Introduction: Transforming the makeover
Abstract
Within Cultural Studies, a substantial body of literature on the makeover has been developed - a response to the visibility of contemporary discourses of transformation. Given the prominent role of the makeover within lifestyle media it is unsurprising that much of this examines advertising, reality television, lifestyle programming and maga- zines, or focuses on the use of a variety of techniques of the body which include cosmetic surgery, fashion, make-up, grooming, exercise and diet as part of the process of remaking and transforming individuals. Practices such as childrearing and dating, along with the cultivation of new talents and the pursuit of success and fame have also been the focus of transformation narratives. As well as these particular forms of makeover, Cultural Studies work has focused on the broader relevance of transformation narratives as part of a developing 'makeover culture'. This has examined the centrality of consumption to the construction of contem- porary identity, the significance of body work and body image, self-improvement and the aesthetics of everyday life, and the pursuit of ideals and projects of the self within neo- liberal societies (Jones, 2008; Lewis, 2008; Palmer, 2008; Raisborough, 2009; Sender, 2012; Skeggs and Wood, 2012). As Brenda Weber notes: