Eva Mendes doesn't employ a nanny because she prefers to be a ''hands-on'' mother.

The 41-year-old actress has eight-month-old daughter Esmeralda with boyfriend Ryan Gosling and insists she doesn't get much external help when it comes to juggling her career and motherhood.

Speaking to InStyle magazine, she said: ''I'm a very hands-on mom; I don't have a nanny. No matter how tired I am, I just do it.''

The brunette beauty - who is the new face of Estée Lauder's anti-aging skin care line New Dimension - gets up very early to make sure she has time for her 'ritualistic'' beauty routine while her baby sleeps.

She said: ''Well sometimes I do it at 4am. I'm no longer in control of my schedule, and I try to take advantage of the time when she's sleeping.

''I love to be diligent about my routine every day, especially with my skin. I travel so much that I think it helps keep me grounded.

''I'm a new mom and I'm sleep-deprived, so my eyes are my main focus.''

Meanwhile, 'Hitch' star Eva says she would never rule out plastic surgery.

She said: ''I don't judge. You know, 10 or 20 years from now, who knows what I think will be necessary for me? It's like, whatever it takes to make yourself feel good, I'm all for it.''