Magnum's new Pleasure Ambassador, Eva Mendes, gets comfy on her couch as she speaks exclusively to COSMO about the finer pleasures in her life.
Are your favourite pleasures today the same things that used to please you before your huge success as an actress?
'Nothing has changed in my life as far as the pleasure factor, I still find the same things pleasurable today that I did when I was little, with my family, such as chocolate – I've always been a big chocolate girl. Playing with my dog, that is a big part of my life, it's just so fun, I love my dog and being with my family and my friends, that hasn't changed. The only thing that's changed is now I get massages (a lot of them) so that would be one of my luxurious pleasures, it's definitely something that I spend my time and money on. I'm not a big shopper, most people would think I'm a big shopper, I'm not a big shopper, I don't have 400 pairs of shoes, but I do love massages, that's my pleasure for sure.'
How do you stay centred, with your feet grounded, and not lose yourself in the fame and fortune?
'I stay centred by always connecting with my family – wherever I am in the world I connect with them, that's why I love e-mail and texting so much. I know that a lot of people are anti-technology, they feel that it's a bit informal but I feel more connected than I've ever been. I'm so privileged to be able to travel all over the world, yet it gets lonely so I'm in constant contact with my mum, my sisters, everybody, my little nieces and nephews because of e-mail and texting. That's how I stay centred by really staying close to my family. And they are brutally honest with me, which I love. I'm definitely still the little sister who gets pushed around.'
Do you have a motto? A mantra that you live by?
'My only personal motto is "Do No Harm". So when I'm in a situation and I don't know what to do, it can be something simple or something quite complicated, I always ask myself is this possibly harming myself or someone else. And whatever that answer is it makes my decision very easy because it's just about doing no harm. Whether it's killing an insect or hurting somebody else's feelings or hurting them physically, definitely "Do No Harm". I am a little a bit of a hippy inside; most people don't know that, I'm definitely a make-love-not-war girl. I don't look like your traditional hippy, but I'm a hippy at heart.'
Name three things you would associate with vacation and travelling?
'When I travel I have to have a great book, a lot of the time it's the same book that I carry with me, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. I love architecture and I love Ayn Rand. It's just one of those books I can pick up wherever, I don't book mark it any more, I've read it a couple of times throughout the years and I just pick a spot, any spot, any page and depending on where I am in my life I interpret it differently. I usually always have
The Fountainhead, sometimes
Atlas Shrugged, but mostly
The Fountainhead. The other things I have with me are a really great lounge outfit, like a wrap dress, this is when a great Diane Von Furstenberg dress comes in handy, something that you can wear ever day with ease. And finally my Blackberry, I'm a bit of a workaholic and I definitely bring my Blackberry on vacation.'
Which item is a must-have in your holiday suitcase?
'I like to travel with old pictures, I have some old family photos and I have them with me on this trip and I find solace in looking at them and sharing them with other people. That's really fun for me, carrying old family photos.'
Which hotel would you suggest to a new couple for a romantic getaway?
'I love the Hotel de Russie here in Rome, it's stunning. The court yard is gorgeous and, I know this sounds funny, but the tile work and stones are really amazing. The greenery, there has a lusciousness about it and you are right in the beautiful part of Rome. So I really love the Hotel de Russie. In Tulum in Mexico, there is a place which is right on the beach and you have your own personal hut, it's probably one of the most special places in the world.'
In which place did you feel the farthest from home?
'I felt farthest from home when I was in China. But I actually like feeling far from home, it's a fun feeling to have.'
If you had a time machine, to which past event would you time-travel?
'If I had a time machine, I think I'd go back and see Leonardo da Vinci just create, that would be pretty amazing.'
Do you have a dream holiday destination?
'I have not yet been to Cairo, Egypt and I really cannot wait to go. I'm a secret Egyptologist, that's kind of a secret passion of mine.'
How many days was your longest vacation?
'My longest vacation is probably not longer than a week, ever. I don't think you need more if you do it right. I don't. I do it right, I definitely know how to relax, for sure!'
Which is the best hotel bar you have been to?
'I think I'm going to have say the Hotel de Russie in Rome, I feel really special there, really taken care of.'
From where did you send your last postcard?
'I last sent a post card from Australia to my mother about four years ago!'
EVA QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
How many ice creams do you approximately consume in a week?
'It depends on my week. I'm known to treat myself quite often, so how many ice creams do I eat in a week? If I'm not working and I don't have a photo shoot or a film, I can eat about five or six or seven!'
What's your favourite fragrance?
'Secret Obsession, by Calvin Klein.'
What's your favourite beauty product?
'SK-II Masks, they have these wonderful little masks that come in these little envelopes. You can travel with them, you put them on and it does wonders for tired skin.'
Who is your style icon?
'Maria Callas.'
What do you always have in your bag?
'I used to always have crushed red pepper, believe it or not, in my bag! Because a lot of places don't have it and I love spicy stuff. Now I just always have a little piece of Magnum chocolate in my bag.'
For what food would tempt you enough to wake you up at night?
'Pizza, always pizza, pizza, pizza. Absolutely'
Who is your favourite designer?
'Calvin Klein, Dior, anything by John Galliano, Dolce & Gabbana, Peter Som, and the list goes on and on.'
What book is currently on your bedside table?
'
Outliers.'
What does no one expect from Eva Mendes?
'I am actually a lot funnier than people think and a lot goofier than people would think. So probably a very funny crass sense of humour.'
How is a free, not working day, in the life of Eva Mendes?
'I hang out with my friends, play with my dog, listen to great music, go to see live bands, you know typical stuff. I don't cook, I can't cook, can't boil an egg, but I can eat! I respect food too much to cook!'
You can win your very own pleasurable experience by simply taking the
PG Test. Eva did...