CANDY WASHINGTON

WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE

celebrity

VITA LIBERATA Skin Finishing Master Class with Celebrity Makeup Artist Allan Avendano

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

One of the hottest events of the season was the VITA LIBERATA Skin Finishing Master Class with Celebrity Make-up Artist Allan Avendano held at the who's who hotspot, the Mondrian Hotel. 

Beauty editors, on-fleek bloggers, savvy make-up artists, and social media influencers alike, gathered for a day of primping, pampering, champagne, and brunch poolside while being taught the coveted tanning and beauty secrets of make-up artist Allan Avendano, a celebrity make-up artist and the creator of the Sports Illustrated and Red Carpet Skin Finish.

Allan Avendano is the make-up genius responsible for the sultry and bikini-ready bodies in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue that featured it-girl models Gigi Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, and more.

We were also treated with an insider-only talk with Alyson Hogg, the lovely founder of VITA LIBERATA Luxury Skin. 

One of the best beauty secrets that I learned was that even for a naturally tanned girl like me, using VITA LIBERATA can add a healthy glow and give the illusion of more defined abs and muscle tone, regardless of my natural skin tone. 

My favorite goodies from my swag bag that have quickly become my beach and everyday beauty routine must-haves are the VITA LIBERATA 3-in-1 Self Tan Dry Oil SPF 50 and the Body Blur. 

JustFab + StyleHaul's Celebrity Pre-Screening of 'Relationship Status'

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

As an actress and fashion blogger, attending the Celebrity Pre-Screening of "Relationship Status," a new digital series by JustFab and StyleHaul, was a fashionista's dream come true. The digital dramedy follows an interwoven cast of young adults as they navigate the complexities of dating and relationships in the modern age of social media.

The series was taped primarily at the impressive headquarters of JustFab and the majority of the female cast was styled in JustFab looks.

The episodes are now available for download on go90, and the cast did not disappoint during the lively and entertaining Q&A that proceeded the screening. 

Check out below for the insider scoop on the series and more photos from the event. 

JustFab, the leading fashion-subscription e-commerce site, hosted the LA premiere of the highly anticipated seriesRelationship Status, at their El Segundo headquarters yesterday.  Select cast were present for the screening along with VIP guests.

“We thought it fitting to work with StyleHaul, the largest global style network that cultivates audiences utilizing social media platforms and support their launch of Relationship Status, a series which follows relationships in the very digital age our brands are enforcing. It was a perfect ‘relationship’ for two digitally forward brands while bridging entertainment and fashion in a series that showcase the complexities that younger generations face in the modern age of social media.”

- Kira Cohen, JustFab’s Director of Public Relations

WHAT: In celebration of the release of Relationship Status. JustFab worked closely with the producers to create a fashion-forward, campus-like location for the pilot and filmed several scenes throughout the series utilizing JustFab’s versatile headquarters in El Segundo, California. The Relationship Status cast and crew were able to fully experience JustFab’s styling team outfitting the cast for wardrobe, allowing the production team to freely utilize the office work stations, hair and makeup studio, café, bar and fully experience the creative environment the JustFab Inc. headquarters has to offer.    

WHO: Celebrities in attendance included Brett Davern, Molly Burnett, Andy Gala, Kristen Gutoskie, Christine Ko, Nicholas Grava, Adam Rose, Mekenna Melvin, Michael Galante

ABOUT JUSTFAB:
Founded in 2010, JustFab is the leading fashion-subscription ecommerce site and lifestyle fashion brand that offers members an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Millions of members worldwide are given the celebrity treatment every month as they receive a customized selection of shoes, apparel, handbags and jewelry. Members have exclusive access to fashion tips and content, clickable style boards to shop complete outfits and the team of JustFab fashion consultants for expert advice.JustFab offers high-fashion looks at affordable prices and shipping is free for all items over $39.95. JustFab is available in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands.

 For more information please visit: www.justfab.com

GBK's 2016 Golden Globes Celebrity Gift Lounge Breakout Star: The Artisan Group

Candy Washington2 Comments

Hi lovelies,

Awards season is officially in full swing and one of my favorite events to attend is the GBK Golden Globes Celebrity Gift Lounge. It's always a day full of fun, decadence, luxury, and catching up some of the coolest people in TV and film. 

