Here, she reveals what it takes to look incredible all the time (hint: she works at it every day), the beauty product she’s been wearing since she was 12, and her biggest red-carpet regrets. “Being a bombshell is really about a state of mind,” she says. “If you believe you’re sexy then you are. Bombshelling is when you’re flaunting your most sexy, glamorous self – no matter the place.” (But a great lipstick helps, too.)
What was the first piece of makeup you ever bought?
Lipstick! I would never be without it. My mother never left the house without her hair and makeup looking perfect — I guess it’s a cultural thing and she was always saying to me as a young girl, “Never forget to wear lipstick!”
What’s the key component of a glamorous evening look?
It starts with the eyes — I like a bold look with big, sexy lashes, and shimmery shadow on your lid so your eyes just dazzle when the light hits your face. The new Cover Girl Shineshadows are my favorite — they have real lasting power and stay on all through the night.
OK, so do you have special techniques for getting big long lashes?
I think the best trick I have for mascara is to start as close to the base of lashes as you can — and then wiggle back and forth, and move up and out through the lashes. Using an eyelash curler also makes a huge difference. I clamp at the base of my top lashes and hold for five seconds on each eye.
What’s the secret to applying liquid liner perfectly?
Don’t breathe while doing it! Actually, Cover Girl has this great Intensity Liner that goes on really smooth and has a felt tip. When I’m done, I use a Q-tip to touch up any little smudges.
Do you have a method in how you put on your makeup?
First thing I apply always is moisturizer and makeup primer. Then I do concealer, followed by foundation. I then move on to the shadow, liner and mascara, and finish up with lips.
What’s your basic beauty routine for every day?
I always start by applying a serum or moisturizer to my face. This seems like a simple step, but it is really important to ensure that your makeup will blend easier and stay on longer. For makeup, I always use mascara, lipstick and blush. Those are really the three that I never go without.
Is there some kind of surprising fact people don't know about you?
A lot of people don’t know that I’m a natural blonde. About ten years ago I was auditioning with this body and the attitude of a Latin woman, and it didn't match the stereotype of the Latin women in Hollywood. I made my hair dark for a screen test, and everybody really liked it.
What’s the difference between how women take care of themselves in North America verses Latin America?
Well, beauty is different in every city and every country, but at the end of the day, everybody really likes the same thing. In Colombia, they like voluptuous curves and big hair! In Hollywood, everyone is taller and so skinny. I had to find a medium ground for beauty — I guess it’s a combination of the two worlds.
Have you ever had a red carpet beauty moment you regret?
Oh, of course! Probably a lot of them — but it’s not something I worry about too much. There was a wardrobe malfunction incident at the 2012 Emmys, which was embarrassing, but with all the people on the red carpet, and people stepping on your dress and pulling it — it’s not surprising. You can never really control what happens on the red carpet, but you just hope for the best.
Who is your beauty idol?
That’s easy. Sophia Loren. She knew what worked for her. And, she came to Hollywood but kept what was true to her. I just love everything about her.
How long do you take to get ready in the morning for a normal day, and how long for a red carpet?
I can be ready in like an hour, but for big red carpet events, it can take me three days! Haha. I have to get all glammified, but it's fun! It can be done in like two hours but we enjoy taking our time. We like to order food, and really make a day of it.
What makeup would you never wear?
Honestly, there’s not a lot I won’t wear. I think there was a time when everyone had these skinny, over-plucked brows, or they were penciled on — and I could never pull that off. I also can’t really do the pastel eye shadows — they just don’t work with my coloring.
Are you a spa fan?
I know it may sound crazy, but I don’t really love going to the spa! Maybe it is because I sit for so many hours every week in the hair and makeup chair, getting ready for Modern Family or photo shoots or commercials. I just stop by my nail place whenever I have time. I actually do my own nails a lot to save time!
