GUEST POST: 'What's in my make-up bag?' by Ambi

I'm so thrilled to have the fabulous beauty blogger behind Bombay Rose and all-round lovely girl, Ambi, here doing a guest post for Handbags and Cupcakes. She certainly knows her beauty, and I hope you enjoy her writing as much as I always do!

Hello everyone! You can probably tell that the above picture isn't Rachel (duh), so I think a little introduction is in order: my name is Ambi, and I'm mad for all things makeup... so much so, that I even have my own little space of Internet to ramble all about it! I'm rather honored to have been asked to write a guest post for Handbags & Cupcakes (which is one of my favourite blogs!).

I did a 'What's In My Makeup Bag' post over on my blog last year, but seeing as I change up my beauty products practically as often as I breathe, I felt it high-time for a little update as to what has made the cut (...for now of course!) when it comes to my everyday face.

Here's my bag of tricks in all its glory - the bag is by Ted Baker and available here

First up; foundation. I like to indulge my inner nerd and play a little beauty alchemy (can you tell I loved chemistry at school..?). I can't bear to wear a full face of foundation everyday, and, due to my oily skin, tinted moisturisers don't exactly go the distance when it comes to staying power.

So I mix a generous blob (technical, eh?) of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, a pump of the L'Oréal Paris Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer and a teeny blob of the Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup, the latter of which prolongs the longevity of my base - I've explained the ins and outs of this cosmetic concoction here... but it creates a gorgeous, luminous-looking skin, whilst hiding a multitude of sins, namely spots and hyperpigmentation.

Next on the agenda, the dark circles under my eyes! Again, I like to keep it light for everyday, so a quick swipe of the Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer and I look at least half-way to human.

Sticking with eyes... prepare yourself for the most beautiful piece of makeup ever.

*Swoons* ... say hello to the Estée Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Duo in Raisins - I apply a wash of the lighter shade across the lid, and blend the darker shade through the outer corner and crease. Unfortunately, this palette has been discontinued,  but I've found a pretty good high street dupe - the No 7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Duo in Iridescent Purple.

I'm a sucker for a cat eye - after years of using the MaxFactor Glide & Define Liquid Eyeliner, I've recently switched to the Soap & Glory Supercat Liquid Black Eyeliner Pen, which is the most pigmented, long-lasting black eyeliner I have ever used.

Finally, to finish off the eyes, a quick slick of mascara. I say quick... I really layer it up, and use a couple of different mascaras to achieve long, luscious lashes.

First, I take Benefit's They're Real and apply a couple several coats to my lashes... I find the formula can err on clumpy when layered, so I follow-up with MaxFactor Clump Defy Mascara, which has a wonderful clump-removing wand on it - I strongly recommend mixing a couple of mascaras with different formulas and wand shapes to get the most length out of even the stumpiest of lashes!

Time to address my brows: I love a full, defined brow, and recently stumbled across the L'Oréal Paris Super Liner Brow Artist* - I'm not normally an eyebrow pencil lover, but this product has completely converted me.... Lily Collins brows are mine in a few mere strokes!

Back to the face for a few finishing touches...

Unfortunately I'm not blessed with razor-sharp cheekbones, so indulge in a little light contouring courtesy of the NARS Bronzing Powder in Casino (left). This is probably not a shade I'd recommended to everyone, as it is a dark chocolate-brown colour which looks best on olive skin-tones - if you're fair, I'd recommend you try the shade Laguna instead, to save you verging into Oompa-Loompa territory. Next up, blusher - I like a dewy look, so opt for a liquid blush over a powder one... the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush (middle) achieves this beautifully. I use Spicey, a pink-coral shade, but there are lots of different ones available, and it's safe to say I'll be trying out a fair few of them in the near future... I then apply a hefty dusting of Soap & Glory Glow All Out Luminizing Face Powder to the highpoints of the face... namely the brow and cheek bones and bridge of the nose.

To seal it all in place, a dusting of the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder across areas that tend to get a little shiny - I use this in Transparent to save the hassle of matching my foundation to my powder.

Last up: lips.  I'm wearing the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Kiss Me Coral in the first picture, but have been wearing this lovely L'Oréal Paris Rouge Caresse Lipstick in Rock 'N Mauve - looks scary in the tube, but goes on as a lovely sheer pop of pink... especially perfect if you want to dip your toe into the bright-lip look.

If you'd like to see how I apply all of these products, I've just started a YouTube channel - click here to see my everyday makeup tutorial.

                                                               

Thanks to Rachel for letting me blab about bronzer and the likes on her lovely blog, and if you fancy stopping by mine for even more beauty ramblings, click here.

*PR Sample

Rachel: Thanks, Ambi! Such amazing make-up tips! I think I know where my next eye-liner's coming from... Definitely check out her blog for lots more lovely beauty tips and treats.