In celebration of the 2016 Academy Awards, in collaboration with GBK, Life Cell, and Alessi Institute, we had the opportunity to attend a luxury gift lounge at the iconic London Hotel in West Hollywood in Los Angeles. We’ve rounded up a variety of our favorite gifts from the lounge below as we ring in 2016 Oscar weekend.
The title sponsor for the lounge, LifeCell from South Beach, Florida, offered a variety of paraben, fragrance and cruelty-free products including an under eye treatment, firming serum, dark spot corrector, wrinkle reduction treatment, sheer moisturizer, and cleanser, among other offerings. The products are great for a variety of skin types and feature green tea extract, cucumber, and other great ingredients.
One of the Ellen Show’s favorites was the trendsetting “hands-free smart board” called Swagway. The Swagway senses a variety of movements in your body and offers a variety of speeds for learning as well as performing, so it’s great for both the beginner and novice.
Women-run BeTini Spirits, now available at Ralph’s and Total Wine on the West Coast and growing quickly, featured premium and delicious ready to drink cocktails in flavors including Cake, Lemon Drop, Appletini, Margarita, Pink Grapefruit. The BeTini Spirits are only “25 tini calories” per serving and retail between $14.99-$19.99 so cocktail connoisseurs can enjoy them no matter their budget.
Jewelinx takes the guess work out of getting ready in the morning. The Dallas-based brand offers a jewelry organizer that easily fits on a variety of hangers for women to be able to hang their complementary necklaces and earrings with their wardrobe, and be able to prep their entire outfit selection for the week without going in search of anything.
Ooh La La Beauty Bar, popping up all over the country, offers a variety of services for women from eyebrow threading to makeup application, blowouts, facials and more.
The San Diego Zoo is celebrating their 100 year anniversary this May and makes for a great weekend getaway for girlfriends, dates or family. The San Diego Zoo will celebrate their 100 year anniversary with more than 2,000 guests in Balboa Park on May 14. Visitors can enjoy Early Morning with the Pandas Tour, Kangaroo Park, Skyfari and a variety of other experiences for all ages.
Expertly crafted Baron Chocolatier featured a wide array of chocolates including slim bars, truffles, milk and dark chocolate with flavors including Sea Salt Caramel, Toffee Crunch, Raspberry and much more for a variety of chocolate lovers.
Hair stylist to the stars, Jose Eber, with his iconic studio location in Beverly Hills is launching a new Quadro blow dryer that utilizes infrared heating so there is less heat damage to the hair and quicker drying time. Jose Eber will also be launching a new all-in-one volumizing and straightening brush that takes the time out of getting a great look right at home in April/May 2016.
The Love Institute believes in the language of touch and offers celebrity-approved couple’s massage classes at a variety of locations coast to coast. In addition to the classes, the company will be launching their new massage oil candles infused with shea butter for even more deliciousness to spice up the romance.
Gurunanda (aka Puneet Nanda) a successful entrepreneur-turned-yogi has launched his new book, Wall Street Yoga: From Distress to De-Stress in 14 Minutes A Day! with a variety of principles every time-strapped professional can utilize in their day to day lifestyle. Gurunanda also has a line of essential oils designed to compliment your practice including “Breathe Easy,”Harmony,” and “Calming Sleep,” along with an essential oil diffuser to experience nature at home. The Ultrasonic diffuser creates vibrations that are carried to the surface where 100% pure oil is floating; the water gets broken down and then diffused into the air. As the oils aren’t heated, their natural fragrance fills the surrounding space. Finally, soothing blue Mood Lights help create a soothing and comforting environment.
FulHum served up its water, infused with up to 70 trace minerals and high alkaline, with no sugar, chemicals, additives, non-GMO and is USDA registered organic. Don’t let the color fool you; while it looks like Jaegermeister brown, we promise it still tastes like water and hydrates. The brand calls them “minerals you can see.”
Iconic St. Martin property Belmond La Samanna located on the French side of the island, West Indies, showcased its dreamy property and 40-year legacy.
Khloe Kardashian fave and instant bronzer, Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter, had a variety of products on site including its 1-Hour Tan Mousse, Golden Goddess Oil, and Instant Tan Bronzing Gel.
Lula Mena featured their beautiful handcrafted and inspired jewelry from local El Salvadorian women. The brand is built on five principles: eco-friendly, handmade, fair trade, women empowerment and innovation.
Confetti Sweets offered their delectable “awesome” cookies using all real ingredients including sugar and butter. The Canadian brand offered their signature chocolate chunk and coconut cookies among their variety of offerings.
Sonoma-based wineries Beekeeper Cellars are known for their Zinfandel and crafting beautiful vineyard expressions as well as Linked Vineyards, a small family winery producing a critically-acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, offered wine tastings to the lounge guests.
Overall, we had a wonderful experience meeting a variety of great brands. Check out more photos below and be sure to check out who made our Best and Worst Dressed at Sunday’s big show.
Photos: Jerod Harris