This month’s glossies were focused on beauty and there were two standout trends: deeply saturated red lips and fresh-faced natural beauty looks. Of course, “natural” didn’t come without its share of Photoshopping, making for some unfortunate fails this month. It’s nonetheless always nice to see softer makeup looks, especially as we head into spring.
In terms of cover stars, it was a solid month for models with a mix of established beauties like Kate Moss and Freja Beha Erichsen gracing covers alongside more under-the-radar names like Kris Grikaite. Of course, Gigi and Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner all got covers, none of which were particularly successful. Check them out and more in our roundup of the best and worst May 2017 magazine covers.
All the May 2017 Magazine Covers We Loved and Hated
-
Vogue Japan
Even without a beach backdrop, Imaan Hammam makes us excited for warm weather.
-
Harper's Bazaar UK
No one pulls off the doll face look quite as flawlessly as Lindsey Wixson.
-
Glamour
Goth styling for spring? Nail biting? Fail.
-
InStyle
Amy Schumer is a refreshing choice for this summery cover.
-
Vogue Germany
Kate Moss, Lara Stone and Irina Shayk all got Vogue Germany covers this month, but Moss’ black and white shot stands out from the pack. Not everyone can make natural look so glamorous.
-
ELLE UK
Victoria Beckham may look refreshingly casual — down to her unwashed-looking hair — but this cover is underwhelming. At least give the girl a chunky necklace!
-
Marie Claire
Alexandra Daddario, Aja Naomi King, Zoey Deutch, Emily Ratajkowski and Janelle Monáe all graced Marie Claire covers this month. Ratajkowski stands out with the best all-around cover, which makes us wonder why she’s a relatively underused model — could it be her resemblance to Kendall Jenner?
-
ELLE
The awkward angle of Bella Hadid’s head looks like it’s about to pop off.
-
Harper's Bazaar
“Summer Beauty” and all we get is helmet hair?
-
Vogue
Very few people can pull off this disheveled platinum 'do — and Katy Perry isn’t one of them.
-
Vogue Netherlands
Sexy? Sure. But this is Vogue and the Americana-themed fashion here lacks the sophistication we've come to expect from the glossy.
-
Allure
Sienna Miller looks gorgeous, but the cover lacks a strong background to match her striking pose.
-
Vogue China
It’s hard enough to justify using Terry Richardson after his many scandals, but factor in this generic cover and it becomes impossible.
-
Vogue Paris
A surprisingly sloppy cover for Vogue Paris. That belt!
-
ELLE Canada
It’s a shame Evan Rachel Wood's eye look is overshadowed by a rouge overdose.
-
Vogue UK
Amber Valletta looks naturally flawless, if not for that unfortunate-looking dress.
-
Vogue Korea
Freja Beha Erichsen being her usual cool self.
-
Vogue Russia
Kris Grikaite and this Chloe look are pure perfection.
