$25,000 cash prize
The world hasn’t seen enough of your beauty—until now. Radiance is Maxim’s competition for women 40+, giving you the chance to step into the spotlight, claim attention, and prove you’re powerful, sexy, and unforgettable.
💸 $25,000 Cash
📸 Miami Portfolio Photoshoot
🏝️ 4 Nights in Aruba + 2 Nights in Miami
📰 Maxim Magazine Feature
👑 Crowned the Official Radiance Queen
Be Seen. Be Chosen. Be Celebrated.
This isn’t about age—it’s about proof. Proof that you’re beautiful, relevant, and worthy of every eye on you. Radiance puts your images and presence in front of thousands. Your supporters will vote, and every single vote is a statement: she’s stunning, she’s radiant, she belongs here.
Whether you’re chasing a dream or ready to shock the world with how incredible you look in the spotlight, this is your stage.
Maxim Sees What the Industry Often Misses
“My Life Changed Forever”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
WINNER
Alkina Morana
Winning Maxim Cover Girl is a dream come true. Being a model, actress, and dancer has always been about expressing my true self—and this win validates that fire I bring. I’m honored to stand as a dual finalist in Cover Girl and Hot Girl Summer, but taking the crown is the ultimate milestone. Thank you to everyone who believed in me—your support made this moment possible.”
It’s Free & Easy to Sign up.
- Upload your photos — Half-body and full-body shots tend to stand out the most.
- Share a quick message telling people why they should vote for you—keep it authentic and memorable.
- Follow @maximmag_covergirl on Instagram and TikTok @maxim.cover.girl to stay in the loop.
- Want to get noticed? Post on TikTok or Instagram and tag #MaximRadiance to show us your vibe.
Competition Overview
Date
Submit your application by March 15 to secure your spot in the competition.
Date
Finalists will be announced on March 30. Stay tuned for the results!
Date
Join us for the photoshoot sessions on April 15 and 16 at our studio.
Date
Experience a day of creativity, fun, and professional photography at our exciting event!
Date
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1
2
Tournament
3
Round
4
- Maxim Magazine Feature
- Trip to Aruba
- Maxim Photoshoot
Professional Portfolio Photoshoot in Miami
Before you slip away to the islands, you’ll kick things off in Miami—where fashion, heat, and energy collide. Step in front of the lens with a professional photographer who knows how to capture your best angles, your best energy, and your most radiant self.
This isn’t just a couple of snapshots. You’ll leave Miami with a polished, editorial-grade portfolio—perfect for your personal brand, social media, and future opportunities. Every shot will be magazine-worthy, and you’ll pick up insider secrets for posing, styling, and looking camera-ready anytime, anywhere.
How do I get votes?
Once you enter, you’ll get your own unique voting page to share. Followers and fans can cast free daily votes for you, and they can boost your chances by purchasing Maxim NEXT issues—every vote brings you closer to be crowned the Radiance winner!
Remember you must have celebrated your 40th birthday before registering.
The Judges
"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."
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."
"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."
“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,”
"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."
"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."
"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!"
Guidance from Maxim Insiders
From experienced models and past winners to Maxim editors and creative pros, you’ll gain access to a community built to elevate you. Get real advice on how to pose, shape your brand, and build lasting momentum in your modeling career—with support that’s present, personal, and proven.
Every Vote is Proof.
Your fans and followers fuel your spotlight. Each round, each vote shows the world: you’re hot, you’re beautiful, you’re relevant.
🥇 Winners – Jump ahead 2 rounds
🥈 Runners-up – Move ahead 1 round
💪 Everyone else – Can fight back in later rounds
At the end, finalists earn interviews with Maxim’s judging panel. Profiles + interviews are scored to crown the Radiance Winner.
How long does the contest run?
The competition unfolds over multiple rounds. Each round has its own cut-off date, so you’ll need to keep your audience engaged and voting for you daily to climb the ranks.
Aruba: The Crown Jewel of the Caribbean
Sun-soaked beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant island culture—Aruba is the ultimate Radiance escape. From luxury resorts and world-class dining to hidden coves and lively nightlife, every moment here shines. The winner will experience paradise in its purest form, where relaxation meets adventure in the heart of the Caribbean.
