Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45

by Christopher Hopkins

Known as The Makeover Guy (R) from his appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and other national television programs, Christopher Hopkins believes that as they age, women become more beautiful but often feel less attractive. He's out to change that. For more than twenty years he's encouraged women who often feel like they' have taken a backseat to everything and everyone else to come out of the shadows and take center stage. Now it's your turn. Using Christopher's step-by-step strategies and detailed advice, you will learn to:






Restore your hair with your ideal cut, color, and style.
Revamp your wardrobe to flatter a changing body.
Refresh your face with 'visible lift' makeup techniques.
Renew your spirit and maintain your look using Christopher's revival guide.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Fashion, How To

328 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2008

About the author

Christopher Jon Hopkins, aka "The Makeover Guy" is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, media personality, singer and makeover artist.

(wikipedia)

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No need to repeat all the same things other reviewers have already covered in their glowing reviews. All the good things already said are true, accurate & cover all the bases.

Only want to mention what stood out the most from everything else in the book.

This author so graciously doesn't criticize, belittle or frown upon aging women. Nor does he spend the majority of the book telling women to fight the aging process with all their might as many other similar books attempt to do. He actually encourages the aging woman to accept the beauty & grace of age & all the benefits & great things that accompany aging. The author seeks not to ridicule & further bury the aging woman in a heap of 'stay young at any cost' rubble, but rather gently & compassionately offers invaluable guidance for struggling woman facing the unknowns of aging & how to make the appropriate changes neccesary.

This book conveys the important truth...that it's not about staying young...it's about aging appropriately, with class, with style & remaining fashionably beautiful....yet being true to your age.

Now that's advice we rarely hear... yet so badly need from others like Mr. Hopkins...

If your over 40 ....this book is guaranteed to help in some way, shape or form....Loved it & highly recommend it!

[Susan Saylor whitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's easy, as we age, to get into a slump. When our bodies aren't what they were when we were in our twenties...or even fourties!!....we "give up" and resort to what remotely fits or what's clean, regardless of current trends. Christopher is the KING of the makeover and if you haven't visited his salon, reVamp in Uptown, you really should. I've seen a few stylists there over the years and all are wonderful, although I've never had the pleasure of being styled by Christopher. His book is the next best thing. It will give you direction and the before and after photos are nothing short of incredible. What a difference the right haircut for your face and lifestyle and clothes that are tailored to your body can make !!
I purchase this book when it was first published and lost it in a move, so I just repurchased as I felt it's a valuable reference.

[Poiema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the kind of book I usually read, but I am well into my 5th decade and have realized that it is definitely time for a little updating! Christopher Hopkins walked me through the process of determining my style, changing my make-up, selecting flattering clothing, and coloring/styling my hair. There is a lot of detail packed into this book, and several makeovers that were really fun! He has a great deal of respect for the older woman and knows how to bring out the latent beauty within to help her feel confident and classy. I liked his tone. Here are a couple of quotes that I appreciate:

"Looking current and youthful should not translate into 'mutton dressed as lamb.'"

"Our image must reflect the person we've become, not the person we were."

Recommended, especially if you don't have a "real life" go-to person to help you with these things.

[C.R. Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy watching his videos on Youtube, so I bought the book. My hair is almost waist length now, ugh, and I wanted to explore new looks to celebrate the end of this pandemic. The Positives: this is a great source of information if you are over 40 and looking to freshen up your look. I like how he has listed the different personal style types and given advice for hair, makeup, and dress. The Negative: Every single woman he shows for an example was made over with short "Old Lady" aka helmet hairdos (think SLN "The Mom Hairdo" skit). Just because you turn 40, 50, 60, or even 70, doesn't mean you have to get a pix cut. Medium and long hair can be beautiful on older women too.

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read books like this, and I'm not sure why I picked this one up. But I loved it, and have both recommended it and given it as a gift. I think as we age and hit our 40's and 50's, we get almost too comfortable. After many years of taking care of all of your family's needs, you realize that you've totally neglected yourself. I've always hated beauty and fashion magazines that are more interested in their advertisers than in the actual people reading the articles. A woman loses hope when they're pounded with the idea that botox and surgery are their only hope. This book gives sensible, affordable things you can do to get out of that sweat pants rut you've settled in to.

[Karen Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd been following "the Makeover Guy" on YouTube now and then when I learned of his book.

The book starts with a little background on the author and how he got into what he does now. The rest of the book is mainly hair, makeup and fashion tips for women over 45 who want to look better – and the author believes *all* women can be beautiful, regardless of age. The keys seem to be concealing or not bringing attention to flaws, like a big tummy or sun-damaged skin, and creating balance and enhancing femininity, through different lengths, cuts and colors of clothes and hair.

