Sexy Spanish star Penelope Cruz has signed an exclusive contract to become the new spokesmodel for French beauty giant L'Oreal.

The Vanilla Sky actress will follow in the footsteps of Beyonce Knowles, Scarlett Johansson and Andie MacDowell to promote L'Oreal Paris' latest hair-dye product Natural Match.

Cruz, 31, is keen to work with the brand because she believes it promotes female empowerment.

She says, "I'm very excited and very honoured to be a part of L'Oreal.

"I've seen this campaign and have said 'Because I'm Worth It' with my friends since we were little girls, and I always thought the advertisements were very charming, and beautiful, and they give out good messages to woman to take care of themselves and make time to feel good about themselves."