Q+A with Academy Award-Nominated Actress and ONDA Co-Founder Naomi Watts

World famous actress and clean beauty expert Naomi Watts sits down with us to share her best advice for integrating natural products into your routine, her clean beauty holiday gift list, and more.

Naomi Watts is an Academy Award-winning British actress, who has in recent years brought her iconic glam to the natural beauty space. Since co-founding clean beauty retailer ONDA Beauty, Naomi has become in authority in skin-friendly and environmentally friendly ways to keep ourselves looking — and feeling — our very best. Read on to dive into our conversation with Naomi, where we learn more about what inspired her to bring ONDA Beauty to life, what’s on her holiday wishlist this year, and so much more.

What inspired you to go on to co-found ONDA Beauty?

So many things...but first and foremost, friendship and the shared affinity that the three of us (Sarah, Larissa, and myself) have for cleaning up our acts! Beauty, as it’s been said a thousand times over, starts from within. Using the best products when you can, where “best” considers and balances all facets, including the environment, gives your body a healthy starting point; that’s where enrichment starts.

What has been your favorite part about bringing ONDA to life?

The learnings and the relationships. This business started as a blip of an idea, and it’s grown into a huge, trusting community across the world. Recently, someone reached out to us from the United Arab Emirates asking if we could ship directly to them — they were our first customer in that region. That kind of passion for clean beauty speaks to the core of why we’re here: there’s a need for clean, transparent, and eco-conscious products.

What are some essential products you always keep in your makeup bag?

I mostly keep it simple — a little lippy.

BEAUTYCOUNTER | Sheer Lipstick
BEAUTYCOUNTER | Sheer Lipstick
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Dew Skin is a brilliant way to keep the skin glowing and hydrated, as well as protected by SPF.

BEAUTYCOUNTER | Dew Skin Moisturizing Coverage
BEAUTYCOUNTER | Dew Skin Moisturizing Coverage
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I love a proper super nourishing moisturizer in my bag.

DR ALKAITIS | Organic Night Cream
DR ALKAITIS | Organic Night Cream
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How would you describe your go-to daily makeup look?

HA! Effortlessly chic? With a dose of mom/chaos on the side? Just kidding, but that is what I strive for: something that looks real, beach bum-y, and fresh. There have been too few opportunities to play dress-up this year, so I take advantage of “dressing up” my face a bit for an important Zoom. I make sure the skin is looking its best. Usually, no to very minimal makeup, a bit of lipstick — I do love a strong eyebrow though.

What is your best advice for someone who is interested in integrating clean beauty into their routine, but doesn’t know where to start?

Just start! Go through your cabinet and whatever product you’re about to run out of, order a “clean” version of that! At first, I was wary of the efficacy of these “natural” products; our faces are how the world meets us, it’s important to feel good about what you’re putting out there, and I didn’t want to lose the power of the products I’d known and trusted for so many years. I have sensitive skin, which is why I was super curious about making the switch, and I actually saw an immediate change. As for efficacy, well, my face is still working for me...at least so far!

If people find it intimidating and don’t want to spend hours on the education piece, you can easily start small, with shampoos, deodorants, cleansers, body creams, etc. That way, you get to know the brands and see for yourself that the efficacy is there and that it’s worth exploring the ONDA curation further.

How has using clean beauty products changed your skin and your overall routine? Can you share with us some of the biggest benefits (for self and environment) of making that transition?

As I said, I saw no drop off in the efficacy of what I was using when I switched to clean. If anything, there was an immediate improvement in the health and wellness of my skin. Fewer negative reactions, longer-lasting results, and the knowledge that I was taking steps toward doing better for my body and the planet in the long run! One thing we have learned through this last year especially is to take a bit more time researching the ingredients to understand what we are putting into our bodies. Also, seeing how things have been made and the story of the founder. Knowing the whole road map is not only interesting but important too.

What are some clean beauty products you’re excited to gift to others for the holidays?

I have a list and there’s no need to check it twice! Everyone is getting clean beauty! I’m really into these as gifts right now:

COSTA BRAZIL VELA | Candle
COSTA BRAZIL VELA | Candle
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UMA | Absolute Anti-Aging Body Oil
UMA | Absolute Anti-Aging Body Oil
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GROWN ALCHEMIST | Hand Wash
GROWN ALCHEMIST | Hand Wash
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GROWN ALCHEMIST | Hand Cream
GROWN ALCHEMIST | Hand Cream
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JAO | Goe Oil
JAO | Goe Oil
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HERBIVORE | Coco Rose Body Polish
HERBIVORE | Coco Rose Body Polish
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KATE MCLEOD | Sleep Stone
KATE MCLEOD | Sleep Stone
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FORMULARY 55 | Song Of The Siren Sea Bath & Beauty Box
FORMULARY 55 | Song Of The Siren Sea Bath & Beauty Box
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What are a few beauty products that are on your own wishlist this year?

I’m waiting for that next WOW product, something unexpected and truly magical. There’s a lot of movement in this space and so many innovations. I don’t know, perhaps keep your eyes out for something from us next year (wink)! We want that product to have that WOW moment, but also to have real practical uses too. It always makes sense, when developing ideas/products, to put your needs and wants first, and then it’s easier to drive the love and the soulful part.

For more of Naomi's favorite products, check out her shop below:

Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts is an Academy Award-nominated British actress and film producer most famous for her roles in The Impossible, Birdman, 21 Grams, as well as many other films and television shows. A true example of Hollywood beauty and glamour, Naomi has gone on to co-found ONDA Beauty, a leading authority in natural, clean, and non-toxic beauty products that has the mission of making the world better by the products people use.
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