For the latest in fashion, jewelry, and accessory design, I always head to where the Artisan Group has set up shop. It's one of my favorite parts of the event and uncovering all of the fashionable goodies inside the gift bag is reason enough to attend. 

Check out below to see what was inside my Artisan Group Celebrity Gift Bag:

GBK's Emmys Celebrity Gifting Suite: The Artisan Group

Candy Washington7 Comments

Hi lovelies,

It's no secret that one of my absolute favorite experiences during the GBK's Emmys Celebrity Gifting Suite stopping by the Artisan Group booth. They never disappoint with the loveliest handcrafted jewelry, bath and beauty, and fashion designs. 

Check out the brands below that were featured in this year's gift bag:

About the Artisan Group:
The Artisan Group® is a premiere entertainment marketing organization, and we are on a mission to introduce Hollywood to the best of the handcrafted movement. 

We do it by providing owners of artisan businesses the chance to introduce their products to celebrities, industry leaders, VIPs, and members of the press through participation in celebrity gift lounges such as those honoring The Academy Awards*, The Golden Globes* and The Primetime Emmys*. 

Because The Artisan Group takes a collaborative approach to participation in these lounges, a marketing opportunity that would be prohibitively expensive for most small companies becomes surprisingly affordable.

Members of The Artisan Group showcase an array of handcrafted products, including jewelry; bath and spa products; designer stationery and paper goods; crocheted and knitted accessories; clutches, purses and totes; hand-poured candles; hand-bound books and journals; illustrations and paintings; fine art photography; hair accessories; and pet accessories and toys.

Since 2011, our experienced event representatives have acted as spokespersons and ambassadors for countless artists at Hollywood's top gift lounges, with fantastic results. Because they know and trust us, most celebrities will pose for a professional photo with our artisans’ products.

Gifting celebrities is a great way to get your product noticed but often overlooked are members of the press and industry leaders. Not at The Artisan Group! At most gift lounges, as many as 50 members of the press will attend—including ABC News, AOL Beauty, The Style Network, The Huffington Post, E! News, Life & Style Magazine, TigerBeat, Splash Magazines, Fox and MSNBC. They are looking for the next 'big thing' to write about and we are there to help, offering specially prepared Press Bags that are designed to grab their attention.

We are also on-point with courting key industry executives, directors, set decorators, celebrity stylists, talent managers, producers, and buyers—because they love their swag too, and are often generous endorsers.

To date, The Artisan Group has placed over 300 artisan products, created by our members, on over 25 hit television shows.

The Artisan Group also offers members guidance in sales, marketing, social media and public relations. 

articipation in The Artisan Group is by invitation only. The result is an exclusive, close-knit community of talented artisans who exhibit excellence of product (appropriate size-wise for gifting), great product photography, impressive branding and online presence on social media, and an established online sales record.

Does that describe you? Apply here.

Want to see what The Artisan Group® members are creating? Check out our Official Pinterest Boards. There you’ll find a wide array of products that have been handcrafted by The Artisan Group members for our many celebrity gifting opportunities.

GBK's 2015 MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge

Candy Washington1 Comment

Hi lovelies,

True to fabulous form, the GBK 2015 MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge did not disappoint. Held at the coveted Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel from April 10-11th, film and TV actors, actresses, musicians, and personalities, enjoyed mixing and mingling with press, media, and other celebs while drinking Bare Organic Mixers, a certified organic, low calorie mixer, and Nuvino Wine, a creative, award-winning and innovative single serve wine.

The event’s presenting sponsor was LifeCell, an all-in-one anti-aging treatment formulated to target every aspect of aging skin, and they are a leader in cruelty-free and high quality anti-aging skincare. Attendees also received sought-after gift bags that included luxury, trendy, and lifestyle gifts.

