Girls Night Out

This weekend it was one of my best friends birthdays, so to celebrate we headed down to Brighton for the day. It was a fleeting visit but we managed to squeeze in lunch at Meat Liquor and grab a box of Bens Cookies before we left! 

I have been to Meat Mission in Hoxton, which is the sister restaurant to Meat Liquor and although the menus are pretty much identical, I have to say I preferred Hoxton. The Hoxton Meat Mission is inside a converted church and the stained glass interior is awesome. If you love a good burger its definitely one to try.

After Brighton we headed back to get ready for our night out. Am I the only one that thinks the getting ready part is sometimes more fun than the actual night out itself?! Back in the day I remember visiting our friends at Uni and we would spend hours getting ready, listening to terrible music, playing Singstar and drinking far too much. We have tamed a bit with age though and the getting ready process is a much more civilised affair these days.

Last year on my blog I shared my love of snooping in other peoples makeup bags. My post on what was inside Chloe and Chefs makeup bag was one of my favourites, so I thought I would take a few sneaky shots of what makeup they wear on a night out.

Chloe

Chloe is the most experimental when it comes to her makeup and when she finishes something, she tends to always try something new. Chloe has the best edited lipstick collection, its small but there is a colour for every occasion. Next time I'm in America I want to try the Ardency Inn Boom Base, its a lip base but Chloe has been raving about it and has well and truly sold it to me!

Base

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

Bronzer

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer

Contour

MAC 'Sculpt' Sculpting Powder

Highlight

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil

Illamsqua Brow and Lash Gel

Eyes

MAC Prunella Eye Kohl

MAC Power Surge Eye Kohl

MAC Prussian Powerpoint Eye Pencil

Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama Mascara

Lips

Ardency Inn Boom Base Lip Balm and Base 

MAC Bad Girl RiRi Lipstick

MAC Syrup Lipstick

Chef

The birthday girl! Chefs makeup tastes are a combination of Chloe and Sops. She can be quite experimental but is quite particular. Once she finds a product she loves, it stays (like her No7 foundation which she has used for years). We are both massive fans of the Urban Decay setting sprays and Chef has recently bought their Prep Spray, which I am intrigued to try myself!

Base

Urban Decay B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray

No7 Intelligent Colour Foundation

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

Rimmel Match Perfection Powder

Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation

Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray

Blush

Kat Von D Everlasting Blush in Lovesong

Highlight

Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil

Illasmasqua Brow and Lash Gel

Eyes

Chanel Ecriture De Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner

Max Factor Black Kohl Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Covet

Dior Diorshow Mascara

Lips

MAC Cosmo Lipstick 

Sop

Out of everyone, Sop gets ready the quickest. I always panic when I'm still applying my foundation and she already has her false lashes on! Sop doesn't wear foundation, just concealer and definitely uses the least products out of all us (a natural beauty). She knows what she likes and sticks to it, she also has no patience when it comes to applying makeup but don't tell her I said that!

Base

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

Blush

NARS Desire

Highlight 

Benefit High Beam

Eyebrows

MAC Lingering Eyebrow Pencil

Eyes

Eylure False Lashes (116)

Lips

MAC Modesty Lipstick

In the mad getting ready rush I didn't actually photograph my own makeup, but I have a post that will be up tomorrow to rectify that! Here is one photo I did get of me.....in the toilets, nice.

The next day was spent indulging in our guilty pleasure, Keeping up with the Kardashians and attacking the aforementioned Bens Cookie Box!

Inside My Makeup Bag

For Christmas I got the most adorable makeup bag from my Mum and Dad. Its extra special to me as its New York themed, with little taxis, pretzels and 'hot doigs' all over it. I adore New York, I have visited 5 times and would love to live there.

As I have been showing you inside everyone else's makeup bag, I thought I would give you a peek into mine. The only makeup I really reapply during the day is lipstick/lip balm, so this is pretty much a bag of different lip products which grows throughout the week!

