Sundance: Swag Suites, Celebs, Cocktails & Of Course, Movies

I just got home from my weekend at Sundance with L'Oreal and have to tell you about Sunday's festivities.  After gallivanting around Main St. (which is the quaintest little snow covered street) with Amber hitting up a swag suites and a few boutiques, we spent some time in the L'Oreal Paris & Entertainment Weekly Celebrity Suite.

Celebs like James Franco, Anne Heche, Terrence Howard and L'Oreal Spokesperson, Elizabeth Banks all stopped by throughout the weekend including some serious A-Listers that we weren't aware of (exclusive info to EW).  They were all getting glammed up and then having their pics taken for EW's next issue specializing on Sundance.

Amber and I of course hit up the L'Oreal glam squad ourselves because we were attending the "Women of Vision Awards," which honored women in film later that night.  At the awards cocktail party, we met Andrea Gomez, a really cool chick from Miami, who's participating in L'Oreal's Academy campaign.

After the cocktail party we took full advantage of the night by seeing perhaps the funniest movie at Sundance, Cedar Rapids starring Ed Helms.  It felt great to laugh at the stupid humor after experiencing night terrors from seeing Ticket to Paradise the night before. I'm telling you, when this launches nationally, it's going to be a huge hit.

I'm so happy and honored I got to attend the film festival and hang out with L'Oreal!  Now, back to reality...

VIP Pass to "The Industry:" Seventeen

I first met Heather Muir of Seventeen when she was working for Cosmopolitan.  As a publicist, I took her out for mani's and pedi's at the Townhouse Spa and couldn't wait to chat with her because she just took my old job at Cosmo and I couldn't wait to tell her how much fun she was about to have.  Now, she's flourished in the industry and is climbing her way to the top! Check out what she has to say: What’s your favorite part of working at Seventeen? I adore working with teen girls. They’re refreshing and willing to take big beauty risks. They make beauty fun—exactly what it should be! Who’s your celebrity crush? Guy: James Franco and Channing Tatum are neck and neck. Girl: It’s a three-way tie...Megan Fox, Mila Kunis, and Kim Kardashian (I have a thing for brunettes!). What are your must-have beauty products? There are too many to name. Every time I go into the beauty closet, I walk out with another favorite. I use Proactiv to keep my skin clear. Right now, I’m obsessed with Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint... For mascara, I’m a Maybelline Define-A-Lash girl. I use By Terry Rose Balm on my lips. I take bubble baths with Kai Body Wash. I don’t use much product in my hair, but when I wear it curly, Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion gives me the best waves. The list goes on and on. I’m a product junkie. I’ve been collecting since my internship. There’s no way I’ll ever be able to use all the products I have under my bathroom sink in my lifetime. What advice would you give to people trying to get into the industry today? Get an amazing internship on your resume so you can make great contacts. It was my golden ticket! (And work really, really hard!) Confess! Your biggest beauty sin: Falling asleep with makeup on. YIKES, I know. Even with face wipes on my nightstand, sometimes I’m just too tired! What’s your guiltiest pleasure? Weekly: mani/pedi/blowout. I save lash extensions and spray tans (Anna at Rita Hazan is the best!) for special occasions :)

VIP Pass to 'The Industry': Good Housekeeping

I first met April Franzino when I was working in the print world at Cosmopolitan.  She is by far one of the sweetest beauty editors around so I'm excited to introduce you to her!  Check out her dish on what it's like behind the scenes at Good Housekeeping and listen to her advice on how to get in 'the industry:' What’s your favorite part of working at Good Housekeeping?

There are so many things I love about working at GH— first and foremost, the people! They make coming to work every day truly a joy. I also love that every day is different— some days I’ll be interviewing experts, writing one of my pages, pitching ideas or meeting with our top editors, and others I’ll be meeting with beauty executives, attending launches, and trying new products. It never gets monotonous, and I’m grateful for every minute.

Who’s your celebrity crush?

I have a weakness for James Franco; he’s smart, funny, and there’s something about those eyes!

What are your must-have beauty products?

I could go on forever, but my Hall of Fame includes: Johnson’s Softwash Melt Away Stress 24 Hour Moisturizing Wash, The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub, Aubrey Organics Crème de la Shave in Toasted Almond, Herbal Essences Hydralicious Reconditioning Shampoo, Bumble and Bumble Crème de Coco Masque (transforms my hair from straw-like to soft and shiny unlike anything else), Smooth ‘N Shine Miracle Leave-In Treatment Conditioner, Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes (they’re biodegradable and smell like grapefruit!), Nude Cleansing Facial Oil, Suki Renewal Bio-Resurfacing Facial Peel, Kiehl’s Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist, Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, Well People The Narcissist Mineral Crème Foundation/Concealer (moisturizing and masks all sins), Victoria’s Secret VS Makeup Bronzer/Highlighter Trio in Gilded, Philosophy The Color of Grace Amazing Grace Shimmering Face Powder (nothing gives an instantly ethereal glow like this!), Korres Jasmine Lip Butter, Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Brown (or any shade— eyes made easy!), and CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara (I’ve tested tons and have never found one that can compete).

What advice would you give to people trying to into the industry today?

I’d recommend getting as many internships and clips under your belt as you can—whether they’re in print or on the web; it’s the best way to experience the ins and outs of beauty publishing, and make contacts who can help you when you’re searching for a job. And don’t get discouraged— jobs are few and far between these days, but the people who want them most and are willing to persevere will end up where they want to be.

Confess!  Your biggest beauty sin:

I neglect my nails in the worst way; they are definitely my beauty shame— always have been, and probably always will be. I’ve come to terms with it!

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

None of my pleasures are guilty!