The director-producer talked candidly on growing up without the demands of social media and discovering self-worth within, ahead of L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth event. “I consider myself fortunate to have not grown up in the age of social media. I never had the same relationship with beauty that I believe many young girls do, especially in this day and age, with the pressures of comparison and trying to live up to these frequently unachievable ideals,” 48-year-old Longoria says to PEOPLE.

Growing up with sisters, the actress and director also felt empowered by the women around her.

“I come from a family of independent, strong women. I didn’t have to look far for those role models,” she says.

“My mom raised four girls, one child with special needs, had a full-time job, had dinner on the table every day at six, was at every band practice, cheerleading practice, everything,” Longoria adds. “And so for me, it’s like, ‘Wow.’ I always think, ‘I’m not doing enough in my life!'”

After working for L’Oréal Paris for almost 20 years, Longoria has enjoyed seeing how skincare and makeup have developed over time. Most importantly, though, Longoria now lives by the catchphrase of the company, “Because You’re Worth It.”