Behind every star on the red carpet lies an army of stylists, beauty routines, pre-show massages and a veritable treasure trove of awards season bling.
As the Emmys and VMAs went down with a well-heeled bang in Hollywood this weekend, we take a look at the flurry of activity that took place behind the scenes in the build-up to both events.
From Girls actress Lena Denham getting her eyelashes curled to Debra Messing donning a Hannibal Lecter-style facemask and Rita Ora flaunting her nails, come check out our favourite pre-award beauty snaps - courtesy of the delights of Instagram:
Girls star Lena Dunham
"An @officialautumndewilde #regram of lovely @lenadunham and us getting her ready for #EMMYS! Hair @rheannewhite, Nails @deborahlippmann, & me curling those #lashes before applying @benefitcosmetics #TheyreREAL mascara! #RealFineLiner #Emmys2014 #Nominee #GIRLS"
Singer Kelly Rowland
"It's almost time for the #VMAs! #AmpYourFab tonight by joining @caressskin and me on Twitter!"
Will & Grace star Debra Messing
"And this is called a BEAUTY mask?????? #emmyprep #HannibelLeckteriscuter"
The Normal Heart actress Julia Roberts
"Emmys2014! #juliaroberts❤️@sergenormant @engelman&co @genevieveherr"
Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere
"Sneak peek at my girl #haydenpanettiere ready for the big night! #emmys2014 makeup by @amyoresman hair by @clydehairgod"
Model Heidi Klum
"Last minute touch up with @lindahaymakeup @cwoodhair @tombachik @zac_posen"
Veep actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus
"This is how it began yesterday at the kitchen sink. #Emmys2014 #glamour"
Comedy star Mindy Kaling
"Headed to present at the Emmys in @kenzo gown, @jimmychooltd shoes, @official_swarovski ear cuff and @fionakotur clutch! Lesser exciting is the background which is my messy office, please ignore"
Model Jourdan Dunn
"S/O to @rendaattia for the cut and @larryjarahsims and @mylahmorales for hair/makeup ? #vma"
Actress Katherine Heigl
"Getting ready earlier! We picked a glamorous location ;) #Emmys"
Modern Family star Sofia Vergara
"What is so funny Marilyn?? Legacy massage at @drlancerrx"
Modern Family star Sarah Hyland
"High tea and diamonds with @lorraineschwartz in prep for the #emmys feelin like a princess. Now where are the scones??? Mama needs carbs."
Singer Katy Perry
"About to roll thro... Look for us in da lambo #THISISHOWWEDOVMAS"
Singer-songwriter Kesha
"just doesn't feel right NOT posting a partially nude pre vma look. ??? #rainbownakedboob"
Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery
"Sneak Peek @anakhouri #gold jewelry I'm wearing today!@lovegoldlive #LoveGold #Emmys2014"
Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi
"Here we go again! Gettin' pretty with @dickycollins and @kathyjeung #Emmys"
Orange is The New Black actress Laura Prepon
"Final touch ups before I put my dress on! #emmys #oitnb"
Scandal star Kerry Washington
"About to head out the door... Thank you @ashlie_johnson #Emmys special #ManiMonday Gorgeous rosy nude. Rose confidentiel @chanel #NailObsessed #NoFilter"
Dancing With The Stars judge Julianne Hough
"Thanks glam squad!!! Haha you really are the best in the biz! Love you guys @anitapatrickson @emmarube @spencerbarnesla @riawnacapri @morganbeau @kristysowin it takes a village yo!"
Singer Rita Ora
"VMA's see you tomorrow"
Once Upon A Time actress Jamie Chung
"Getting my makeup done by the fabulous @HungVanngo at the @CalvinKlein #ckonecolor lounge!! Now I'm off! VMAs here I come"
House of Cards star Robin Wright
"A peek at #RobinWright's Ralph Lauren custom jumpsuit for the #emmys. Already a winner for best dramatic outfit"
TV host Giuliana Rancic
"It's #Emmys day!! So fun getting ready with @catalinalinasu and @fraankie!! E!'s LIVE Countdown starts at 1:30pm PT...see u then! #eredcarpet"
Actress Mayim Bialik
"Getting Emmy ready with @robertramosprod"
Actress Alexandra Daddario
"Emmy hair prep with @michaellonghair and @lotstar"