Seventeen Magazine

Summary

This magazine’s target audience is female young adults. The magazine is divided into five sections. It also includes a horoscope, lists of freebies, a note from the editor, letters to the editor, and a feature article interviewing the celebrity on the cover. The table of contents not only has a brief description of the article with the page number, but it also has a photograph of the featured item inside a circular frame. The Fashion section suggests what to wear and includes bargains. The Beauty section includes information about hair and makeup. The Health section includes information about what to eat, how to workout, and how to deal with body issues. The Love section offers relationship advice. The Life section includes a true story about a life-changing event and an interview with a celebrity. The magazine has many full-page advertisements for makeup, television shows, perfume, clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Critical Evaluation

The magazine’s bright cover grabs readers’ attention from the moment she picks it up. She is able to find information about how to recreate the cover celebrity’s makeup style as a page is dedicated to providing that information so readers can also purchase these items. Many advertisements actually appear to be part of the magazine’s information, but readers can quickly distinguish between the two. The fashion section offers many suggestions that relates to readers’ varying styles. Illustrations and photographs adorn most of the pages and often leaves little room for text. This is appropriate, however, since the reader has probably purchased the magazine to see the fashion and beauty, not read about it. An encouraging addition is the inclusion of plus-size models; by showing models with different body types, more readers can connect with the magazine and not feel excluded. It also may encourage body image health. Young adult women do not have to be hypercritical of themselves if they do not look like the skinny models. Many articles suggest items that are relatively inexpensive; again, this makes the magazine very relatable to most young women. These items are not out of their reach. Makeup and hair techniques are presented with step-by-step, detailed illustrations and instructions to help readers achieve the desired effect. In the Health section, there is a removable insert with photographs and instructions how to workout in five exercises. This magazine does a good job of providing its readers with helpful information how to look and feel their best.

Why did I include this magazine?

I used to read Seventeen magazine when I was young. It hasn’t changed much since then, and looking at this magazine was a walk down memory lane. There seems to be less text and more pictures, though. All in all, this magazine is an entertaining read. I was also happy to see some plus-size models in the pictures. Go curvy girls!