4 AUGUST 2005

Taking to the waters off the coast of Venice Beach can play havoc with a girl's make-up. Carmen Electra's days as a lifeguard in Baywatch are long behind her, though, and these days she can apply lip gloss and mascara without fear of any salt water interference.

This is good news, as the glamorous 33-year-old has just inked a deal to become the new face of Max Factor. Carmen is to represent the cosmetics company in TV, magazine and billboard ads starting later this year.

In joining forces with the firm she follows in the footsteps of silver screen icons Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow and Rita Hayworth. In more recent times Max Factor has called on the charms of Denise Richards and Madonna to help promote its products. "It's an honour to be part of such a legendary group of stars," enthused Carmen. "I'm so excited to start working on the campaign."

Her new advertising deal isn't the only reason the performer is looking radiant these days, however, as her marriage to Jane's Addiction rocker Dave Navarro is also going from strength to strength. "Dave gets me and I get him," she explained. "We just understand each other so well. He's really taught me a lot about being honest all the time. I can go away and work and focus on my career and know that my husband's got my back.”

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