Heather DuBrow still isn't used to fame.
She goes a bit wide-eyed when a reporter like myself asks the "Real Houswives of the OC" star to share plot secrets and beauty tips.
As one of the "Real Housewives of OC," she's still perplexed when strangers know personal information.
"My husband and I were in Cabo and I was walking around with my 18 month old Colette," says the 43-year-old beauty. "There was another woman with her 18-month-old baby. I said, 'How old is your child. He's so cute.' She said, 'Thanks! Colette is so cute, too!'
"For a minute, my mind didn't make the connection and wondered, 'How does she know my child's name?'," she says with a laugh while driving around – where else – but Orange County, California on a crisp fall afternoon. "Then I realized, 'Oh, the show! She knows all about me!'"
"My aunt lives in Manhattan and tells me that everyone asks her about the show. They will come up and say, 'How's Heather' like they know me.
"The show has really changed my life," says the mom of four.
DuBrow, 43,is he newest member of the Bravo TV series "The Real Housewives of Orange County." She's married to Terry DuBrow, the Newport Beach plastic surgeon who has been featured on E! "Bridalplasty" and now stars with her on "The Real Housewives of the OC."
Of course, I had to ask Heather about skin care tips, hair secrets, plus her views on injectables and Botox.
Q: You look at least a decade younger than what is on your driver's license. What is the secret?
A: "First of all, thank you! The truth is I have a very simple beauty regime. I believe less is more. I really do use all the products from my husband's office. He has his own skincare line that we're re-launching soon. What I love is that it's simple stuff. If you would go to the drugstore, I would recommend buying simple Cetaphil cleanser as a cleanser. Less is more."
Q: What mistake do women over 40 make with their skin?
A: "I think they use too many lotions and potions. That's not good. That just clogs your skin. But it's not our faults. The industry feeds on us and our insecurities. We have to realize that no one has perfect skin."
Q: Did you freak out when you saw your first grey hair?
A: "I'm very lucky that I don't have to color my hair. At 43, I'm starting to get some grays. It ain't cute! I keep pulling them out, which I know is bad. If I keep this up then I'm going to be bald. Actually, my daughter and I are growing our hair out now to donate it to Locks of Love…The one hair care product I do love is L'Oreal Paris Elnett, which comes in a big gold can. It's the best hairspray because your hair doesn't get crispy and you can rush right through it. I hate a hairspray that's goopy sticky. Even when I get a blow out, I bring my own hair spray. This stuff is amazing and it holds."
Q: At 43, are you starting to worry about the little lines? Do you believe in Botox? Do you ask your husband to just give you a little perk me up?
A: "Of course, I care about what I see in the mirror. Things are changing and I hate it. The good news is my husband is a naturalist, so we're on the same page. We both believe in doing little things to keep yourself looking good. It's different for everyone. Some people get Botox; some do not. A friend of mine developed wrinkles on her forehead and grew bangs! I've done Botox for years, but I don't get it that often. I think it has a cumulative effect, so I get it once a year. I will have my husband put a little filler in the lines between my nose and mouth. I am blessed with some good bone structure, so that has been nice."
Q: How did you lose the baby weight after each of your kids? How do you stay slim now?
A: "I really have to workout and watch what I eat now. With the kids, I did something different each time to lose the baby weight. I did Weight Watchers after having the twins, which is one of the best programs because it teaches you how to eat right. After my third child, I did the cabbage soup diet. If you live in a cold climate that's a good one. With my last child, I did lean proteins and veggies in a very healthy way. I think a diet should be reasonable. In general, I'm a very clean eater."
Q: Are "Real Housewives" allowed a cheat moment?
A: "I do love dessert, bread and butter. Those are my 'every once in awhile' foods. Most of my days are clean eating, which balances out an occasional treat."
Q: Are you one of those California women who love to workout?
A: "I hate it! It's so bad! I wish I loved working out. I'm so envious when I hear people say, 'I just had to go for a run.' Me? I just want a bag of Twizzlers to eat in my bed. I did like spinning, but haven't done it for a long time. Now, you spin to techno songs that never end. I can't climb a pretend hill on that bike if the song is never ending. These days I have a trainer and try to workout two times a week. I'm also very active with the kids. I do miss what I looked like when I went to the gym more, but I'd rather be with my kids than be buff. Now, working out is not about being buff. It's about taking care of my body and my heart."
Q: Do you ever get jealous of these young women in California with their perfect figures and model looks? In other words..is it tough to age in Orange County?
A: "I've never been hung up on age or a number. As long as your number is going up it means you're still here. I don't get jealous of younger women because I'm in a good spot. I have healthy kids and a husband who is wonderful. We're enjoying our lives although it's not always easy. We fight. It happens. But we know the important thing is to be happy where you are right now."
Q: Any marital secrets?
A: "This is sort of a joke, but I mean it: Separate bathrooms is key! I'm very proud of our relationship. We have ebbs and flows, but what we're good at is when it's not working or not ebbing, at least one of us will be cognizant of it and bring it back together. You have to work at marriage. It doesn't mean you're not a great couple if you work on it. You can never take anything for granted."
Q: Finally….any plot secrets for next season?
A: "Bravo has not officially announced the pick up for season 8."
