People’s Most Beautiful: A Retrospective of Iconic Covers
PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful issue has been a beloved celebration of individuals who redefine beauty, live authentically, and serve as sources of inspiration for others. Since its inception in 1990, the magazine has featured some of Hollywood’s most prominent leading ladies, including iconic figures such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Beyoncé, and Kate Hudson, sharing their personal stories of what beauty means to them – encompassing aspects from relationships to personal growth.
As Demi Moore takes the spotlight as PEOPLE’s Most Beautiful in 2025, it’s a perfect opportunity to reminisce on the exceptional cover stars who have graced the magazine in the past. From the inaugural cover featuring Michelle Pfeiffer in 1990 to the most recent cover featuring Sofia Vergara in 2024, each issue has showcased individuals who embody inner and outer beauty.
Michelle Pfeiffer was honoured as the first cover star in 1990, chosen from a list of 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. The following year, Julia Roberts captivated readers with her timeless beauty, earning the title of a “Botticelli beauty” at just 23 years old. Subsequent years saw luminaries like Jodie Foster, Cindy Crawford, and Meg Ryan grace the covers, each bringing their unique charm and charisma to the forefront.
The early 2000s marked the appearances of Hollywood royalty such as Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Nicole Kidman, showcasing a diverse array of talent and beauty. Stars like Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, and Julia Roberts continued to captivate readers in the following years, sharing their personal insights on beauty, ageing, and life in the spotlight.
In 2018, PEOPLE introduced a new era with the “Beautiful Issue,” featuring Pink as the cover star, emphasising the importance of inner strength and family values. Subsequent covers featured luminaries like Jennifer Garner, Goldie Hawn, and the multigenerational cover with Kate Hudson and her mother Goldie Hawn, celebrating the beauty of family bonds.
The 2020s brought a new wave of stars like Chrissy Teigen, Helen Mirren, and Melissa McCarthy, each sharing their unique perspectives on beauty, self-acceptance, and personal growth. The 2025 cover star, Demi Moore, reflects on the ever-evolving definition of beauty, emphasising authenticity and self-compassion as the true essence of being beautiful.
As PEOPLE’s Most Beautiful continues to evolve and celebrate individuals from all walks of life, the enduring message remains clear – beauty is not just skin deep. It is a reflection of one’s character, resilience, and ability to embrace one’s true self. Each cover star, past and present, serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of beauty and the power of self-love.