Tennis star Naomi Osaka is no stranger to adversity both on and off the court. As a fearless activist, the four-time Grand Slam champion has been a relentless trailblazer in the movements for racial justice and mental health awareness. Now, Osaka takes on a new challenge: motherhood.
“While mental and physical health have always been a priority for me, I’ve really been looking at it from a different lens now that I’m caring for another human, too,” she says.
But even as she welcomes a little girl into the world, Osaka continues to grow her skin care brand, KINLÒ, as well as express her creativity and inspire audiences through her partnerships with brands like Nike, Hyperice and Modern Health — a testament to her unwavering resilience.
“I am so proud of this brand because as we grow, so does our ability to help educate people on the importance of sun care for melanated skin and provide greater access to affordable SPF protection [for] all communities,” she says of KINLÒ. “I am also proud of my work with Modern Health as my mental well-being and my journey to find more calm in my life is a priority now more than ever.”
Inevitably, Osaka has accumulated a slew of products that help to maintain the balance between her professional life as an athlete and her personal life as a new mother. Ahead, she shares a few of her favorites with CNN Underscored.
To protect your skin from sun damage and maintain your glow, Osaka recommends this sunscreen from her skin care brand. “Putting on sunscreen every morning is the most important step in my skin care routine,” she says. “Despite being a mineral-based sunscreen, it doesn’t leave a harsh white cast and instead leaves me moisturized and glowing, thanks to its sheer, caramel tint.”
Related: 27 best mineral sunscreens, according to experts
There’s truly nothing like lighting a candle at home to relax after a long day. For Osaka, the Voluspa candle in French Cade Lavender has a calming scent that “elevates any small spaces” in her home and helps her to unwind, she says.
Related: 33 candles under $25 that don’t look cheap
Osaka says that this memory foam-embedded body pillow was life-changing during her pregnancy. “It provides full body support and helps with some of the hormonal discomfort I feel, which helps to improve my sleep cycle,” she shares.
Related: The best pillows in 2023, tried and tested
Ever wanted to know how one of the best tennis players in the world preps for matches? To loosen tight muscles before hitting the court, Osaka uses this rechargeable muscle massager. Its ergonomic and lightweight design makes it easy for her to “throw in my tennis bag so I can take it with me anywhere I go,” she says.
Related: The Hyperice Venom Go is an excellent high-tech heating pad for athletes and WFHers alike
Osaka’s signature scent is this floral perfume from Diptyque Paris. “I love this scent because it’s sweet but still fresh and not overpowering,” she shares.
Related: Find your new summer fragrance with these 25 intoxicating perfumes and colognes
In a post-Covid-19 pandemic world now bogged down by wildfire smoke and ongoing air pollution, the demand for air purifiers has increased tenfold. Osaka’s air purifier has become an essential part of her nightly routine. “I turn it on every night before I go to bed,” she says of Molekule’s Air Pro.
Related: The best air purifiers to help you stay healthy, according to experts