http://www.menasuvarifan.com ============================================== GLOW magazine - July/August 2004 Typed by MenaSuvariFan.com ============================================== AMERICAN GIRL Written by Liz Bruckner Actress Mena Suvari talks about her healthy glow, edgy style and why the tank top is a mainstay in her wardrobe. Mena Suvari Age: 25 Orgin: Newport, Rhode Island Big Break: Although she had small screen stints on TV shows ER and Chicago Hope, it wasn't until Suvari starred in 1999's American Pie and American Beauty that she gained celebrity status. Up Next: A six-epsiode guest-starring role in Six Feet Under, plaing "a very opinionated and confident performance artist who befriends Lauren Ambrose's character, Claire." If She Wern't Acting: "Right after I graduated from high school, I started acting and college was set on a back burner. I'm interested in criminal psychologly, so I would eventually like to go back to school adn work towards that." Star-struck Momment: "I was a total nerd at the Oscars one year when I saw Daniel Day-Lewis. I started freaking out becasue he's so talented and such an amazing actor. Sadly, these freak-outs aren't reserved for him. I see famous people all the time and turn into a complete nerd." Everyday Fashion Sense "It depends on who I'm feeling at the momment. I love vintage clothing becasue I'm not going to run into someone wearing the same thing. I love art deco, but I also like trendier items from the 70's and 80's". Favourite Designer "I feel like I'm cheating by saying this but if I had to chose one, it would be Valentino. The colors, the materials, the way the fabrics fall - everything is wonderfully unique. I wore a Valentino dress to the Vanity Fair Oscar party last year and it was the most stunning, unreal dress. It was a work of art." Basic With An Edge "I'm not a girly girl. I like basic clothing items that have a twist to them. I just bought a cardigan (which I'm not usually a fan of) that's got these old antique buttons that look like rhinestones. It's a little bit vintage, a little bit rock. I also love great fitting tank tops with some edge. Theye're simple, yet sexy. Feminine, without being overly girly." Skincare Rules "I believe that eating well and drinking a lot of water are essentail steps toward having a healthy apperance. I don't wear a lot of makeup becasue it's good to let your skin breathe. As for care, I use a cleanser, moisturizer and sometimes a mask." Best Beauty Tip "Pure aloe vera is so good for your skin. My mom uses it religiously on her face after washing and she has the most amazing flawless skin." Lip Fanatic "I've got piles and piles of makeup but my bag is usually stuffed with lip products. Conditioning lip balm, tinted lip balm, lip gloss, lipstick - you name it, it's in there. My favourites are the ones that feel like a gloss; they aren't too matte and they don't stick." Sweet Tooth "Not that long ago I discovered birch sugar (Xylitol), which is a natural sweetener that doesnt affect blood sugar levels. When I crave somethign sweet, I use it to whip up a batch of cookies or add it to unsweetened cocoa powder to make a hot chocolate." Staying Svelte "I started spinning a while ago and really enjoyed it. The last Christmas, my husband [cinematographer Robert Brinkmann] got us matching mountain bikes and I fell in love with cycling outdoors. It's so invigotating. Plus, it really works the bum, which is my problem area." Eating Guidelines "I've been going to a nutririonist for years and I love her - I never get sick and always feel great. I also stopped eating refined sugar about a year ago and immediately noticed a change in the way I felt and looked. I try not to eat anythign that has been processed and go organic whenever possible.I believe the more refined foods you eat, the worse you feel and, in some cases, the worse you look."