Beauty is found in the eye of the beholder and Zoë Kravitz is definitely a beauty to behold. Although she is often described as "cool" and "measured," Kravitz admits to Byrdie in a recent interview she does not view herself in that same regard.
"I’m not that cool. I guess it’s a compliment but also kind of a limiting thing. And then people are scared of you, I’ve noticed. People become intimidated and forget that you’re a human."
PHOTO: Byrdie
The notion of being human is one that 29-year-old Kravitz looks to drive home in this interview. Most women have experienced the elicit "you should smile" comment from a random man while walking down the street. It is annoying for many reasons, but Kravitz shared she has learned a way to combat the unwanted conversation.
"So lately, I’ve been doing one of two things. I’ve either been looking them in the face and saying, 'Don’t f–king tell me to smile,' or I’m like, 'My grandmother just died.' I watch them react, and they don’t even know what to say. The whole point is to remind them I’m a human being. I’m not here to look pretty for you."
Kravitz, like many of us, believes men should be teaching men how to interact appropriately with women and men should talk to women. In doing so, she encourages women to speak their truths and not be concerned with whether someone likes you or not.
"I don’t want it to be a gender war. I want it to be a conversation. I think it’s also important to show compassion and forgiveness. I mean, men aren’t even allowed to cry! Yeah, you’re going to be f–ked up if you’re told you can’t cry. But also, like, just be a good person."
PHOTO: Byrdie
In addition to the actress/rockstar’s advocacy for women’s rights and equality, Kravitz is also breaking barriers in the beauty world. She was named the new face of YSL’s Black Opium fragrance and came to realize she was one of few women of color to be the face of a couture fragrance.
"I was excited because I was excited. After doing a bit of research and seeing how few brown women are faces of couture fragrances, I was like, wow, this is a big deal. Hopefully it will open the eyes of these major fashion houses to expand their idea of beauty and how they represent beauty."
And while on the topic of beauty, Kravitz shared her understanding of beauty and revealed to her it is beyond features and physical appearance, it is in one’s attitude.
"When I see someone who is comfortable in their own skin and knows who they are, I think that’s gorgeous. I’ve seen so many people who on paper are 'beautiful,' and there’s just nothing behind the eyes — they’re totally insecure, and all of a sudden, the beauty doesn’t mean anything, and I don’t find them beautiful anymore. That beauty lasts about two seconds."
PHOTO: HealthyCeleb
"It definitely took me some bit of time as an adult and someone who was in the public eye to find myself. There’s a lot of pressure. Growing up, I’d go to events and think, Do I need to look like everyone else?"
She has long grown out of that phase, it seems, because her style is her own and she does not conform to societal standards. Kravitz gives credit to her upbringing, particularly seeing her mom’s, Lisa Bonet, support system.
"My mom had such an incredible group of women around her. Seeing that kind of support and seeing how that changed her life, I think from an early age I knew that was something that was important to me."
PHOTO: Byrdie
We think she could also thank her mom for those incredible cheekbones! And since we are mentioning her face, can we talk about her beautiful, dewy skin?! Kravitz "secret sauce" for her glow is: Water, exercise, and sleep; and she is not a fan of restrictive diets because she does not believe in depriving yourself, but moderation is key.
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