Kerry Washington has crafted and maintained a celebrity sweet spot, in that she actually pulls off keeping her private life private (even with being married to a former NFL star). When we do hear from her, it’s to talk about her work, it’s on her terms. Am I wrong to think that in 2023 that’s still a fairly radical feat for a woman, particularly a woman in Hollywood? I think she pulls it off for a few reasons: she’s a phenomenal actress, she’s not at an insane level of fame (which affords her more freedom) and she totally leans into the drama and fantasy of the red carpet moment. She’s playing the game and winning, while still being authentic.
Like most actresses now, she has a beauty contract–she’s been a brand ambassador and creative consultant with Neutrogena since 2013–and she effortlessly blends the connection into her Instagram fashion posts and her activism. A longtime skincare advocate, she recently spoke to Yahoo Life’s series The Unwind about her approach to self-care:
“Taking care of skin is really a holistic job,” Kerry Washington tells Yahoo Life, explaining that there is “no one product,” but rather an accumulation of “lifestyle choices” that have led her to her current glow–something she didn’t always have.
“I’ve had eczema my whole life. So I’ve struggled with sensitive dry skin since before I can remember,” says the Neutrogena brand ambassador. “I’m learning to really embrace hyaluronic acid. It has truly transformed the way that I’m able to care for my skin and how my skin looks and feels.”
Still, she explains that it’s her mood that influences her appearance, not the other way around.
“I think we put an emphasis on if you look good, you’ll feel good. And I think it’s the opposite. If I feel good, I’ll look good, because I’ll shine and I’ll put my best foot forward,” says Washington.
Managing stress and prioritizing sleep are also musts for the actress, who admits that when she has “a lot going on,” she can begin to feel bogged down.
“Those are the areas that I find I struggle with more, stress and a lack of sleep. So it’s really important for me to keep challenging myself to take better care of myself,” says Washington.
She also uses meditation and journaling to mitigate stressors, but says nothing trumps spending quality time with her family and furry friends.
“That sense of community of being able to be with people who I love and who love me unconditionally, I find that that can sometimes be the greatest stress reliever, and pets!” says Washington.
Between acting, producing and raising her three children, who she shares with her husband, former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, alone time can be hard to come by. But on the rare occasion she is able to take some time for herself, Washington says she is partial to local getaways.
“I recently did a little staycation where I just went by myself to a hotel for a night just to have a real night of sleep. And to sort of relax a little bit more than I’m able to do at home,” says Washington.
I love this! I’m quite the sleep worshiper, excessively so, to the point where now I want to check into a hotel for a night and I don’t even have kids. I think a large part of the relaxation comes from knowing you’re in a place that you’re not responsible for at all, everything is taken care of by someone else. I also love what she has to say about looking good following how you feel about yourself, instead of the reverse. It’s essentially saying there are no shortcuts–you have to nurture the relationship with yourself, and then looking good, or beauty, will come out of that work. I did have a laugh, though, thinking of my grandmother who was famous in my family for saying to her daughters “you’d feel better if you had some lipstick on.” I have a feeling she’d still vehemently defend her position were she with us today, despite Kerry’s best efforts.
Kerry is right about everything. Your grandma had a point, tho, sometimes you do feel better if you primp a little. Have you heard the story about the red lipstick in the concentration camp?
That’s what I want for next Mother’s Day. Great idea.
My husband has done this for me a few times for Mother’s Day and it’s amazing. We have no family close and a daughter with special needs so no regular babysitter so I never get a chance to get away.
As a mother of four, I want this SO bad. Just one night! That’s all I need!
I love this for her and others that can sleep well in hotels. That’s never been me, so I wonder if there’s a trick to it. Maybe I just need to let go/unwind more.
The trick that works for me is staying for more than one night. My sweet spot is three nights. Currently planning/dreaming of my getaway in fall, half an hour by car from where we live, great spa facilities, excellent food, fantastic hiking. My birthday is coming up and I’m very VERY clear that vouchers for the hotel in question are very welcome indeed. I’m fully aware of my privileges in being able to do this.
Shoot – I might be able to make it work at a Holiday Inn or something in close range of a small spa type place. Just haven’t ever used those facilities much. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
I used to fantasize about a night in a hotel when my kids were little. I would binge watch TV, rent movies (early aughts) and eat popcorn. Unfortunately, now that I’m older I sleep terribly in hotel rooms. If I don’t take a Benadryl, I never fall asleep. It’s cruel that menopause causes sleep issues. Get that restful night in a hotel, ladies, if u can swing it.
Yes! I hit a point last year when all I wanted to do was go sleep in a hotel by myself for a couple of nights. I eventually talked myself out of it because it felt like such a waste of my money, but the desire was exactly what you say — just knowing that that place wasn’t my responsibility.
I use work trips for this purpose. I try to fly in a little early just to hit the hotel pool or go for a hike, or do something local. Then I binge watch TV and eat a nice dinner and go to bed when I want. It’s glorious.
I guess it’s because I’m in Vegas but, hotels are too noisy to sleep! It’s quieter at home. I have traveled quite a bit around the country and I’d say it’s a ratio of 80/20 (80 being too noisy). I think it’s great for those that enjoy it! I like hotels for their food/amenities not their beds!
A night at a hotel by yourself huh? someone’s gettin’ ahead of those rumors lol