Awards Season 101: Where to Primp & Party like a Celeb

Awards show season is upon us and it’s all anyone can talk about. Who will win the most prestigious awards? What will they be wearing when they do? Where will the winners go to celebrate their victories after the show? Even if you’re not up for an Academy Award this year, you can still participate in all the fun and excitement of the season. Pamper yourself with a “red carpet” treatment at a West Hollywood salon, get your favorite celeb’s look or visit stars’ top places to eat in WeHo.

Red Carpet Treatment

You may not be on the big screen, but you can look the part. Stylists Merlin and Patrick of 9022 Salon on Sunset Boulevard have been working in the industry for twenty years – Patrick also serves as a regular on-set stylists for movies, TV shows and music videos. You can get the same hair treatment that your favorite celeb does! If you just want the star treatment in general, Alex Roldan (at The London West Hollywood) is known as Hollywood’s “Guru to the Stars” and Ken Paves has styled A-list celebs like Victoria Beckham, Jessica Simpson, Lady Gaga, Megan Fox and more. On a budget? Drybar will give you a wash and style, any way you want, for just $40. Enlist Dry-on-the-Fly for just $95 and stylists will even come to your house and prep you!

Once you have the perfect hair, it’s time to prepare your skin. Stars love Kinara for its luxurious treatments. If you have the time, indulge in the Red Carpet Ready Treatment, which boasts a red carpet facial, Kinara body peel and a red carpet manicure and pedicure. If you only have an hour before you have to make your appearance, the Red Carpet Facial is perfect for special occasions and will steam clean, exfoliate and firm until you are ready for your close-up.

Next it’s time for makeup. Makeup Mandy, makeup artist to the stars, has several specially-designed red carpet services. From The Starlet ($80, 45 minutes) to Red Carpet Ready ($150, 1.5 hours) and The Leading Lady ($115, 1 hour) in between, you’ll find a package to suit your needs. Overwhelmed with all the fabulous choices? Blushington has the “Camera Ready” makeup application down to a science. Get everything you need for hitting the red carpet for just $50.

Last but not least, don’t forget to hit up Sunset Tan for a last-minute, UV-less bronze (camera flashes can really wash you out!).

Famous Celeb Spots

Where do the stars go to celebrate their victories? West Hollywood, of course – but it’s not always where you would think. Delicious fast-food burger joint Astro Burger was actually Hilary Swank dined after winning her Oscar in 2010 (and again after the ceremony in 2011). After nomming on one of their famous meat or vegetarian burgers, head to classy establishment Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel, where the Vanity Fair party was held for several years (you never know who you’ll run into here). You can also drink like your favorite celeb – milkshakes, that is – by visiting Millions of Milkshakes on Santa Monica Boulevard. If your favorite star has stopped by, chances are she/he was able to design their own milkshake, available for any fan to order.

You can also create your own awards show meal. Grab some friends and head to West Hollywood Park, where Elton John’s party is always located. There’s plenty of room to spread out a few blankets and have a picnic! Try whipping up a few of the Oscar nominee-inspired concoctions that Cooking Light comes up with every year and making an Oscar pool of predictions.