Supermodel Brooklyn Decker on body image, insider beauty tips, and the rise of plus-size models

Some of you may not know Brooklyn Decker by name, but she's the 23-year-old blonde babe who landed the highly coveted cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue this year and was voted Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive. How very lucky for her husband, tennis champ Andy Roddick. Decker has modeled for Victoria's Secret and Gap, been in magazines from Teen Vogue to Cosmo to FHM, had guest TV appearances on "Chuck" and "Ugly Betty," and she's currently in Hawaii filming the new Jennifer Aniston/Adam Sandler rom-com "Just Go With It." As the new spokeswoman for Venus razors, we reached out to Brooklyn for beauty tips, her thoughts on body image, and the ever-evolving modeling industry. Check it out!

Shine:As a supermodel you have so much exposure. How does it make you feel to see your photo everywhere? Do you ever feel weird knowing people are staring at your picture?

Brooklyn Decker: It was definitely an adjustment when I first started seeing myself in magazines. I don't know if that's something that ever feels "normal." It's flattering to think that people are interested in knowing more about me, even if I don't quite understand it myself!

S:Was there ever a point in your life where you were more insecure? Do you ever have days where you feel that way anymore?

B.D.: Definitely, I don't think any woman hasn't, especially in high school. When I first entered the business, I would fast on juice diets trying to be smaller. My dad sat down with me at one point and set me straight. Then it hit me: I'm a woman, I have curves. I started to love that I looked athletic. I think we all have days like that no matter what our shape or size is. It helps to know that a capable body is more beautiful than trying to conform to a certain size.

S:What is your diet regimen for maintaining your figure?

B.D.: Whether I'm modeling or getting ready for a new role I follow the "everything in moderation" rule. If I want Skittles-one of my favorite indulgences for my sweet tooth-I'll have it! If you try to fight the craving, inevitably you end up caving and having more than you would have in the first place.

S:Is there anything special you do before a big event to look extra fabulous?

B.D.: Drinking tons of water helps with bloat and puffiness that can come with traveling. I don't go crazy, but I do put in a little extra work. A few days before a shoot I am a little more mindful of what I eat-spinach, berries, avocado and chicken are my go-to snacks. I need things that keep my energy up throughout the day. Hummus with vegetables is also a good snack to have on hand when preparing for an event that requires a bikini or a fitted dress.

S: Models always have that hair that looks effortlessly amazing. Does yours require a lot of styling? Any tips?

B.D.: Stylists help! But I don't wash it every single day to avoid stripping my hair of its natural oils. The more rest I can give it, the better. I will sometimes do a side braid when my hair is wet, then when you take it out you get natural beach waves.

S:As someone who is photographed all the time, your skin has to look great. How do you keep it looking beautiful? What about in cold/dry months approaching?

B.D.: Smooth skin is a must-have in every season, and I make sure I'm prepared by using Venus Embrace-with five blades, it provides the closest shave to leave my skin smooth and yummy. Cold air and hot water strip your skin of hydration. During these winter months when I'm more prone to dryness I make sure to apply lotion immediately after I'm done showering and I shower in lukewarm water.

S:Given a choice on your free time do you wear a lot of makeup, or do you like not having to?

B.D.: I am a less-is-more kind of girl when I'm not in front of the camera. My everyday routine doesn't involve much more than mascara and lip balm. Maybe some lipstick if I want a pop of color.

S:You get to travel so much. Where is your favorite location you've worked at?

B.D. Hawaii is slowly becoming another home for me-when you do movies you get to live in a location so you get to really explore, and I'm really falling in love with Hawaii.

S:Who is your favorite model of all time?

B.D. Heidi Klum-I admire her business mind. She has taken a job that's taking pictures and turned it into a corporation for herself and opened the doors for girls like myself to have more opportunities.

S:Have you learned any beauty secrets on photo shoots that you can share?

B.D. I actually got this beauty tip from another model: you mix baking soda with your regular face cleanser once a week for an inexpensive mini-facial. Also, I learned not to make the mistake of tossing bright eye shadows in the winter. I learned this great trick from a makeup artist at one of my shoots-you can just mix any bright eye shadow with a brown color, which will deepen it without changing it too much-creating a slightly warmer shade for the fall/winter season. One of my favorite features that I love to play up is my eyes, so this definitely comes in handy for girls who like to do the same.

S:What is your go-to sexy outfit?

B.D. For sexy, I suggest picking one body part-not the ta-tas-to show off. I personally love things that showcase the legs or toned back. There's something beautiful about a covered up woman who lets one feature stand out on its own. I love that it's demure and not too forced.

S:The modeling world changes so much with different shapes and silhouettes coming in and out of fashion. How do you feel about plus-size models like Crystal Renn becoming more accepted and widely used these days?

B.D.: I know Crystal personally and I love that she embraces herself fully. It's a lesson we should all learn from her. I also love that she doesn't need the emphasis to be on her size. Why can't she just be a great model? Why add the term "plus size"? Why should a model even be categorized by size? The models who stand the test of time are the ones who convey a certain mood and confidence, no matter their size. Crystal has that "it" factor.

S:For a while actresses dominated magazine covers, but now models are coming back again and I think people are happy to see that. Do you think models should be used more?

B.D.: I think as long as the woman on the cover is sending a positive message to readers, then it really doesn't matter whether she's a model, actress, politician, anything! I'm a fan of any intelligent woman sharing her story.