Naomi Osaka on Her Self-Care Rituals for Inner and Outer Beauty

Nobody looks like me, which makes me proud. It feels beautiful to see traits from both my Japanese and Haitian roots. Being multicultural is wonderful because you get the best of two amazing cultures. When I was young, it was awkward to be different, but as an adult it's something that I celebrate.

I've always admired my mom and her beauty. Growing up, my sister and I would watch how she took care of her skin. We weren't big on heavy makeup because we were so active, but washing our faces, making sure we were properly hydrated, and getting rest were important to us so that our beauty could come from the inside out.

For a long time, I thought my melanin was a natural protectant from the sun. Once I finally realized that wasn't the case — and that sunscreens on the market left behind a white residue—I wanted to find a solution. With my KINLÒ line, I aimed to create multitasking formulas that would protect my skin, blend well, and be able to last during tennis matches. Making sure this collection would work for people with melanated skin tones was very important. I involved Dr. Naana Boakye [board-certified dermatologist and KINLÒ's dermatology director] because we also want to educate underserved communities on the importance of sun care. Above all, [Dr. Boakye and I] are both passionate about KINLÒ being a social-impact brand that addresses a public health need.

We still have a ways to go in offering affordable and accessible beauty products for all skin tones. I'm happy to see brands changing, trying to add more ranges and making the efforts that should have been in place so that no matter what store a woman goes into, she can find a product that matches her complexion.

I definitely want to be remembered as someone who stood up for what she felt was right, no matter the circumstances or consequences.

The most badass thing I have ever done is not stay silent. I definitely want to be remembered as someone who stood up for what she felt was right, no matter the circumstances or consequences. And maybe break some Grand Slam records too.

Self-care doesn't need to be complicated; I try to not overthink it. It's important to find ways to unwind. I like to practice meditation, even if it's just a few minutes each day, because it helps center me. Music is also a great tool, which is why I'm almost always wearing my headphones. I like to listen to songs that help put me in the right frame of mind. During challenging times, I remind myself that everyone has good and bad days. All I can do is try to be the best that I can be.

Naomi’s Favorites

NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Repair Leave In Treatment

$17, ulta.com.

Exposure to the sun can really be drying and harsh on my hair, so I'm partial to Nature Lab Tokyo Perfect Repair leave-in conditioner or Sebastian Professional Shaper Plus hairspray.

Sebastian Professional Shaper Plus

$20, ulta.com.

Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara in Very Black

$7, walmart.com.

I wear Maybelline Great Lash waterproof mascara when I'm on the court.

For more stories like this, pick up the October issue of InStyle, available on newsstands, on Amazon, and for digital download Sept 17.

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