ENTERTAINMENT GAL Photo Gallery: Inside the BET Awards Gifting Suite!

By DIVAGALS | June 29, 2011 | Entertainment

Entertainment Gal’s BET Awards ’11 experience began with a chill (instead of a bang). I hung out in the Social Media Lounge, sponsored by Ford Motors. The couches were comfy and the cupcakes tasty. BET catered lunch while Kettle Corn took care of snacks.

Celebs of all stripes passed through. Some, like Lala Anthony were there to rehearse. EG did not fail to notice that even in casual mode, she rocked amazing heels. Some, like Lalia Ali were there for the gifting suite. Although in her case it was more work than play as she was promoting her beauty line, Laila by Laila Ali. She told EG that her skincare/hair care line is designed with women of color in mind but is appropriate for all races — a mantra the DivaGals live by! It was important to her that the line be affordable and earth-friendly. Anyone interested in trying it can go their local Wal-mart, Sears or A&P to pick some up.

Even though the Gifting Suite was for celebs only, EG managed to get in for pics just for you! In addition to Lalia Ali, LL Cool JΓÇÖs wife Simone I. Smith featured her jewelry line (pic). Check out the available pieces at her website. Since EG is transitioning from relaxed to natural, I was able to score a gift bag from Miss JessieΓÇÖs, products designed for the natural hair gals. The bag contained full size samples of Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo, Super Sweetback Treatment, Curly Pudding, Quick Curls and Baby Buttercreme. I can personally testify that their products work wonders. Visit www.missjessies.com and find out for yourself.

Of course what would a freebie lounge be without the free alcohol? X Rated Fusion Liqueur provided the cocktails. You can find cocktail recipes at www.xratedfusion.com. What was on the swag gift list? Triple Fat Goose represented with a selection of shirts and coats. Bullets4peace jewelry uses recycled bullets to promote non-violence. Ginger+Liz color collection distributed samples of their non-toxic, totally vegan nail polish, which we totally dig. You can find out more about their products at www.gingerandliz.com and be sure to follow them on Twitter @gingerandliz.