Our Take: Here’s a prime example of how the media distorts images to portray “perfection.” Even gorgeous Faith Hill was subject to airbrushing. It looks like they removed the bags under her eyes, lightened the color of her hair, slimmed her arms, softened her smile lines, added volume to her hair and erased her collarbone. Crazy that they found things to airbrush on a woman who has a Cover Girl contract.

The difference between the untouched photo (left) and the final Redbook cover photo (right) is an example of the media’s rejection of realistic beauty. The “art” of photoshopping creates a false sense of perfection. It’s time the media stopped setting unattainable standards and making readers feel like they don’t measure up.

What Others Are Saying: Online, everyone is talking. Check out

• In Magazine Land, Real Women Not the Real Deal
• Bella Sugar blog entry