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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
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For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
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If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
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It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
Open
#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
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Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4idXm
Open
#throwbackthursday to what I wore 10 years ago in September…

A decade ago I was working full time in an office and was promoted to manage a good portion of my department. My blog was doing quite well, I was featured in local and national publications and websites. I was embracing what I felt to be a polished professional with an edgy vibe. Less color, more interesting accessories, and my first semi-designer bag (I still have that leopard print mini M.A.C. In the back of my closet). 

I have come to embrace color and have way less black in my closet now, but a lot of these looks are timeless and I would wear now… just likely with lower heels! 😂

Do you recall what you were wearing a decade ago? How similar is it to how you dress now?

For more of my throwbacks visit #wo2tbt
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Beauty, Make Up · December 6, 2019

Recent Beauty Hits and Misses

This article may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Collage of makeup products

I’m a bit overwhelmed by the holidays in blogland so let’s do some non-holiday content – beauty buys! I’m really loving my skin right now and my makeup looks good in photos and in person so I thought I’d share some of my recently bought and gifted products, what I love and what is a miss:

Beauty Hits and Misses: Fall/Winter

hand holding a bottle of Glossier Futuredew

Glossier Futuredew 

I am part of the Glossier affiliate program and thanks to that I occasionally receive free product or store credit to try new products. Glossier sent me a bottle of their Futuredew a little over a month ago. This product is supposed to give a dewy glow to skin, either under makeup or on its own. Just two pumps applied to the face with your fingers, no need to be a beauty guru with an arsenal of BeautyBlenders and brushes to apply it in just the right location. This is my kind of makeup – easy to apply, makes my skin look more youthful, and made with a bunch of nourishing oils to keep my skin hydrated.

Unfortunately, I hate this product. It doesn’t feel nourishing, it feels sticky. It hardly makes a difference in the look of my skin, and I don’t know if it was hormonal or Futuredew but I got a zit right above my lip after using it three times. Miss.

bottle of Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter

Alternative: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter 

Now, if you do want a product like this, I love Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter. It comes in seven colors, I have Light/Medium. I swipe the wand on each cheekbone, a bit on each lid right under my brow, hit the cupid’s bow of my lip and end with a swipe down my nose. Then I blend it in gently with my fingers or this brush. It gives a sparkle-free glow, feels all nice and creamy on my skin but doesn’t make my foundation slip. A little goes a long way, your first time you may go too hard and look a bit metallic. But I bought my bottle in February and I still have more than half of it, it’s $44 but you only need to buy it once every 12-18 months.

Jar of Laura Mercier Secret Eye Brightening Powder

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder For Eyes 

When I apply concealer under my eyes, it creases. On top of that, I have what my mom calls “allergy eyes” where I have dark circles even if I get plenty of sleep and remember to take my Allegra. I’ve been using Fenty Beauty blotting powder and like it a lot, but heard how this product will not only prevent my concealer from creasing but brighten my undereyes and diminish the look of fine lines. I ordered in Color #1 for Fair to Medium Skintones which is white. The product is a loose powder in a traditional jar with shaker top. It does not come with a puff, I use this brush which I bought years ago and is great for under-eye powder application.

I hate this stuff. Remember when HD came out and suddenly we saw white powder under celebrities’ eyes on red carpets causing brands like Make Up Forever to make HD powders so they wouldn’t show under bright lights and flash photography? Well, this stuff makes me look like Nicole Kidman circa 2011. Even with a light hand and a well-tapped brush it not only looks obvious, it makes all my other makeup look obvious. I could likely do some research and find a better application method or a new brush but I am going to do with this what I do with clothing I work too hard to make work – let it go. If it works for you, I’m thrilled but it’s just not for me. Miss.

Fenty Beauty Blotting Powder Review

Alternative: Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder 

This powder doesn’t brighten or diffuse, but it’s my favorite translucent powder because it’s so fine. It only sets, it doesn’t leave a powdery finish or make me matte. It also is totally cool with you putting a cream product over it; no balling or pilling or getting weird. And one compact lasts forever and the compact has a magnetic closure so it won’t pop open in your bag and break and get all over everything.

NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer tube

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 

I never like foundation on me, and most tinted moisturizers feel pointless. I loved the look of IT Cosmetics CC Cream+ but it gave me cystic acne.  I’ve been searching all year and on a whim tried this, liking the idea of the radiant aspect and the SPF. I got the color St. Moritz which is for light to medium skintones with golden undertones.