Favorite quote: "Ma Kettle was surely a Casual who just didn't have time to put on her makeup (or find a good bra)."

You may not want to go along with the author on all the details, like eyelash curling, but the basic principles are certainly sound and worth keeping in mind. On this basis, recommended.

[Eleanor W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books and magazines about aging with style and grace are a strong area of interest for me, and this engaging book sits at the top of the stack! Christopher obviously takes delight in helping us women of a certain age look our best. Bless him! He encourages women to use specific words to define their look/attitude, and he has a fresh take on body type, using vertical and horizontal measurements to define a total body type. The one aspect of this book that I did not enjoy is that the pages are "busy." The book is full color, which is lovely, but there's a lot going on in most of the pages: colors, text, images, quotes. Yet, the layout is the very thing that will appeal to non-traditional readers. A must read for women ages 45 and up who want to define their "second act."

[AP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very optimistic & opinionated. Many typos from poor copy editing distracted the reader from an important message. The big idea is that looking great takes time & work, that every older woman deserves to spend the time, $, & energy to make herself look & then feel great. When an older woman is sandwiched between working and also caring for family (parents, kids, spouse) & household, she often puts herself in last place. The cumulative self-neglect takes its toll on one's physical appearance and self- confidence. This book has a step-by-step plan for women to reclaim to their sassy self both by external & internal actions. Very important message in this book. The layout, art direction in a book about looking pretty are unattractive. Better copy editing & art direction would help greatly.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main reason I purchased this book is because Hopkins is a salon owner and hair stylists. I wanted hair ideas.

All his makeovers feature short hair and back combed! If you feature a women with poor fashion choices (crochet vest!) and no makeup, not been in the hair salon in years it is easy to create a positive image.

I appreciate that Hopkins did not suggest Botox, fillers, etc but I think basic skincare is a must. Proper removal of makeup at night and moisturizing always help the look of skin especially if foundation is applied. I am also puzzled about the suggestion of lasering off sunspots, rather than the importance of prevention.

I expected more.

[Lenora K. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enrichment of mind and beauty

Simply wonderful. I just retired at age 67 and I know what ok will be doing as a gift to myself as I embark on my next college degree. I will use the information in this wonderful book to be my best on outside as I improve my mind. Thank you so much for your gift of possibilities!!

[Becki · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good content here, interspersed with some vaguely misogynistic snark.

The makeovers looked great, but everyone had the exact same look- same short haircut, same makeup and clothing style... I just didn't get a lot out of the book. Your mileage may vary...

[Caroline A Leveaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this - and feel so encouraged

This is not the kind of book I would normally choose but I have really enjoyed the short tapes by ‘makeover man’ and thought I’d try this. It’s given me so many ideas and is a lot of fun.

[Elsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter stands on its own. Feel free to pick and choose the ones that you want to read.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Give me a break

This book was a waste of my money. I knew this stuff from countless magazines and tv shows. Nothing to see here folks.

[Saras A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will definitely review again👍

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Interesting and informative. I’ve made my appointment. I can’t wait to make my debut! A must read for second act women.

[Sandy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Christopher Hopkins is so inciteful. He speaks to 'every woman'. Anyone can use the information in this book.

[Trisia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be on every woman’s bookshelf. It is absolutely inspiring.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could save you the 8-10K cost of seeing him.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highlights:
-Determine your IPS (ideal personal style), e.g. Casual-Classic: modest, sensible, easy-care, but traditional, neat, and taylored
- Don't go with fads. Trends develop slowly--if something is flattering to you in that trend, be the first to wear it. See fashion magazines that match your style to see what's trending.
-Invest in classics (e.g. black high heel pumps, trench coat, ...) and add personal style/trend in the color, line, pattern, texture, and accents that flatter you
-Fundamentals of beauty--line, proportion, color, texture. accents. Line: the faster the line moves, the longer and slimmer it looks. Anything that breaks/stops movement, shortens and draws attention to the break. Decide where you want eye to rest and use line to direct it. Diagonal and vertical lines slenderize, oval evoks feminine. Color: dark, muted colors recede, light and bright expands. Decide what you want to recede/expand, apply color accordingly. Put color near and around face, because that's where you want attention. Do cool or warm tones flatter your complexion? Create illusion that your parts are in harmony.
-Horizontal body types: Hourglass, *triangle, inverted triangle, *rectangle. (34, 29, 36 1/2)
-Vertical body types: ideally, you should be able to cut yourself into 4 even quadrants (head to bust, bust to hips, hips to knees, knees to heels). Balanced vertical proportions are most flattering. Camouflage or highlight with line, proportion, texture, color, accent. Ex: if you have a shorter torso with longer legs, you should visually lengthen the upper body with longer jackets, sweaters, and overblouses; create strong diagonal lines above waist with deep-cut v-necks, open blouses, long necklaces, or scarves; avoid wide or stiff belts; avoid detailing in torso area; blouse when you tuck to lengthen waist; choose drop waists, tunic blouses, longer sweaters. (19, 11 1/2, 16, 18)
- total body type: e.g., A3
- if you have a long, thin neck: wear turtlenecks, turn up collar, wear chokers, scarvs, chunky jewelry... Best necklines: notched collar, convertible collar, cowl, peter pan, turtleneck, mandarin, funnel
- Ideal shoulder line balances hips. If hips are broader than shoulders, look for styles that are horizontally broadening, e.g., boatneck, off-the-shoulder, wide v-neck, wide scoop neckline, shoulder pads (shoulderpads.com), avoid halter tops, contrast vest and blouse, pull up sleeves and blouse upper arm fabric, choose wide straps...
-Bust line: to augment appearance, wear tighter sleeves, cowl neckline, gathered neckline, oval scoop ruffled blouses, strapless ruffled blouses
-Arms: gently tapered sleeves create slender-looking arms
-He gives great tips for makeup and even includes lots of close-up photos to illustrate how to apply it

