Apr 13, 2011 20:01 GMT  ·  By

She’s 46-years-old and, though not a conventional beauty, she’s one of the most attractive and popular ladies in television. In a recent interview with the New York Times

and makeup artist Tina Turnbow, Parker reveals her beauty secrets.

Which are not that much of a secret after all, considering how easily the stylist gets her to talk about it.

The actress, who is now getting ready to start shooting for season 7 of Showtime’s very popular “Weeds” series (which may also be the last, according to reports), knows that she should be thankful to her mom for the good genes.

“My mother is a beauty. Other than that, I would have to say clean living and being moderate about everything. No heavy partying, drinking or drugs. I just want to make lunches and organize my kids’ playroom,” the actress says when she’s asked about her number 1 beauty secret.

Parker is also against plastic surgery, in the sense that she hasn’t had any work done and would rather she kept her good looks the natural way, with healthy eating, using the right kind of products and taking proper care of herself.

One thing that the actress would not recommend to any woman though is getting a hair straightening treatment.

“Not trusting my instincts – letting my vanity take over,” Mary-Louise says of her most recent beauty mistake, “and having the Brazilian Straightening Treatment.”

“I’ve experienced hair fall-out in the past, and it is not fun. This treatment resulted in more. My advice: don’t do it!” she says.

The actress, who is anything but shy about doing revealing scenes if they’re relevant to the character she’s playing, says her amazing figure and flawless skin are also the result of healthy dieting.

“I do love my avocados, which are great for the skin. I eat pretty healthfully. My father passed away not long ago from colon cancer. It was a wake-up call to start paying attention to what goes in my body, and on it, as well,” she explains.

“I am eating a mostly vegan diet right now. I am also trying to stay away from products containing parabens,” Parker adds.

For more tips from the actress, check out the NY Times piece here. For updates on “Weeds” and whether there’s going to be a season 8 as well, stay tuned.