Naomi Osaka Shares Her Must Haves: From Cozy Slippers to Byredo Incense
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Ten years into her public career, and it still feels like Naomi Osaka is just getting started. The tennis superstar has crafted quite the résumé for herself, with four Grand Slam singles titles, two US Open titles, and a coveted number-one ranking as the best tennis player in the world (casual) to show for it. But perhaps even more impressive than her athletic dominance on the court is what she's managed to achieve outside of the sport.
Osaka has been a vocal advocate on topics surrounding mental health — even famously withdrawing from the 2021 French Open in order to prioritize her own mental well-being — and has also worked to champion Black women through a variety of different business ventures and causes, many of which are aimed at fighting racial injustice and addressing inclusivity gaps in a number of professional spaces. Her current industry of focus: beauty.
In 2021, Osaka launched her own "sun-care" brand, Kinlò Skincare, which is designed to treat and protect melanated skin in particular. "I used to subscribe to the misconception that those with melanated skin don't need SPF protection, but a really bad burn at a match of mine proved me wrong," Osaka tells POPSUGAR. "I then researched and found out those with melanated skin have a lower skin cancer survival rate than those with lighter complexions. Educating the BIPOC community about the importance of suncare is a pillar for Kinlò and a huge mission of mine."
She created Kinlò products with the hope that they would not only help to protect the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, but that they'd also aid in sun recovery. Since its launch, the brand has expanded to include everything from face moisturizers and sunscreen sticks to UV detection stickers — all priced at under $60 and available to shop at mainstream retailers like Walmart. "Making sun care accessible and affordable for all is something that's really important to me," says Osaka. "While the beauty industry at-large is massive, the percentage of companies owned by BIPOC people is small. I'm so thankful I get to create products that address concerns of melanin-rich skin specifically, and to open up the door for more black-owned businesses in the beauty space."
We had the opportunity to connect with Naomi about her growing skin-care brand, hopes for the beauty industry, and all of the must have products that keep her winning both on and off the court — from patterned slippers to editor-loved sound machines and more.
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Naomi Osaka's Affordable Must Have
Like so many other people, Osaka admits that she became reliant on hand sanitizer throughout the COVID lockdown, and this Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash ($10) emerged as a particular favorite. "I'm a huge fan of Aēsop products for their luxurious scents, so finding a hand sanitizer that didn't have a strong alcohol scent was my top priority," says Osaka. This product has a citrus-like scent, and features nourishing ingredients like mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedar atlas.
Pro Tip: While Osaka first discovered this sanitizer during the pandemic, she still considers it a great travel essential today. "I continue to bring this product with me on all my travels — it's easy to throw in my bag and keeps my hands fresh, clean, and germ-free," she says. It is available to shop in several different sizes, including a travel-friendly version that's perfect for squeezing into your personal carry-on or travel makeup bag.
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Naomi Osaka's Investment Must Have
These Byredo Trois Encens ($196) can help to set the mood in any home by creating a more calming ambience, and Osaka considers them to be a worthy investment. "Being half Japanese, I love how these incense sticks are handmade in Tokyo," she says. "I love to light them before a bath or as I prep for bedtime. They emit such a long-lasting, elegant fragrance throughout my room." This incense set features 60 fragrance sticks in three of Byredo's most popular scents, including Bibliothèque, Tree House, and Burning Rose.
Pro Tip: While Osaka admits that she loves to "alternate fragrances" depending on her mood, she does have one scent that she's been burning a lot of this spring: "Burning Rose is my current favorite," says Osaka.
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Naomi Osaka's Morning-Routine Must Have
Whether she's prepping for a match on the court or just enjoying a restful day at home, Osaka considers this Kinlo Always Golden Daily Moisturizer ($20) to be a staple in her everyday routine. "Wearing SPF every single day, even when you don't think you're fully in the sun, is so important. This moisturizer is mineral SPF 40, and moisturizes with ultra-hydrating safflower seed and jojoba oils," says Osaka.
Pro Tip: According to Osaka, this versatile beauty product does more than just protect your skin from sun damage, as it also features a "universal caramel tint" that helps to even the skin's complexion and elevate it with a more natural glow. "I like to wear it on its own, but it's equally as great under foundation or other face makeup," says Osaka.
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Naomi Osaka's Sleeping Must Have
In light of her notoriously busy schedule, Osaka admits that becoming as "at peace as possible" before bedtime is "truly key" for ensuring she gets a good night's rest — and this Hatch Restore Sound Machine ($130) is a staple part of her nighttime routine. "Since I travel so much — [often] traveling through different time zones — maintaining a regular sleep schedule can be tricky," she says. "The Hatch Restore Machine helps aid me in unwinding and having a long, restful sleep."
Pro Tip: Ashley Tisdale previously told POPSUGAR that the Hatch Restore Machine is also one of her go-to bedtime products, and even said that she got an additional model for her baby's room, too. With Osaka set to welcome her first child later this year alongside longtime partner Cordae, the tennis superstar admits that she'd be open to testing out the sleeping machine with her own kiddo. "I'm so comfortable with both the machine and its accompanying app, that I'd definitely explore using it when my baby arrives," says Osaka. Read our review of the Hatch Restore Machine to learn more about the product's full benefits.
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Naomi Osaka's Shoe Must Have
Not only are these Dusen Dusen for MoMA Subu Slippers ($75) super comfortable, but according to Osaka, their "eye-catching design" also serves as a surefire way to brighten up her day. "What I love about these slippers is how easy they are to slide on," she says. "Their synthetic rubber sole makes them perfect for a quick run out to my driveway or to the car, but I mainly wear them around the house."
Pro Tip: These slippers are part of an exclusive collection through the Museum of Modern Art, and were brought to life by designer Ellen Van Dusen, of the brand Dusen Dusen. The cozy shoes are fitted with a polyester down material, which provides extra warmth for the feet. They're also available to shop in a bright, green and blue striped pattern.
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