Coming upon news that Britney Spears' single "Gimme More" reached #3 on this week's Billboard Chart of Top 100 songs, I am left to question the rationale behind what makes something popular or best-selling. Forbes Magazine decided to explore the subject, too, and looked at the six leading (U.S.) celebrity weekly periodicals over a six month period and determined which famous faces sold the most copies. Jennifer Aniston holds the dubious distinction of being the winner, collectively selling more than 5 million copies. (Britney, it should be noted, was considered a disappointment with only 18 covers. I bet her stock will soon be going up in light of recent tabloid events!)

Obviously, the person gracing a magazine's cover is responsible for determining sales success, but I can honestly say I don't ever recall pulling out my wallet to purchase one specifically because of who was looking at back at me from the newsstand. Truthfully, the fact that Oprah Winfrey puts herself on EVERY issue of her "O" Magazine actually has kept me from ever buying one. To me, that is the height of narcissism. Surely, Oprah might want to put Stedman, her BFF Gayle or Barack Obama on one once in a while!

I thought I'd take this forum to recognize a few who look as good as their retouched cover versions, based on some of my recent interview encounters.

The Affleck Brothers. Ben is refreshingly tall and well dressed (most stars always turn out to be shorter in person) with a big, white smile and swarthy complexion. In spite of some thinning hair on the crown of his head (which you'd have to be very tall to spot!), he actually looks exactly like his one-dimensional self. But even better looking than he photographs is soft-spoken kid brother, Casey, with electric blue eyes and an alabaster complexion most ladies would envy.

Reese Witherspoon & Jake Gyllenhall. In spite of their rumoured romance (which I totally discount after having met them both), these two are friends and co-star in the disturbing new political thriller RENDITION. She seems to have lost so much weight that a strong wind could just blow her away and she's remarkably plain in person, which I guess is better than being overdone like so many showbiz leading ladies. I really wish she'd eat some cupcakes.

Jake, however, is incredibly affable and his self-assured friendliness makes him come off looking fit and boyish...like a buddy you might have had from your school days...energetic, bright eyed and upbeat. Although I'm not a fan of the facial hair he's sporting at the moment, he's certainly a contender for having the best hair of any Hollywood hunk!

Brangelina. Okay, who can deny they're the best looking couple on the planet!? Brad's skin problems seem to have vanished with age (or dermabrasion) and Angelina is even more breathtaking in person. Her features are enormous, but it all fits together like a beautiful puzzle. They also both posses an inherent star quality that says "no retouching required!"

George Clooney. Cool and suave, Clooney's good humour and lack of self-consciousness make him the fave of men & women alike. It's funny...nearly every female journalist I've ever met claims he flirts with them. I hate to break it to them, but that's just George!

Tom Cruise. In person, he's downright ordinary looking--but his mega-watt smile, sparkling blue eyes and undeniable star power will dazzle even the most jaded of journos.

And what about Forbes' #1, Jennifer Aniston? In person, you might not even notice her if she were walking around without an entourage. She's really a simple, pretty "girl next door" type. Incidentally, she often enjoys an early dinner by herself at Marix Tex Mex restaurant in West Hollywood (margaritas and extra salt on her corn chips).

So ?fess up. Nevermind the movie ticket, what celebrity would make you purchase a MAGAZINE!?