I love this stuff. I put a few dots on my cheeks, my chin, my forehead, my nose and I blend it all together with this brush, though I’ve also used my fingers (I find I use far more product with my fingers). It gives a nice blurred effect to my skin – you can still see my freckles but my skin looks more even and healthy. It can build too – add more for more coverage where you need it. It stays in place all day and this is the first foundation or tinted moisturizer I’ve bought in years that when I see my sister she doesn’t start rubbing my jaw to fix my bad blending or have her tell me my foundation isn’t settling well on my nose (gotta love friends who will tell it to you straight!). I started using this in September when I still had a summer glow; I’m still rocking it in December with my winter pallor. It also plays nice with other products. Hit!

NARS Lipgloss in Aragon tube

NARS Lip Gloss in Aragón

I have a friend who now works for NARS corporate. She saw my Sephora “haul” on Instagram Stories (I bought three things during the recent sale, one being a NARS lipstick) and said she needed to remedy the situation and sent me a few products. I had played at a NARS counter the last time I went to a mall and liked the look of this lip gloss. I’m usually a mauve/pink brown or else red person and Sephora describes this as red chestnut. That is NOT a color I would usually wear, but trying it on my hand without reading that description, I thought it looked like a pretty color for me. A little more oomph than my lips, not too warm, not too cool, very elegant.

It’s an opaque lipgloss, nice amount of shine and not too sticky. It doesn’t bleed and I think the color lasts as long as a traditional lipstick. Now that it’s winter and my skin has less color, I like having a bit darker of a lipcolor without going the traditional red route. And I think the gloss is kinder to my 40-something chapped lips. Hit!

RMS Beauty Eye Polish in Myth 

RMS Beauty Eye Polish in Myth 

The influencer was influenced! I struggle with eyeshadows; like my lipcolor I like me only better. But eyeshadows are too shimmery, too grey, too warm, too light, too dark. I have bought so many taupe, tan, khaki, beige, sand, etc. eyeshadows and I hate them all. And I saw this product mentioned on Girls of a Certain Age and while the Sephora sale was going down so I took a chance.

Reviews say this cream shadow creases and slides. I found that putting a bit of the Fenty blot powder under and over it keeps it in place. It also works very well over an eyeshadow primer (see below). The color looks very gray/taupe in the container but on it just adds a bit of depth to my eyelids, a bit of shine but nothing too shiny for day. I apply it with my fingers, it blends easily without being too slippery. It’s not a ton of color, but it’s what I was looking for. I also like that it’s from RMS, which is a clean beauty brand. Hit!

NARS eyeshadow primer tube

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base – Original Color 

My friend at NARS added this primer to my gift bag, saying it's one of her favorites. I’ve tried shadow and foundation primers before and I didn’t think they did much. As I have gotten older, I feel the more products I use the drier and more wrinkled my skin looks. Also, I’m not one for a long makeup routine so the idea of yet another product never appealed to me enough to perfect usage. But my friend said it’s one of her favorites so I tried it out.

Okay, I am a shadow primer convert. A little of this goes a long way, I put a dab on each eyelid and blend it with my finger. No need to wait forever for it to dry. Regular powder shadows glide over it, the color more intense and they don’t crease and they stay put for hours. Cream shadows like the RMS one are also better over the primer, staying put, not creasing or getting weird. This comes in a bunch of colors, I received the “Original” which is white but blends invisible on my lids. Other colors are available for darker skintones and also could be a great “no shadow shadow” sort of concealer for eyelids. Hit!

tube of Cover FX concealer

Cover FX Power Play Concealer – Color N Light 2 

I’ve been using Glossier Stretch Concealer for over a year and while it’s great for covering spots, it’s not great under my eyes. Thanks to a Sephora salesperson’s mini makeover a couple of years ago, I’ve been doing a two-step concealer process under my eyes of a very pale liquid concealer and then patting the Glossier concealer over it. It just feels too heavy and looks too obvious, and I’ve been looking for a replacement one-step process to cover dark circles without emphasizing fine lines and bags.

I picked this concealer because it’s a highly-rated clean beauty concealer and there were reviews from those with older skin saying it was great. I wanted a color a bit lighter than my skin so it would help with dark circles. This is exactly the kind of color I wanted – light enough to brighten under the eye but not so light I can’t use it to cover redness under my nostrils and the occasional zit. Do note there are 30 colors to choose from but with the Sephora site and reviews, it’s not hard to find the right color for you. A little goes a VERY long way; it has a sponge applicator and I do a light dot in the inner corner of the eye, one a little below it, one at the outer corner, one under each nostril and one at each corner of the mouth and the wand is still saturated. I then blend with this brush. It doesn’t settle into fine lines, it doesn’t look chalky or heavy. I wouldn’t wear it alone; it looks best under at least a tinted moisturizer because it diffuses it but I am happy with this product. Hit!

NARS Sunwash Diffusing Bronzer in Seaside

NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer – Seaside 

I’ve had a compact of NARS Laguna bronzer for… wow it must be over two years and I still haven’t hit pan. One reason is that NARS packs a lot of product in their compacts, but another reason is Laguna is just too dark for me between the months of October and May. However, I like to wear bronzer all year long. I use this big fluffy brush from ELF and hit most of my face and neck with the lightest wash and it doesn’t make me look tan but it makes me look a bit glowy and healthy. Seaside is the color for fair to light skintones; it comes in four colors and this is the fairest. It’s lighter than Laguna, has a bit of a rose undertone, and while there is no shimmer it seems to make my skin glow and look… well as the name states, diffused. It’s dramatically different on my skin, I don’t look dirty or like I’m trying to be brown, I just look glowy like I just came back from a beach vacation where I wore SPF the whole time.

NARS powders can seem like they don’t have a lot of pigment. I recommend when you get this or any powder from them to scratch the top of the compact with a razor or an old eyebrow brush. There’s a fine coating of sorts on the compact which can prevent a brush from picking up the pigment. A light scratching will make it work better without compromising the stability of the pressed powder. Hit!

NARS highlighting powder

NARS Highlighting Powder – Fort De France 

I love the look of a properly highlighted face. I don’t want metallic cheekbones and a shiny tip of nose, but I do want my skin to look as though it is well hydrated and pampered and maybe just enjoyed 15 minutes on the elliptical or a quickie with a loved one. I see women of all ages with glowy highlighted yet natural-looking skin and I was hoping this product would achieve it.

This is a great highlighter for those terrified of highlighters. It comes in five colors so you can find one for your skintone. Like the bronzer, scratch the compact with a brow brush to get the pigment going. Choose a very fluffy loose brush if you want an allover glow, use your fingers if you want a more strategic bit of highlighting. I go with the fluffy brush, I have this old one which works well. I do a swipe swipe on cheekbones and that’s it for everyday; if I’m going out I may also swipe on my brow bone, down my nose, and may add more to my cheekbones. But this is a product that if you don’t wear a lot of makeup, you can apply and look a bit more dewy without being disco ball. Hit!

Shop the Products Mentioned in this Review:
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Related: Thrive Causemetics Review including the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

Related: The Best Tubing Mascaras, Rated

My Makeup Routine

Since I shared so much, I’ll do a quick breakdown of my makeup routine for events, long days, and photoshoots:

  • Moisturize and let it dry completely.
  • Apply Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter to cheekbones, brow bone, down nose, cupid’s bow. Blend with fingers
  • Apply Cover FX concealer under eyes, nose, and edges of mouth. Blend with brush
  • Apply dots of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer to cheeks, forehead, chin. Blend with brush.
  • Fill in brows with NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Brunette and use the attached spooly brush to blend.
  • Dab NARS shadow primer to lids and blend with fingers.
  • Apply RMS Eye Polish in Myth to lids and blend with fingers.
  • Curl lashes and apply several coats of Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions
  • Make a fine line along lashes with Stila All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Smoky Quartz
  • With a fluffy brush, apply NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Powder in Seaside all over face, neck, and décolleté.
  • Add a hint of NARS blush in Sex appeal to the apples of my cheeks with this brush.
  • Finish with a wash of NARS Highlighting Powder in Fort de France.
  • Apply lipcolor of the day. My go-to colors are NARS Lip Gloss in Aragón, NARS Lipstick in Jolie Mome, L’Oreal lipstick in Eva’s Red (also known as Matte-Traction Red), or BareMinerals Gen Nude Patent Lipstick in Everything.
  • If I know I’ll be sweating, I’ll set it with Urban Decay All Nighter.

