Congratulations to Flare magazine for being one of the first publications to debut its January issue! And cover stars don’t get much bigger and better than Miss Lea Michele, especially since the new year is when us UK Glee fans will finally be able to watch the brand new series – a privilege that Stateside viewers have had since September this year. We’re not jealous, honest!

Lea not only poses for Max Abadian’s camera lens in a gorgeous Alberta Ferretti number, but also gives a great interview about tattoos, boyfriend and Glee costar Cory Monteith, and her personal style. No prizes for guessing which subject grabbed our attention the most…

“I’m pretty minimal in my wardrobe,” she said. I’ll do a little shop, stock up on some things, and that’s it. I mean, when I go to do events and stuff like that, I definitely feel I can bump it up.

“I have an amazing stylist, Estee Stanley, who is so wonderful. She always makes me feel so comfortable and beautiful in my own skin, and the dresses are just, like, extra points.”

Words cannot express how much we love the magazine cover. The black and white image proves that both the actress and her Glee alter ego Rachel Berry are growing up, which is why there isn’t a single bubblegum shade in sight.

Head to Flare’s website right now to check out more gorgeous pictures from the shoot and read more snippets from the interview.