Salma Hayek Redbook Magazine November 2011

Salma Hayek is the cover girl for the November issue of Redbook magazine, which hits newsstands on October 18.

In the interview the Puss In Boots star chats with the mag about her career, marriage and motherhood.  Check out some highlights below:

On why she chose to star in Puss In Boots: “I liked the idea of doing a movie that Valentina could see, since there are many I’ve done that she is too young to see, and a few I’d probably never want her to. I’m a watchdog when it comes to what she can and cannot see.”

On motherhood changing her acting: “‘I’m playing the queen of a drug cartel in an Oliver Stone film,’ says Hayek. “He asked if I’d gone ‘all soft’ because I’m a mother. I said ‘Yes, but I can be the devil if I need to, because after all, I’m an actress.’”

On what’s different in her life now: “I’ll tell you, there is nothing better in life than being a late bloomer. I believe that success can happen at any time and at any age. You can have a spiritual awakening and discover a news side of you at any age. And best of all, love can happen at any age. Life can just start to get exciting when you’re in your 40s and 50s. You have to believe that.”

On her independence: “I work hard, I make my own living and I love it. I like having financial independence. I don’t ever want to have to depend on anyone completely. But when I have troubles sometimes, its nice to have someone there to help.”

On Francois influencing her style: “Like I said, I’m still a Mexican. I like to play fashion with him, but I’m nobody’s Barbie.”

Photo: Ruven Afanador for REDBOOK