THE BEAUTY REVIEW WITH MEAGAN BALL-JORDAN

Ruby-Woo MAC lipstick (Matte)

Red Lipstick MACRed is one of my favorite colors. Red is the color of love, fire, heat, and passion. I used to love watching my Aunt paint her nails fire-engine red with flaming red lips to match. Growing up, my sisters and I were never allowed to wear red anything because my dad thought that color was too grown for us. They say, if you want a man’s attention, then wear red! My dad may have been on to something by not letting us wear much red but as soon as I was grown and on my own, I bought my first tube of red lipstick and I have been in love ever since!

 

Most people are afraid of red lipstick because of its vibrancy, the attention it draws to the mouth, and the fact they think it just doesn’t look good. Red lipstick actually makes the teeth look whiter and can instantly add a pop of color to any makeup palette or outfit. One of the red lipsticks that I adore and drives the men insane is Ruby-Woo by MAC. It is a matte red lipstick which I prefer because it doesn’t have that extra shine or sheen to it and it is only $14. Ruby-Woo has blue undertones and compliments my dark-brown skin (I am African-American). Not all reds are created equal.  There are true reds, red with blue undertones, and red with orange and pink undertones.  Most people are wearing the wrong hue for their skin tone and finding the right hue is essential to  pulling off the red lip.  Life is about taking risks; Take a risk, put on that new lipstick and paint the town red!

 

Purchase at MAC stores or online at www.maccosmetics.com

 

Meagan Ball-Jordan is a beauty connoisseur and grad student currently residng in Dallas, Texas. Keep up with her on Twitter @MeaganElyce!

Houston, I’m Officially Crushing on You: Arts Edition

Fashion Plate, Arsenal 7 Series, and The Lion King Musical

To say the least, I am having a bit of a summer romance with the city of Houston. There is an abundance of events and activities to take part in, and trying to juggle all the ones I find interesting has been a bit of a challenge. Sunday night  I had the pleasure of going to KING + MUSIC + FASHION + YOU at Mongoose Versus Cobra and it was the perfect  combination.

For starters, if you haven’t been to Mongoose Versus Cobra yet, go. It’s swanky in a subtle way, and the exposed brick wall makes for a great impromptu photo shoot -never a disappointment. The original designs by Arsenal 7 Series designers Kyle Futrell and KK are one of a kind, and I was totally blown away by the friendliness of the Lion King cast. Oh, and did I mention that the DJ was amazing?! His name is DJ Francesco Conti, and my poor Shazam was getting put to work! Words can’t capture all the reasons why I had a such a good time Sunday night, but maybe the photos and video will.

Enjoy!

-Chelsea

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFm3tiOBVYY&feature=plcp]

*The Lion King will be in  Houston at the Sarofim Hall  in the Hobby Center JUL 10–AUG 12, 2012.

The Woman Behind the H&M You Know & Love

Nicole Christie: The Woman Behind the H&M You Know & Love

This may appear to be an ode to Nicole Christie, and I don’t know that I can argue anything short of that. H&M’s brilliance and commitment to redefining norms clearly extends beyond their clothing! Nicole Christie is a refreshing example of someone who can have it all, and still remain humble. I had the pleasure of catching up with the Fashion Star judge, and she offered some great advice to our Coffey Break readers!

Houston has received two H&M’s over the course of the last two months, and Houstonians couldn’t be more excited! We discussed the future of H&M in Houston, how to start a career in fashion and the benefits of getting a college education. Check out the interview below:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rHINuF_C0E&feature=g-upl]
Special thanks to Houston Style Magazine and Rebecca Briscoe for the opportunity!

-Chelsea