Oh and if you are interested the makeup bag is from Kate Spade, I'm not sure if you can get it online but I know my Mum bought it from the Kate Spade outlet at Bicester Village in Oxford. 

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder (Shade 20) - Not going to lie, I pretty much bought this for the packaging alone. I like to have a nice compact in my bag and you can't get much more beautiful than this.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Colour in True Pink - I do love a matte lip and this is a pretty matte pink colour.

NARS Sheer Lipstick in Dolce Vita - This is the lipstick Liv Tyler wore in the film Jersey Girl. The film is shockingly bad (JLo and Ben Affleck ahem) but this lipstick is a really pretty, very sheer red. Perfect for me.

EOS Organic Lip Balm in Summer Fruit - Because I am obsessed with EOS.

DIOR Creme De Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm - Don't waste your money on this lip balm, its nothing special.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla - I'm still forming my opinion on this concealer. Its nice under the eyes and has a good brightening effect but I'm still not sure if I like it as a concealer for redness/blemishes. I will report back....

DIOR Lip Glow Colour Reviver Balm in Original and Coral (limited edition) - Skip DIOR's Creme De Rose and get one of these instead. One of my absolute favourite lip balms, I got through a tube in less than 2 months I was that obsessed. I love these because they adapt with the temperature of your lips and  give you the perfect colour.

MAC Lipstick in RiRi Woo - I learnt the hard way to keep a red lipstick in my bag in case of emergencies. I was interning at a magazine and got invited, very last minute to a Pixi Lott Lipsy launch party. I had no makeup on me (FML) and there is a very terrible picture of me with Pixi Lott to prove that (again FML)

Hair Apparatus - When you've got to bun, you've got to bun! I love these Sephora hair ties, they leave no kinks in your hair at all.

Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Lip Enhancer - My friend bought me this for Christmas. It has purified bee venom in it and trust me it really makes your lips tingle. I didn't know if I was allergic to bee stings until I tried this....luckily I'm not!

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium - Now, this is one of my favourite concealers for blemishes. Covers anything but feels very light and its so cheap, I love it!

Burberry Lip Cover in English Rose - I know I always bang on about this lipstick but it truly is my favourite 'nude' colour.

Sephora Cinderella Collection Rollerball Perfume - I wish dreams really did come true! One day.....

Kate Walsh Boyfriend Rollerball Perfume - I love this slightly masculine scent, especially in the Winter time.

Jordana Lipliner in Tawny - One of my best American drugstore discoveries and it only cost $1.99

I always have such a heavy bag and now I realise that's because its full of lip balm!

Inside My Sister's Makeup Bag

The snooping continues! I finally persuaded my Sister to share the contents of her makeup bag. As she has a far more eloquent way with words than I do, I will leave her to explain the contents!

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So as makeup bags go, even I can see that this is a pretty boring one to take a peak at. Classic, neutral, plain and safe are all words you could use to describe the contents of my bag.

From day to evening my look doesn't alter much - I regularly commit the ultimate beauty faux pas of just putting more on when it comes to the evening. Although I might lack adventure, I do like to buy high quality, decent products and if I love a product then I'm very loyal. 

Below are my favourites and the ones I just wouldn't be without.

Bare Minerals Original Foundation - This is my makeup bag staple and the best foundation I've found. Gives long-lasting, flawless coverage and no need for powder! 

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector - In summer I like to try and stay away from foundation when I've got a bit of colour and I find this does the job well. Ive not found a better BB cream for the price and I'm yet to check out whether CC creams do trump the BB.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - My summer skin essential. Use alone or on top of the BB cream. Subtle, sheer colour for a healthy summer glow.

Laura Mercer Secret Camouflage - Pretty industrial concealer with a base to help it last all day. I'm not so much a fan of the application method, although this maybe just because Ive not bothered to purchase a brush for it. Lasts forever so worth the investment if you are prone to breakouts. 

NARS Blush Bronzer Duo in Sin and Casino - Another year round staple. Modern but classic shades of bronzer and blusher perfect for day and evening.

