Whether you've heard her music on the radio or spotted her skincare brand in Sephora, there's no denying Katini Yamaoka's impressive resumé. When she's not on stage, Katini can be found working on her brand Katini Skin, which sells 100%-natural, award-winning facial oil serums.
Inspired by her cultural heritage and upbringing, Katini shares her unique understanding of wellness and healing to the beauty world through her products. Below, we caught up with the New York-based founder about the products that help her find success in all her creative endeavors.
Marilyn La Jeunesse Newsletter Editor
Tell us about your favorite thing in your closet right now.
My oversized white shirt by With Nothing Underneath.
What outfit gives you power?
Simplicity has always been the key to my personal style. I go for neutral tones and colors inspired by natural elements; it’s what makes me feel most grounded and confident. A perfect power outfit for me is a great shirt, most likely white, paired with a great pair of jeans and comfortable heels. An outfit that lets your natural beauty shine without overpowering it is always a winner.
Let’s say you have to wear a uniform to work, but you get to decide what it is. What will you be wearing?
It would be a mixture of an outfit that touches on the perfect balance between femininity and minimalism. My uniform would look something like a well-fitted white T-shirt paired with a beige or taupe more structured pant. I have two I use on repeat: one from Australian designer Aje and the other from Uniqlo. I love a heel, so I’d go for a pair from my collection of Giorgio Armani heels, which add a touch of elevation to a casual and comfortable look.
If you had to pare your beauty products down to five things, what would you have left?
When I wake up, I love starting my day with our Soleil Daily Brightening Oil-Serum for a vitamin boost. Depending on how my skin is feeling, I might switch it out for the Katini Skin Collagen Boosting Oil-Serum, which gives me elasticity and a plump glow when I’m feeling a bit dull. Or I’ll reach for our Clarity Purifying Oil-Serum for those days when I need a targeted fix for blemishes, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or uneven skin tone.
I also love spritzing my face with a natural rose water mist before applying any of our products, so that would definitely make the cut. And lastly, I’d finish with an SPF; I’ve been a Supergoop Unseen fan for years now.
What’s in your kitchen that you can’t live without?
I make a lot of Asian fusion cuisine and so I need my frying pans. I’ve been a vegetarian my entire life, so I need to make vegetable dishes in a variety of different ways. I usually use olive or avocado oil to make stir-fry, curries and even savory Japanese pancakes.
What products are essential to getting a good night’s sleep?
My evening routine is so important; it's that sacred time where you finally give your body space to wind down and get ready to switch off. After my shower, I love to use a rice water toner, then massage in our Celestial Night Oil-Serum, giving myself a facial and neck massage. It’s such an amazing way to release tension from my face and neck. It also helps restore the skin barrier while firming and hydrating your skin as you sleep. After my skincare routine, I practice deep breathing and do meditation before going to sleep. It’s my ritual to quiet the mind for a restful sleep.