Reese Witherspoon was criticized by InStyle magazine for her ‘awful editing’ in a cover image. Many fans said the actress looked ‘unrecognizable.

For the December/January issue of USA magazine, the 45-year-old Oscar-winning actress was captured in a “super sexy” shoot.  

Emma Summerton took the image of Reese wearing a black, bodice-style gown with big, round curls and dark eyes.  

Criticism: InStyle magazine has come under fire for its 'awful retouching' of Reese Witherspoon in a new cover shot, pictured, with fans saying the actress looks 'unrecognizable'

Criticism: InStyle magazine has come under fire for its ‘awful retouching’ of Reese Witherspoon in a new cover shot, pictured, with fans saying the actress looks ‘unrecognizable’

Backlash: Dozens of readers were quick to criticize the post-production on Instagram, with one commenting: 'Did she approve this edit? This does not look like her'

Backlash. Dozens upon thousands of Instagram users were quick and vocal in their criticisms. One commenter asked: “Did her approve this edit?” This doesn’t seem like her.

This is a major change in the Oscar-winning actress’s image, which has been characterized by a positive, all-American look.

Dozens upon thousands of Instagram users quickly criticized the editing process, including one who commented: “Did she approve that edit?” This doesn’t seem like her.

Another commented, “This is terrible retouching!” She thought she was the daughter.

One third said: “Honestly, it is painful to see. she’s gorgeous irl [in real life]Please. You can leave her face as it is. This is harmful and it sends the wrong message [sic]

Another reader agreed: ‘She doesn’t look like herself AT ALL. This is a sign of empowerment. Many airbrush. 

Laura Brown, editor-in-chief of the magazine, responded to the backlash and stated that Reese had changed her appearance because of styling. 

Down to styling? The cover shot marks a dramatic change for the Oscar-winning actress, who is typically presents a wholesome, all-American public image (as seen in a recent photo)

It’s all about the styling. This cover photo marks a significant change in the Oscar-winning actress’s image. She is known for her all-American, wholesome public image. 

Like mother, like daughter: Some fans said Reese looks more like her daughter Ava, 22, pictured, in the InStyle cover shot and questioned why she needed so much editing

Reese looked more like Ava (22), in InStyle’s cover photo. Some people compared her to Ava and wondered why Reese needed so much editing

Ruining her natural beauty: Some Instagram commenters noted she doesn't need retouching

Retouching her natural beauty is not necessary: Some Instagram comments noted that she does not need to retouch. 

“Hey Team, those commenting about retouching: The brief was super sexy with a big eye, heavy hair and a heavy eyes. Reese is rarely seen like this, which is the whole point. @instylemagazine does not embalm women. Reese posted a video about in-human form, below. L. 

Reese appeared happy with the final result and took to Instagram to share the cover shot with the caption: ‘Thanks for putting me on this month’s cover! 

‘HUGE thanks to the creative team that made me feel like a Real Sassy Bad**s Biz Woman and biggest hug saved for my fellow bad**s biz lady @gayleking, who helped me unpack @themorningshow, what it means to be a journalist today, the sale of @hellosunshine and why women should learn to flex more! You can check it out.

Reese talked about how it was a flattering moment to have been mistaken for herself in the interview Ava Phillippe is 22 years old.

Defending the shoot: The backlash prompted a response from editor-in-chief Laura Brown, who said the apparent change in Reese's appearance was down to styling

Defending the shoot: The backlash prompted a response from editor-in-chief Laura Brown, who said the apparent change in Reese’s appearance was down to styling

It makes me feel young. Her accomplishments are so admirable. She is a great example of how to cope with change. She said, “I’m sure it is not easy to look exactly like you mother,” in the magazine that hits newsstands November 19.

‘We talk to Zoë Kravitz a lot. She and her mother are so close. [Lisa Bonet] look exactly alike, so whenever Ava is frustrated, I go, “Call Zoë, text Zoë, she knows what to talk about.” This is another example of a mother-daughter duo that looks almost like twins.

Witherspoon has two sons, Deacon (age 18) and Tennessee (age nine). It’s something I try really hard to eliminate, but it is always there.

“My children are my top priority. If I told you how much space in my brain they take up every day — do you even think they know? The Morning Show producer-star exclaimed, “I don’t think they even know.”

“I am 45. It’s clear who I like to be with, and who I don’t. And that is one of the great things about getting older — it just clears out so much space. I would love to spend time with my family, including my parents and children. Everyone else, I wish you all the best.