Dear Bets:
What the heck is BB Cream? I’m confused and intrigued!
-Katie H.

I wondered the same thing a few months ago when a tube came across my desk. What is this BB Cream and why do I need if I already have a tinted moisturizer? Then I tried some. And I loved it. And now I can’t imagine life without it . . . . But back to your question. BB Cream stands for “blemish balm.” It’s been popular throughout Asia for years, but—to clear up the confusion—not just for blemishes. In Asia the word “blemish” translates as any type of skin imperfection: wrinkles, uneven skin tone, sun damage, acne, rosacea, etc. BB Cream is designed to prevent and diminish ALL of these issues. See what all the fuss is about?

For my maiden voyage I tried Boscia’s BB Cream ($38). It’s mostly natural, has a mineral SPF 27, and coincidentally was the first BB to land stateside after huge acclaim in overseas. The cream is incredibly lightweight, like a fluffy, tinted primer. It comes in one shade, which magically blended  into my fair skin (and presumably most others), creating this shockingly flawless, yet sheer canvas. You may need to lay down a moisturizer first if you’re dry, but you most certainly won’t need foundation!

Although BB creams usually contain some powerful hydrator, like Sodium Hyaluronate, they are more matte than a tinted moisturizer—one big reason that those of you with will oily skin, larger pores, and /or acne-prone skin will love this concept. I still used a tinted, but opt for BB Cream if I want something even lighter-weight OR only have time for one product OR am dashing to the grocery store and don’t want to look like I just rolled out of bed but don’t want to wear any makeup.

Does that help?  There are now loads of BB Creams on the market, including from Clinique, Smashbox, and Dr. Jart, a brand I’d never heard of but keeps getting raved about. Should you brave this new BB world, please report back on your discoveries!

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.

Pantone recently announced Tangerine Tango as its color pick for Spring 2012. Dare I say that Beauty Bets enthusiasts were well ahead of the curve on this one (see also: citrus pouts)?  Not that we’re complaining about putting our orange lipsticks to good use again come spring. Personally, I’m a fan of this crisp, juicy hue. It will bring a welcome diversity to my makeup collection as well as my wardrobe. Here are a few pops of tangerine that I am looking forward to:  Amarita Singh East Lake Earrings ($100) // See by Chloe Bangles in Stabilo ($60) // Missoni for ORPHANAID Beauty Case ($80) // H&M Dress in Papaya ($50) // “Creative Minds” print by Amanda Catherine Designs ($15) // Siren “Deco” Platform Peeps in Orange ($140) // Proenza Schouler PS1 leather pouch Tangerine ($1889) // Essie Nail Polish in Oranges ($8) –Danielle

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?

Any other foundation finds we need to know about? Share!

Glitter goes with everything..

Would love to see you locals out this Friday at the holiday pop-up shop I’m hosting with a handful of awesome designers and natural-beauty brands. Perfect time to scoop up last-minute gifts, sip some bubbly, and get a Tarot card reading (5-7pm)! Naturally I needed some supernatural fun thrown into the mix. All By Elizabeth Dehn skincare will be 25% OFF, and I’ll have some sweet travel-sized Face Spray stocking stuffers on hand just for the event. It’s free, so the more the merrier!
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The Beauty Lounge in St. Paul is throwing a one-day sale this Sunday, December 18, in its DARLING new Mac-Groveland digs. Proprietress and makeup artist/educator extraordinaire Julie Swenson carries some of my absolute favorite giftable lines, like Love & Toast, Sara Happ, and Malin + Goetz. Everything will be 20% OFF on Sunday, December 18 from 12-5pm so stop in say hello!

Sara Happ The Gift Set ($40) with The Lip Scrub in Black Velvet Cherry and The Lip Slip

Bobbi Brown Party Collection Mini Brush Set ($60); MOR Essentially Yours Gift Set in Basil & Grape ($22), includes hand and body lotion, and shea butter soap with tin

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Gift Set ($82) with rose bath oil, body wash & body cream; Neal’s Yard Aromatics Geranium & Orange Bath and Body Care set ($42) with shower gel, body scrub and lotion

Fresh Brown Sugar Affair ($50) with Brown Sugar Body Polish & Cream, and Sugar Passion tinted lip treatment SPF 15; Nude Skincare Radiance Collection ($72) with Cleansing Oil & Replenishing Night Oil

L’occitane Hand Cream Bouquet ($50) with mini Shea Butter Hand Creams in Cocoa Flower,
Desert Rose, Hibiscus Flower, Pivoine Flora, Shea Butter and Vanilla