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Kerry Washington‘s skin often looks like it’s fresh off of a facialist’s table, but in reality, she credits her radiant complexion seven drugstore products that she uses every day. She’s been a Neutrogena brand ambassador for more than seven years, and in that time has found a routine from the brand that really works for her irritation-prone skin.
“My skin is sensitive and complicated, just like my soul,” says Washington “I’ve had eczema my whole life, so my skin’s pretty reactive and sensitive, but also it changes a lot with the seasons and my hormones. So it’s important for me to be using products that are gentle enough, but that are very effective without causing a lot of complications and reactions.”
Although she has always been a skin-care lover, Washington says the pandemic has allowed her to slow down and be more thoughtful about her routine. “My nighttime routine has become a lot more rooted in self-care, and nourishing myself and my skin,” says the actor. “In the pandemic, I had time to really take care of my skin and myself. I’ve always changed my products with the seasons, but before the pandemic, I didn’t really have very different routines for morning and evening. Now I do.”
Since entering her 40s (she’ll be 45 in January), treating fine lines and wrinkles has become more of a priority in Washington’s routine, which is where Neutrogena’s latest launch comes in. The brand’s new Rapid Firming collection includes three products that help manage visible signs of aging, and they’ve all become staples in Washington’s daily regimen.
To find out how she uses the new collection alongside all the other Neutrogena products she swears by—and to shop ’em all for yourself—keep scrolling.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel — $13.00
“I’m a Hydro Boost girl. I have been from the beginning,” says Washington, referring to Neutrogena’s famed line of hyaluronic acid-based products. “Right now, I’m really all about the Hydro Boost cleanser—morning and night. As it gets colder and drier, that cleanser is key for me.” Because the formula is hydrating and gentle, she doesn’t have to worry about it stripping her skin—even when she’s using it twice a day.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer with Sunscreen — $18.00
“I love a multitasking product in the morning,” says Washington. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer with Sunscreen keeps her skin soft and nourished while providing protection with SPF 50 sunscreen.
Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Multi Action Eye Cream — $43.00
Washington finishes her a.m. routine with a layer of this cream under her eyes. “I’ve actually found that taking a little bit of time to do the eye cream morning and night makes it less necessary for me to have concealer on,” says Washington. “And that is coming from somebody with three kids, so I’m not sleeping nearly as much as I’m supposed to.”
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes — $7.00
“I always try to double cleanse at night, which I don’t really do as much of in the daytime unless I’m working out,” says Washington. She uses the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes for her first cleanse. “I use the wipes to remove makeup, dirt, and oil—plus other people’s attitudes and whatever negativity I experienced over the course of the day,” she says. Then, she follows it up with the Hydro Boost cleanser.”
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Serum — $43.00
Once she’s nice and clean, Washington uses this retinol serum, which stimulates cell turnover to leave her complexion clear and smooth. “I really love the Power Serum, because it’s 0.5 percent retinol, so really effective, but it’s also gentle so I don’t have to use a barrier product first,” she says. “That’s why I honestly think our new retinol is a really great entry product [for anyone trying a retinoid for the first time].”
Neutrogena Rapid Firming Collagen Triple Lift Face Serum — $43.00
Next, Washington uses the Neutrogena Rapid Firming Collagen Triple Lift Face Serum. It’s made with amino acids to help lift and firm skin. When Washington has time in the morning, she’ll sneak this in before her moisturizer, and at night, it’s a non-negotiable.
Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream — $43.00
Before finishing her evening with another application of the eye cream, Washington uses this firming moisturizer, which contains peptides to help visibly lift skin for more defined cheekbones and a contoured jawline. “The one-two punch of the rapid firming collection is so great because the peptides are two and a half times smaller than comparative products on the market,” says Washington. “So what that means, is that it doesn’t just sit on the top of your skin. The peptides are absorbed by the skin so they can really be effective in boosting and supporting the natural collagen in the skin. So I’m thinking about elasticity and firmness, and using those nighttime hours to really nourish my skin.”
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