While the idea of makeup-free covers is nice in theory, it’s somewhat counterintuitive for a beauty magazine like Allure. And if you aren’t also forgoing Photoshop, doesn’t it defeat the whole purpose? Unfortunately, makeup-free is mostly used as an easy way to garner extra publicity and is rarely that impactful. Leave it to Lena Dunham, however, to actually push the envelope with an airbrush-free full body shot — cellulite and all.
Retouching aside, there wasn’t much in the way of diversity this month (though Solange Knowles and Taraji P. Henson did stand out as two of the month’s best cover models), but there was a solid showing of beautiful model covers, especially for up-and-comers. Fashion-wise, Fendi and Saint Laurent came out on top with multiple covers.
Here’s a look at all the need-to-know February 2017 magazine covers.
The Glossies: All the February 2017 Covers We Loved and Hated
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Vogue
Is Dakota Johnson wearing a wig?
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Glamour UK
This image is the stuff nightmares are made of...
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ELLE UK
The high-shine coat may be a fashion fail, but it's eye-catching against the background and the beauty look is spot on for Elle Fanning's age and complexion.
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Harper's Bazaar
This is how Madonna does Old Hollywood — and we've seen it too many times before.
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Marie Claire
If someone told us this was a prom shot from the 80s, we'd believe it...wind machine and all.
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ELLE
Shailene Woodley killing it in the cropped Fendi sweater of the moment.
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Cosmopolitan
The bar is never set that high for Cosmopolitan and this uninspired Hilary Duff cover is exactly why.
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InStyle
If ever a cover had us longing for spring...
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ELLE Canada
While this isn't a look that would translate well into most people's everyday wardrobe, it's great to see ELLE Canada pushing the envelope both by featuring Winnie Harlow and with the fashion-forward styling.
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Essence
Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe radiate, but there's no stealing the spotlight from Taraji P. Henson.
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Interview
Solange Knowles kills it in a powerful, natural-looking shot.
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Harper's Bazaar UK
A beautiful and surprisingly effortless-looking shot for something so clearly meticulously styled.
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Vogue UK
An upbeat, fresh-faced cover with Imaan Hammam, Taylor Hill and Anna Ewers all wearing head-to-toe Saint Laurent.
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Glamour
The styling may be atrocious, but how amazing to finally see some truth — by way of cellulite — on the cover of a major magazine.
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V Magazine
Kendall Jenner joins Amber Valletta, Carolyn Murphy, Lara Stone, Joan Smalls and Ellen Rosa, each with a solo cover complete with a temporary tattoo. Is it just us, or does Kendall look like she's holding her breath?
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Vogue Germany
In an age where you can never show enough skin, this is a refreshing shot of Toni Garrn. And that G in her hand!
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Vogue Japan
Talk about resting bitch face! But it's always nice to see up-and-comers grace a major glossy.
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W
Why are Ruth Negga and Natalie Portman about to make out?
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Vogue Australia
Who knew Amanda Seyfried had this vixen side? It may not be the most exciting cover, but it's nice to see the mom-to-be in a new light.
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Vogue Netherlands
Cato Van Ee proves once again she's an underused model.
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Allure
Makeup may not have been involved in this cover shot of Alicia Keys, but her flawless complexion makes us wonder how much Photoshop was involved.
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Vogue Paris
While the styling is interesting, it's hard to get over how washed out it makes Anna Ewers appear.
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Vogue Spain
The desert-blue sky backdrop may be beautiful, but it's hard to focus on anything besides Emily Ratajkowski's perky breasts.
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Vogue Ukraine
Anthony Vaccarello muse Anja Rubik delivers in a Saint Laurent dress. Let's just hope she doesn't inspire anyone else to think they could pull it off with the same ease.