My quick everyday makeup routine:

  • Do one dot of Cover FX concealer in the inner corners of eyes, pat to blend with fingers
  • A few dots of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer on cheeks and one on forehead and one on each eyelid and blend with fingers
  • Fill in brows with NYX Micro Brow Pencil
  • Swipe NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Powder in Seaside all over 
  • Curl lashes and apply Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions
  • If I'm feeling it, add a wash of NARS Highlighting Powder in Fort de France
  • Add lipcolor, or maybe just Thrive Causemetics Glossy Lip Serum in Ruth or Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow for shine and a hint of color.

Shop the Products I use Daily:
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Have you tried a beauty product recently worthy of a recommendation or a rant? Share in the comments, your feedback may help another woman looking for exactly that product!

alison signature

In: Beauty, Make Up · Tagged: Fenty Beauty, Glossier, laura mercier, NARS, Thrive Causemetics

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Comments

  1. Missy G says

    December 11, 2019 at 10:57 am

    So it looks like the NARS tinted moisturizer replaced Cicapair for you? I’ve been using Cicapair since you first mentioned it a couple of years ago (I think?), and it’s all that I use most days. How do you compare the two? I’m wondering if I should also make the switch when I’m out of the Cicapair.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 11, 2019 at 3:46 pm

      I stopped using Cicapair over the summer because my skin got too brown for it and when I went back to it, it just didn’t look the same. It seemed too chalky? It’s too bad because I LOVED it. This is more like a more opaque tinted moisturizer; I like that I don’t have to rub it in like Cicapair but I don’t think it heals my skin in any manner like Cicapair did. And I could do product over Cicapair and I can’t with this. So it’s apples and oranges but if Cicapair works for you I think it’s a truly stellar product!

      Reply
      • Missy G says

        December 12, 2019 at 10:38 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
  2. Kiirsty says

    December 8, 2019 at 3:53 pm

    Bought Nars seaside on the basis of this blogpost. I love it!

    I couldn’t use the link though, as it was for Sephora and we don’t have Sephora in the UK. I was directed me through to the Sephora France homepage, which I couldn’t use.

    I just wanted to flag because a) I’m grateful for the rec and b) sorry I couldn’t generate any affiliate stats.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 8, 2019 at 6:40 pm

      Oh, it’s okay thank you for thinking of me! I am so glad you love NARS Seaside! Let me know what is the best UK store for beauty; I’ll try to share it as an optional link and can add it to my “Where I shop” page! https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/where-i-shop/

      Reply
  3. Nihongo Dame Desu says

    December 6, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    Any chance you’d share a photo (or link to a photo) of you wearing that Nars gloss? Reds always just feel like Too Much on me, but I’d like something slightly more dramatic than my typical almost-exactly-the-same-color-as-my-lips choices. This sounds like it might work!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 7, 2019 at 9:29 am

      Not a close-up but wearing here and will get a photo soon! https://www.instagram.com/p/B5tS2OKpFbc/

      Reply
  4. Tracie says

    December 6, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    Do you or your readers have any ideas or tips for brightening fair skin with gray hair, light eyes? I feel kind of “faded:”

    Reply
    • Kathryn Fenner says

      December 6, 2019 at 6:06 pm

      I am a former dark brunette, now silver-white around my face, with light hazel eyes. I always fill in my brows, line my eyes with a soft smudgy pencil topped with same-ish color powder shadow, and mascara, and Hourglass Ambient lighting blush and bronzer, applied lightly with a fluffy brush. Keep the blush high on your cheekbones, and the bronzer around the outer edges of your face. I also like to mix in Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi (one pump) in with my moisturizer and serum (I make a puddle in my palm and mix with my fingertip.) Lip color, but sheer–like Allie says above, lip gloss is kinder to older lips.

      Reply
      • Alison Gary says

        December 7, 2019 at 9:30 am

        Great suggestions, thank you Kathryn!

        Reply
  5. Vicki says

    December 6, 2019 at 10:13 am

    Nice write-up! I started using a primer, and get turned around on timing. Do I apply primer before a tinted moisturizer or after or do these 2 not really go together? What about timing when using a proper SPF product + primer? Right now I am subbing primer for moisturizer in the morning. I’m using the Jane Iredale primer and love how it feels, and my skin likes it too.

