London, Jun 24 (IANS): Marilyn Monroe's beauty and sex appeal, thanks to her blonde locks and red lips, made her the ultimate style icon, says actress Eva Longoria.

The former "Desperate Housewives" actress is a huge fan of the late blonde beauty, reports contactmusic.com.

"Marilyn Monroe had that certain something. She never changed her look, and even after her death, that blonde hair with the red lips is still glamorous and beautiful," said Longoria.

"But it's also what she exuded - she was electrifying and you couldn't wait to see what she did next and who she was with. She just had this essence about her that was beautiful," she added.

Longoria says she personally hates sweating it out in the gym, but she tries her best to maintain her figure.

"I hate working out. I hate cardio, I hate running, I hate the treadmill. I like weights, but the rest of it just has to be done. That's why I have a trainer - to make me do it. And I like to get out and about as much as possible, which is easier in Los Angeles, as the sun shines," she said.