Before And Aftermath.(fashion makeovers)(Editorial)

Byline: Linda Wells, Editor in Chief

Makeovers used to be a guaranteed hit. Nearly everyone wanted one, nearly every celebrity got oneand anytime a television show or a tabloid needed a boost, it offered one (or two, or 20). Homes got them, cars got them, ordinary folks got them. The story line was almost always inspirational, with a teary reveal and good feelings all around.

That was before the 2008 presidential race. Now, makeover culture has lost some of its before-and-after luster. When Sarah Palin was turned into a trophy candidate in a Valentino jacket and Hollywood makeup and hair, the idea acquired a cynical film. It doesn't matter to me who engineered her transformation; it was ill-conceived and absurdly extravagant ($22,800 for two weeks of makeup applications for the GOP candidates? Even Victoria Beckham might balk at that). It seemed to go against Palin's down-home personality and contradict her message. The public's reaction to the Palin flap was a clear rejection of slick gloss in favor of off-the-rack authenticity.

Meanwhile, in Hollywood, where extravagant makeovers are as common as award shows, the extreme glamour treatment is starting to look a little tired. When they pose on the red carpet, ...