    Tinted moisturizers are slightly problematic for me in that they straddle the line between skin care and cosmetic make-up, a jack-of-all-trades, master of none thing. But they’re undeniably useful. I liked Laura Mercier’s and Dermalogica best.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:19 am

      A primer goes on before any makeup. Now, with a tinted moisturizer I don’t see how a primer fits in since a primer would prevent the tinted moisturizer from moisturizing. I think it’s better with foundations and other products you don’t want to sink into your skin. When I have done foundation and a primer I do SPF, then primer, then a foundation with SPF. I have also done just a primer, they often diffuse the skin and make it look better without any color. I also do an SPF moisturizer under an SPF tinted moisturizer, but I have dry skin.

      Reply
      • Vicki says

        December 6, 2019 at 11:19 am

        Thanks! I didn’t know that a primer would prevent a moisturizer from moisturizing. That helps me understand how to use it.

        Reply
  6. Ann DD says

    December 6, 2019 at 10:08 am

    Good timing! I have $25 off $75 at Sephora and will use your links to make some purchases!

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:19 am

      Awesome!

      Reply
  7. Joannawnyc says

    December 6, 2019 at 10:06 am

    Where’s your SPF? Am I missing something? I know the tinted moisturizer has spf 30, but the way you’re applying it is probably not enough. This is something I always worry about.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:20 am

      My moisturizer also has SPF 30. In the summer I also use SUPERGOOP’s setting spray which is SPF and up my facial moisturizer to SPF 50.

      Reply
  8. Heidi says

    December 6, 2019 at 9:30 am

    Love this and see some products I will try! Is the NARS tinted moisturizer the only moisturizer you are using or do you use dome before you start the makeup phase of your routine?

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:21 am

      I use a traditional moisturizer with SPF before my makeup routine. I just give it a bit of time to dry/soak in.

      Reply
  9. Krista says

    December 6, 2019 at 9:10 am

    Thanks for this! I’m finding that as my menopausal skin changes my “old way” of doing things isn’t working. Foundation is too much and way too many products need a degree in cosmetology to be applied just right. Like you, I want to “look like me but better”. That Nars moisturizer is looking like a perfect place to start.

    Wondering if you’ve tried (or your readers) and have feedback on Tarte Shape Tape concealer. I want to like it, but I’m not sold. Maybe it’s one of those need-a-class products?

    Anytime is a good time for product hits and misses.

    Reply
    • Ann DD says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:13 am

      I also can’t get into Shape Tape – it’s really thick (a little goes a very long way) and too dry (?) for me. I’m 49 and feel like it overemphasizes any lines on my face.

      Reply
      • Amy Coose says

        December 6, 2019 at 5:06 pm

        I have tried it before, and it’s too heavy and cakey for my late 40’s under eye area.

        Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 11:12 am

      I haven’t tried Shape Tape, I do better with thinner concealers as my eye area is so saggy from years of rubbing allergy eyes and fine lines from being a normal 44-year-old. I look forward to responses from others!

      Reply
      • Victoria says

        December 7, 2019 at 10:35 am

        I absolutely love shape tape. I’ve tried so, so many concealers and it’s the best for me for sure. That said, a little goes a long, long way and if you use too much it’s a mess. I have Fairing skin, blue eyes with really dark, allergy induced circles under my eyes I’m 52 and my skin is getting wierd but shape tape and IT cc-illuminated is magic.

        Reply
    • Krista says

      December 7, 2019 at 10:35 am

      Okay, good, it’s not just me!

      Reply
  10. Sarah says

    December 6, 2019 at 9:02 am

    It seems like you are happy with your Fenty powder but just as an FYI- I think you wanted the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder to do what their translucent setting powder does. I hate the brightening powder for the same reasons you did but the translucent powder is holy grail powder.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:22 am

      I was happy with Fenty, I just wanted the concept of brightening and this was NOT what I hoped for, LOL!

      Reply
      • Mariana R Hess says

        December 6, 2019 at 3:25 pm

        I love the Fenty powder as well. Invisible in this case is good!

        Reply
  11. Pascale says

    December 6, 2019 at 8:58 am

    I switched eyeshadow primers from Nars (good) to Fenty (OMG amazing). Give it a try sometime.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:22 am

      Ooh when this one runs out I’ll try Fenty next, thank you!

