Oh, you dear Aussies. First you bless the world with those beautiful surfer boys beaches, then Vegemite, and now you are actively promoting better body image in the media with fantastic, realistic magazine covers. Can you do no wrong?!
The february issue of Marie Claire Australia is worth celebrating over. Jennifer Hawkins, Miss Australia, and then Miss Universe 2004, has been brave enough to appear butt nekkid on the cover, without any retouching.
Looking good, Miss Universe.
I’m so glad that two powerful, prominent Australian women dare to do this. First it was Sarah Murdoch un-retouched on the cover of Women’s Weekly, wrinkle-happy, and now Miss Hawkins’ body is 100% photographed and printed, with no retoucher in-between. (Remember all the multitudes of retouching steps an image goes through, first?)
Miss Hawkins commented on this cover, saying, “I would have been worried about what people thought, whether it was the right decision – a thousand different things… But over the past year and a half I’ve grown into myself, and I’m more confident and comfortable within the modelling industry. I did it for the experience… It felt quite sensual and sexy. I felt empowered.”
Take it from the beauty queen and model – it’s all about confidence, ladies.
If I had to be nit-picky, though, I’d say Jennifer’s face seems to have been retouched, but from what I can tell, her body looks 100% natural – which I can’t complain, it’s a good start. I’m also well aware that the argument may come up that her body fits the “thin and tall” mould so it “doesn’t count” but like I say over and over again, no matter what size you are, we are all human and all have insecurities. It’s a wonderful start and I hope this begins something in other publications.
What do you think of this cover? Would you still be attracted to magazine covers and images if they looked “less than perfect”?
You might also like:
Loading ...
They’ve told me and the others that we...
I...
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it looks stuninng! It’s those tiny “flaws” (mind the ” “) that make her look beautiful.
As you can see, she’s not *perfect* but then again, who is? (Although she appears to be slightly more perfect than the rest of us *cough*)
I feel like this is a good compromise between photoshopping, yay or nay.
On another note, she reminds me Fergie somehow.
of*
Rox, so true – no one is perfect so I don’t see why the media is pushing images that are so airbrushed and fake. The worse thing is that it’s really affecting young girl’s and young women’s notion on what ‘beautiful’ is. Hopefully all these advances to show REAL beauty and role models will continue.
And I actually do see the Fergie resemblance… it’s the look in her eyes, no?
Also, just want to say I’m so glad you made an avatar! Is that you in your pic? Your eyes are STUNNING!
Haha, thank you, Renee! Yes, it is me
Don’t make me blush!
I think it’s great seeing real, un-retouched women in magazines. I think we forget how beautiful REAL women can be. I love watching “How to Look Good Naked, with Carson Kressley” on Lifetime because the women have photo of them in a bra and underwear plastered somewhere in a public place, and strangers comment positively on how beautiful they are.
Katherine´s last blog … One of my favorite beauty blogs: Megsmakeup.com
Hey Katherine! I’ve seen the UK version of that show and I think it’s great too – really helps women to love themselves, “flaws” and all. I also love how the public is really encouraging too
I would love to see every celebrity on the cover of magazine without photoshop. How would it be then?
Some men really believe that celebrities have perfect body. 
Tavia´s last blog … Chic Giveaway! Enter to win a Chic Bracelet, Vichy Thermal Mask, Nivea Styling Mousee and L’Oreal Cashmere Perfect foundation
That would be AWESOME. Especially those who like to put up this “perfect” front – nobody is perfect, so it’s just annoying. :S
It’s good to see un-retouched pictures of women in magazines. Makes us feel good about ourselves that these celebs have cellulite too
I don’t mind seeing retouched pictures too, but over-Photoshopped ones that remove a limb in the process are definitely a no-no for me
I agree Tine – I think photoediting such as removing a hair that was in the way of a picture, or removing a pus-filled zit on the tip of the nose? Those kinda stuff is fine. But when it’s altering the person’s look into something that is definitely not theirs? Me no likely at all!