The breakout brand of the event was definitely the Artisan Group. This is one of my favorite stops during the event because they always have an array of handcrafted gifts from jewelry, beauty, home décor, fashion, and lifestyle designers. This event's stand-outs were:

  • Lorelei Vella

  • Helen's Adornments

  • Bead Lovers Korner

  • River Valley Designs

  • Estylo Jewelry

  • Serafina Fae

  • Becs Beach Feet

  • Designs By Diane

  • Nature with You

  • Serum No. 5 Love Lacquer

  • Little Hill Jewelry

  • One Tribe Jewelry

  • Leetie Lovendale

  • Alyce n Maille

  • Delia's Delight Jewelry

  • Starletta Designs

  • Andrea Designs

  • Soapy Bliss

  • Jewelry by Anju Khanna

  • Red Garnet Studio

  • Great Rock Moon

  • Villian Accessories

  • Glitterfied Nails

  • Hecho Por Liz

  • Bashful Owl

  • Rosy Toes Designs

Additional gifts and sponsors included: Grande Naturals, Celebrity Trainer Lalo Fuentes, CSCS who gifted 3 personal training sessions, Savee Couture, Bible LA, Eye Candy of Beverly Hills, Dara Ettinger, M the Movement, Nerf Rebelle, Naughty Girls Donut Shop, CeBlue Villas & Beach Resort, Boulevard Hospitality Group, and Caribbean Living Magazine.

In the spirit of giving back, the event also highlighted the charitable organizations Alfalit International (alfalitInternational.org), a non-profit organization that provides literacy programs for the underserved in the US and internationally, Lambda Legal (lambdalegal.org), whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy advocacy.

“Salute to the Oscars” Party and EcoLuxe Celebrity Gift Lounge

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

We all know that the Oscars is Hollywood's biggest night and is one of the most coveted red carpets of the season. Another one of the most anticipated events during Oscar-season is the EcoLuxe Lounge Pre-Oscars Celebrity Gift Lounge and “Salute to the Oscars” after party to honor this year's nominees was hosted by sustainable TV and film product placement producer Debbie Durkin and was presented by Choices Recovery.

“Salute to the Oscars” Party and EcoLuxe Celebrity Gift Lounge hosted by Debbie Durkin & presented by Choices Recovery 

The special event was held at the rooftop of the Stardust Penthouse at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and was designed by Under Canvas, Elan Event Rentals, LBPS Events and Frances Lynn Creative Florals. Celebrity attendees included Oscar nominees and winners from this year's top movies from The Theory of Everything, American Sniper, The Hobbit, Whiplash, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Notable attendees include:

  • Ben Wilkins (Oscar Winner Whiplash: Best Sound Mixing:)

  • Elise Robertson (Oscar Nominee American Sniper Best Picture)

  • Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou (Oscar Nominee Guardians of the Galaxy: Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling)

  • Jason Canovas (Oscar Nominee The Hobbit: Sound Editing)

  • Lisa Bruce (Producer, The Theory of Everything: Best Picture)

  • Kevin Sorbo (Hercules)

  • Zane Hijazi (Vine Star)

  • Jason Davis (Celebrity Rehab)

  • Frank Stallone (Rocky)

  • Nia Peeples (Pretty Little Liars)

  • Candy Washington (Actress with Style)

  • Amanda Adrienne (Avenged)

  • Andrea Bogart (General Hospital)

  • Nancy Davis (Race To Erase MS)

  • Carolyn Hennesy (Revenge)

  • Gretchen Christine Rossi (Real Housewives Of Orange County)

  • Chris Booker (AMP Radio)

  • Slade Smiley (Real Housewives of Orange County)

  • Joyce Giraud & Michael Ohoven (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills)

  • Kennedy Summers (Playboy Playmate of the Year 2015)

  • Kristen Renton (Sons of Anarchy)

  • Michael Lennox (Oscar Nominee: BOOGALOO AND GRAHAM: Best Live Action Short Film)

  • Drake Bell (Drake & Josh)

  • Travis Aaron Wade (Super Natural)

  • Marc Anthony Nicholas (CBS "The Talk"/"On Your Marc")

  • Adina Porter (True Blood)

