Kerry Washington Shares How She Keeps Her Skin Smooth and Glowing With Her Skincare Routine

Actress Kerry Washington, 43, is spilling her best beauty secrets with a skincare tutorial in a YouTube video for Vogue. The “Little Fires Everywhere” star set the internet ablaze by sharing her routine, which details exactly how she always manages to look flawless at all times.

In the video, Washington says she starts from the top, treating her scalp first. She begins by spraying a bit of “scalp tonic” — a combination of distilled water, non-alcoholic witch hazel and essential oils. Her go-to combination? Peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary.

“It keeps your scalp super healthy, and also you become like walking aromatherapy,” she says.

Once her hair is treated, she moves onto skincare. In the video, Washington acknowledges she suffers from eczema, which can cause patches of skin to become dry, itchy and cracked. So, in order to make her skin shine, she must first make sure it’s properly maintained.

“It’s not just about looking cute, it’s also really about having skin that’s healthy, and not too itchy and cracked and all that stuff that happens with eczema,” says Washington.

According to the actress, she began going to the dermatologist when she was a child, and uses Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Facing Cleanser to keep flareups at bay. (Full disclosure: Washington is a Neutrogena brand ambassador.)

“I do think of my skincare routine as self-love,” she says.

Next up is rosewater mist, SPF serum and a pair 24k gold eye patches. Using a massager designed for the face in order to get some extra circulation going, Washington then applies Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and a lip balm, both of which contain hyaluronic acid.

“I am addicted to hyaluronic acid,” she says. “Moisture for me is the key to it all. Drinking enough water, and making sure that I’m putting enough moisture inside and outside.”

Once she’s good and hydrated, Washington starts on her makeup. She begins by adding  Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer under her eyes, acknowledging she uses two different shades to achieve the best results. The ambassador says she has worked with the brand to help expand on color options.

“When I first started working with Neutrogena, they did not make a concealer or a foundation to match my skin tone,” she explains. 

Next comes foundation (Washington recommends  Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 20) and a brow combing with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. Then it’s time to contour — a skill the star is admittedly still learning.

“Contouring is definitely new for me,” she says.

To start the process, Washington uses Kevin Aucoin The Sculpting Contour Powder. She later applies Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight, dabbing the product on her finger before adding it to her cheeks.

Finally, it’s time for the all-important eyes and lips. To make her peepers pop, she uses Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara and Neutrogena Cosmetics Smokey Kohl Eyeliner. Washington completes her look by painting on her signature red lip, which she notes is by black-owned company called Mented.

What do you think about Washington’s routine? Is this something you could hack at home? Let us know about your must-have products!