Julie Bowen had a big night at last Sunday's 2011 Emmys in Los Angeles: her hit ABC TV show, Modern Family, swept several categories and she even nabbed the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Golden statues aside, the 41-year-old star also looked amazing in a plunging-neckline, Oscar de la Renta embroidered gown and a sleek ponytail. Us Weekly went behind the scenes with the actress to see how she gets ready for awards season.
Us: What's your pre-red carpet, get-ready ritual?
Julie Bowen: Usually I'm at home with a lot of kids running around. I like to put on the LL Cool J station on Pandora and listen to hip-hop. Once I zipped up my dress Sunday, I ate a sandwich. I was too nervous to eat until I knew that it would zip! It takes me like one and a half to two hours to get ready. I shower and apply lots of Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer ($5.99, drugstore.com), which I use everyday, so my arms and legs look youthful.
Us: What was your favorite red carpet fashion moment?
JB: Last year's Emmy Awards where I wore a dark navy J. Mendel dress. At first I thought it would photograph too boring and conservative, but my stylist convinced me to wear it and it was absolutely great.
Us: What about your least favorite red carpet outfit?
JB: Ugh, take your pick. I've made many mistakes. One time, I was going to a party and my stylist gave me a dress that was too short. I panicked and threw on a pair of jeans under the dress.
Us: What is your worst beauty habit?
JB: I bite my cuticles until they bleed. It's a compulsion.
Us: What is your most embarrassing beauty moment?
JB: One time a very nice stylist came to my house to do my hair. He put in tons of huge hair extensions and I was too scared to say that I didn't like them. I ended up pulling the pieces out in the car and putting my hair into a tight ponytail. I felt terrible about that.
