The Makeover Guy

Stunning Long Hair to Short Hair Makeover

2011-03-15T16:34:56Z

Air Travel Etiquette

2011-03-04T14:29:06Z

Years ago, when air travel was still a pleasure (remember, free lunch?!) flight attendants were expected to be immaculately polished and polite. So were air travelers. To travel by air was a luxury and you dressed accordingly. As air travel became common so did our image. Today, with emphasis is on comfort, people arrive at the airport in everything from flip-flops to tube tops and it just ain’t pretty.

Though airport attire has gone au casual, airport manners have not. It’s important to remember the airport is not our home. It’s our responsibility to respect fellow travelers and our airline hosts. Always remember your four S's: Your space, your site, your sound and your smell.

Here’s how you can help others fly the friendly skies.

·     Comfortable clothes need not be sloppy, baggy, stretched-out, ripped and ragged, nor should they be gym or sleep attire. If you wouldn’t wear it to a decent restaurant don’t wear it to the airport.

·     Know your luggage restrictions before arriving at the airport. Keep your carry on luggage small enough to fit into the overhead bin or under your seat. Any minute now, they’ll be charging for this privilege so let’s appreciate it while we can.

·     Take your luggage with you to your seat. If you’re in the rear it goes in the rear. If you’re in front, store it as close to your seat as possible.

·     If the conversation isn’t absolutely necessary refrain from speaking on your phone until you are in the terminal. If it is, speak softly. Very softly.

·     Gum smacking is not only tacky it irritates others not immune to your mindless mastication.

·     Ear buds or phones do not keep loud music or movies from broadcasting all around you. Ask your neighbor if the volume is okay, and if need be, turn it down.

·     Keep conversation between you and your neighbor quiet. Very quiet.

·     Keep protruding parts to yourself. Keep elbows, knees, feet and hands in your own square space.

·     Recline your seat SLOWLY.

·     Control your children. You are in charge of their four S’s, and we all appreciate you containing their site, sound, space and smell.

·     A gentle touch and a “Pardon me” is better than a mid-straddle awakening.

·     At-home hygiene is imperative. Remember, you’ll be sitting in close quarters and it’s likely to be warm in the cabin.

·     Eat fried foods in the terminal, not on the plane. No one wants to smell your McNuggets.

Hairstyle for Round Face

2011-01-11T14:03:03Z

Hello Christopher! I have been reading your book "Staging Your Comeback". I am enjoying it very much. I just turned 55 years old and I am going through an uncharacteristic uncertainty about my hair. In the before and after section of the book there are no examples of women with round faces. I would just like some recommendations in this regard. Thank you so much!

Hi Sandra,

When trying to slenderize a round face the same rules of line, texture, color, proportion and accent apply.

Diagonal lines slenderize. Anything with angles in the haircut can help. For instance asymmetrical style lines create an illusion by drawing the eye across the face at an angle. Wedged (tapered, graduated) lines at the sides (as opposed to blunt) of the hair will help as well.
Angled bangs rather than blunt are often more flattering, again, as diagonals slenderize.

Vertical lines slenderize (as in longer straighter hair) can be flattering.

Texture adds bulk: Generally more "height" in the crown of the hair adds life and is slenderizing. This can be created with texture (back combing, layering, rollers, curling iron, etc.)

Horizontals add heft. Avoid anything with blunt horizonal lines.

Round adds pounds, so a round hair shape will add to a round face. Curls can also be considered "round" style lines, but more important is the exterior shape rather than the curl itself. (Also avoid round neck lines or collars).

Much depends on your hair's natural texture, your styling ability, hair idiosyncrasies, your personal style, neck length, ability to acquire hair length, facial features, forehead, hair growth direction etc.. That's why there is no easy answer for this question.

Just remember that all face shapes can attractive. Some of the most adorable women I know have a round face. The most important thing is that your hairstyle and makeup draw attention to your eyes which will draw the focus away from face shape.

Now I Have To Wear Glasses, What Do I Do?

