Zoë Kravitz shares her experience behind the camera and more

We last saw her play Selena Kyle, aka Catwoman, opposite Robert Pattinson in The Batman. And now, Zoë Kravitz, the multi-talented personality—she is an actress, singer and model—is set to make her debut behind the camera; her directorial debut, Pussy Island, is expected to be released this year. She spills the beans on what it is to be a director, her favourite lip shade, her mom's best make-up tip, and more.

MOVING BEHIND THE CAMERA

It’s crazy that after working in the film industry for more than a decade, I still knew so little about what goes into making a film. But I’ve been lucky to work with exceptional directors, like Jean-Marc Vallée, Matt Reeves, and Steven Soderbergh, and I’ve gotten incredible advice from them. 

CREATING A MOOD

I like the coffee and vanilla in YSL Beauty Black Opium Le Parfum; it makes me feel confident.

DRESSING THE PART

When I put on a character’s costume and get the right hair and make-up, it changes the way I feel, walk, and move. I’ll also often take home some of the character’s clothes to wear so I can get in the zone. When I played Rob in High Fidelity I wore tons of Hawaiian shirts. 

PAINTING A PICTURE

Makeup can help tell a character’s story. I love what we did with Selina’s makeup for The Batman. (Makeup artist) Pat McGrath designed that look and had the idea to smudge sparkles from her Mothership I: Subliminal palette under Selina’s eyes to suggest she was so busy, she always slept in her makeup.

LIGHTENING UP

I tend to wear a lot of black because it’s easy, and in the winter I like to pair it with a red lip. Come spring, though, I love a nude lip, like YSL Beauty the Bold Lipstick in Brazen Nude. 

LISTENING TO MOM

My mother (actress Lisa Bonet, 7, with Zoë’s father, Lenny Kravitz) always said beauty comes from within and to just use makeup to highlight the things you love about yourself.

CAMOUFLAGING FATIGUE

YSL Beauty Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen is a godsend for making you look awake instantly, so I always carry one in my purse. Similarly, if I’m feeling puffy or have had a few glasses of wine on a plane, I’ll ice my face, then spritz it with Caudalíe Beauty Elixir. The smell is amazing.

GETTING CAMERA-READY

I don’t always feel like being photographed, and I have to get in the mood. So I try to relax, take a deep breath, and think of someone I love.

This piece originally appeared in the March 2023 print edition of Harper's Bazaar US