The day of decadence and pampering included a VIP styling bar, organic spray tans, along with makeup touchups from by OC Hair & Makeup, glamping vacations to Glacier Park, Yellowstone and The Moab Desert from Under Canvas, a Repurpose Compostable champagne and coffee bar, Choices Recovery beauty gift bag, celebrity #DogPower items from CanaDog Supply, handcrafted creations from BluBond, photo booth fun from Party Life Photo Booth, Nutrition Chef Alex Fioroni of Healing With Food, KD Pet Protector charms, mixes by DJ Dime and a Café Press gift bag filled with O.P.I., Go Go Squeez, Modern Oats, a HAI MP3 flatiron, fragrance from Loree Rodkin and John Paul Pet shampoo & conditioner.

During the glamorous evening we enjoyed cocktails, yummy treats, dazzling red carpet, gift bags, and more presented by sponsor Choices Recovery for a “Salute To The Oscars” party hosted by Gretchen Christine Rossi (Real Housewives Of Orange County) and Chris Booker (AMP Radio).

Photo credit: Igor Spektor and Israel David Groveman

Celebrate awards season and Hollywood's biggest night with colorful and fun M&M’s

Candy Washington1 Comment

Hi lovelies,

As you all know, awards season is one of my most favorite times of the year.

But what I love even more than dressing up for the after parties, watching all of the movies and television shows that are up for awards, and making bets with my friends about who will go home with the gold this year, I love treating myself to yummy M&M's.

It's a fun, colorful, and delicious treat during award season and while watching my favorite nominees, movies, and shows on-screen. I add them to my sugar cookies, brownies, and sprinkle them on my ice cream

One of my favorite ways to incorporate my yummy M&M's into my awards season décor is to place them in a clear vase next to candles as the centerpiece, so my friends and I can easily snack on them while getting ready for the red carpet or catching up on the latest movie or TV show. I also have a bronze-gold sequined wall that works perfectly behind my vase of M&M's. I either fill the vase with M&M’S Milk Chocolate, M&M’S Peanut, M&M’S Crispy, or a combination of all three.

My yummy M&M's offer comfort when there are sad scenes in a movie and they sweeten the comic relief during the funny scenes. I'm not a huge fan of scary movies but when I do watch them, I like to bundle up with a comfy blanket on the couch, some hot cocoa, buttery popcorn, and a bowl of peanut M&M's. Enjoying their colorful candy shells and tasty flavors makes watching any scene or special occasion even sweeter.

M&M's is also getting in on the awards season act with by debuting a national commercial on Hollywood's biggest night with M&M's characters taking over the movies.

I'm always on the hunt for new recipes and ways to enjoy M&M's, so please comment below or share your tips and tricks with us on Twitter - @CandyWashington and @MMsChocolate.

Other fun tips includes Red's words of red carpet wisdom! Below are some tweetable quotes from Red:

.@MMSChocolate & @MMS and I both know that more isn’t always better on the red carpet. #Oscars #Ad

Red carpet tip: always travel with an entourage. That’s why I bring @MMSChocolate & @MMS everywhere. #Oscars #Ad

Happy awards season!

*Although this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.

Celebs Gifted with Clio Speaker at the Pre-Grammy Gift Lounge

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I just got the insider scoop on one of the most coveted gifts during this award season! The Clio Speaker by ClearView Audio was all the rage during an invite-only pre-Grammy Gift Lounge. 

Shop here for your Clio speaker and check out some of your favorite celebs rocking them below!

Lalah Hathaway: Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway for Best Traditional R&B Performance showing off the almost invisible speaker, Clio by ClearView Audio, at a pre-Grammy gift lounge.

Scheana Marie: ‘Vanderpump Rules’ star Scheana Marie looks gorgeous at a Pre-Grammy gift lounge as she shows of a Clio by ClearView Audio invisible speaker.

Demetria McKinney: ‘RHOA’ start Demetria McKinney at the Pre-Grammy gift lounge checking out the chic Clio speaker by ClearView Audio.

Tahj Mowry: Tahj Mowry is all smiles at the Pre-Grammy gift lounge as he stops to check out the sleek invisible speaker, Clio by ClearView Audio.

