1. Tiger Beat
You were probably around 11 or 12 when you first picked this baby up. Obviously, you were full-on in love with the teen heartthrob of your choice on the most recent cover. Interviews with your favorite celebs, who were way older (in reality, they were probably 16); quizzes about what kind of guy you should date; and the foldout posters of those Jonas Brothers hotties were to die for! You were way beyond your years and definitely the one to sit next to on the bus, if you had the latest edition. But if you started reading when you were 13, sorry, but you were, like, totally lame.
2. J-14
The upgrade from Tiger Beat. Basically the same content, but you were only cool if you were reading it well before you were 14 because you were just really mature for your age, you know? You got “the flirty and fun friend"? No way, I got “the flirty and fun friend"! OMG, maybe we should be BFFS!!! (This is only not mortifying because we all know that deep down, this was some variation of ourselves. It's okay, we know you're better than that now, don't worry.)
3. Teen Vogue
Well just wait one minute there, because you are just about the coolest kid on the block! Did you see Hillary Duff on this month's issue?! I totally loved her fringe scarf and calf-length paisley skirt! This was the magazine for the tweens who were too good for Tiger Beat, and even our beloved J-14. Even though you probably didn't know what Vogue was, you knew that because it was French, it HAD to make you cool. Now you get interviews with celebs, AND they tell you what to wear! Maybe they'd even dish about what lip-gloss was at the bottom of their transparent jelly purse! Basically, you were the little fashionista diva of your friends, whipping this mag out during recess instead of those other lowly rags.
4. Seventeen
Well, you've made it. You got your period and you're a woman now. You're probably 14 or 15 and telling your mom that yes, you are so mature enough to read about prom and….OMG…*whisper* sex. This was the go to guide to the unknown of being a teenage girl. You probably didn't know what half the articles meant that you were flipping through, but you faithfully read this mag cover to cover. You also probably saved the prom issues for when you were finally old enough to wear your own yellow taffeta marshmallow of a dress. And obviously, the advice on love and relationships from your idols, were as always, invaluable.
5. Cosmopolitan
Now that you're actually 16 or 17, it makes no sense to read a magazine that was actually designed for your age group! So naturally you found yourself buying Cosmo from the newsstand and stashing it in your backpack or under your bed, before your mom could see. "50 Kinky Moves to Please Your Man This Valentine's Day" was ALL you and your posse BBM'd about, second to that month's Red Hot Read, of course. This was probably the first magazine you ever read with the word “f***" in it, and you liked it! Hello maturity, you have arrived! You'll keep reading this until well throughout out your early twenties, until you realize you just don't care about what Ke$ha finds sexiest in a man anymore.
6. Shape
You're somewhere between your sophomore year of college and the cusp of being a real person. Maybe you never really stopped to shed the Freshman 15 and Mom's been nagging you that no one likes a Lazy Susan. Regardless, you're about to take the world by storm, and you need that Victoria's Secret bod to accompany that pricey education your parents won't let you forget about. You'll read a few articles, be inspired by celebrities who struggle with their weight (and then lose 30 lbs. with the help of their personal trainers), and maybe you'll even be motivated to sign up for a package of 90 spin classes! Basically, you're feeling sorry for yourself, and the “You can do it!" attitude of this mag is music to your ears. Consider it the stepping-stone between college and adulthood—bon voyage baby fat! #Kale.
7. Vogue
Look at you! You have a job, good taste, and maybe even a boyfriend. When people see you reading Vogue, they know you forked over the big bucks for that September issue and you and Anna Wintour must be in sync. You've finally blossomed and are the picture of maturity and grace your grandma always nagged you about being! Take that, Grandma! Seriously, congrats. You've entered your prime—enjoy it! We hope it brings many glasses of pinot noir and culturally diverse cheese!
