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Eva Longoria Reveals That She Felt Like An 'Ugly Duckling' Growing Up & Didn't See Herself As A 'Beauty'

December 9, 2023 by Marissa Matozzo
shefinds | Celebrity
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Eva Longoria left onlookers in awe at the ELLE Women in Hollywood red carpet event last week as she donned a striking silver gown that exuded radiance. Though Longoria’s fashion choices and beauty have earned her praise from fans for decades, the Desperate Housewives alum, 48, shared a candid revelation with Entertainment Tonight in a new interview. The actress admitted to feeling like the “ugly duckling” and “not identifying as a beauty” during her upbringing.

 

 

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Eva Longoria Opens Up About Self-Confidence Struggles From Her Youth In Candid Interview

When asked where her confidence derived from when playing her iconic character Gabrielle Solis on the television show, Longoria replied: "For me? The ugly duckling. I did not identify as a beauty growing up and so I don't have a very healthy relationship with it because it didn't define me."

Longoria added, while on the red carpet: "When people are like "You know you're sexy and beautiful and you're on this list, I'm like, 'bring it yes, yes.'"

Longoria was honored at the event and shined in her plunging, curve-hugging silver maxi dress and chic slicked-back, mermaid-esque hairstyle. For her makeup look, she sported smokey silver eyeshadow, voluminous lashes, rosy blush and a glossy pink lip.

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The style icon (who is also a spokesperson for L'Oreal) went on: "It's better than the alternative, I guess. You know my sisters are still like 'Why are you a spokesperson for L'Oreal?'" She continued: "'It's nothing like family to ground you."

Hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas, the director behind Flamin' Hot (seen above in 2003) spent her childhood there as the youngest among four daughters. Following her college graduation, she ventured to California to pursue her acting career.

Longoria recently dished to People Magazine: "For me, I was lucky not to grow up in a time of social media. I never had that relationship with beauty that I think a lot of young girls grow up with, especially today, with the pressures of it and comparison and trying to keep up with these oftentimes unattainable images."

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She went on: "I come from a family of independent, strong women. I didn't have to look far for those role models. My mom raised four girls, one child with special needs, had a full-time job, had dinner on the table every day at six, was at every band practice, cheerleading practice, everything."

After Longoria opened up about her confidence struggles regarding her physical appearance during her youth, fans on Instagram stressed that she is not only "stunning," but also "ageless." (We agree!)

On December 7th, the Sylvie's Love star shared a photo collection post with shots of her outfit from the ELLE event. She garnered thousands of likes and comments from her 9.8 million followers with one commenting: "Amazingly beautiful" as another added: "You deserve all the accolades and flowers Mi Reina. Can I say how stunning you look."  

Author:

Former Senior Staff Writer

Marissa is a Brooklyn-based journalist and former senior staff writer at SheFinds, specializing in pop culture, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She crafted engaging, SEO-driven content on celebrity style, entertainment news, beauty trends, and wellness. Her work, including red carpet coverage and features on fashion, music, film, and NYC culture, has appeared in PAPER Magazine, Paste Magazine, The Knockturnal, Bandsintown, and more. When not writing, you can find her with her nose in a great book, at an indie concert, vintage shopping or visiting the best coffeeshops in NYC.

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