Christina Aguilera shows off smooth skin and svelte face in promotional shot for new LP

PUBLISHED: 23:17 EST, 7 August 2012 | UPDATED: 23:24 EST, 7 August 2012

She's known for her flawless vocals and porcelain skin.

But Christina Aguilera appears to have favoured a heavy-handed approach for the retouching of a new promotional shot for her forthcoming LP.

The singer, who conjures up images of Billie Holiday in the retro black-and-white shot, appears so perfectly polished that the image resembles more of an airbrushed painting than the real-life star.

Retro glamour: Christina Aguilera delivers an alluring gaze in this promotional shot for her forthcoming LP

The blonde diva, 31, who has gained a fuller figure in recent months, looks surprisingly svelte in the headshot.

While she has been photographed looking noticeably bloated away from studio sets and make-up chairs, the studio photograph taken by Jake Bailey exudes only elegance and glamour.

Christina tilts her head up, and with her well-manicured hands placed on her either cheek, delivers an alluring gaze as hard shadows drape across her face and neck.

Her blonde locks slicked back, a large flower tucked behind her ear, the shot is reminiscent of a 1940s studio portrait of Billie Holiday taken by Frank Driggs which features the blues singer striking a similar pose.

Away from the studio lights: The singer, 31, looks much fuller in photos taken in Los Angeles on July 26, left, a! nd March 30, right

Away from the studio lights: The singer, 31, looks much fuller in photos taken in Los Angeles on July 26, left, and March 30, right

Keeping fans informed: Christina couldn't contain her excitement about the record in a tweet posted to her account last week

Ms Holiday, as Christina emulates, wears a trademark flower in her hair, dramatic make-up, dark nails and a dark long-sleeved frock.

The original photo features on the cover of the legend's compilation album, Love Songs. The Voice coach reportedly began work on her seventh studio album - her first since 2010's Bionic - last year.

She reportedly told fans at the time the record is 'going to be a very heartfelt, deep-rooted, and introspective record for me.'

A blues legend: Billie Holiday struck a similar pose - with similar styling - in a 1940s black-and-white image used to cover the late singer's compilation album, Love Songs

Christina has meanwhile been keeping fans abreast of her progress on Twitter.

She wrote on August 3: 'Just wrapped up another great studi! o sessio n- WOW- seriously can't WAIT for you guys to hear what I've been working on!!- Love u guys!!'

The first single off the record is expected for release later this month, with the full LP to follow later in the year.