Best: Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page, "Marie Claire," October 2009
This cover's yellow theme isn't the only thing that makes this cover bright and fun. Barrymore and Page, both rocking textured, tousled waves and sultry eye makeup look like they're having a blast together.
Photo 10/13
Best: Reese Witherspoon, "InStyle," December 2009
Though the news of her split from Jake Gyllenhaal left us feeling quite sad, one look back at this cover instantly cheers us up. It's festive (appropriate for a December issue) and it makes us want to run out and buy the exact same outfit, paint our nails crimson and sport it all for our New Year's Eve party. But the best part about this cover? Witherspoon's gorgeous smile -- it's authentic and contagious.
Photo 11/13
Best: Beyonce Knowles, "Vogue," April 2009
It's rare to see Knowles wear such minimal makeup, which is one of the reasons why we love this cover. Her sleek hair, perfectly shaped brows and big brown eyes are simply beautiful. With elegant earrings and a gorgeous off-the-shoulder dress in a striking color, there's no need to go big with your hair and makeup as Knowles proves here.
Photo 12/13
Worst: Victoria Beckham, "Elle," October 2009
Though it's hard to even tell that this is, in fact, Victoria Beckham (which could be to her advantage) we just can't grasp what this photo is trying to say. Beckham looks a bit like a plastic version of herself. From the spray-starched updo to the freaky dress that barely covers her obviously-fake cleavage, it's all just too much. Give us a cover that shows a softer side of Mrs. Beckham and we'll change our tune.
Photo 13/13
Worst: Demi Moore, "W," December 2009
The gossip and controversy over this cover continues to this day. And we can see why. Can't see it? Here's a hint: Take a look at her left hip. (It was either a serious case of photoshopping or Moore just has oddly-shaped hips.) Her team argues that the photo wasn't altered, but you decide what you think the truth is -- either way, the photo is a bit scary due to her waif-like appearance.
Because we're obviously list obsessed, we decided to end the year by sharing another best/worst story dedicated to a fun and juicy topic: magazine covers. You may not realize it, but you probably walk past hundreds of magazines each year without really seeing them. We're often guilty of this too, but the magazines mentioned in this list definitely jumped out at us. Some of them were so gorgeous they stopped us dead in our tracks, but others caught our eye and left us wondering, "What were they thinking?"
From Beyonce's elegant shot on the cover of "Vogue" to Victoria Beckham looking slightly freakish on the cover of "Elle," these glossies have stirred up talk, buzz and even controversy among readers and editors alike. Check them out, and if any of your fave or least fave covers didn't make the list, please share by commenting on this story.
