NEW YORK -- Each day at Fashion Week seems to get better.

On Wednesday I got a chance to interview actress and L’Oreal spokeswoman Kerry Washington at the company’s 5th Avenue headquarters. She hosted a breakfast and discussion called “Inspirational Beauty: Finding Happiness, Health and Hope.”

Washington’s mother is a breast cancer survivor, and she’s helping promote ovarian cancer awareness. All of the proceeds from L’Oreal’s Color of Hope makeup line will go towards cancer research.

The early detection of breast cancer is the reason Washington says her mother is alive. That’s why she supports any efforts that help educate and fund research for ovarian cancer.

Washington had starred in movies such as “Ray” and “The Last King of Scotland.” With all the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, I asked her how she stays balanced with her busy schedule.

“I maintain intimate relationships with people, my friends, family and my shrink,” she said. “It’s important to be with people that you can be yourself around.”

I chuckled, almost surprised that she would mention a therapist.

“You have a shrink? I asked.

She looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Of course, I do!”

Smart woman.

The petite actress not only takes good care of herself, but she’s also green. She drives a Toyota Prius and believes in honoring the earth. I smiled, not expecting her to say that either. She said we should all honor the planet and be conscious of how we affect it.

Washington isn’t pretentious at all, and she’s just as beautiful in person as she is on the movie screen. As a role model for women, I asked her what’s the most important thing a woman can do to feel beautiful.

“All women have days when they feel inadequate,” she said. “The best thing a woman can do is show up. Don’t stay in bed. Don’t get depressed. Think positively. I encourage women to show up for life. When we do, we encourage other people to do the same.”

She said her favorite makeup trick is to dip a brush in water then dip it in turquoise eye shadow and use it as an eyeliner.

So, what’s next for the actress?

She has a couple movies coming out later in the year, she said. But for now, she’s headed to Broadway -- a first for her. She’ll star in a play called “Race” opening in December.
 

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