in the whole magazine spectrum, i would probably rank it a 4, but it doesnt have as much coverage in alternative, more philosophical areas that magazines like "details" have. its topics pretty much apply to the stereotypical topics that women would be interested in - however it covers them differently and better than its competitors.


Jennifer   December 4, 2001
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Great magazine for womens issues. The fashion is fun and trendy, as go for the makeup tips. My only complaint is that I feel that Marie Claire's lists of makeup and clothing recommendations always the same color. ex: blue container on mascara, blue nail polish, light blue scubbing cream. The same list items will be found in next months issue except the products will be all yellow, or red... you get the idea. Is this coincidence, or a suggestion from the art director.


Best of its kind   November 23, 2001
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

As far as fashion/women's interest magazines go, this is the best. There are usually a few traditional fashion spreads - models in urban locales wearing weird clothes and jumping around a lot - but the main fashion offerings are lots of pictures of just the clothes. This means that there is a lot less emphasis on unnaturally skinny body types. My favorites spreads are the "Splure v. Steal" articles where the editors compare two nearly identical outfits - one from couture designers and the other from cheaper, more mainstream retailers. They also do the same thing with makeup. Whoever puts these together does a great job of showing how you can get the same high end look for a fraction of the price. The art department uses a lot of briliant color and the fashion spreads usually revolve around a color theme. The articles tend to focus on interviews with real people. Lots of articles where a couple are interviewed separately about their sex life and then compare their answers. There is also usually one article about a serious subject, usually a political topic that effects women. Nothing in this magazine is going to particularly challenge your intellect, but for a light, fun read, you can't beat it. The perfect magazine to take to the gym and read while you work out on the stairmaster.


Free Stuff   October 28, 2001
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

With such a huge choice of fashion magazine out there today, I will be honest when I say the first thing that hooked me into Marie Claire was their monthly offer for free stuff! Sometimes it's makeup, panties, or skin cream, I am hooked even when the free thing is unobtainable (occasionally you have to go to a certain store to get your free thing).

Another column that I enjoy in Marie Claire, being on a limited budget and all, is the Splurge vs. Steal beauty page. Usually found near the end of the magazine it is full of various expensive beauty items and their prices along side a very similar inexpensive item.