"What Do You Use?" HER STORY's Laura Zak

DerekPlease.com is honored to partner with the cast of HER STORY for an ongoing series of "What Do You Use?" interviews.

On January 19th, the groundbreaking new series Her Story released its six-episode first season on their website for free. The scripted new-media series follows two captivating trans women in Los Angeles who had given up on love, when suddenly, chance encounters give them hope. Violet is drawn to Allie, a reporter who approaches her for an interview while career-driven Paige meets James, the first man she’s considered opening up to in years. Will they risk letting what they are stand in the way of being loved for who they are?

Trans women in the media have long been punchlines, killers, indications of urban grit, pathetic tragedies, and dangerous sirens. Rarely have they been complex characters who laugh, struggle, and grow, who share strength in sisterhood, who seek and find love. Her Story depicts the unique, complicated, and very human women we see in queer communities, and explores how these women navigate the intersections of label identity and love. 

Co-written by Jen Richards (I Am Cait) and Laura Zak (#Hashtag), directed by Sydney Freeland (Drunktown’s Finest), with Cinematography by Bérénice Eveno, Executive Produced by Eve Ensler and Produced by Katherine Fisher/Speed of Joy Productions, Her Story features predominantly LGBTQ women, on and off-screen.


Laura Zak

Simply gorgeous. I want to recreate this makeup look!

Simply gorgeous. I want to recreate this makeup look!

Tell me about yourself in 140 characters or less
Integrity, literature, dogs, hot sauce, & sexual tension. New England reared, Chicago formed. Misanthropic Romantic. Not a natural blonde.

What’s your skincare routine like?
I'm a low maintenance person, but I try to keep to a routine of washing my face twice a day and moisturizing well. Living in Los Angeles requires sunscreen at all times of the year, and having some tattoos which I cover up regularly helps me remember to apply sunscreen to my face. I try to drink at least one large glass of water before I start consuming coffee in the mornings, and I've started putting a spoonful of coconut oil in my coffee, which is supposed to help your skin among other things, but mostly I like the taste. 

What are your holy grail makeup products?
Since going blonde, I've had fun playing with bright lip colors when I'm in the mood to femme it up. When I wear a red lip, I go for MAC's "Ruby Woo." I also like "Girl About Town" which is a vibrant pink. Otherwise, I keep things pretty natural: some light powder, Smashbox natural-toned eye shadow, and a splash of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle if I'm feeling fancy. 


LOVED her answer for 140 characters or less. Probably my favorite one of anyone I've interviewed for the blog. Beauty-wise, I've heard a lot of amazing things about MAC's "Ruby Woo" lipstick shade, and I might just have to get it after Laura's mention. Love her coconut oil tip, I'm gonna have to try adding some to my tea (I don't drink coffee much if ever). 

Watch the brilliant TV series HER STORY for free by clicking here.

What's your favorite lipstick? Comment below!

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Video: Q&A #2