Lancôme’s Face-Forward Strategy Includes Zendaya, Isabella Rossellini

PARIS — Lancôme’s star-studded lineup of ambassadors, from Zendaya to Isabella Rossellini, Olivia Rodrigo, Julia Roberts and Joey Sunday, crystallizes the luxury beauty brand’s ethos. 

“Lancôme’s values are totally transgenerational,” said Cyril Chapuy, global president of L’Oréal Luxe. “From a 20-year-old to a 70-plus-year-old, we embody femininity à la Lancôme.”

Françoise Lehmann, who served as Lancôme global brand president for 12 years before stepping down in July, said it has had “remarkable ambassadorship.” The executive cherry-picked major female figures, whom she considers inspiring, self-made, strong, widely loved and respected role models. They are to represent all women.

“What they brought to the brand is truly unique,” said Lehmann. “They’re all generous women — women that women want to be like. They’re not intimidating; they’re deeply rooted in everyday life, despite their star status.”

The respect is mutual. As Lancôme celebrates its 90th anniversary, WWD Beauty Inc asked its star faces to share their thoughts about representing one of beauty’s most iconic brands. 

Julia Roberts

What about Lancôme resonates with you the most?

The most incredible thing about Lancôme for me has been how at home they’ve always made me feel — not what one would expect from a big company.

What are your must-have products?

After all these years, I’ve probably tried just about everything! I love the Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Sheet Masks, the Lash Idôle mascara, Juicy Tubes, Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover and I’m never without the Absolue hand cream.

What’s your favorite memory of your time spent working with Lancôme?

My favorite memory is probably being literally on top of the Arc de Triomphe filming with Damien Chazelle. My family was there, and it was incredibly beautiful and magical.

Do you have a favorite anecdote?

It’s always the most fun when there are events when all of the women are there. It doesn’t happen that often, but when it does it is always special.

Isabella Rossellini

What about Lancôme resonates with you the most?

What I love most about working with Lancôme is to have a pulse of women and their position in society. Lancôme reflects society, and it responds to women’s demands. I worked for Lancôme since the ’80s and in the beginning, I was an anonymous beauty, a silent beauty. Then, that was the definition of a desirable woman: beautiful and silent. Nowadays, we have Julia Roberts, myself, a poet, an influencer, a rapper…women who have strong voices and strong careers. Women’s position in society has evolved and it is reflected in Lancôme.

What are your must-have Lancôme products?

I love creams and I’ve been using creams — Lancôme creams — throughout my life. I do use makeup, but very little in my regular life because I use so much when I am in films or modeling. I always have lipstick, and I always have a base. But in my regular days, I don’t use more than that. Perfume and cream are what I love the most, especially Trésor and Rénergie.

What is your favorite memory of  your time spent working with Lancôme?

My favorite time working with Lancôme is to discuss with the executive team about how to translate visually in the ad a fantasy, a desire. It was interesting to me not to have my contract renewed for Lancôme after I was 40 because I was considered too old and then hired back in my 60s, 20 years later. And that is because specifically women, and society, demanded a definition of beauty that was more inclusive, more you, more modern than these old-fashioned “sois belle et tais-toi” — be beautiful and shut up, as we used to say in France.

Do you have a favorite anecdote?

I worked for Lancôme for so many years, and had so many events, but what comes to mind as one that moves me the most is that Lancôme felt the need to open a farm. It is called the Domaine de la Rose and it is in Grasse, a traditionally used place for flowers, where perfumes are made. I also have a farm and I also had my personal need to go back to the essence of what do we eat, how does it grow, what are the seasons? In a way, it was the same need that Lancôme had. We had forgotten that perfume comes from flowers and what are these flowers? And so the Domaine de la Rose is one of my favorite places to visit.

Olivia Rodrigo

What about Lancôme resonates with you the most?

I love how they’re all about being yourself. In this industry, there’s so much pressure to be perfect, to fit into a mold. The brand has been around forever, but it still feels cool and current. For me, it’s not just about makeup — it’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin.

What are your must-have Lancôme products?

I love the Idôle Flutter Exension Mascara. It’s just makes your eyes pop — it’s perfect for that fresh, natural vibe I love. I also really love Juicy Tubes. They’re a classic. They have a super thick texture that I love to wear when I want an easy glossy lip.

