I think it's important to have your own individual style and sense of self. It's kind of what I do.

I run away from super-bandage-style Herve Leger dresses. I think it's sexier for a woman to be in something sheer and loose.

I'm a smoky eye girl. I love playing with eye colors, metallics... fun stuff!

I think that with beauty, people jump to the end instead of starting from the beginning with a good lotion or prep.

I think a lot of young girls see actresses, and they think of red carpets, and they think of 'Us Weekly,' and they don't really think about the breaking down of a script and what that requires and what you would need to pull it off.

My first audition as a little girl was 'Interview with the Vampire' for Kirsten Dunst's part. Back then, they were meeting all different kinds of girls, and I was one of them. There's got to be an audition tape somewhere on VHS. Who would have known that many years later I would be on a vampire show?

I completely took off my eyebrows one time for a screen test. I hadn't even gotten the role yet. So you have to have a commitment.

I found my style and how I like to do makeup from trying and failing and trying and failing again, and unfortunately, I had to do it publicly to figure it out.

Will Smith is one of my favorite actors, and he's also a triple threat. He successfully crossed over from music into acting. Also, I liked 'I Am Legend' because it was so unexpected. The movie wasn't what I thought it'd turn out to be.

I don't feel like I necessarily juggle. I just feel like I'm focusing on being a singer/actor. That's what I am, and it's what I do.

I think sometimes when you want attention, you can wear sunglasses, and people are like, 'Who is that?'

I'm an activist. I'm a proud activist. So I want to be someone who is pro-black and pro-Africa and still be somebody that has positive influence.

I don't want to be alone at 80 years old, dripping in diamonds - having never helped anyone. That's not my path. That's not what I care about. That's not what excites me.

Before 'The Vampire Diaries,' I was making beats, which is how I got will.i.am's attention, and I went on tour with him.

I'm not somebody who's emotionally attached to an outcome of a character that I'm hired to play. The fans are.

I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved who I am not. Even if you're not accepted, at least you are still yourself.

In 10 years, I don't really know what I'll be, and I like not having any idea. I like the idea of being so passionate about everything I do and the fact that I might wake up tomorrow and say 'I want to be a chef,' and just pour myself into that.

I've always been involved with charities and things like that, but when I started communicating with the fans and hearing their stories about the lives they lead, it really made an impact on me.

I love outdoor winter activities like snow tubing and snowball throwing.

Even if you throw your hair up in a quick topknot or ponytail, you can add instant polish by wearing a headband or bejeweled barrette.

On my days off, I love denim cut off shorts with gladiator sandals and crop tops.

All the great artists had their dark sides. Look at Amy Winehouse or anyone who has achieved a certain level of success. Even Adele, and the people that you wouldn't put in the same category as a gangster rapper. These women have exposed their vulnerabilities, demons, and things that have hurt them.

I'm a human being, and I get sick.

My style is not trendy by any means; my inner artists loves to shine through in my wardrobe.