The Mask of Zorro sealed Zeta Jones' star status

Zeta Jones is the latest actress to become the face of a make-up firm.

She follows in the footsteps of Elizabeth Hurley, who was the face of Estee Lauder, and Julianne Moore, who advertises Revlon.

Zeta Jones, 32, said: "I have read masses about Elizabeth Arden.

"She was a visionary, and I am proud to be a part of the company she created.

"As Miss Arden said, to be beautiful and natural is the birthright of every woman', and I wholeheartedly agree with her philosophy, and dare I say, conviction to her dream."

Liz Hurley was once the face of Estee Lauder

The America's Sweetheart star is also due to launch a new perfume, which is yet to named, later this year for the company.

Ron Rolleston, Elizabeth Arden's head of marketing, said: "Catherine Zeta Jones personifies the essence of the Elizabeth Arden brand, as she is the epitome of personal style, elegance and sophistication.

"We are thrilled that Catherine will be the beautiful new face of Elizabeth Arden."

Elizabeth Arden built a global brand out of the make-up she sold in her chain of beauty stores and has worldwide annual sales of �492 million.

Three weeks ago Zeta Jones denied newspaper reports that she had clinched a �54m, nine-film Hollywood deal which required her not to fall pregnant for three years.