Allow me to set the scene: It’s 6:45pm on a work night, I’m about to swing by an NYC art opening before meeting friends for dinner, and my face is reflecting as much shine as… let’s say the surface of the ocean on a clear, full-moon night—which is not as endearing as it sounds. I should also let you know that said opening was for newly anointed abstract painter Hanuk, the party-wheeling, camera-slinging photographer who is as famous for imparting a kiss on your cheek (or, if you’re good friends, lips) as he is for his impromptu flash style: he’s been known to catch a lady off guard. And unless you’re a professional poseur, impromptu is not everyone’s (especially my) best look.

In a last-ditch effort to save face (heh, heh), I hastily swiped Make's Custom Finish Effects Matte/Dew compact across my face with my fingers, using the thin, beige-to-sheer, powder-finish Matte formula on my forehead, and the ever-so-slightly-sticky peach-to-clear Dew formula on the tops of my eyebrows, the bridge of my nose, the corners of my eyes, and on the apples of my cheeks. The whole process took about fifteen seconds and left my skin smelling like flowers. It’s the same effect you’d get from using your favorite highlighter in concert with Make Up For Ever High Definition Powder and a spray of Frederic Malle's Iris Poudre, only it takes less time and is much more portable.

And would you look at that [picture 4]? You'd never know I was having a grease-ball afternoon. I was shocked. With the dewy glow exactly where I wanted it and not a trace of forehead shine, my skin looks pretty good... maybe even Photoshopped good. Let me assure you it isn’t. Instagram filters, I’ll take it from here (Just kidding, I’ll take all the help I can get). Proving itself to be a worthy ally in the gauntlet that is Hanuk's spontaneous shutter releasing, the finishing duo has been added to my bag as a defense against grease, sweat, and any other stalwarts of unwanted shine.

I stash this compact right next to the Pearly Wipes that I now never leave home without. At holiday parties especially, I find myself swilling copious amounts of red wine. You, too? Well, every other trip to the ladies' room, I wipe the peppermint-flavored wet-naps across my teeth to avoid the onset of Purple Mouth. They're even equipped with hydrogen peroxide, which we can tell you is great for your breath. Individually wrapped and ready for dispersion amongst your current rotation of bags and jacket pockets, they're also great post-coffee.

This holiday season, all I ask is that you party responsibly and bring (beauty) protection.

—Mackenzie Wagoner

[1-3] Photos by Mathea Millman, [4] Photo by Hanuk.