As a wellness devotee, Miranda created Kora Organics in 2009 as she wasn’t able to find a natural and organic beauty brand that delivered the skincare results she wanted. Since launching in Australia, Kora Organics has attracted international acclaim and is now available in over 25 countries worldwide – and, finally, the UK via Space NK. Hallelujah.
I have long had a mild major girl crush on Miranda Kerr. Whether she’s lauding the benefits of crystals or encouraging her followers to knock back a spirulina-filled green juice every morning, when she talks, I’m listening.
So, when the model released her own range of award-winning certifiedorganic and natural beauty products,Kora Organics, I was all over them quicker than you can say ‘rose quartz’.
To celebrate Organic Beauty Week, I gave Miranda’s entire 6-step organic skincare range a whirl to see if it gave me a glow to rival the model’s.
Miranda is keen to confirm that her entire range is certified organic, explaining: “There is no denying there is a global ‘awakening’ or movement towards organic as more and more people become increasingly educated and aware of the health risks associated with exposure to non-organic products and foods that contain harmful toxins and carcinogens.
“Because of this trend, more brands are aligning their products and marketing towards the natural and organic space, so it’s important to know the difference and what sets Certified Organic and in turn, Kora Organics apart. ”
Miranda maintains that products simply labelled ‘Natural or Organic’ come with no guarantees unless they are certified by an independent body, because using and marketing these terms is unregulated. Many consumers wrongly assume these ‘Natural and Organic’ products contain ingredients that are minimally processed and that they don’t contain toxic chemicals or artificial fragrances. But unfortunately, due to the lack of regulation within the beauty industry, manufacturers can misleadingly label their products as ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ even though they contain processed, toxic and chemically enhanced ingredients.
Certified Organic is the most heavily regulated ingredient system in the world and guarantees no toxic synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemicals are used in production of ingredients or manufacturing of products.
“At Kora Organics, our products are officially certified by the world’s leading international certification body, COSMOS-standard AISBL/Ecocert,” she adds.
As someone who has long suffered with acne, which my dermatologist put down to an overuse of harsh product formulations wreaking havoc with my skin’s pH, I was keen to strip my skincare regime right back and plump for only natural products. As a certified organic brand, Kora therefore seemed the perfect range to tackle my troublesome skin.
Here’s how I got on…
What Miranda says: “A soap-free cleanser designed to leave the skin feeling fresh and soft. Formulated with certified noni fruit, the cleanser nourishes the skin with vitamins, mineral and antioxidants, as the infusion of avocado oil helps soothe delicate skin and protects the skin from moisture loss, helping it feel more hydrated. With chamomile and calendula extracts, the Kora Gentle Cleanser works to soothe and calm the skin, reducing any visible signs of inflammation. ”
What I say: “As the first step in my new routine, I pumped out a few dollops of this creamy cleanser and massaged it into my face, neck and décolletage. I wear quite a lot of makeup so I did have to double cleanse – and then cheat by swiping some micellar water over my face – to ensure it was completely makeup-free. The smell is fresh and incredible and it did leave my skin super soft. So far, so good.
What Miranda says: Give skin back its glow with Kora Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask (2-in-1), a double-duty face mask that can be used twice weekly to reveal a naturally radiant and polished complexion.
What I say: I’ve long read about the benefits of turmeric in skincare so was keen to test this out. I was also looking for an exfoliator to gently buff my skin without stripping it. This mask helped to clear my pores, even skin texture and totally reinvigorate it. I’d recommend using it twice a week for a brightened visage.
What Miranda says: “With a fine mist, the Kora Balancing Rose Mist provides an instant burst of refreshment to the skin, leaving a delicate fragrance. Formulated with rosa damascena flower water and infused with hibiscus and noni fruit extract and geranium oil, the mist works to hydrate the skin and provide antioxidant protection against the damage caused by free radicals. ”
What I say: Whilst it’s a nice touch – and a lovely addition to your desk – I am nonplussed about a face mist. This one was so fine that I am unsure how much actually penetrated my skin.
What Miranda says: “Kora Noni Radiant Eye Oil is formulated with organic noni oil, tomato fruit, marine bamboo extracts, kahai and coffee oils, all of which work together to awaken and brighten up the delicate area under the eye. This delicious smelling oil will help leave the sensitive eye area looking well rested and awake. It smooths, tones and brightens the skin while helping to promote a more youthful radiance and natural-looking glow. ”
What I say: Firstly, I am quite taken aback by the price of this guy as it’s pretty small but I am keen on the rose quartz roller ball, which makes for a soothing application. I don’t know if it’s as hardcore as I’d like (I am a retinol kinda gal for my under-eye area) but it’s a soothing addition to the routine nonetheless.
What Miranda says: “Made with a range of naturally derived ingredients, including noni extract, rosehip oil, pomegranate and sea buckthorn oil, Kora Noni Glow Face Oil harnesses the power of natural ingredients to bring dull skin back to life. This nourishing oil includes an antioxidant-rich formula as well as essential fatty acids to smooth and brighten the skin while also imparting a natural-looking, radiant glow. ”
What I say: This is hands down the range’s star product. It smells delicious and leaves skin super plump and hydrated. It’s worth every penny in my books.
What Miranda says: “Formulated with a wide range of essential nutrients, Kora Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum also utilises the powers of sodium hyaluronate to help keep skin hydrated while leaving it looking firmer, smoother and more evenly toned. The serum’s vitamin C superfruit complex contains acerola cherry, orange and lemon peel, Kakadu plum and the brand’s signature noni extracts as well as 12% ascorbyl glucoside, which is the most stable form of vitamin C. ”
What I say: I have been keen to add a vitamin C serum to my skincare regime for a long time and this one seemed like a good starting point. The consistency was quite runny and sticky, and it took a good minute to absorb into my skin, but the scent was good enough to eat and it left my skin firm and bright.
The verdict
I’m usually a cleanse-and-go kinda gal so adding six steps to my skincare regime was no mean feat (and there’s a plethora of extra products you could add in). However, I loved the sense of routine, which became an evening treat that helped me unwind after a hectic day in central London. Whilst I was nonplussed about some of the products (the rose quartz mist), the Noni Glow Face Oil and Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask are now staples in my skincare regime.
