Kerry Washington, the actor, producer, director, author, mom, energetic force, and all-around glowy person, knows the power of skincare. “I grew up with eczema and sensitive skin, so I was taught from a really young age how important it is to stay hydrated,” she says. We can imagine that having an incredibly successful career that requires frequent high-def close-ups is also motivating—as is the inside look she’s had as the longtime creative consultant for Neutrogena. So we jumped on a call with the Unprisoned star to talk about how she’s approaching beauty now. From getting more into her nighttime routine to keeping her (and her kids) thoroughly sunscreened, Washington shared a wealth of thoughtful, accessible beauty knowledge (including the three products she applies before an impromptu TikTok). Read all of her gems here:
Get on board with retinol
“When my kids were newborns, I’d often joke that our makeup remover wipes were my shower. It was like, ‘This is it today!’ They’re super effective, by the way. But now, depending on the day, I’m getting more and more into my nightly routine. I look forward to that time,” says Washington, who walks us through what her typical nighttime skincare includes: “For me, it’s always been about getting stuff off my face with wipes and cleanser, but adding in a retinol has been a game changer. It’s so good, not just for fine lines and wrinkles but for hyperpigmentation. And [this retinol night cream] is nourishing; it really feels like I’m doing something to nurture and heal.”
Sunscreen isn’t seasonal—it’s an everyday priority
“I was raised to wear sunscreen, but it was something we put on at the pool or beach. Since working with Neutrogena for the past decade, I’ve come to understand how important it is to apply it daily. It’s become a real priority for me, both in terms of minimizing sun damage and signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots but also preventing skin cancer.” She loves the brand’s new Mineral UV Tint, which comes in four shades to provide a bit of tone coverage, too. “I use it when I’m not having a beauty-heavy day. It doesn’t leave a white cast and doesn’t feel heavy or chalky,” she says.
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The star is ensuring her smart skincare habit rubs off on her three kids, who range in age from 6 to 17, too: “The biggest thing for me is that my kids see me using sunscreen every single day—they see that it’s part of my morning ritual. Kids do what you do, not what you say.”
When we moan to Washington that reapplying sunscreen (something all of us should do every two hours when outdoors or after sweating or swimming) can be especially tricky and hard to remember, she’s ready with a solution. “When we’re out on a family bike ride, it’s definitely easier to stop and spray than to lather everybody up, so we use any of our sunscreen sprays.”
You can be low-key TikTok-ready in three steps
A lot of the time, Washington films on days she happens to have had her hair and makeup done—“Let’s take advantage of the glam, right?”—but what does she do when the TikTok mood strikes on a day off? “When I want a really quick elevation of beauty that’s not too high-maintenance, I apply the Mineral UV Tint to even out my skin tone, dab on concealer, and then swipe on the Hydro Boost Multi-Use Stick, which is such a natural, universal tone that looks great on my lips, cheeks, and eyelids.” Washington adds that she “may or may not have filmed a few TikToks” while on the Six Triple Eight set with Oprah.
Beauty rituals are a way to give yourself some love
“I think about that idea that love is a verb; it’s an action. So sometimes my beauty rituals, even if it’s just washing my face, can help me feel more cared for—and just good,” Washington says, who mentions that prayer, meditation, movement, and time also bring her peace of mind. And because “I feel like I’m always on the go and taking showers, the occasional bath helps me feel more relaxed,” she adds, noting that she’s more of a bath oil person. “Bubble baths can be too drying for me, but I do love Rainbath.” We, too, love a good bath.
Kerry Washington's Beauty Picks
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .3% Night Cream
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
Kate Sandoval Box (she/her) is the Beauty Director at Oprah Daily. She has over 18 years of experience at national women’s media brands; and, in fact, started her publishing career at O, The Oprah Magazine. She’s also held beauty editor roles at Shape, Self, Latina, and Cosmopolitan. Kate tests hundreds and hundreds of beauty products that cross her desk each year and interviews many top experts, celebrities, and indie brand founders to bring you the best in beauty. Follow her on Instagram.
