Humble Hilary

As a film star, recording artist and fashion designer, Hilary Duff has amassed a considerable fortune. Add her relationship to Good Charlotte singer Joel Madden and she's been on the front cover of every teen mag around the world.

But does she really like being famous? TV Hits' Donna Walker-Mitchell gets down-to-earth with the Texas teen idol.

Q. You have achieved so much for someone so young. Tell us, what's it really like being Hilary Duff?!
A. It's exciting! There's not many people who have been all around the world and experienced so many different things. It's pretty cool, but it's tiring and you don't get to travel just like a normal person. Still, I'm not complaining.

What's the one techno gadget you couldn't live without?
My sidekick. It's how I stay in touch with all of my friends. It's also a way for me to do business so I can be in touch with the people I need to talk to. Most of my friends have them too, so if someone wants to get in touch with me, they can.

You must have loads of friends. How do you sort out who's real and who might be just using you for your fame?
I don't really mix with a lot of Hollywood-type people. I have a couple of really good friends, but I have a good radar for picking up who's real and who's not.

When it comes to guys, what makes someone perfect for you?
I like dark hair. Someone who is funny and likes to have fun and not be wrapped up in this lifestyle we live. I like someone very normal.

If a guy wanted to impress you on a date, what should he do?
I like to go out and be active. I'm up for anything on a date. Sometimes I can't go wherever I'd like to, but I still try anyway. I like different types of people. It just depends on how you feel when you meet them and what kind of vibe they give off and how your stomach feels.

Before a guy asks you out on a date, what's the one thing he should know about you?
I like to talk a lot. I'm pretty talkative, so I like someone who can keep up!

When you first started dating, what was the one thing you used to do which you don't do anymore?
Well, I used to always bring an entire bag of make-up with me. I'm not like that anymore! (laughs)

What advice do you have when it comes to love?
Well, I know that in the beginning you can be very cautious because you don't want to put yourself out there to get let down or hurt. But I think you should have fun. If a guy can make you laugh, that's great.

You've said you have a very tight group of friends you hang around with. What makes them so great for you?
My friends are really supportive and they don't care about any of this (fame) stuff. I try and stick to a small group of people and they go on tour with me. They know how hard it is for me to work sometimes and not have a completely normal life.

What's your one make-up essential?
I really like lip gloss.

When you go shopping, what's the one thing you can't resist?
Jewellery and handbags! I'm pretty cautious with my money though, so I don't go crazy.

When it comes to guys, what is your biggest turn-off?
I hate it when guys are smug and super macho. It grosses me out.

Finally Hilary, do you see your life as a fairy tale?
I definitely feel incredibly lucky and very fortunate, that's for sure.