Okay, so it's a relative thing... but there's no escaping the fact that Nicole Richie looks sort of, almost, kinda like a human being. You know, rather than the skeletal remains we're used to.

Photoshop and bad lighting sure can do remarkable things.

The directionally-challenged, drugged-up motorist was spotted Tuesday with beau Joel Madden while leaving the posh Kate Somerville spa in Beverly Hills.

Aside from the somewhat alien-like protrusion coming out of her left wrist, she looked the picture of health. Well sort of. Step in the right direction at least.

You go, spa! Nice work! Someone send Britney Spears there... it's not like she has anything to do, like work on a career or raise two little kids or something.

Joel Madden, on the other hand, not quite as lovely as the skinny Richie. The Good Charlotte frontman was his signature unshaven self with some splotchy red patches and what appears to be a tattoo (or maybe a hickey... oooh) behind his ear.

Come to think of it, most people look healthy standing next to a rocker who does everything he can to look trashy. Which works for his act, don't get us wrong. Just saying.

Jennifer Meyer could stand next to him and look hot.