[Carolyn F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The befores and afters were pretty amazing, except for one where I thought her new haircut wasn't as nice as the before hair although the rest of her was absolutely fantastic.

The main reason I read the book was for what to do with my hair. I have had this haircut (or a slight version plus or minus the 80s perms) since I was 18. Bangs, longish, straight, blondish hair. I am now 52 and am a little jowly, have a small double chin which I hate and creping around my neck. I don't want hair to end at or above my ear. I have fine thin hair and still have nightmare flashbacks to the shag (a mullet or a scene haircut nowadays), where I couldn't get my hair to look anything like Goldie Hawn or Jane Fonda. So I thought since he's a hairstylist that this would be the biggest and best section of the book. It was okay. The biggest thing I gleaned from that chapter was to take in pictures of everyday people and not movie stars when I bring in a picture.

Now what to wear for your body type was a much better chapter. I'm a classic (I work in an office and pretty much wear the same clothes over and over again) with leanings toward romantic (blousy tops with faux or real wraps). I love a cardigan for warmth though so I really need to freshen that up maybe with colors. The problem is I'm cheap. So if it's not on sale or at a thrift store, I won't buy it.

Another good part of this book is that he says to make a list of things you want/need and carry it with you for when you do come across that item. That I will implement too.

A good book for the older woman.

[Lisa Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard Christopher Hopkins on the radio many times here in Mpls. He sounds like such a wonderful, elegant man. His picture fits his persona. His approach to looking great is really about common sense, consistency, using great products and feeling confident. Certainly this book hits all those points with real life examples and pictures. What I enjoyed most is his vision confirms what I've always believed; when you look great you feel great and when you feel great you usually look great! Yes, there is a routine as we age but it really doesn't take much longer when you are in a solid state of mind. This book is relevant for women in their 40s and beyond. As we know when we're younger we usually don't have the need or desire for revision. Hopkin's services are expensive but I would believe if women have an initial make-over with him they could retain what he does if they really want to. However, he provides many, many helpful hints to allow women to stay in the game of looking well all by themselves. One of my favorite quotes which sums up why women don't maintain great beauty and style appears on page 12: " For many people an excuse is better than an achievement because an achievement no matter how great leaves you having to prove yourself again in the future; but an excuse can last for life."-Eric Hoffer

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very well done, and had some great before and after pictures for all body types (could have been better with more photos). The women featured looked wonderful after the makeovers, but the clothing selections could have been improved. Great tips on choosing the right clothing styles, hair styles, makeup etc.

If as a 45++ woman, looking your best is important to you, I would recommend this book.

Rating 4/5

[Joanne Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book. His insight on fashion, makeup and style reaffirmed some of what I have learned. His wryly humorous style engaged me. The photos in the book converted me. What fun! Although I don't have a "comeback" for which to plan, I sure plan to put what I have learned from him into action.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some excellent tips for ah...the mature women but one must take recommendations with several grains of salt. The befores and afters are quite amazing (one woman doesn't even look like herself)
but I can't see it for me on an everyday basis!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love makeover books (and tv shows) for the before and after pictures. This book does not disappoint. Written for women over 45, there are good tips for dressing and styling yourself to look your best. The before and after pictures and profiles are great and some are completely amazing.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm currently reading this book. I'm learning A LOT about beauty and self-esteem, even though I am not a vain person, I could learn a lot about improving my looks and making myself look more like I feel inside and less like the age I am.....

[Janal Kalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for older women, of which I am one. There are a lot of good tips and advice.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa loaned me this--any and all tips at this point in my life are welcome!

Some of the make-overs are truly amazing! I know a few people I'd like to share this with ;-)

[Sandy Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, inspiring