.

Top 5 (Snarky) Superlatives On The 2012 Emmys Red Carpet

Here's a quick recap of tonight's Emmy Awards red carpet before I head off to the HBO after party.  I will have more inside scoop and photos in the next few days.  Here we go!

1.  The award for "Things may look good in real life, but don't look great in photographs" goes to:  Heidi Klum.  Her hair is pretty, the sea foam color is divine, but the cut of that dress is not.  I think one slit would have looked elegant, but two high-cut slits on the leg look cheap with a low-cut décolletage.  I would have liked a little less matchy-matchy with the shoes and the earrings, but I'm glad Heidi took a risk with a color other than her usual red.  Dress by Alex Vauthier.  

2. The award for "please lay off the Botox by 50%" goes to Nicole Kidman.  Enough said. 

3.  The "It's fine you don't use a stylist, but please do a mirror check before you leave" goes to January Jones.   I am always hard on January, but if you are going to take big risks....make sure they work.  The hair and the makeup ruined an otherwise stunning dress by Zac Posen.

4. The "It looks good on the runway and in real life" award goes to Leslie Mann.  The color was nicely balanced with a pop of turquoise in the jewelry.  Leslie is petite, so it's great to see a dress translates well on the tall and the short.  Stunning gown by Naemm Khan and the second gown Leslie has worn by Naemm recently.

5. The "I'm sorry your marriage is over, but you look incredible" award goes to Amy Poehler.  She's never looked better and Stella McCartney helped her do it.  Again, I don't wish divorce on anyone, so please don't yell at me.

Runner-Up:

"Thank you for eating this year" Award goes to Julie Bowen.  Phew.  I almost sent you a year's supply of In-N-Out Burger after this photo.  Yes, she's still thin, but she at least she's lean versus skeletal.

What are your thoughts on tonight's Emmy Awards red carpet?  Hit me up.....you know where to find me.