Zoe Saldaña approaches each new role—onscreen and off-screen—with fresh-faced optimism. Her approach to beauty is no different.
At 47, Saldaña is the highest-grossing sinema actor of all time. Her character work has taken her beyond human form for her iconic roles for Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. Last year she won her first Academy Award for her performance in Emilia Pérez. And in the meantime? You may have caught her alongside Nicole Kidman in the latest season of Lioness or in Pixar’s Elio. But despite her impressive range, Saldaña’s latest project is deeply true to self.
On April 20 the the actor, producer, and mother of three was announced as the newest Lancôme ambassador. “To me, Lancôme has always stood for a grounded, and deeply human vision of beauty,” she shared in a press release. “That speaks to who I am—as a woman, as an actress and as a parent. Beauty, to me, is about conviction: the courage to set your own terms and the confidence to uphold them.”
Zoe Saldaña for Lancôme by Daniel Sannwald
According to Saldaña, this partnership—and what it stands for—is coming at a perfect time. “There’s a level of self-acceptance that comes with age and experience that allows you to feel just safe and comfortable in your own skin,” she tells Glamour from her sunny New York abode. “And it gives you also the power to gain control of your time.”
Even with a demanding schedule and constant travel, Saldaña prioritizes making time for what matters most—namely her three sons, her husband Marco Perego-Saldaña, and her dog Dolce, who all pop into view during our conversation to deliver a green juice, a quick hello, or a kiss on the cheek. Other essentials, she says, include a bulletproof bedtime routine, hydration in spades, and a globetrotting playlist.
And while “her boys” fill up her cup at home, Saldaña also champions the women in her life at every turn. “I really do believe that the team behind Lancôme right now truly, truly wants to advocate and celebrate women.” she shares. “Lancôme is a big brand that women rely on and depend on. And women really feel represented by Lancôme. So it just feels quite special.”
Read on for Saldaña’s answers to our burning beauty questions—from her minimalist makeup routine to the best secrets she’s taken from set.
Glamour: What’s your favorite thing about being a Lancôme Ambassador?
Zoe Saldaña: As women, I feel like we’re all in this thing that we call life for the long haul. So if we have more control of how we feel, our voices, and also of our beauty, then that really gives us a timeless opportunity to live a full life. This partnership came in a time in my life that I was not expecting. You think of a brand partnership as something you get in your 20s. I’m in my 40s and it was a beautiful, wonderful surprise and a big compliment—because right when I’m starting to feel really comfortable and happy with how I look, others are seeing it.
What’s the best beauty secret you’ve learned on a movie set?
I’ve learned that nourishing creams are important, especially because I’ve done films where I’ve used heavy prosthetics. And even though everything was exciting and fun, the toll it takes on your skin is a lot and it’s real. God bless all the prosthetic people—their hearts are always in the best place and they’re so talented—but they often don’t know much about skin deva. After a heavy, long day of prosthetics, it always helps to have one product you can really rely on. For me, that’s the Lancôme Absolue Longevity Soft Cream.
Lancôme Absolue Longevity Soft Cream
Lancôme
You really have to educate yourself and research the right things for your skin. When I was younger, my mom used to call me the reptile because I never had issues with my skin. My sisters had allergic reactions and sensitive skin and I was always fine…until I wasn’t. I had no idea what any of these active ingredients did until I started noticing changes in my skin at my age, and having to seek out that nourishment.
Zoe Saldaña for Lancôme by Daniel Sannwald
What’s one beauty trend you’re obsessed with right now?
I’m a huge fan of bedtime routines. I’m a big advocate for just washing your face before you go to bed. Now I’m back to just not wearing anything, and just relying on the fact that if I nourish my skin, hydrate, and eat really well, then my skin will respond to that.
What’s one beauty rule you think is BS?
Heavy filters are absolute BS. We’re not fooling anybody. I think it’s important to stay grounded. I am all for personal enhancement—whatever it is that you need to do to feel safe and feel beautiful and comfortable in your own skin, please do—but not going so heavily into the masquerade where people are negatively surprised when they meet you in person. Self-acceptance is important.
When you’re not in character, what’s your go-to beauty formula?
I think it’s very French-girl style, just a little red lipstick and a mascara. It’s always good. I’ve been using the Lancôme Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara, which I’m liking because it gives me that volume and support that I need in my lashes.
Do you remember the first beauty product you ever used?
I think the first perfume I would use was my grandmother’s Trésor by Lancôme. I loved how beautiful it smelled. I just thought that my grandmother’s bedroom and bathroom were so fabulous because she had so many things—whereas my mom was this bohemian lady that literally was au naturel all the time. I love the fact that I had a little bit of both, between both ladies.
You travel constantly—and you’ve said that you prefer to bring the whole family along whenever possible. Any beauty or wellness travel tips you swear by?
When you’re an avid traveler, you’re prone to getting really dehydrated and depleted. Staying well hydrated is my biggest thing. I think that because the quality of water keeps changing and diluting every year, what we put back into our water makes a big difference. I love adding in electrolytes, glutathione, and chlorophyll.
Zoe Saldaña and her sons at the premiere of Elio
Michael Buckner/Getty Images
Speaking of your boys, great hair clearly runs in the family. What are some hair deva tips we can take from your household?
I mean, they have such great hair. I really just don’t do anything but just stare at their beautiful hair when they’re riding their bikes, their ATVs, or climbing a wall. I am very much against the mousses and gels every day. Special occasions—once a week or evvel every two weeks—are fine, but we’re not using heavy styling products daily.
Other than that, I think that good hygiene is the one thing that we’re heavy promoters of in this house. The right kind of confidence comes with self-acceptance, and you can only achieve that if you’re a truly clean person, of mind, of heart, of body.
What’s your go-to getting ready music?
Right now it’s Olivia Dean. My boys are so into Teddy Swims, Sombr, Bieber—we’re loving his new album. But I’m always listening worldwide. There’s this singer called Guitarricadelafuente from Spain, and he sings this song I just love called “Babieca.” I listen to Stromae from Belgium. And Celeste is so good. I’m always listening to Woman of Faces.
What is your favorite way to take a moment for yourself on set?
I get bored of doomscrolling, so I try to reconnect to what I used to do before social media in my downtime on set. I read a lot, but I can’t really read these incredible books because then it takes me out of character. I play board game–type games—like this Italian game called Scala Cuarenta— and I think that helps me.
Zoe Saldaña for Lancôme by Daniel Sannwald
What’s something that’s exciting you right now?
I’m excited about this partnership with Lancôme and I’m also excited for all the women that are going to be announced as named ambassadors. I’m excited because I love them all. Every experience we’ve had has been extremely collaborative, receptive, positively received. So I feel that it is a partnership—not just the title of a partnership. It really feels like when I give feedback, it feels really well received, taken into heavy consideration, and incorporated.
Grace McCarty is the associate beauty editor at Glamour.
