Today was melty. The kind of heat that makes a face argue with makeup.

"Look, makeup, frankly, this is not a good day for you to be here," gripes face. "You're just gonna get sweat-bead blotchy or slide right off and make me look ugly." (Face doesn't mince words.)

"Let's think about this.... Oooh, idea! First, I need some self-tanner for a nice, even, sunkissed tone. Self-tanner means I won't need you, foundation and powder -- no offense -- nor maybe even you, concealer, because a faux glow can help lessen the appearance of dark circles. But I'll need you, waterproof or tube-technology mascara. And hey you, over there -- yes, you, MAC Amplified Cream Lipstick in Girl About Town, $16.50. Together with self-tanner and smudgeproof mascara, we make a great, polished, minimal makeup team."

Of course my face will tap a couple more team members -- brow-defining powder, and a little waterproof liner to go along my inner upper lashlines -- some need more help than others.

At maccosmetics.com.