What’s your favorite memory of your time spent working with Lancôme?

My favorite memory of my time working with Lancôme was the first campaign I shot for Idôle Power. Stepping onto that set marked the beginning of my journey with Lancôme and meeting the incredible team. After the Idôle Power ads started airing, my mom would get so excited. She would send me pictures when she saw one of the ads. It was so sweet.

Do you have a favorite anecdote?

At the Idôle House NYC launch, I got to meet Rachel Bilson and we shot a TikTok with a famous line from “The O.C.,” which I love. It was fun to do that with her — Summer Roberts is the coolest.

Joy Sunday

What about Lancôme resonates with you the most? 

Lancôme’s legacy is made up of its chosen family, people that Lancôme has made an effort to keep close and to celebrate. The commitment to expansive definitions of beauty radiates through how everyone at Lancôme treats each other. A deep appreciation for all is not only evident in the brand, but also its people. 

What are your must-have Lancôme products? 

How much time do you have? To start, the Absolue series, from serum to the eye and skin creams. It’s very difficult to choose between Lancôme mascaras, but a recent favorite is the Flutter Extension, although Monsieur Big obviously wins in the name department. And I can’t forget the jet black matte eyeliner! Pro tip — it’s a fantastic lip liner as well. 

What’s your favorite memory of  your time spent working with Lancôme? 

My first international shoot with the company. The members of my team were all still getting to know each other, but we fell into step easily and created some beautiful work and memories. And it was my first released campaign!

Do you have a favorite anecdote?  

I once ran into our beloved Françoise Lehmann at La Maison du Chocolat. Great minds! Although my Meisner Repetition Session with the magnificent Isabella Rossellini (I love YOUR lipstick!) 
is a career highlight…possibly milestone. 

Nico Parker

What about Lancôme resonates with you the most?

What resonates with me the most is how they celebrate and encourage women. Their tireless advocacy for women to embrace and express themselves is something I’m constantly moved and inspired by.

What are your must-have Lancôme products?

I truly am a die-hard advocate for Lancôme mascara, which people have heard me say a billion times. There’s nothing like it. However, I’ve been using the Génifique serum a lot at the moment and it really does leave your skin glowing. So that’s been a big one for me too. 

What’s your favorite memory of your time spent working with Lancôme?

Lancôme has allowed me to meet beautiful, talented, creative people. I got to shoot something with a few of the Lancôme girls earlier this year, and I had such a wonderful time on that set, getting to celebrate not only a brand that we all love so much, but getting to celebrate one another. It was really, really special.

Do you have a favorite anecote?

It was the night before the BAFTAs, and Lancôme was hosting a beautiful celebration to commemorate not only the occasion, but also in celebration of the magnificent Isabella Rosellini, who had been nominated that year. She and I had a mini photo shoot in the hallway before the party. I was so nervous, because I’m such a huge fan of hers and the fact I got to share a space with her, let alone a PHOTO was mind-boggling to me. However, I had made the excellent decision that evening to wear quite possibly the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I had ever worn. I remember us taking the pictures and the photographer asked us to run towards the camera down the hallway. I attempted to run, but my heels were so high I ended up just kind of hopping around. I was so embarrassed, but in classic Isabella fashion, she started grinning and laughing and gave me a big hug and said, “Oh I know that pain!” I remember instantly all the embarrassment was gone and I burst out laughing, too. It was such a nice reminder that within all the glamour there’s always time for mess. And with Isabella Rossellini no less. How lucky am I!

Amanda Seyfried

What about Lancôme resonates with you the most?

The brand celebrates beauty in all forms. Lancôme represents both luxury and authenticity — qualities that truly inspire me.

What’s your must-have  Lancôme product and why?

One product I always keep in my bag is Juicy Tubes. They’re nostalgic, fun and instantly elevate any look with that perfect high-shine finish. 

What’s your favorite memory of  your time spent working with Lancôme?

There are so many, but getting to shoot a campaign where I got to embody Lancôme’s message of self-love and empowerment is one.

Do you have a favorite anecdote?

One of the most special parts of working with Lancôme has been the opportunity to travel the world with people I genuinely love, for a brand that’s incredibly supportive.