Chanel Eyeshadow Duo in Taupe - Delicat - A new addition to my makeup bag. Neutral colours that work well for the day and evening. Stays put too - If we still lived together, this would most definitely find its way into my room!

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara - As mascaras go, this isn't bad. But I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it again. Generally I find Revlon to be pretty good for mascaras but I've yet to find one killer mascara.

Rimmel Glam'Eyes Liquid Liner - I wouldn't be without this and despite trying numerous expensive alternatives such as Chanel and YSL, you cant beat this Rimmel option for colour and application. A snip at around a fiver and it lasts forever.

Milani Liquid Eye - In theory a great pencil eyeliner which performs like its a liquid. However sharpening it is almost impossible and after a few weeks of trying and just ending up with black eyeliner everywhere but my eyes, I think I will revert to a standard pencil in future.

MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch - Is it sad that I'm impressed by how much of this she has used?!

Elziabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Protectant Stick - Pricey as far as lip balms go but its a great all year round product that gives a nice subtle sheen as well as moisturising and protecting.

MAC Tinted Lipglass in Viva Glam V and Big Baby - Another classic of mine. I'm not a great lipstick wearer - it seems to last 2 seconds on me, so a nudeish lip gloss is one of my essentials to upgrade my day look to night - I don't think I have ever seen my Mum or my Sister wearing a red lip, maybe one day I will convert them!

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink - My hybrid between the Elizabeth Arden and the MAC lip gloss, really conditioning with a touch of colour.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers - The classic eyelash curlers. I can't go without them and I hate how mascara looks sans curl. I'm pretty rubbish at replacing the pad though.

Bare Escentuals Flawless Face Brush

And there you have it, big thank to my Sis. You can check out my other makeup bag snoopings below:

My Nan's Makeup Bag

My Mum's Makeup Bag

Chef and Chloe's Makeup Bags

Inside Chef and Chloe's Makeup Bags

(Chef is on the left and Chloe is on the right!)

The makeup bag snooping continues! I have managed to persuade my three best friends to share the contents of their make up bags. First up Chloe and Chef,  Sop you're next and you're not getting out of this!

I am obviously biased but apart from being the 3 best friends in the entire world, they also have the best style. Although we all have our similarities, we are also very individual and I love how they add their own personal touch to everything. They are definitely unique!

Chef's Makeup Bag

(Side note - Chef is actually Sophie, but Chef is her nickname and I cant remember a time where we have ever called her anything else!)

Sephora Makeup Brushes - "Really good, the Pro Flawless Light Powder Brush (Number 50) is my favourite" - Chef picked these up in September when we were in LA, Sephora's makeup brushes are such good quality for the price.

Benefit Angled Blusher Brush - "My favourite blush for blusher, I actually prefer this to my new Sephora one"

Betsey Johnson Tweezerman Tweezers - "Essential"

Mister Mascara Eyelash Curlers

No7 Intelligent Colour Foundation - "I have been using this foundation for about 10 years! I like how easy it is to apply, I just use my fingers and it feels nice on my skin. Looks like you have no makeup on but covers you at the same time, plus I like that it has SPF" - In all the years I have known Chef I have never known her to use any other foundation, now that says a lot!

Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer - "Moisturiser and a primer in one. It doesn't make your face look overly moisturised and doesn't look shiny when you put your make up on. It feels really light on the skin and I would buy this again"

Collection Fix Me Up Long Lasting Makeup Fixer - "I bought this for holiday and it was really good and cheap. Would buy again" - On holiday Chef bought the Kat Von D Makeup Setting Spray and she  actually text me tonight to say how good it was! I'm definitely going to have to try and get my hands on it!

