All the October 2018 Magazine Covers We Loved and Hated

This month, the running trend on magazine covers was natural, which translated into clean makeup and hair (even for Christina Aguilera and Lady Gaga) and a notably unretouched image of Zoë Kravitz. Fashion was low-key as well, which made for a number of snoozy shots. In fact, many of this month’s cover shots looked like throwaways and, given the beauties that graced the October issues, it’s hard to believe this was really as good as it gets. Let’s hope the glossies step it up for the holidays. On a positive note, there was a good amount of diversity this month with Janet Jackson, Namie Amuro, Issa Rae, Chrissy Teigen and more all getting covers. Here’s a look at the best and worst October 2018 fashion magazine covers.

[ Next: September Issues: All the Magazine Covers We Loved and Hated for 2018 ]

October Issues: All the Magazine Covers We Loved and Hated for 2018

Marie Claire

A sultry shot of Nicole Kidman, though it's a shame we can't see more of her Salvatore Ferragamo dress.
Vogue Germany

This shot of Anna Ewers looks more like a Polaroid/test shot than a cover!
Vogue

It's obvious that Vogue wanted to show a more natural side of Lady Gaga, but between her forward-leaning pose and that pale, pale skin, it looks like she's not feeling so well.
InStyle

We'd be smiling from ear to ear like Janet Jackson too with all those Van Cleef & Arpels diamonds!
Marie Claire Australia

Jennifer Lawrence looks like she was hit with a tranquilizer dart.
Vogue UK

Lately, there seems to be a trend of featuring celebrities with their offspring. Most images don't turn out well. In this case, it looks like a cheesy fashion ad.
Cosmopolitan

Someone get Christina Aguilera a good heat protecting hair spray.
Glamour

Not a particularly exciting shot, but it's nice to see Issa Rae get a glossy cover. Maybe next time the mag can show the actress a little more glammed up — it's called Glamour after all.
ELLE

So much money spent on shoots and all one can focus on is that Selena Gomez looks like she's wearing a Brigitte Bardot-inspired wig.
Vanity Fair

This shot of Felicity Jones looks like a (very pretty) 80s book cover.
Town & Country

Is it horror or disgust? Either way, this couldn't have possibly been the best shot of Julianne Moore.
Harper's Bazaar UK

Maybe not a particularly memorable shot, but Cate Blanchett looks relaxed and beautiful for this fall-appropriate shot.
Harper's Bazaar

Despite the lack of fashion, it's always nice to see unretouched photos and Zoë Kravitz looks natural and lovely.
Women's Health

Time to get more creative, especially with such a potentially fun cover star like Chrissy Teigen.
Paper

This is a surprisingly imaginative (at least composition-wise) shot of Emily Ratajkowski, who looks undeniably gorgeous.
Vogue Japan

What a captivating and totally glamorous shot of Namie Amuro!
Vogue Czechoslovakia

It's hard to think of even one good reason why this shot of Lara Stone would be blurred out.
Allure

A fantastic beauty shot of Rihanna. That eye makeup and hair!
Vogue Italia

Gisele Bündchen transforms into Mina Mazzini to celebrate the Italian singer's 60-year career. Why not just put Mina on the cover?
ELLE UK

For better or worse, Selena Gomez looks every bit a teenage pop star, especially with that haircut.
Vogue Paris

Clownish, certainly, but what a fun shot of Kaia Gerber!
Vogue Spain

One of three beautiful covers Cindy Crawford shot for Vogue Spain, 30 years after her first appearance.