Self Image

Glamour magazine caused quite a stir (and a good one, at that) when they published this photo of 20 year old model Lizzi Miller in their September issue (pg. 194).

“When I was young I really struggled with my body and how it looked because I didn’t understand why my friends were so effortlessly skinny.

“I’ve been that girl, flipping through magazines trying to find just one person who looked a little bit like me. And when I didn’t find it I would start to think there’s something wrong with the way that I looked. When J. Lo and Beyoncé came out and were making curves sexy, I started to accept myself more. It’s funny, but just seeing them look and feel sexy enabled me to do the same.”

And now she’s doing just that for other women! You can read more about her here.

Smiling, happy, beautiful – and perfectly normal, Lizzi is a real inspiration for all women. Kudos to Glamour; I only hope they keep this up. What do you think of this photo?

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And if you do, why do you read them? While I was in Europe this summer, I traveled around a bit so I bought every English women’s fashion magazine I could find to keep me entertained in the plane. And plus; I admit it – they are my guilty pleasures! Some articles are just laughable, but there is definitely a lot of great information in them.

I came across this article by a fantastic blogger, Vered from Mom Grind, called Women’s Magazines: Why You Should Stop Reading Them. I’m personally passionate about that first reason as I look at some of the models in the fashion spreads and ads and I’m just appalled. This lead me to write my blog post, What goes on behind that image … and why you shouldn’t compare yourself to them.

Anyway, check out that article at Mom Grind and let me know what you think! I’m intrigued - I think everything she wrote is true, and I can’t believe how I have missed some of this. I mostly read these magazines for the beauty sections, but the ‘real-life’ articles are pretty great as well. 

Let me know what you think about women fashion magazines: Are they just cashing in on insecurities? Are they really bad for self-esteem? Also, which female fashion magazines do you read, and why do you read them? I’d love to hear your input and comments on them!

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I love Bobbi Brown. I really do. But when I saw the new photo to promote her new Nautical makeup Collection (right), I had to cringe. The model has been photoshopped so much that she doesn’t look like a human being anymore!

I know that I have a lot of younger readers that may not know what goes on behind the very manipulated images that are spread across the media. So I decided to write a post to hopefully educate some of you, so that you would never compare yourself to another model, actress, or woman in an ad again, because I’m sure we’ve all been there. Not to mention, it harms your self-esteem as well. (My post, How to Start Building Self-Esteem may be of interest.)

To put it bluntly – you will never live up to the standards the media portrays as ‘beautiful’ because it is simply not real. The sooner you know that the better!

This post I have written is based on my experience. I’ve worked in front of the camera (don’t tell) when I was younger, and behind the scenes when I was interning at a fashion magazine… and plus I’m a media student, so I’m quite aware of what goes on.  

Some images are more retouched than others, so they may not “follow” exactly what I’m writing, but I’m sure I’m pretty close; so you can get the main idea:

1. Brainstorming

The medium (TV ad, print ad, magazine cover, etc.) that needs an image brainstorms to what “look” will properly sell and convey their brand image. This usually involves an art director, creative director, or magazine editors. Countless meetings later, the “heads” will decide what direction to go in and move forward with the preparation. 

2. Finding the ‘Perfect’ Model

The model is chosen based on her “look”. Hair color, body type, race, height, ability to convey the message, etc. are taken into account. This involves casting agents/model bookers, art director, photographers, fashion editors.

3. At the Shoot

Hair and makeup are done by professionals. This may include contouring to make the nose slimmer, sharper jaw, emphasize cheekbones, as well as false eyelashes, extended lip lines, wigs, hair extensions, and whatever is needed. Hair and makeup can take up to 4 hours.

Clothes are then put on, and could involved clothes pinned back, tape for a bigger cleavage, or spanx to make the model look slimmer. People involved are stylists, hairstylist, makeup artist, and assistants. 

4. During the Shoot

Depending on the model’s ability and the creative directors satisfaction, shoots can last for hours, if not days to get the ‘perfect’ shot. People involved are the creative director, photographer, assistants, and all the stylists for touchups. Sometimes the “big guy” (editor, manager, etc) is there to overlook everything. 

5. After the Shoot

Ah, now for the fun bit! A photo editor or retoucher is called in, after the ‘perfect’ shot has been submitted to them. Some of the retouching includes photoshopping for:

• slimmer thighs, hips, waist, and arms,
• shading for deeper cheekbones, slimmer jawlines, slimmer nose, etc
• whiter teeth, whiter eyes, shiny nails
• bigger lips, fuller hair, bigger bust line
• blemishes and zits removed, lines erased, 
• brightening of colors: brighter blue eyes, brighter hair, makeup and clothes colors, etc.
• digital makeup: longer eyelashes, darker colors, richer colors, more blush, etc.
• …and the list goes on and on. 

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