      Reply
    • Mariana says

      December 7, 2019 at 11:24 am

      “Pascale”, do you mind if I ask, are you in the 50+ crowd? 🙂 I’m wondering if the Fenty helps with the smoothing, not making crepe-iness more apparent. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Pascale says

        December 7, 2019 at 11:45 am

        I’m 58. Hasn’t been a problem.

        Reply
        • Mariana says

          December 7, 2019 at 12:35 pm

          Thanks!

          Reply
  12. Briana says

    December 6, 2019 at 8:48 am

    I’m trying to assess my brush collection, so am curious what you used for everything. The first couple places where you say “this brush” (e.g. flawless filter and brightening powder for eyes) doesn’t have a hyperlink. Can you update so I can check out what you’re using? Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Krista says

      December 6, 2019 at 9:11 am

      I second this response!

      Reply
      • Alison Gary says

        December 6, 2019 at 10:23 am

        Updated, but it’s this one from Real Techniques. Thanks for letting me know! http://bit.ly/2sN3ON3

        Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 9:22 am

      Ack, off to fix!

      Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:23 am

      It’s this one from Real Techniques, updated the post thanks for letting me know! http://bit.ly/2sN3ON3

      Reply
  13. Bette says

    December 6, 2019 at 8:30 am

    Great rundown! Can you, or perhaps one of your readers, recommend a cream blush? It works so much better on my dry skin, but I’ve had a hard time finding something I like.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 6, 2019 at 10:24 am

      I have too! NARS The Multiple I’ve used before and like that it’s not too greasy. Glossier Cloud Paint is pretty but I find it fades after a couple of hours. I hope others have ideas!

      Reply
      • Jamie says

        December 6, 2019 at 4:40 pm

        Lip2Cheek by RMS is a great cream blush! I was using Modest (a bright pink) in the summer, and now that it’s closer to winter I’m using Illusive (a rosy plum). The product is nice and moisturizing and has great staying power.

        Reply
        • Bette says

          December 6, 2019 at 5:55 pm

          Thank you! I’m watching videos to educate myself — appreciate the suggestion!

          Reply
    • Mariana R Hess says

      December 6, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      It’s not a cream, more like a lotion, but I love the Nars Liquid Blush – https://www.sephora.com/product/liquid-blush-P419506?icid2=products%20grid:p419506:product
      I use Orgasm. Similar to the powder and multiple version, but less shimmer.

      Reply
      • Mariana says

        December 6, 2019 at 3:28 pm

        PS A teeny, tine droplet is all you need!

        Reply
      • Bette says

        December 6, 2019 at 5:46 pm

        Thank you so much! I don’t know how I missed this, but I will definitely try — appreciate the suggestion!

        Reply

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Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 21

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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle

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Sep 19

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If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

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https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle

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Sep 11

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Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

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Sep 5

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I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

While in Savannah, I made sure to get lunch reservations for me and E at @theoldepinkhouse she loves the color pink, historic homes, and ghost stories so it was a perfect choice! 

Built in 1789 on Reynolds Square, there are stories of guests seeing ghosts, cutlery and wine bottles moving along with an elegant and truly delicious dining. 

While we didn’t see any apparitions, we did have a lovely lunch with impeccable service and after toured all floors of the home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re visiting Savannah!

My dress is from @cosstores (no longer available); hat is @furtalk and bag is @talbotsofficial (no longer available).

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

The three of us (and our dog Oscar!) had a warm and humid but wonderful time exploring Savannah, Georgia earlier this month. Our daughter visited this gorgeous city last summer with her @girlscouts troop but wanted to return to experience more. We let her choose our adventures and play your guide and it was awesome. We cannot wait to visit again, though next time it won’t be August 🥵

For more of our trip check the “Savannah” highlight on my profile page!

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4hkEF 

#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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Aug 27

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The family that wears @printfresh together stays together 🥰

Use code wardrobe_oxygen for 15% off your order of size-inclusive organic cotton sleepwear, dresses, bags & more https://glnk.io/qk04/wardrobe-oxygen

I’ve been raving about my Printfresh pajamas for years, my family also wanted to try them. Thank you Printfresh for gifting these for our annual three generation girls’ getaway to Rehoboth Beach, DE. We had a great time and being all matchy matchy in our pajamas was a fun addition! 🐅🍃🥰

#printfresh #printfreshpajamas #printfreshpartner

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Aug 12

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Shuts laptop until Monday… #RehobothBeach

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