Marc Jacobs Remedy Concealer Pen in Shade No 2 - "I wanted to get something from the Marc Jacobs make up range and chose this as I had used up my YSL Touche Eclat. Its a good colour match and I would recommend but I do think its overpriced"

Rimmel Ultra Creamy Compact Powder in Ivory - "This was a desperate buy after having no powder foundation left, but its actually really good and I wear this everyday"

Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NC30 - "You don't need a base with this, just apply moisturiser and put this straight on. This replaced my favourite Illamasqua powder foundation which was discontinued :'( I like to wear this on a night out as it has better coverage"

Kat Von D Everlasting Blush in "Lovesong" - "Similar to other blush colours Ive tried before but I love a good blush" - Chef is the blusher Queen and she has quite the little collection in her various makeup bags! I mentioned in my Sephora post that we all picked up a Kat Von D blush, the colours were all beautiful!

NARS Blush in "Torrid" - "Everyday blush, I don't do bronzers" - I told you, Blusher Queen or what! Sop is the Bronzer Queen!

CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara - "Same as the Max Factor False Lash Effect which is my favourite mascara. It never smudges, not like that fucking Maybelline one" - Now the Maybelline mascara Chef is referring to is my beloved Rocket Volum' which I recommended to her :/ I have the waterproof version so don't get any problems with smudging! Side note, like the No7 Foundation this is a Chef staple!

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel - "It is the best brow gel ever, far better than MAC" - We all own and LOVE this brow gel!

Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil in "Blonde" - "I like the angle of this, its a bit hard to use at first but once you get used to it its so easy. I also like that it has a brush on the end" - A much better recommendation from me!

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Grape Vine" and "Quenched" - "I like how soft they make your lips feel and that they don't feel at all greasy. Grape Vine is tinted so I wear that when I want a bit of colour or if I'm not at work"

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick - "I don't normally suit reds but this is a really good red" - I will second that, looks a-mazing on!

Chloe's Makeup Bag

MAC Bronzer Brush - "Big enough to spread over your whole face"

Sephora Angled Blush Brush - I think this may have been a recommendation from The Blusher Queen!

Models Own Powder Brush - "Nothing special, basic powder brush"

Chanel Foundation Brush No 6 - "I always apply my foundation with a brush"

Benefit Fan Brush - "I use this for applying my MAC Marilyn Beauty Powder as I don't want a lot of product"

Eyebrow Brush - Both Chef and Chloe have a habit of grabbing a bunch of these if they are out in Sephora or MAC, terrible!

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers - "I use these when I can be bothered as I wear contact lenses. These are definitely the best though as I have had cheaper versions before and they didn't lift anything"

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - "Recommended by Laura (me!) This is my everyday foundation, it feels very light and is not too heavy on the skin. It also smells nice but it is a little expensive"

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC1 - "My life saviour!" - Both me and Sop (whose makeup bag I am yet to photograph!) would definitely agree with this.

YSL Touche Eclat - "I've had this for ages and I just use it when I'm really tired and my eyes are really dark, I wouldn't use this everyday" - Side note, me and Chloe were discussing how rank these smell when they get a bit old, has anyone else noticed that?!

Smashbox Travel Photo Finish Primer - "I notice a big difference when using this. I would pay the extra money for this as I have used a Rimmel primer in the past which didn't feel as nice, or glide on as easily as this one"

Milani Illuminating Face Powder in "Amber Nectar" - "This was my emergency bronzer as my Too Faced Leopard bronzer smashed in my suitcase :'( I like the overall light effect this gives (its not an orange brown)" - I also bought one of these Milani Illuminating Powders in Beauty's Touch and would highly recommend!

CoverGirl Smoothers Presser Powder in "Translucent Light" - "Another emergency powder as my face powder also smashed in my suitcase *angry face* I actually quite like this, it takes the shine off and gives you more of a matte finish. Good value for money"

MAC Forever Marilyn Beauty Powder - "I use this as a highlighter but in Winter I'll use it all over my face to brighten my skin"

Kat Von D Everlasting Blush in "Truth" - "My first proper blush. I dont really wear blushes as I go red quite easily but I like this nice, natural colour and I love the packaging"

Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil in "Blonde" - "I prefer this to MAC's Lingering as it looks less harsh and doesn't give you a drawn on look" - *Nods in agreement*

MAC Smoulder Eye Kohl - "Angelina Jolie wore this in a photo shoot for Vanity Fair and her eyes looked so good I bought the pencil they used"

MAC Lingering - "Its my number 2. Hourglass is the best but expensive, if you cant afford Hourglass Lingering would be your alternative"

Illamsqua Brow and Lash Gel - "The best, probably should change it soon as its now a taupe colour!"

