JoAnna Garcia Swisher’s star is rising. Landing the top role in an upcoming comedy pilot, the actress will lead a primetime show once again.

The Florida-born Latina got her first big break in high school when she was cast on Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” Ever since then, she has starred in hit shows, such as “Reba,” “Privileged” and “Gossip Girl.” But it was playing Mia Putney, the lead in the hit comedy “Better With You,” that secured her place as a young comedic actress to watch.

If the 32-year-old’s work accomplishments impress, then her off-camera efforts inspire. Last June, Garcia Swisher teamed up with Merck to launch the Let’s Go There campaign, an initiative to encourage women to talk to their doctors about birth control options. “As the daughter of an OB/GYN, I learned from an early age the importance of educating myself to better understand my health options,” said Garcia Swisher last summer.

To top it off, last Thanksgiving, Garcia Swisher and her husband -- New York Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher -- finally took their overdue honeymoon (they married in December 2010) to Afghanistan. But this wasn’t just an adventurous trip to a rugged country. They were there to cheer on the troops. “I think we had about eight different Thanksgiving meals,” said Garcia Swisher afterward. “We’ve made friends for a lifetime.”

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You don’t need to spend a fortune or hire a team of professionals to get your favorite celeb’s signature style. Looking like a star is all about confidence and attitude ... and of course, great hair and makeup. Here are some tips to make your skin glow like JLo’s as you arch a perfectly sculpted brow à la Camilla Belle.

JLo’s Glow
No matter what’s going on in her personal life, Jennifer Lopez always looks effortlessly radiant. The key to achieving her fabulous glow is a pared-down makeup palette and lots of shimmery highlights. Think luminous drama and lots of metallics. Go for gold, silver or neutral eye shadows and a soft nude lip color. Complete your look with an all-over luminizer to infuse your skin with a golden sheen.

Nicole’s Boho Glam
With her House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate fashion and accessory lines, we all have a backstage pass to Nicole Richie’s luxurious -- but easygoing and incredibly wearable -- style. Her cool boho look is all about mastering the art of done/undone. Start with a romantic ’do with face-framing tendrils and create foolproof smoldering eyes. Look for a 2-in-1 smoky eye stick that can shade and line, and is smudge proof.

Sofia’s Sexy Cat Eye
Sofia Vergara oozes flirty sex-kitten appeal. You can bring out your inner vixen by using a liquid liner to create a subtle cat-eye. Add a few extra coats of volumizing mascara so everyone takes note when you bat your lashes. Choose a soft pink, glossy lip color if you’re feeling coquettish, or vamp it up with a rich crimson.

Eva’s Ladylike Sophistication
With strong features, a put-together ladylike style and sleek retro waves, Eva Mendes always exudes old-school Hollywood glamour with a thoroughly modern edge. To achieve Eva’s polished perfection, keep your hair in top condition with a deep-moisturizing treatment. Tame the flyaways and get great shine with a smoothing cream.

Camilla’s Killer Brows
Camilla Belle’s fresh, modern style -- bold, perfectly sculpted brows and red lips -- makes her a standout on any red carpet. With careful tweezing and a little strategic eyebrow pencil, you’ll be a standout too. Look for a brow-shaping kit that makes this a snap, even for the tweezing-challenged.

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When we first knew her, she was MTV’s first Latina VJ: tough, fun and trendsetting. Her chunky blond highlights became the beach-blown look of the ’90s, and New Jersey sounded cooler through her pink-frosted lips. As the blond strips gave way to subdued sun-kissed tresses, Fuentes became an international fashion icon. Here, her secret of how her bright, sassy style became an $800 million clothing, perfume and accessory line.

You started your business when celebrities shunned the idea of licensing their names to retailers because it was considered “selling out.” Why did you see it differently?
I don’t turn down an opportunity just because it’s not what everybody else is doing. I’m not an actress. I’ve hosted many shows about fashion, so it made sense to me. I just do what feels authentic.

What gives a brand staying power?
I started with sportswear and added categories one by one. You have to take the time to establish identity. In my line, the looks go from day to night and work to weekend. It’s classy and affordable, which is exactly what I would want!

What category would you love to develop next?
I love beauty, skin care and hair. I study the latest news, ingredients and formulas. I love new challenges. I would also love to develop my own wine!

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The 12th annual Latin GRAMMY Awards are set to kick off on Nov. 10th in Las Vegas. While we already know all about nominees like Ricky Martin and Shakira (who raked in three nominations apiece this year), let’s shine the spotlight on some of the Latino community’s lesser-known performers who swept the nominations.

Heading up the 2011 list is undoubtedly Puerto Rican band Calle 13, who rocked an impressive 10 nominations with their jazz-, bossa nova– and salsa fusion–inspired fourth album, Entren Los Que Quieran. Stepbrothers René Pérez Joglar and Eduardo José Cabra Martínez are no strangers to the Latin GRAMMY Awards, having already won 10 Latin GRAMMYs for their previous albums.

Another cantante whose career is on fire is Mexican singer Marco Antonio Solis, who cleaned up nicely with four nominations for his ninth studio album. Like Calle 13, Solis has experienced his fair share of public adoration, having sold close to 80 million records worldwide. Venezuelan singer Franco De Vita is nominated five times over for his 10th album, En Primera Fila, which along with Calle 13 is nominated for both Record of the Year and Album of the Year.

But what new artists can we expect to rock the Latino community in the next few years? Twenty-two-year-old Spanish YouTube sensations Pablo Alborán, Argentinean crooner Max Capote, Brazilian country singer Paula Fernandes, Italian operatic trio Il Volo, and Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Sie7e all made the cut for Best New Artist.

Who do you hope wins?

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The Billboard Latin Music Awards, airing on April 28, is one of the most hotly anticipated galas to celebrate the fantastic variety of Latin music. This mega-networking event for industry artists charts blockbuster performances of diverse Latino artists throughout the world. This year, the winners will introduce new players in the market, and showcase familiar names that continue to inspire around the world.

Leading the nominations are mainstays such as Enrique Iglesias (14 slots) and Shakira (13 slots). Meanwhile, Lady Gaga and Rihanna got a nod for the Crossover Artist of the Year category, once again proving Latinos’ love for pop-dance music. Here, some lesser-known names to add to your playlist:

Venezuelan reggaetón duo Chino y Nacho are nominated for nine awards, including Best Album of the Year. It’s no surprise that their sonic blend of reggaetón, merengue and salsa tunes are getting massive international airplay.

With the release of his eponymously titled album, Prince Royce steamed up dance floors with his debut this year. He’s nominated for six awards for his soulful urban bachata, including Male Artist of the Year.

L.A. quintet Voz de Mando may be relatively unknown, but their Mexican knowledge runs deep. So deep, in fact, that they’ve been touring around the country. They are now nominated for the new Latin Artist of the Year award.

Up for a solo Regional Mexican Airplay Artist of the Year award is singer-songwriter Espinoza Paz, an exciting newcomer whose tales of heartbreak earned him an impressive track of album sales and digital downloads. He’s nominated for eight awards, including Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year.

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