Jessica Alba Behind the Cover Shoot

Jessica Alba Behind The Scenes at the Marie Claire Cover Shoot.

Kristen Schaefer

On the eve of telling the world her baby news, Jessica Alba, the non-diva diva, lit up the shoot with her new glow.

Kristen Schaefer

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We first fell for our cover girl when she called ahead herself to say she was running late. Alba also kept it real on the set, arriving with her pet pug, Sid, and beaming mom, Cathy Alba, in tow. MC Fashion Director Tracy Taylor marveled at her serenity: "She was so relaxed — almost daydreamy. Now we know why!"

Kristen Schaefer

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Alba's lushly natural beauty was the perfect foil for Dolce & Gabbana's frothy punk confection. "With a dress this major, you keep the hair soft and informal," advised salon superstar Oscar Blandi. To get the sexy, didn't-try-too-hard look, he blowdried Alba's wavy hair straight, then spritzed it with his own jasmine protein mist: "It gets a little texture and curl back in."

Kristen Schaefer

Jessica Alba

Hidden stilettos usually help celebrity subjects amp up the attitude, but Alba projected high-wattage just fine in Ugg boots at the Marie Claire cover shoot — happily rocking out to The White Stripes and hugging her secret close.

Kristen Schaefer

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba's mom behind the scenes with pet pug, Sid.

Kristen Schaefer

Jessica Alba

The tools of the trade.