2011-01-05T16:29:01Z

Dear Christopher,

I bought your book a few months ago and have been reading and rereading it ever since. I'm 57 and about a year ago my ophthalmologist told me I can't wear contacts anymore. So I've had to buy glasses, and I hate how I look in them. Even when I was young I hated how I looked, and it's worse now! I have a little face, thick earlobe length hair, and the glasses are too much, even though I found the smallest frames I could. What do I do about eye makeup? Are there any basic hairstyle principles that would help?

Hi Barb,

Oh I wish there were simple answers to these questions. There are, of course, clear frames and frame-less eye-wear, and certainly eye-wear can make a distinctive, interesting and fun look. Depending on your prescription, eye make up can be magnified, so keeping it lighter (if you're far sighted) and a little bit more (if you're near sighted) will help.

My instinct is that if you have thick ear lobe length hair you feel closed in with glasses. Shorter hair or hair that is worn more off the face will help open the look. Make sure to have immaculately shaped and groomed brows and keep earrings smaller. As always we want to focus on the eyes, not the eye-wear.

Put Some Glitter on your Twitter and Sparkle on New Year's Eve

2010-12-28T23:31:23Z

As Candide’s Cunegonde delightfully dished in that delicious Operetta aria, “Glitter and be Gay!” Well, when better I say, than on New Years Eve? Aside from the obvious glitter getters such as ear, neck, and wrist accessories, let’s consider some other option to add sparkle to your New Year’s Eve.

Sparkle can be applied almost anywhere, but remember, wherever you give glint there goes the eye. That’s why it’s often best to keep focus on the face. Unless, of course, you have another place on which you’d like eyes to rest. The most sophisticated “less is more” approach is always appropriate, but on New Year’s Eve appropriate isn’t always the goal. With that in mind bring out your beauty bling using these tips, starting from the top.

Your HEAD

·     Sparkly hair accessories such as clips, combs, barrettes and bows can be added in creative placement, but popular this year is the sequined appliqué headband. Simple to add to almost any hairstyle, it’s reminiscent of the 1910’s and 20’s.

·     Feeling crafty? Glue craft Rhinestones to hairpins or bobby pins. Let dry then creatively place throughout your do.

·     Glitter spray. Remember to do your hair first then add just a touch. Glitter sprays can be difficult to control, so make sure you’re dressed in a robe to avoid getting it on your body or clothes.

Your FACE

Light expands and dark recedes and shine reveals whatever it’s placed upon. The most dramatic places to add sparkle is on areas you wish to either accentuate or expand. Shimmer is usually most attractive on brow and cheekbones, eyelids, and lips.

·     Try dipping false eyelashes in glitter glue then sprinkle with festive cosmetic glitter for a dramatic lash batting attention getter.

·     Create a flirty pout by adding glitter to the center bottom lip them gently “smoosh” lips together for a flirty pout.

·     Apply glitter glue and press on glitter with a soft brush for more dramatic impact

·     Eyelash adhesive along the lash line pressed with festive glitter is an easy way to line the eyelid for some added “pop.”

Helpful Hint: Never use metallic craft glitter on your face. Made from plastic and glass in can be dangerous on the skin or near eyes. FDA approved cosmetic glitter is made with polyester.

BODY

·     Make light dance on your décolleté by dusting clavicles, bust and shoulder bones with golden shimmer powder.

·     Trace a tattoo with glitter glue then with a soft shadow brush press glitter in creative colors for bedazzled body art.

·     Don’t forget nails! Hands and feet can sparkle too with glittery polish or an added gem. Choose colors that complement or contrast your New Year’s Eve party attire.

New Year’s Eve is your time to shine. So bring out the bling, light up the room and “SPARKLE Nealy, SPARKLE!”

Readers Write: Hope is Believing You Will

2010-12-27T17:06:16Z

Dear Christopher,

I am new to your website and book, actually I bought the book for my mother when her husband passed away 4 years ago. She just passed it back to me and said she thought I needed it. Could it be because I have "how to spot signs you might be having a breakdown" on my favorites list?

