Penelope Cruz “magnetizes” the eyes in an impressive photo shoot ahead of her birthday next month. The famous actress turns 50 years old.

Cruz shows off her toned figure wearing a strapless Mugler corset and a flowing lace Versace dress for the April issue of Spain’s Elle, her ninth cover for the publication.

“If you ask me how my relationship with myself is now and the one I had when I was 20 or 30, I honestly prefer the one I have now”says Penelope Cruz in her interview.

While the Hollywood star isn’t sure what she’ll be doing to celebrate her 50th birthday, she says she’ll be spending it with loved ones, some of whom she’s known since she was a teenager.

Penelope Cruz

For her 50 years she says: “I take advantage of every decade, every moment and never think that…”I used to be better””.

And Penelope Cruz proves she is, indeed, having the best time of her life as she oozes confidence in her new photo shoot.

Penelope Cruz

The actress says that she misses the fun and carefreeness of when she was younger, as she has become more aware of the world around her as she gets older. “Sometimes I wish I could do more pranks and go back more to that kind of recklessness. Everything I’ve learned so far or all the “mountains” I’ve had to climb – some of which weren’t easy and I’m not talking about anything related to success or this part of the job – are part of my learning.”adds the actress.

Penelope Cruz

Finally, Penelope Cruz reveals that she always wanted to be a mother and tried in her 20s, on a trip to India, to adopt a child on her own, but failed.