We've become so used to seeing celebs Photoshopped to beyond perfection on magazine covers that it's become an absolute rarity to see a natural visage at the newsstand. It's become, in fact, newsworthy. To that end, Cate Blanchett graces the cover of Intelligent Life, The Econimist's lifestyle publication, and her face hasn't been touched by the Photoshop pen. She looks like a gorgeous 42-year-old mother of three and not some plastic, alien version of herself.
It's refreshing, but it shouldn't be.
Real photos have become unusual, which, if you think about it, is just bizarre. The fact that it's an anomaly to see wrinkles in the media is not only messed up, it's damaging. The more women and celebrities who insist on not being touched up, the more tolerant our society will become. Our ideas of beauty have become so skewed that plastic surgery has become a multibillion-dollar a year industry. Maybe more covers like Cate's will make everyone a little more accepting of age.
It is, however, worth mentioning that Cate does not, by any means whatsoever, look old. She looks amazing. I'd go as far as to say she looks youthful. Even though she's in her early 40s, Cate looks like gosh darn Bambi -- so effortlessly dewy. She looks way better than the average 42-year-old, but because it's real, it's something that's actually achievable with the right exercise, diet, and skin care. I'd rather aspire for something I know is possible (like Cate's natural beauty) than something that's completely impossible (like all the Photoshopped images out there).
What do you think of Cate Blanchett's cover?
Photo via moreintelligentlife.com