Ever since I busted Mr. Bets slathering himself with twenty dollars worth of Creme de La Mer, I started hiding my more precious products—and supplying him with a few of his own. Lately he’s gotten a little too friendly with my tweezers, so when I discovered the Tweezerman Ingrown Hair Splintertweeze ($12), I knew it was the perfect Valentine’s gift. We’re super romantic like that. The gratuitous shot of Dave Grohl’s facial hair is my gift-to-self.

I’m going to just come right out and say it: Without makeup, Glenn Close would look a man. Hell, I probably would too. But while I have a profound reverence for her acting abilities—Damages gave me more nightmares than Fatal Attraction—the woman wasn’t blessed with soft features or a come-hither voice. Now Glenn is finally being recognized for her other qualities. Meet Albert Nobbs. In theaters this Friday, Glenn plays a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. She not only makes Mrs. Doubtfire look like child’s play, but earned an Oscar nomination in the process. If I had a vote to cast it would go to her, simply for having the, erm, balls to lay it all out there, short hair, no mascara and all. Hard to look away, isn’t it?

Recession be damned, there’s never a dull moment in Beauty. 2011 was the best of times (stricter sunscreen regulations) and the worst of times (feather hair extensions). We cheered when Kate Middleton did her own wedding makeup, and gaped at Lady Gaga’s wigs and moles. But that was then, and this is now. With the help of a few industry insiders, I recently shared my beauty predictions for the year ahead with the Star Tribune.

Anything else you’d like to add? Please don’t say kool-aid highlights.

I’m not the betting kind (in Vegas you’ll find me at the nickel slots), but if I had to put money on the red carpet, Julianne Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Winslet would be my aces in the hole every time. Reese, too, when her bubbies aren’t being held in place by tape. There’s not a stylist in hollywood who can take full credit for their confidence, understated beauty, and fresh interpretations of classic looks. They didn’t disappoint at last night’s Golden Globes, either. I also loved Kristen Wiig’s big, shiny brunette waves (rather Julia Roberts, no?) and Paula Patton’s canary-yellow dress. Then there are the unfortunates. Michelle was only upstaged by that black headband, Meryl and Jessica rode in on the same covered wagon (though the latter looked like she was headed for a brothel), and even Angelina’s famous face and matching lipstick couldn’t save her dress, which just stressed me out. Something about the vampy color combo and how it appears to be cutting into her arm pits . . .

What looks did you love/loathe?

Happy Monday, y’all! Is everyone sufficiently back in the saddle after last week?

I was still feeling a bit strung out despite a super relaxing holiday, so headed over to Spot Spa in NE Minneapolis for a Grounding Treatment ($60/1 hr): Foot soak, salt scrub, and a full 15 min of reflexology while lying on a bed of hot stones brought me back down to earth.

Confirmed: Dairy and sugar cause acne. Not that there was any doubt. (Well + Good NYC)

Dani chatted up Kate Walsh about her favorite fragrance and ours, Boyfriend.

Emma Stone makes me want red hair and a blue dress—bad. Also note how well the red lipstick works. (We Heart It)

Eye Candy: 2011 Red Carpet Hits and Misses (NY Times)

My horoscopes have never been so spot-on since stumbling upon the AstroTwins. Yes, I believe in this stuff.

FTW: It’s a Brad Brad World, tonight on Bravo. Brad and his gem of a partner Gary (an exec producer on Will & Grace, no less) banter like a witty old married couple.

Totes going to try Rachel McAdams’ easy, overnight trick for beach waves (US Weekly)

What happens when a style + body image expert, sex educator and wellness coach team up? Women take over the world. (Strong, Sexy, Stylish)

Further proof that the Clarisonic is da bomb, and those knock-offs are not (WSJ)

Here’s to more makeunders in 2012. (xojane)

I don’t need to tell you for the nth time about my undying devotion and irrational enthusiasm for the Metropolitan’s painless laser hair removal—you can read all about that here and here—but I’d be remiss in my gift guide duties if I didn’t share this absurdly amazing deal. During the month of December, all laser packages at the Metropolitan are a whopping 40 percent off. In addition to The Laser Hair Removal That Changed My Life, the promotion includes sun damage eradicating pulsed light therapy and wrinkle-smoothing Pixel. What’s more, you don’t have to complete your treatments in December, just get them booked! So get on it—this gift’s for YOU!  –Bets

Okay, so I’ve been sitting on this tumblr site for awhile. I stumbled upon it one day while looking for photos of sinewy yoga arms to use as inspiration for my workouts, and THIS is what I found. I distinctly recall squeezing my eyes shut and squealing with disgust. So I bookmarked it, thinking that it would make for good blog fodder. Only every time I tried to post it, I couldn’t even bring myself to include an actual photo from the site. Hence our pretty ballerina, who is NOT a member of the club. The truth is, I can’t handle underarm hair. Not on myself (see laser hair removal), and definitely not on other ladies. I’m not sure I feel all that comfortable around men’s underarms. Does this make me a bad person? Or just superficial? I do think our American culture has become obsessed with body hair in the last decade or two, and maybe seeing all of those smooth and hairless models everywhere has sunk into my psyche. What YOU think about hairy pits? Do you secretly want to join the club—or squeal with disgust?

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In another life I worked at the freestanding Kiehl’s shop inside Nordstrom, so it’s a brand that’s near and dear. What’s not to love about clean and simple formulas and old-school packaging that a college girl can actually afford? In honor of the grand opening, here are my tried-and-true favorites from the line:

(clockwise)  Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($27) – My first eye cream and still the one for basic moisture. Lives up to its creamy creamy name yet makeup-friendly. Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 ($19) – Just plain perfect. Buy the biggest bottle for the entire family. Rice and Wheat Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioning Rinse ($18) – My review says it all. Soothing Gel Masque ($19.50) – The best oil-free hydrating treatment I’ve ever used. I call it the “going out” mask.  Lip Balm #1 ($7) – I just HAD TO HAVE this grown-up looking little tube in high school. So much cooler—and better—than Chapstick. And isn’t the gift set irresistible?  Rosa Artica Youth Generating Cream ($60) – Have yet to try this newish addition to the line, but I NEED that minty green jar.  Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream White Eagle ($19) – Not for me, for Mr. Bets. The only thing he’ll use for that tingly, soothing, bump-free feeling.

Are you devoted to any Kiehl’s products? Do tell.