She’s been in a public relationship with Nick Lachey for quite some time, but Vanessa Minnillo still knows what she wants when it comes to the opposite sex. We talked to her about her secret obsession and why she avoids social networking.
What projects are you working on right now?
After True Beauty wrapped up (the reality show she appears in as a judge), I wanted to take it a step further so I partnered with AXE. As part of the latest campaign we conducted a survey and investigated men’s grooming habits from six college campuses.
So what did you find out?
Chicks like clean guys! Three out of every four girls said they would only date a guy who showers daily. We also gave male college students a bar of soap and then the AXE shower gel for a week – two-thirds of women said they preferred the guys who used the shower gel, and 90 per cent of guys felt more confident after using AXE shower gel. They felt more comfortable talking with girls and being closer to them, so it gave them confidence, which was awesome.
What type of men do you typically find attractive?
My guy has good grooming habits. That’s so key – you don’t want to be around a stinky guy. Confidence is very important too – that he be confident in whatever it is that he’s doing.
Personally I also love humility – I love a guy who doesn’t need to shout it from the rooftops. He’s a quiet reveller in his own glory.
What’s the worst pickup line you’ve heard?
I had a pretty bad one that I can’t repeat. Let’s just say I was in New Orleans during my first month at MTV, I had full hair and makeup, and someone gave me this awful pickup line about “doing something” to him. Use your imagination. It was something corny and laughable and too overly cocky.
What’s the biggest turn-off?
Definitely cockiness... and bad hygiene – I wanted to partner with AXE because a man’s hygiene is very important to me, and the study proved it was important to other girls too. AXE makes it easy and it’s affordable, so there’s no excuse for a guy to be unclean.
Do you find that men are intimidated to approach you?
I think it depends on the day, like what I’m doing, what I’m wearing, etc. It’s like that for any woman – sometimes she gives off that vibe and sometimes she doesn’t. I try and look people in the eye. I want people to come up and say "hello" and I want to be nice to them. I always want to be approachable.
What would be the ultimate first date?
I’ve had so many different first dates with so many different guys I can’t pinpoint a specific activity. I like a guy who’s more humble and confident and can take me to a baseball game or make me dinner at his apartment.
Where’s the best pick-up locale?
It’s every-day things – people thinks it’s the clubs, at church, at the library, but it’s just when you’re out and about doing regular stuff like running in the park or going to the gym. It’s the most random of places. Having your friends hook you up is the best because they know you and they know the friend. Also, today everyone’s meeting online, but there’s something to be said about being old-fashioned and leaving some things to the imagination (not your million followers).
I haven’t been on the dating scene for a long time – I’m more of a serial monogamist. I’ve never had to “pick up” (laughs).
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I travel with this blanket I got from Brookstone. I use it in hotels, airplanes, at home – I’m a clean freak and this way I know it’s mine and it’s clean. I love that blanket.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I have a lot of guilty pleasures. I love to sing – it’s really bad. I sing in the car, in the shower, around the house. I try and sing and dance if it’s upbeat.
Any favorite artists or genres?
I don’t discriminate – I love hip-hop, country, adult-contemporary. Anything!
Where can people find out more about you?
That’s hard to say. I’m not on Twitter – I haven’t found enough courage to speak openly to random people. To each their own, I guess. I enjoy my privacy and I’m not always going to have it so I’m relishing in it. I’m not on Facebook either – maybe that’s partially why I feel like I’m doing a bit of disservice to my fans [by not social networking]... but as of now, I’m really enjoying my personal life.
To learn more about the AXE college study,click here.
