The day before the 2016 Grammys, downtown Los Angeles had already begun anticipating the arrivals of the biggest names in music. The red carpet was being prepped, artists were rehearsing and I, along with CoverGirl, was getting ready for some behind-the-scenes action. (Totally worth making the trek from Marina del Rey to Downtown Los Angeles at 9 a.m. on a Sunday.)



I walked down the red carpet on the talent side (there's also a side for us non-celebrities, but I was there for the full celeb experience). After walking the entirety of the carpet (it's quite long, I would not relish doing it in heels and a gown that weighs 20 pounds), we ventured into the Staples Center. Fun fact: As we were arriving, so was Kendrick Lamar. And, apparently, Taylor Swift's clothes. (Sadly, no TayTay in sight.)

After sneaking a peek at Kendrick Lamar's rehearsal (unfortunately, we weren't able to sit in, because it was a closed rehearsal), we walked the same route the winners do after they receive their Grammy. Fun fact No. 2: Only three people are allowed to touch the Grammy statue (the winner being one of them). Winners don't actually get their Grammy until a couple weeks after the show, as they have to be personalized.

If you win, you're taken to the "Stairway to Heaven" -- known as such because, once you go up this escalator, you will be forever have the title "Grammy Winner" in front of your name -- to get your photo taken with your statues. If you're up for more than one category, you have to wait to go up the stairway until all your categories are called, so you don't miss out on accepting any awards.

The photo room always keeps the amount of Grammy statues as the highest number of nominations for an artist, in case an artist wins every single category they're nominated in.

And about those microphones: They have microphones specifically tuned for each artist -- and the total number for all is 400 (I saw them lying in their bins -- it was impressive).



After the tour, it was time for me to get glam for Clive Davis' Pre-Grammy Gala. I went for a shimmery smoky eye to accompany my sequined dress. My makeup artist used CoverGirl TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette, $11.49, in Roses to create the smoky look, and then added CoverGirl TruBlend Bronzer, $9.49, on my lids to add shine. She then used the bronzer to warm up my face, following it with the TruBlend Blush, $9.49. For my lips, she blended Outlast Longwear Lipstick, $9.80, in shades Phantom Pink and Pink Pow for a neutral, rosy lip.

I was then whisked away to the beyond-all-expectations party, where everyone from Gwen Stefani to Josh Groban to Gene Simmons to Nancy Pelosi were in attendance. An eclectic mix of artists performed, including Carly Simon, Elle King, Fetty Wap, Adam Lambert and Chicago. But the real highlight of the party: When Beck and the remaining members of Nirvana played a moving tribute to David Bowie.

Afterward, I was dropped back off at home. My carriage turned into a pumpkin and my sequined party dress into sweats as I prepared to cover all the best beauty looks from the Grammys the following day from my couch. (See all my favorite looks here). Life is all about balance, after all.