Magazine Analysis

 

Cosmopolitan Magazine is targeted at females ages between 16-25, we can tell this just by looking at the cover. Pink is a colour associated with girls and as it is featured heavily on the cover of the magazine it is instantly clear that this is something for females to read. The clever use of different shades of pink and the introduction of black and blues makes certain words more attention grabbing. For example, 'Your Body Rocks' is in big black writing to make it stand out. This would appeal to younger woman as they are often very self conscious and worried about their looks. It is almost as if the magazine is complimenting them. They will feel more inclined to buy the magazine and read what is inside. The fonts on the cover are simple and easy to read; making the cover a lot aesthetically pleasing.

The story's features on the front cover also show us that the magazine is aimed at females aged between 16-25. Young women are very fashion conscious -  so to hook them into purchasing the magazine there is a cover line about the 'Hottest High Street Looks'. The big bold story about sex draws attention to the cover, another tactic that would make the target audience want to buy it. Real life story's also appeal to young women as they like to know what other women are going through, therefore the ' Married 8 months before I had sex' story would be another things that catches their eye.

As well as getting gossip, fashion and sex tips, interviews and beauty information, Cosmopolitan are also offering 2 free cinema tickets to every reader. Young women often enjoy going to the cinema, so this helps to show who the target audience is. Just underneath the banner advertising the cinema tickets, there is a puff telling us that this is the 'Naked Body Confidence Issue'. Young women would like this as most of them would enjoy tips on how to become more confident. As it is in a pink puff it is clear that Cosmopolitan is for females.

Misha Barton features on the cover. She is most well known for starring in The O.C, a programme that was popular with 16.25 year olds. This is another major clue to the age of Cosmopolitan’s target audience. Many young females would like to look like her, or be like her, so to have an incite into her life would excite them. She is an attractive, likeable, well known celebrity that could be seen as a role model – making the magazine sellable.

The price of the magazine also shows that the magazine is aimed at 16-25 year old females. It is being sold for £3.30 - an affordable monthly price for people in their late teens/early twenties.

The whole style of the cover is very pleasing to the eye and very feminine. The soft pastel colours and whites make it look inoffensive and readable. They layout also is very traditional and prevents you from getting confused when looking at it. The language used is quite informal - also making it appealing to younger women.