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Nature or nurture? About beauty, the arguments can be endless. Is it mother's cheekbones or a cheeky new brand of blush that makes the stars shine their brightest? Both camps have their advocates among this year's peerless crop. Michelle Pfeiffer, who nine years ago graced the cover of PEOPLE'S very first Most Beautiful gallery, is an au naturel woman. "I've been really lucky and I have no complaints," she says. Sandra Bullock, on the other hand, insists that her allure is all "smoke and mirrors." Law & Order's Benjamin Bratt (top inset) follows a rigorous three-step skin regimen every day, but Christina Applegate (left) only applies a dash of rose water on occasion. Felicity's Keri Russell (bottom inset) never seems to get to the gym; Ben Affleck pumps serious iron. All of our beauties, though, should take a minute to listen to fashion model Emme, who insists, "My goal is not to achieve perfection; it's to enjoy the journey and have fun along the way." We'll sign on for that tour.

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