Ashley Tisdale has graduated from "High School Musical" -- and she's officially ready to leave the teenage drama behind.

The 23-year-old reveals an edgier look and sound that comes full force on her new album, Guilty Pleasure. The actress-singer spent eight months working on the record-a physical manifestation of songs that empower women. And with today's release of her new single, "It's Alright, It's OK,"(give it a listen on Popeater.com!) Ashley proves that she is ready to reveal a side that's less bubblegum and more hard candy.

StyleList recently got the chance to hang out with Ashley at the AOL Studios and talk to the starlet about Guilty Pleasure, returning to darker locks, and her must-have beauty product.


StyleList: What are some of your favorite songs from your new record?
Ashley: "It's Alright, It's OK" is one of my favorite songs on the album. I really love breakup songs! And "Masquerade" is all about role-playing -- its one of the edgier tracks." I love empowering women and being strong throughout my songs.

StyleList: What are some of your guilty pleasures?
Ashley: "Coffee Bean -- it's my favorite drink. I like "Full House" reruns, and definitely Perez Hilton!"

StyleList: Why did you make the switch back to dark hair?
Ashley: "I went back to my darker hair because I'm 23 now -- I'm grown up. It's time for edgier roles. My fashion sense has been impacted, too. I definitely opting for more sophisticated fashions, like those from Lorick."

StyleList: What is your ultimate beauty guilty pleasure?
Ashley: "Mascara is my biggest beauty guilty pleasure -- it's what I wear when I just run out of the house. My favorite brand is DiorShow Mascara."