2015 GBK's Golden Globes Celebrity Gift Lounge

Candy Washington1 Comment

Hi lovelies,

One of my favorite things about Award Season is all of the fun parties, soirees, beauty booths, fashion events, and gifting suites. GBK's Golden Globes Celebrity Gift Lounge held at the W Hotel Hollywood did not disappoint this year and had something every celeb and Golden Globe nominee would love.

Pilot Pen, which offers state-of-the-art writing instruments and is famously known for their innovative designs, performance, quality, and customer satisfaction, featured their Vanishing Point fountain pen that is retractable and the FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Ink 8 Pack Pouch that is changing the game in erasable pen technology.

See below for the breakout brands at the event:

The Artisan Group: The Artisan Group is a privately curated community of skilled artisans, young and old, and from around the world. Some of my favorite gifts included pieces from Studio Jewel by Lisa Lehmann, Four Black Paws, Helen's Adornmments, Nature's Splendour, Beaded by Sandra, Smokey Mountain Lacquers, Megs Broken Wings, Ophelia Jaine, Blvd. Cosmetics, Estylo Jewelry, Pure Lather, Naked Planet Jewelry, Boy Cherie, Brosily Bath and Body, Katie Vaz Design, Ellison's Organics, and SassyBelleWares.

Westland Jewelry: Meeting the beauty and the brains behind Westland Jewelry, Melissa Corre, was simply a pleasure at the event. I'm obsessed with the gold rings that I was gifted and I can't wait to get more pieces to add to my collection. Made locally in LA, each collection consists of wearable art consisting of sculptural pieces created by freehand with unique textures, details, waxes, and metals.

My Candy Basket: For a yummy and healthy treat, My Candy Basket lets you create your own basket full of treats ranging from white pearl gumballs, swiss petit fruits, chocolate covered raisins, diamond truffles, and more. Even the design of the basket, paper, trims, and color palette are hand-selected and crafted for their clients.

Brave Chick: One of my favorite booths was definitely Brave Chick. I wanted every single piece that was on display of beautifully designed and crafted rings, bracelets, and necklaces. However, what I was even more impressed by than just the pretty pieces was Brave Chick's mission to inspire and promote women's strength, individuality, and authenticity – a portion of its proceeds goes to charities that support marginalized girls and women.

Burke Williams: I was definitely spoiled during my complimentary massage provided by Burke Williams during the event. My arms, shoulders, and back melted while I was in the chair and I cannot wait to go to the spa and enjoy even more pampering. You can treat yourself to cutting-edge beauty and body products sold at the spa to get the star treatment at-home.

Bare Organic Mixers: Move over Skinny Girl, the new cocktails on the scene are the yummy concoctions mixed with Bare Organic Mixers. You can make organic, low-calorie, and gluten-free drinks from Margaritas, Pom Cran Cosmos, Pom Tequila-tinis, Old Fashioneds, Mimosas, to Lemon Drops and more.

SHEEX: SHEEX lets you sleep on the world's first performance fabric sheets. Inspired by athletes, SHEEX helps you get your beauty rest so you are picture perfect for your close-up or ready to face any day well-rested and energized.

Beyond the Rack: As an actor and fashion writer, one thing I love to do is shop and discover new fashion finds to change up my look and wardrobe. Beyond the Rack offers everything from clothes, home décor, beauty, shoes, and fashion from top designer name brands at up to 80% off. I'm ready to nab a new statement necklace, little black dress, sparkly purse, and heels for a girl's night on the town.

Creeper Crawlers: I am beyond stoked to send my 9-month old niece the pink onesie I scored from Creeper Crawlers during the event. Creeper Crawlers is the first brand to create development clothing for babies with its patented “Easy Grip Crawl Suit” which features tiny gripper bugs on the feet and knees to provide the optimal amount of traction on today's floor surfaces that lets your baby crawl around easily and safely.  

Celebrity Chef Maureen Petrosky’s Thanksgiving Celebration

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I chatted with celebrity chef, Maureen Petrosky to get the skinny on how to dress up your Thanksgiving meal and decorations. Watch below!