Lancome Hypnose Mascara - "This is the travel size version, I do really like it and would buy the bigger size but just think the price is a rip off. I normally use Maybelline's False Lash Effect mascara"

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lip Liner in "Red Rush" - "I use this with all my red lipsticks, very good and smooth"

MAC Cruella Lipstick in "Heartless" - "The best red ever, I was too excited when this collection came out. This is an amplified finish, which is my favourite finish in MAC lipsticks" - Have to agree, please do another Disney collection MAC!

MAC Lipstick in "Syrup" - "Fucking love this nude lipstick. I do have to cancel out the redness in my lips first to get the full colour"

Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm in "Pink Shock" - "Good basic lip balm, smells good"

NARS Lipstick in "Schiap" - "My favourite pink lipstick ever. Its a blue pink so makes your teeth look whiter. Tinted or full on, this still looks amazing" - This is one of Chloe's top makeup secrets!

EOS in "Pomegranate" - "Excelled over my Carmex"

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Dragon Girl" - "Such a good lip pencil, very strong red with a matte effect. Good alternative to lipstick" - Now if Chefs the Blusher Queen, Chloe is definitely the Lipstick Queen. If you want an amazing bright lipstick recommendation she will give you one!

Kat Von D Lipstick in "Lovecraft" - "New purchase, very good natural colour but as you cant get this in the UK I would recommend MAC's Syrup"


"When all is said and done, if you can count all your true friends on one hand, you're a lucky man"


Thanks for letting me snoop guys!

Previous Makeup Bag Posts:

My Lovely Mum

My Super Nan!

Inside My Mum's Makeup Bag

I am continuing to snoop in other peoples make up bags and expose their contents on my blog. I already shared my findings from my Nan's make up bag here (Spoiler alert: lots of "pancake" and really old blue eye shadows) and now I have persuaded my Mum to share! 

I have to confess that I actually peek in my Mums makeup bag quite regularly (she says I police it!) I just like to see what shes using, nothing wrong with a makeup bag inspection every now and then is there? So I have sat her down and asked her to review her current beauty products for me to share with you all.

For her base my Mum only likes a light/medium coverage and will always wear some form of BB cream/Tinted Moisturiser (not a traditional foundation). 

Estee Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release - "I wear this on its own as it gives me the light coverage I like, although I do prefer my Origins Vitazing as it seems to last longer on my skin"

Dr Jart + Water Fuse Beauty Balm - "My favourite BB Cream as it has slightly more coverage. You could wear this on a night out and wouldn't need foundation" - (Now coming from my Mum that's quite a statement as she has tried a lot of BB Creams, Garnier, Bobbi Brown, MAC and Estee Lauder)

Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder - "This has a natural, sparkly glow. I use this on my cheeks as a highlight" - This is the first of many Bobbi Brown products in my Mum's make up bag as Bobbi Brown is by far her favourite make up brand. Now I bought this powder as well and wasn't too fussed about it, I have actually given it to my Mum now as hers has run out. Just goes to show that just because something doesn't work for you, doesn't mean its a bad product.

Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder - "I like this, it's very fine and doesn't go everywhere, I would buy this again when it runs out" - (This is one of the products I made her buy, because I knew she would like it and maybe because I wanted to borrow it!)

