As creator, writer, executive producer and star of Paramount+’s acclaimed mystery-comedy Diarra From Detroit, Diarra Kilpatrick did not take the summer off. With Season 2 (which runs through September 9) seriously raising the stakes, Diarra and her crew are embarking on adventures, all while maintaining the sharp humor and relationship dynamics that made the first season a success.
We caught up with the star to discuss the self-care that helps her refresh from a busy schedule and the Phylicia Rashad–approved beauty tips she gained on-set.
You’re not just starring in ‘Diarra From Detroit,’ you’re also writing and executive producing it. On days when you’re doing triple duty, what does your actual beauty routine look like? Do you even have time for one, or has it had to become ultra low-maintenance?
“I wish I could say it was ultra-low-maintenance, but it’s not. My number-one beauty ritual is taking a bath with Epsom salts almost every night. It’s what makes me feel most relaxed—it’s like my Zoloft. I’m also one of those people who absolutely cannot sleep in makeup, so no matter how tired I am, I always make sure to do my skin care at night.
Even when my schedule gets busy, I try to work out at least twice a week, but the truth is, I don’t always have the time. When I know I’m heading into production, I try to get as many workouts as I can beforehand and just hope my body holds onto it.”
Season 2 is starting with entirely different energy. Did that shift in tone change anything about how you approached your on-screen look or styling for Diarra this season?
“Absolutely. This season is set in the summer, and that influenced every aspect of the styling. Summer is hot and sexy and sweaty and fiery, so my makeup artist and the entire team really worked to capture that energy. We wanted the whole cast to look dewy and glowy because we wanted the audience to feel the humidity on our skin.
We also wanted to evoke summer through the hair choices. In season two, Diarra is coming out of winter—both literally and emotionally. She’s emerging from the depression and heaviness of her divorce, so we wanted her look to reflect that shift. We added more color and warmth to her hair to give her that sun-kissed feeling and visually capture this new season of her life.”
You’re working alongside Phylicia Rashad, a true beauty icon in her own right. Has she ever passed along any beauty wisdom or on-set advice, formal or in passing?
“She did! Her skin is like butter, so of course I had to investigate and get some of her beauty secrets. She told me to put castor oil all over my face, and I said, ‘I wish!’ I have combination skin, and it gets way too congested with products like that. So, she suggested I try it on my neck instead. I haven’t gotten around to it just yet, but I’m looking forward to giving it a try.”
Balancing being both in front of and behind the camera means you’re clocking incredibly long days. What’s the one product or self-care ritual you rely on to still feel like yourself by the end of a long shoot day? Any secrets to checking out and sleeping well?
“I try to do at least 15 minutes of meditation every night before bed. I also don’t know if I could live without my cucumber sheet masks. My skin can get super dry, so I try to use one every day before I put on my makeup—it really helps with hydration. A few other staples in my self-care routine are the Kombucha Essence from Dr. Ceuracle ($25) and facial steaming.”
Diarra as a character is so specific and lived-in, from her humor to how she carries herself post-divorce. Did you have any input into her hair, makeup or wardrobe as a way of building her identity, especially as the show’s creator?
“Yes, of course! I love dressing for my mood and how I’m feeling in a particular moment, whether I feel like I need a little more armor or want to embrace something softer and more vulnerable. That relationship between style and emotion definitely makes its way into the show.
Our costume designer is fantastic, and we’ve worked together to create looks that nod to film noir and the detective genre while still feeling distinctly like Diarra. Her wardrobe reflects the boldness, confidence and adventurous spirit of the character, while also revealing where she is emotionally at any given moment.”
As someone constantly switching between creative hats, do you find your relationship to beauty and self-care changes depending on whether you’re in ‘actor mode’ or ‘showrunner mode?’
“Yes, of course. When I’m running the room, I still like to dress up a little. I’m definitely more casual, but I always try to find beauty in functionality. That might mean expressing myself with a bold lipstick or throwing on a pair of pumps because I want to feel a little edgier and more badass. Even when I’m behind the camera, I still have an eye on fashion and enjoy using style to set the tone for my day.
When I’m in actor mode, there’s obviously more emphasis on staying camera-ready, but being behind the scenes gives me a little more freedom and flexibility.”
