KY Washington Is A "Green" Beauty Expert Who Is Detoxifying The Industry & Uplifting Black Women To Be More Conscious In Their Beauty Regimen

The clean beauty space is one that lacks authentic diversity. From professional makeup artists to natural beauty experts, WOC are often not represented as professionals and aren’t nearly visible enough in campaigns that encourage ethical practices. We were excited to chat with Ky Washington who is a professional makeup artist, green beauty expert, aromatherapist and the co-founder of Clean Beauty Artists.

Check out this interview:

When and why did you become interested in green/ clean beauty?

A few years ago after a health scare and issues with fertility, I decided to clean up my lifestyle. I was already a pro makeup artist, but after learning about ingredients in some traditional products and the lack of regulation in the cosmetics industry, I decided to make a change and clean up my kit.

What are some of the most common mis-conceptions of non-toxic beauty?

The most common misconception about non-toxic beauty is that the products don’t perform as well as their counterparts. That is just not the case. Some cleaner products actually out perform traditional makeup and skincare. You can have it all!

You co-founded Clean Beauty Artists (a health- conscious hair and makeup company) — why was this essential in your journey?

Co-Founding Clean Beauty Artists was essential because there are so many men and women who lead a healthy lifestyle or want to, and don’t want to compromise their health to just to look nice for their special event, tv interview, photo shoot, etc. We provide a luxury service keeping your health in mind.

Does being a WOC influence any of your work/ passion? If so, how?

Absolutely! Everyday, society wants us to conform to what they see as beautiful. Reaching people on a global scale shifts that image. In addition, women of color have disproportionate levels of toxins in their system to their caucasian counterparts. I believe its because of how we are marketed to. People telling you your hair isn’t straight enough, and your skin isn’t light enough. It leads to purchases like chemical relaxers and bleaching creams and so many other things that can be harmful to our health longterm. I want to show women there is another way. You can embrace who you are AND be informed and improve your health.

What is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is seeing all of these strong beautiful men and women, rising up, waking up and speaking out about the toxins in our products and doing something about it. Creating safer brands, changing laws, (like the salon workers act passed in California), and consumers reading their labels and making a better choice. I am so inspired to push forward. Im hopeful that more makeup artists and hair stylists learn about safer alternatives and protect their health as well as their clients.

How do you see the future of the non-toxic beauty / self care / wellness industry?

I see it growing leaps and bounds and Im so excited about it! As wellness and safer beauty goes more main stream, My hope is everyone will become more diligent about what goes in and on their body. One day with everyone’s help, our cosmetic safety laws will change and we can go anywhere and get safe products. Until then, stay diligent and conscious.