This Is the Most Avoidable Makeup Mistake You Can Make

Between her capacity as Big Little Lies makeup department head and her work on Sharp Objects, celebrity makeup artist Michelle Radow has a beauty tip for every situation. She’s learned a little bit of water can make all the difference and knows you really don’t need to splurge on mascara. Lucky for us, she has many more nuggets of wisdom to share.

The last time PureWow had the chance to talk to Radow, we were curious to know about the beauty blunder she sees even the most seasoned makeup aficionados make—and how we can avoid doing it at home.

Radow explained, “One beauty mistake I often notice people make is using too much pressure when applying makeup.”

She went on to say this results in “an overdone, dry, cakey look.” So, how do we make sure our visage looks as fresh and non-cakey as possible? Radow says it’s simple: “Be gentle, especially around the eyes!”

Aside from using a delicate touch, Radow is also keen on using Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Prism Cream ($42) on clients to keep them looking dew-y. “I use this product by itself, under makeup or over makeup. It adds a healthy glow that just works,” she says.

She also reaches for RCMA foundations palettes ($30) and calls them her “go-to cream palettes for foundation, concealer and contour,” when working on clients. And once she’s ready to set a fresh face of makeup, Radow selects Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder No. 22 in Rose Clair ($43). “Actress Patricia Clarkson (HBO’s Sharp Objects) introduced me to this powder,” she revealed. “It’s ultra-fine and sets makeup beautifully.”

If we’re gonna take beauty advice from anyone, it’ll be you, Michelle (OK, and Patricia).

*Gently applies makeup*