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Become the Next

SHADES
OF GREY

Model

Join the competition for your chance to win a

$10,000 cash prize

and a VIP trip to New York City for a professional photo shoot with top industry photographers.

Registration ends soon!

Mysterious. Bold. Unapologetically provocative. This theme blurs the line between power and temptation—inviting contestants to show their most daring, seductive side. Moody lighting, sleek silhouettes, and a whole lot of attitude. Shot entirely in black and white, each image turns up the drama and strips everything down to raw contrast. When the lights drop and the color fades, all that’s left is power.

Maxim is a Launchpad for Success

Maxim Featured Models

Heidi Klum
Angelina Jolie
Candice Swanepoel
Katy Perry
Lindsay Lohan
Megan Fox
Paris Hilton
Lana Del Rey
Pamela Anderson
Tyra Banks

YOU?

Mariah Carey‍Mila
Kunis  Cindy
Crawford
Halle Berry
Taylor Swift
Shakira
Shania Twain
Cameron Diaz
Beyoncé
Bar Refaeli

Testimonials

“By consistently posting every day, my following grew more and more. Influencers with large accounts reached out to me, and helped me by posting my content on their Instagram Stories. Much of my Instagram growth happened during the Maxim Cover Girl competition.”

- Lexi Kaleiia

“Maxim Cover Girl truly helped me refine and learn advertising, networking and marketing skills in my own way, which was and is very beneficial no matter which way one goes in life. Shooting with Gilles and the entire team was truly magical and will forever be held in my heart.”

- Janel Tanna

“Being on the cover of Maxim is such a huge honor for me. It’s a way for me to represent minorities and bring diversity to the fashion industry. The funny thing is that I signed up literally in the back seat of my dad’s car while we were on our way to the ice rink for practice.”

- Elizabeth Nguyen

“When I competed for the Maxim Cover the world was essentially shut down. Fortunately, with incredible support from my family and friends -my dream came to fruition! It was such an exciting experience to go through and I will forever be grateful and proud to have graced such an iconic cover.”

- Jessica Carter

Testimonials

By consistently posting every day, my following grew more and more. Influencers with large accounts reached out to me, and helped me by posting my content on their Instagram Stories. Much of my Instagram growth happened during the Maxim Cover Girl competition.

-Lexi Kaleiia

Maxim Cover Girl truly helped me refine and learn advertising, networking and marketing skills in my own way, which was and is very beneficial no matter which way one goes in life. Shooting with Gilles and the entire team was truly magical and will forever be held in my heart.

-Janel Tanna

Being on the cover of Maxim is such a huge honor for me. It’s a way for me to represent minorities and bring diversity to the fashion industry. The funny thing is that I signed up literally in the back seat of my dad’s car while we were on our way to the ice rink for practice.

- Elizabeth Nguyen

When I competed for the Maxim Cover the world was essentially shut down. Fortunately, with incredible support from my family and friends -my dream came to fruition! It was such an exciting experience to go through and I will forever be grateful and proud to have graced such an iconic cover.

- Jessica Carter

Professional Photoshoot

Professional Maxim destination photoshoot for the top models. Travel and hotel expenses included. Take awe inspiring photos with Maxim’s world renowned photographers.

Competition Overview

Public Voting
Tournament

Interview
Round

GranddPrize

$30K

Photoshoot in London
Featured in Maxim Magazine

It’s Your Time to be in the Limelight

Start building your portfolio. You could win $10,000 cash.

Meet the Judges

*Judges subject to change

Janel Tanna M.D.

2018 Maxim Cover Girl, Award Winning Actress, Producer and Model

"Becoming a part of Maxim is such a special piece of my story. Maxim embraces not only physical, but intellectual and artistic talents. All of what we do combines to make us who we are, and in turn is encompassed in our exterior. Caring about one's mission and health is important. Our own unique features make us beautiful. I see modeling as one's unique beauty, passion and soul combining to create art. Good luck ladies. Shine bright! You are all amazing in your own way."

