Actress Julia Roberts is to be the new face for the cosmetic giant Avon, The New York Post reports. The Pretty Woman star, who is 38, is expected to sign a contract by the end of the week.

According to the website Lifestyle Extra the Oscar-winnning actress will earn betweenn US$2 and $4 million a year for promoting the company's range of cosmetics.

The news puts paid to rumours only weeks ago that the star was to be the face of Christian Dior cosmetics.

Another Hollywood star, Salma Hayek, 39, represents Avon, which has also broadcast the face of tennis star Serena Williams.