Handbag.com pays a visit to the very chic Rachel Stevens at the suitably ladylike Haymarket Hotel. Gone is the excitable popstrel of old and in her place is an impeccably turned out, beautifully groomed lady. We got down to the fun business of discussing the terribly important things in life such as what's in her red carpet clutch, the benefits of having a hairdresser for a mum and how that may well have led to her being the new hair ambassador for GLISS hair care products...

So your mum's a hairdresser - no wonder yours always looks so effortlessly fab, does she still cut it or have you sacked her now?

Well, no she doesn't cut it anymore but she always used to say to me when I was little don't cut your hair off, so she knew what would work for me and I have to say she was right. Now however I do have my hair coloured at the wonderful Percy & Reed.

Your hair always looks great, you appear to be one of those women that can just wash and go, or the type of girl who can spend a day at the beach and then go straight out sporting that perfect beach hair while the rest of us display hair with definite straw-like qualities, tell us your secret!

No, not at all! I'm really not that girl trust me. (Ed's note: Is it wrong that we're secretly pleased by this?) I use great products and really try and take care of my hair especially because it gets stressed with all the styling for television and shoots. So a really good hair care system is my secret which is why the GLISS Total Repair 19 range is great for me. The GLISS range contains a unique cell repair system to get deep into the hair and repair and replenish it from the inside, meaning the outside stays looking glossy and gorgeous. I always use the shampoo and conditioner then use the shine tonic to finish off my style. Both the Liquid silk and Total Repair 19 are great for revitalising dry, damaged or brittle hair.

Thanks for that tip, we're always looking for great hair product recommendations. So, that's your hair taken care of what other beauty secrets can you tell us? What can we find in your beauty bag?

MAC strobe lighter - great for highlighting the cheekbones and other angles and MAC face and body foundation - works brilliantly on shoots as it gives great coverage but doesn't look fake. Also, Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector gloss - it's only available in three colours but keeping it simple is great as the tones suits lots of people and is caring and not at all gloopy.

What's your favourite pampering treat?

I love theFacial by Anastasia for Urban Retreat Skincare, it's great for keeping my skin screen-friendly!

During Strictly Come Dancing all the stars have to get that ballroom glow. You've got lovely olive toned skin anyway but did you use a self tanner to top up your tan?

I'm addicted to spray tans, and Sienna X Ultimate Touch Up gives me a lovely sunkissed glow.

Do you have a favourite fragrance that finishes off your beauty routine?

Narciso Rodriguez For Her is my absolute favourite and I wear it all the time.

Finally, you're on the red carpet, what one must-have beauty product goes into your miniscule clutch?

Lip gloss definitely. It always adds finish. Oh but, hang on, can I have two? Powder as well to take the shine off and to see to apply the gloss.

Okay, Rachel, you can have two, but only because of the fab hair care tips. Check out the new GLISS range available now from £1.99, nationwide.