Jessica Carter

2020 Maxim Cover Girl, Hair Specialist

"The winner of any Maxim Cover Girl modeling competition should be striking and captivating. One of the most beautiful things about modeling is the personalization and uniqueness of each individual. There is no mold. Art and beauty is subjective, use your edge and compel us to choose you."

Karin Agstam

Maxim Cover Stylist, Emmy Nominated Producer

"As a creative director, I’m always looking for models who bring something authentic and unique to their work. It’s not just about posing; it’s about using every moment in front of the camera to express who you are. I want to see personality shine through the images, that spark of creativity and desire that makes you unforgettable.

Stay true to your dream, set high goals and outline the actions that will lead you there. Remember that failing is a part of the learning process and that success is the result of consistency and hard work."

Lexi Kaleiia

2023 Maxim Cover Girl, Professional Model

"Model Photography is a form of expression, an art, it not only captures and freezes a moment in time but it has the potential to tell a compelling story. Use this competition to tell your story, make your images speak for themselves, have them say one thousand words from the very second someone lays eyes on them.

Be your authentic self, be unforgettable. Become the woman you strive to be and portray her using your skills as an elegant and powerful model. I’ll see you at the finish line, I wish every single one of you the best of luck."

Gilles Bensimon

World-Renowned Photographer

“I am looking for a Maxim cover girl who exudes confidence, sophistication, and has a magnetic presence.

I want someone who embodies beauty, intelligence, and a strong sense of self.

My ideal cover girl would be someone who embraces her individuality, radiates empowerment, and inspires others. She would represent the epitome of modern femininity but also have a touch of edginess and a dash of glamor that sets her apart from the rest,”

Elizabeth Nguyen

2019 Maxim Cover Girl Competition Winner, U.S. Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist

"My biggest advice is to put yourself out there and share your goals openly with your community—don’t be afraid to ask for support and for people to vote for you.

I’ve decided to leave behind the fear of not measuring up, to fully embrace who I am, and to go after my dreams wholeheartedly. Modeling was always something I dreamed of but never thought possible. Now, I’m living that dream, and I hope others find the courage to pursue their own."

Deborah Altizio

Maxim Cover Makeup Artist, Award Winning Beauty Specialist

"Showcasing your potential for a cover means submitting both natural and creative photos to highlight your range. Let your energy and personality draw in the audience. Keep it fun, stay relaxed, and take care of your skin. Most importantly, let your confidence and unique essence radiate through every shot!"

Free & Easy Registration

You're one stunning photo away from a life changing opportunity - be the Shades of Grey Model and win $10,000. Seize the moment.

Make a Difference

Choose your favorite charitable cause. When you win, we will donate $50,000 on your behalf.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand

Devoted to funding impactful research and providing support to children with cancer and their families, with a mission to find a cure for childhood cancer.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Dedicated to advancing the world's most promising research, BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research – and metastatic breast cancer research – worldwide.

Soldiers’ Angels

New York City foster-based rescue dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating at-risk dogs, providing them with loving homes and a second chance at life.

Rescue City

Offers aid, comfort, and resources to active-duty military, veterans, and their families, ensuring no service member is forgotten or left unsupported.

Community

Lead a community that celebrates your unique beauty. Participants get exclusive tips and tricks that will inspire and lead people to carry them to victory.

Authenticity

We celebrate authenticity – show us the real you.
Invest in your authentic self – it’s your greatest asset!
Ready to be the next Maxim Shades of Grey Model? You could win $10,000

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE OR PAYMENT DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. The MAXIM Elegance 2025 Competition (ID: 13) is open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. States & DC, female, age of majority+. Void elsewhere and where prohibited. The Coronation Winner must travel and participate in a Photoshoot. Promotion Promotion ends at 9:00 pm Eastern Time on October 17, 2025. Other promotions may be running at same time; each promotion is separate. Subject to complete Promotion Rules for this promotion and Master Rules at http://covergirl.maxim.com/rules/elegance-2025-competition. https://covergirl.maxim.com/auth/signup?competitionToJoin=Elegance