Sofia Vergara: I Know I'm Sexy

By Alison Schwartz

07/20/2011 at 05:00 PM EDT

When it comes to curves, Sofia Vergara's motto is straight to the point: If you got it, flaunt it.

The Modern Family star, who plays foxy, feisty Colombian housewife Gloria Delgado Pritchett on the Emmy-winning series, says she isn't bothered by the extra attention she gets for owning her sex appeal.

"I love it. Of course – it's great at my age," the actress, 39, who's promoting her film The Smurfs, tells Fox News. "I think that everything that is positive and good helps out with your career. Why not embrace it and take advantage?"

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But being a sex symbol isn't easy, and Vergara says she keeps her looks on lock with a balanced beauty regimen.

"Everything in moderation – not too much food, not too much exercise," she explains. "And, of course, wearing sun block, doing the things your dermatologist tells you to do – that helps with the aging process."