Penelope Cruz Is Gorgeous on Elle France October 2014 Cover ...

It’s turning out to be a pretty amazing month for Penelope Cruz, as she’s featured on the front of Elle France’s October 2014 issue.

The “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” actress worked with photographer Nico for the spread and teamed with Lancome beauty for her flawless look.

Earlier this month, Penelope was named the “Sexiest Woman Alive” by Esquire magazine, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that she’s a doting mother of two children.

Ms. Cruz explained that her flair for the dramatic created undue tension for her personally while fueling her own creative drive.

“I’ve made it hard for me sometimes, especially in my teens and twenties. I had an attraction to drama. Most of us have that, especially if you are an artist -- you feel like you are tempted to explore the darkness. I could not be less interested now. For me, the most attractive, charming, cool, fun, interesting thing -- how could I call it? A plan.”