The many faces of Helen Clark

Helen Clark in May 2005 (left) and on the cover of a women's magazine after the makeover.

You know it's election season when an almost unrecognisable Prime Minister is the pin-up in a women's magazine.

Helen Clark put herself in the hands of Australian style experts for a photo-shoot for the cover of the New Zealand edition of the latest Australian Women's Weekly.

The result is "Helen Clark, the woman", says editor Jenny Farrell, who commissioned a similar shoot before the last election.

The magazine features the Prime Minister in a range of outfits in the Herne Bay shoot.

The result is a far cry from Helen Clark, the Prime Minister, photographed in April opening the Stella Maris Catholic School in Silverdale.

The difference, says Denise L'Estrange-Corbet, of Auckland clothing label World, is about 10 years in age and an image that makes her look sexy and feminine.

The most flattering part of the makeover was the heavier eye make-up, she said.

"She looks very modern and much younger."

The hair brushed off the face was also a winner. "I think it has taken 10 years off her."

Ms L'Estrange-Corbet said Helen Clark could go even further and start wearing skirts to the knee to show off her legs.

"If you've got it, honey, flaunt it."

Asked about the image of National leader Don Brash, she said, "I don't think he should wear a short skirt.

"He could get some modern glasses and he could get a suit from World Man and I think he'd be hot."

Jenny Farrell said the Helen Clark picture was not digitally enhanced, other than adjusting skin tones.

The make-up was very light because she had such beautiful skin.

Helen Clark is no stranger to makeovers. Her first dramatic change appeared on election campaign literature in 1996 and she was teased about the air-brushing and apparent "dental surgery".