She's Got the Look: Actress Sasheer Zamata Shares All Her Go-To Goods
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Sasheer Zamata (@thesheertruth) breaks down all of her go-to products. Catch the actress and comedian in season 2 of the comedy series Woke, returning to Hulu on April 8.
How would you describe your style?
I was just talking about this with my friend who’s art directing the stand-up special I’m shooting this year. I told her my style is ‘boho vintage sex witch,’ and I stand by that. Also, an old co-worker drunkenly told me I dress like a ‘lesbian Jedi,’ and I took that as a high compliment.
What’s your go-to uniform?
The outfit that you wear constantly as an easy throw-on and is appropriate in almost every casual setting. During the pandemic, I really dove into one-pieces because it’s so nice to pick one item of clothing and be done with your outfit, while still looking like I tried to put myself together. I have a few Mod Ref jumpsuits that I love and wear all the time. I also have some Alex Mill jumpsuits that can be dressed up as well as down. At home, I get real comfy. As of late, I’ve been wearing a literal wearable blanket my mom got for me. I’m trying really hard to only wear this in the house because I feel like I’d be getting too comfortable if I start wearing this outside.
Portrait of Sasheer Zamata PHOTO BY KIM NEWMONEY
Who is your hair and style inspiration? Past and present?
Diane Keaton: I love the mix of feminine and masculine pieces in her wardrobe. I went through a tie and vest phase when I first moved to New York, and I 100% blame it on Annie Hall.
Denise Huxtable: I wish I could have every hairstyle she’s ever had. I actually named the wig I wear on [my ABC sitcom] Home Economics‘Ms. Bonet.’ It’s not exactly like a style she’s had, but it’s giving the essence of one. I also love the loose, layered look of her costumes. She always looked so relaxed and cool, but also curated and intentional at the same time.
Fran Drescher: I love big, fun patterns! And Fran never strayed away from them on The Nanny. She really used her wardrobe as a reflection of her personality, and I strive to do the same.
OG Aunt Viv [from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]: She had style for a professor! She looked professional, but also wore lively outfits and bright colors, which I think taught me that you can be taken seriously while still looking fun.
Who are your go-to designers?
I love anything by Farm Rio. I like how vibrant the colors are, and I love seeing nature in my clothing. I wore a pair of Tracy Reese pants in an episode of Home Economics, and it reminded me of how much I love her clothing. I was in one of her shows years ago and had a few dresses from her line and truly wore them out. I also love Aritzia. I have a lot of coats from them, and I think their clothing has a very classic look that works on me.
Clockwise from top left: Mielle Organics rosemary mint daily styling creme, mielleorganics.com; Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese spring 2022 lookbook; Mod Ref Winnett jumpsuit, modrefclothing.com; Dior Capture Youth Matte Maximizer serum, dior.com; OSEA Ultra-Hydrating Duo, oseamalibu.com; Alex Mill Ollie overall in recycled denim, alexmill.com; Aritiza The Connor long coat, aritzia.com. ALL PRODUCT PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS
Your favorite pair of shoes?
I love, love, love Intentionally Blank, and most of my shoes are from there. It’s this Los Angeles store I used to live near, and they really mastered the art of the comfortable dress shoe. I have a couple pairs of their PERF-HI shoe and they enhance every outfit. I’m not a fan of heels, so if I can wear something fun and attention-grabbing while still being able to walk around for hours, then you found yourself a loyal customer.
Favorite haircare products?
I’ve been really loving Mielle Organics. I recently cut my hair, and I like how light their products feel while still holding the curl.
Favorite skincare products? What is your skincare routine?
I really like OSEA. I love how natural their products are, and they feel great on my skin.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert (Riverhead Books)
Favorite makeup products?
I started using the Dior Capture Youth Matte Maximizer as a primer, and ooh baby, is it a game-changer. It keeps my makeup so well and I can really tell the difference after using it. I tend to get shiny because I have the fountain of youth pouring out of my pores, but this stuff is great at balancing that out.
Sasheer Zamata. SASHEER ZAMATA PHOTO BY KIM NEWMONEY
Favorite book of all time?
I feel like all I read are self-help books. I need to get back into some fantasy stuff. I’m tired of reality, haha. But something I read and got a lot from was Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I think about it often. I love her perspective on art and how artists can be chosen vessels for said art. I’ve recommended it to everyone, and I think it’s good for any type of creator.
What has been the best advice you’ve received so far?
Tracy Morgan hosted SNL when I was there [Zamata was a cast member from 2014 to 2017], and he gave me some great advice on writing night. He said it’s good to be grateful for opportunities and thankful that someone gave you a job, but you can’t do that for too long. Soon you’ve got to show your teeth and remind people why you’re there. That really resonated with me.
What was your first big break?
One of my earliest jobs was being in a couple of sketches on [Comedy Central’s] Inside Amy Schumer. I was doing stand-up, improv and sketch at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater [in New York City] and I made some online sketch videos that got me some attention, but I hadn’t done much TV at that point. I actually don’t know how Amy found me, but she saw and liked something I did and asked me to be on the show. She was so wonderfully supportive. I remember she asked for my input on some jokes in the sketch, and that really made me feel valued. I also remember her set had great energy. Everyone I encountered on the show was happy to be there and having a good time, and I would say that’s because of Amy. That’s definitely something that has to trickle down from the top.
What excites you the most about the new season of your Hulu showWoke?
I think the writing on this season is so good. The first season was about Keef navigating his Blackness with his art, and ‘waking up’ in a sense. This second season is more about the many versions of being ‘woke,’ and that excites me because it shows how there’s really no right way to be woke.
For those who have yet to stream the show, give them one reason to start watching.
Oh man, just one? The cast has amazing chemistry, it does a great job of balancing comedy and insightful storylines, it’s shot really well, and it’s super bingeable! Does that count as one if it’s a run-on sentence?
What’s next on the immediate horizon for you?
I’ve been touring and preparing for my stand-up special taping in June. It’s been five years since my last special, Pizza Mind, came out, and I’m so excited to put more work out into the world. I was going to film this special in 2020, but you know what happened. I actually appreciate the time I gained in the last couple of years. I was able to step back and really analyze my material, and myself, and I think this hour I’m going to tape is going to be way more thoughtful than what I would’ve taped two years ago. The world has changed, I’ve changed, and I’m glad I had the time to put together a show that reflects that.
What is your dream project role?
I love action movies! I wanna kick ass! I wanna be a bad guy… or a good guy. As long as there’s ass to kick!
