Zoe Saldaña's bold beauty chapter with Lancôme: 'I feel heard'

Zoe Saldaña is crafting her own path in beauty.

The Oscar-winning actress, producer, and mom to three has taken on the role of Global Ambassador for the renowned beauty company Lancôme, joining an impressive lineup of women such as Julia Roberts, Olivia Rodrigo, and Isabella Rossellini.

This new announcement aligns with the debut of Lancôme’s innovative five-product series, Absolue Longevity MD, which features the ingredient Mitopure to combat fine lines and enhance skin firmness, focused on biological — rather than chronological — aging.

At 47, Saldaña is the brilliant representative of the Intercept pair, which includes a serum ($175) and a cream ($155), tailored for individuals between 35 and 55.

Additionally, the series includes Anticipate Cream ($145) for those 35 and under, and Reset Serum ($175) and Reset Cream ($155) for those over 55.

“I express my views. And they listen. I’ve never experienced that before in my previous collaborations with beauty [brands], but I also wasn’t in a place where I completely understood myself. I thought who I was needed validation from others,” she reveals.

Being appreciated for her true self matters just as much as aligning with a shared vision. She and the brand’s people share this understanding.

“We both genuinely want to advocate for women and honor them,” she states.

Saldaña's connection with the brand goes back years. In fact, to her childhood. During her time in the Dominican Republic, the Lioness actress fondly remembers seeing Trésor on her grandmother's vanity.

“Growing up, my grandmother had the most exquisite perfumes,” she reminisces.

She adds, “My mom embraced a natural Bohemian style, which influenced my view on beauty. My grandma worked as a seamstress, selling fabrics, embroidery, and buttons. I loved spending time with her because when she left her room, I could explore her makeup and skincare, and Lancôme was always there.”

The lessons of self-worth came from both her mother and grandmother.

“The first time I felt beautiful was when my mom and grandmother told me so. Don't underestimate how powerful positive words are for children. They absorb and believe everything you say. If [my mom] saw beauty in me, no one could discredit that foundation of self-acceptance she established in me.”

She continues, “Since my earliest compliments came from them, I learned to discern genuine admiration from exploitation or objectification when others called me beautiful.”

Her experiences in the Dominican Republic significantly shaped her beauty perspective.

“I discovered a richer beauty concept that encompasses all shapes, skin tones, hair textures, and body forms," she notes.

Saldaña embraced her identity as a Black Latina woman back then. Returning to the US, she realised the gaps in representation in Hollywood. “I didn’t see myself in those spaces. I always noticed that discrepancy and early on, realised it wasn’t me. It was a reflection of others' biases and outlooks.”

Unquestionably, Sandaña stands as a formidable force. Lancôme embraces this energy. States Vania Lacascade, Lancôme's Global Brand President, in a statement, “[She] exudes a grounded authority and a distinctive intellectual depth that resonate with contemporary women, who prioritise substance over appearance. Beyond her vibrancy and elegance, her unyielding self-awareness and dedication to impactful storytelling establish her as a powerful voice for Lancôme.”