Jessica Alba has revealed she was scared of choosing exciting roles when she was younger.

The 33-year-old, who appeared in romantic comedies such as Never Been Kissed, Good Luck Chuck and Honey, told Marie Claire UK she preferred to stay within her comfort zone.

"I don't know if I was ever typecast, I just made very safe, boring choices as an actor and I take full responsibility for that," she said.

"It wasn't the roles, it was probably the way I translated them. I was afraid to be fearless and bold. I was young, I was afraid of being criticised, and I wanted to appease everyone."

Jessica, who graces the front cover of the magazine's September issue in a floral-print dress, said young actresses today have it a bit easier because there are more parts for them to pick from.

"It was harder when I was starting out. There's much more diversity now; there's a wider range of successful actresses and beauty," she continued.

"We didn't have Tina Fey and Amy Poehler starring in movies when I was starting out. Halle Berry wasn't an Oscar winner and there was no Jennifer Lopez."

The mother-of-two said turning 30 wasn't fun for her.

"I was pretty p****d off. I don't know why it was so hard, it just was. I was pregnant [with Haven, now three] first of all, and I really wanted to party like a rock star!" she said.

"I didn't even know I cared about my 20s until I turned 30. I feel like I look better now. I think I came into my own physically in my 30s, even when I'd had kids. I feel more like a woman."

The full feature can be read in the September issue of Marie Claire, out August 7.