(Nancy Kaszerman/Zuma Press)



Heather Locklear
40 on Sept. 25

Locklear isn't dreading the big 4-0 at all. "Everybody makes a big deal out of it," she says. "You know what? I'm alive. I'm still around." And still sexy. After two decades of playing vamps -- on Dynasty in the '80s and Melrose Place in the '90s -- Locklear now brings the same sizzle to the ABC sitcom Spin City, both onscreen and on the set. "Honestly, she's as pretty out of makeup as she is in," says costar Barry Bostwick, "because it's coming from someplace real."

What seems unreal is the 5'5" actress's ability to fit into her favorite body-conscious outfits (she's partial to Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci) -- in spite of her admitted jones for junk food. "I think, 'I definitely shouldn't have that Krispy Kreme,' " she says, "then I have three!"

Lately, though, Locklear has been trying to rein in those bad habits, signing up for regular delivery of healthful meals to her L.A. home. "It's not really a diet, it's just eating healthy," she says. Locklear also stays active ("She works out some, but even if she didn't she would stay in amazing shape," says her friend and makeup artist Lisa Ashley) and has become savvy about the aging effects of the sun. "I use sunblock now," she says. "Up until, like, 32, I didn't. And I always take my makeup off at night. Always."

Afterward she gets plenty of rest, usually turning in by 9 p.m. ever since the birth of Ava, 3, her daughter with her husband of almost seven years, Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora. "When I was single I went out a lot," says Locklear. "Now I'm in bed way before I'd start getting ready to go out." But she'll make an exception for Sept. 25. "I don't think she cares about turning 40," says Ashley. "All she thinks about is having a party."