Heralded as a mental health awareness advocate as well as an iconic athlete, 24-year-old Naomi Osaka is a trailblazer on and off the court. It comes as no surprise that her latest project was created for an underrepresented group, women with darker skin tones who seek sophisticated formulations specifically created for their unique needs.
With her new skin and sun care line KINLÒ now available at Walmart, she’s excited to be able to expand her reach for those who want more targeted skin care options at the drugstore. Here, she takes a moment to share how she developed her new line and what it’s like to fulfill her dream as a beauty boss.
Why was creating a skin-care brand for melanin-rich skin important to you?
“It was important to me to create this line to serve a community that I feel was underserved when it came to sunscreen and skin care to protect your skin from harmful rays. So many products leave a very white, chalky cast and are not smooth to apply. We knew we wanted to change that.”
What excites you about bringing KINLÒ to Walmart?
“Partnering with Walmart is so exciting as it’s a store we grew up buying items from. To know that KINLÒ can now be more accessible and be available nationwide in stores is also an exciting milestone. For me, it’s not enough to just create a great product; it’s also about ensuring that product reaches the people who need it. Walmart is allowing that to be possible.”
What are your sun-care habits when you’re on the tennis courts?
“I keep it simple. I always apply a sunscreen before I go out and I reapply mist and sunscreen throughout the day when I train. I learned my lesson when I got my first really bad sunburn in Australia, and it proved that even melanated skin can burn so for me it’s important I apply daily and often. I am outside a lot with tennis and creating this product was a need for me.”
Which product from your line is one everyone should try?
“I love the Golden Rays Tinted Sunscreen ($12), but I am also a fan of the Golden Rays Mist ($10). The Coconut Body Oil is also a new favorite to use after baths at the end of the day as I love the smell.”
What have you learned about yourself from being a beauty boss?
“I didn’t really think I would be a boss or CEO when I first started playing tennis, but working on KINLÒ showed me that following what I believe in and setting big goals is really rewarding. So, I can say I am really proud of this brand and all it stands for.”
How do your two passions of tennis and beauty intersect?
“I am not quite sure they intersect, but each is a part of who I am now. I am passionate about tennis, of course, and I love playing the game. I am also really proud to be in the beauty space representing women of color and people who have melanated skin.”
What is your favorite way to unwind?
“I love listening to music and playing video games.”
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration and why?
“I think I would have to say my mom, as she kept her beauty regimen simple and never over-complicated anything, but is also just a natural beauty from the inside out.”
