Elle Macpherson says the secret to her good looks is make-up and genes

Super model Elle Macpherson has revealed that the secret to her good looks is a canny use of cosmetics.

The 47-year-old, new host of television show Britain's Next Top Model, insisted it is all trickery and mother nature.

"Make-up! It's all make-up," the Daily Express quoted Macpherson as telling The Lady magazine.

"And genes. So thanks Mum, thanks Dad. Goodness knows I've spent enough time in the sun so my skin is not as fresh as I would like," she said.

As for dieting, she said tucking into a bag of crisps: "Usually I eat like a horse! I've been through phases where I've been vegan and vegetarian but as I get older I realize that not having animal protein is perhaps not the best way to manage healthy hormones."

The mother of two might be known for her body but she is more obsessed with her mind.

"I don't look at whether I'm thin or fat or skinny, or have tight skin.

"I observe how I feel on a daily basis. Am I balanced, finding joy, am I depressed or over-emotional, am I strong when I work out?" she added.