A hilariously named photo finishing business called "True You Retouching" edited photos of average women, as seen on the left, in the industry standard for people on the covers of magazines. Realistically, these models would not be on the cover of a fashion magazine unless they were public figures known for other reasons. This is ostensibly how their photos would be altered if they were famous authors or political figures featured as cover models, for instance (although something tells me these edits might be the tip of the proverbial iceberg).
See the rest of the series here. What are your thoughts, readers?
The group of women selected knew each other, and presumably had similar viewpoints. These were not random women. Presumably when selected, they were told they were "average", what would happen, and they would have understood the intent of the article. Negative reactions were not only encouraged, but expected. And of course the reactions will be defensive when you're being "beautified." That's human nature.
Now, let's tell these women they're gorgeous, pay them thousands of dollars to sit around in fancy outfits and makeup, getting their pictures taken, put them in magazines and make them famous, and see then if they complain about their arm hair being photoshopped out.