Bobbi Brown Ultra Nude Eye Palette - "I love Bobbi Browns eye shadows, especially the nude and brown colours. I always use the brush that comes in these palettes as its a great size" - My mum has got through a lot of Bobbi Brown palettes, this particular palette was actually limited edition and is no longer available but if you can get your hands on it I would highly recommend her new palette "Rich Chocolate" I bought this for my mum in America and its beautiful full of rich, warm, chocolaty browns. 

Origins GinZing Mascara - "It has a really chunky brush which takes a while to get used to but I really like the effect this mascara gives but don't watch any sad movies with this on as it runs. If they did a waterproof version I would definitely buy it again"

L'oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara - "Didn't mind this mascara, prefer the effect of the Origins one though and the blush is a bit plasticky"

Like me my mum has far too many lipsticks! Where as I opt for brighter colours (pinks and reds) my mum always wears nudes. I don't think I have ever seen her in a red lipstick. I have quite dark hair so need that bit of extra colour but my mum is quite fair so she can get away with nudes that would make me look washed out.

YSL Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss - These were hand me downs from me, but pretty darn fancy ones if you ask me!

Jemma Kidd Make Up School Lipgloss - "I like to put this over the top of nude lipsticks and its not sticky at all. I think it was a freebie, but don't put that" - Too late and anyway everyone loves a freebie!

Korres Jasmine Lip Butter - "I like wearing this on its own, or on top of a lipstick. Its very natural looking and moisturising" - I love these lip butters too, definitely worth checking out and there's loads of different shades to chose from.

Bobbi Brown Lipsticks - "My favourite lipsticks, all her colours seem to really suit me, I think its because they have a browney base to them. My favourites are Blue Raspberry and Washed Seashell. Laura picked Washed Seashell and I would never have picked it myself" - I love picking lipstick colours for other people, especially when I know a colour will really suit them but they are too scared to try it.

Revlon Lip Butter in Creme Brule - "I do like this but I find it doesn't last as long as my Bobbi Brown lipsticks and I have to reapply more often" - Another hand me down as the shade is just too light for me!

Thanks for letting me snoop Mum, hopefully it wasn't too painful!

Previous Makeup bag: My lovely Nan

Inside My Nans Makeup Bag

I love snooping inside peoples makeup bags, seeing what they use everyday and hearing about the products they swear by. I thought I would share my snoopings on my blog, of course with their owners permission!

First up my Nan.

My Nan is 89 (do not tell her I told you that!) and the contents of her makeup bag has been known to fill me with amusement.

Max Factor Creme Puff - The staple item in any self respecting Nans make up bag. My Nan calls this her pancake and I don't think she has ever used anything else. I love the smell of this, it brings to mind 1950's movie stars and old Grannies!

Maybelline Blue Blaze Eyeshadow - I cant remember when Maybelline had their eye shadows in packaging like this, so I'm assuming this is old. My Nan doesn't wear this on a day to day basis but it comes out for all the special occasions!

Boots Eyeshadow Trio Peridot, Aqua and Jade - Again dread to think how old this is, another special occasion only palette!

Lacura Eyeshadow - Like any Nan, my Nan loves a bargain and she has a couple of makeup items from Aldi/Lidl in her makeup bag. This eyeshadow is so cracked I don't even know why its in there and apparently she never wears it!

Chanel Brown Mascara - I bought this mascara for my Nan about 3 years ago....no joke. There is absolutely nothing left on it, a bit like applying charcoal to your eyelashes and letting all the grit and dust collect in your eyes. Now, a brown mascara is a staple in my Nans makeup bag, but she doesn't use it on her eyelashes, she uses it on her eyebrows. See she knows whats she's doing! I really need to get her a new one!

Rimmel Volume Mascara Flash Brown - This was meant to be the replacement to her beloved Chanel!

Lacura Lipstick - Last but not least lipstick. I don't think my Nan is too fussy on lipstick colours and this Aldi bargain is her current favourite. My other Nan on the other hand doesn't wear any makeup except lipstick and I know the exact pink shade she likes. Her favourite is 17 Poncho Pink!

And that's it, my Nan is certainly a lot more low maintenance than me!