Kerry Washington says perfume helps her get into character.

The 36-year-old star switches up her scent every time she is cast in a new role to help her embody the new part, and goes for a simple yet chic fragrance to play high powered political fixer Olivia Pope in hit show 'Scandal'.

She told People magazine: ''Whenever I play a different character I change my scent. Perfume can really set a tone or a mood in a room. Olivia needs to be neutral in the workplace.''

Kerry has recently been unveiled as the new face of skincare brand Neutrogena and believes the role is perfect for her because her acting work has given her a real understanding of make-up.

She said: ''I live and work in makeup so I have a perspective on how a lip colour works after eight hours on the set or an hour on the red carpet ... I'm so grateful for the hairstylist and makeup artist on ['Scandal']. I roll out of bed at 4 a.m. and sit in the chair at 4:30 and they transform me into that person.''

Kerry - who will star in Neutrogena's new campaign as well as being the company's creative consultant - thinks the job is a natural fit as she is passionate about all things beauty.

The brunette stunner enthused: ''I will not go to bed with makeup on so it's great to have a product that will get it off without leaving my skin too oily or dry. Now I can be on an adventure with my fans where I'll be able to hear feedback on the products.''