I have started by giving myself permission to take the time and actually READ your book and not just flip through the pages...I have a card I have started to carry in my purse or pocket to remind myself of the good things I still am...creative, unique and authentic. You have given me hope that I can again find my niche and direction for the next 50 years, wow! I am not the celebrity stalker type (except for theme dressing for an Elton John Concert 30 years ago,oh my), I have thought that this is just a job for most, but watching you in your videos, I believe you are sincere about your mission and this little note confirmed it for me.

One of these days I may get the guts to ask for special help :-) I am physically challenged and I have to dress from the floor up...Granny Chic is on it's way in!

May God bless you and yours this Christmas and in the New Year!

Signing off from my little cabin in North Carolina...

Anna R

Long Face and Sharp Features Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles What Can I Do?

2010-12-24T22:03:33Z

Question: I have a thin long face and sharp features. I wear my hair above the shoulder and naturally wavy. I feel like the curls and fluff soften the sharpness. I feel that my thin face looks like its sagging quicker that a full face. My eyes are long, brown and slitty like with hooded eye lids. I also have issues with darkness and puffiness under my eyes. Help me!

Hello Leigh Ann,

Remember, round adds pounds, so anything round near your face will help. Round earrings, round necklines, round collars. Curls are good, as that has roundness to it, also the shape of the hair can be wedged with the fullest part of the hair at the cheeks and eyes.

Hooded eyelids are discussed in my book with details with photos on how to apply eye shadow to help. (You learn more about that here). Also, any videos you might find on line on how to do Asian eye make up may be of assistance.Google Eye Makeup Asian Eyes.

Puffiness is difficult. I know. Water retention from carbohydrates (alcohol, sugar, etc.) exacerbates puffiness. Drink as much water as possible, avoid the salt, bread and refined sugars (particularly the night before you need to look good for something).

Dark circles are best helped with concealer. Classic answer for puffy eyes is to put spoons in the freezer and then on your eyes to reduce puffiness. But anything cold will help. Cucumbers slices are also advised though I've never actually been patient enough to try them. One solution is to lie the bed on your back with your head over the end of the bed so the fluid can drain from the eye area.

And truthfully, diuretics help with water retention and so too with fluid in the eye area.

I hope that helps!

Over 50 Birthday Makeover on Long Hair

2010-12-07T21:46:39Z

reVamp! salonspa celebrating "Sparkle" 2010

2010-12-07T16:35:18Z

It has been a while since I've blogged, vlogged, or posted something. I have to admit I've spent 100 percent of my energy in the past 6 months to helping update, articulate and celebrate our Minneapolis based salonspa. It has officially staged it's comeback and the following videos showcase us "making our entrance." The first video shows the vibe in under a minute. The second two showcase the entertaining talk show hosts from "My Talk 107."

Champagn, Laughter, Motivation and Makeovers with Christopher Hopkins, The Makeover Guy

2010-11-09T22:13:53Z

A Funny Thing Happened At The Airport

2010-11-06T12:24:57Z

reVamp! salonspa: Inspiring Beauty and Enriching Lives for 20 years!

2010-11-03T23:05:49Z

Happy "Me Day" Makeover

2010-10-26T14:32:29Z

A Corporate Promotion Makeover

2010-10-25T15:09:43Z

Reader's Write

2010-10-20T17:28:31Z

Dearest Christopher,

I purchased your book while visiting in Phoenix, and I felt compelled to write
to you. I devoured your book in a single afternoon while staying at the Orange Tree Resort. I would dearly DEARLY love for me and my best friend Carol {who
will be 58 in January} to have a complete makeover with you! I just turned 43 on September 20, and I am in the process of losing weight {again}. The trouble is, I feel lost. Since both my parents are deceased, and I am an only child, I look to Carol for support and infinite wisdom, and she has undergone a transformation herself, losing 75 pounds and counting! I would love to give
her the gift of a complete makeover for her birthday this coming January!

I know you are horrendously busy, but I felt an instant connection with you
after reading about your relationship with your mother and hearing you speak
of her with such reverence. You have touched a chord within my soul, and I
would dearly love for you to bring out Carol's best, and in the process, help
me find the "me" that lives inside me. Thank you for your time, and thank you for sharing the gift of transformation with so many. You are a blessing beyond
words.

Sincerely,

Lori Bell