Miranda Kerr is a supernatural beauty. An Australian supermodel and entrepreneur, she’s also sassy and intelligent. The founder and CEO of KORA Organics is a clean beauty brand riding high. Editor Trudi Brewer chats with Kerr on all things business and beauty and how she keeps her enviable glow.
Miranda Kerr
Miranda Kerr, KORA Organics Noni Glow Sleep Mask, from $25, KORA Organics Amethyst Raw Crystal, from $34.
Miranda Kerr is every bit a supermodel. Her flawless skin, shiny brunette locks, banging body and that wholesome smile have won her many lucrative fashion contracts. She walked for Dior, Stella McCartney, Miu Miu, Chanel and Balenciaga and was the first Australian model to wear those coveted wings as a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2007. Today her focus is wellness. CEO and founder of the skincare brand KORA Organics, her mother's illness inspired Kerr to create a clean solution for the skin. “Using clean and certified organic products became especially important to me as a teenager. My mum was diagnosed with cancerous tumours in her spleen. Our family started to research and learned that many everyday products we were using contained chemicals potentially harmful to our health. We were shocked to see how toxic certain products could be that were readily available on the market.” So, Kerr took the leap of faith, funding her own clean beauty brand with money from her modelling career. The result was KORA Organics, and the rest, they say, is history. Here’s a slice of her life.
Career
What made you want to create a KORA Organics?
Back in 2006, I was having a conversation with a friend saying how we had cleaned up everything in our home to be less toxic. However, I couldn’t find anything on the market that was certified organic and results-driven in the skincare space. That was my lightbulb moment. I connected with a chemist who worked in the certified and natural space, and we started the conversation - I asked if it would be possible to create powerful, results-driven products that were certified organic. They said yes, but it’s a big commitment of time and money that would have to be invested. So, I invested my money from my modelling career, and we started creating samples. I wanted to make powerful, clinically active, yet healthy products that were certified by ECOCERT/COSMOS, a strict world certification that guarantees the purity of products.
What's a typical working day for you?
I wake up between 5 and 5.30 am every morning, which gives me an hour or so to get in a quick workout, set my intentions for the day and do my morning self-care routine before the kids wake up around 7 am. I drink a litre of cold-pressed celery juice on an empty stomach every morning. I buy organic celery bunches, rinse them well, and then make cold-press juice. It’s transformational for my health and well-being. Then, I'll have a heavy metal detox smoothie and add the KORA Organics Noni Glow Skinfood Powder; it's full of superfoods to help with energy levels, the digestive system and skin. I also take probiotics, lemon balm, vitamins B12, C, and Nadovim supplements daily.
My boys wake at about 7, and we do their morning routines and then get ready for school. After I drop them at school, I start work for the day. Each day I'm on multiple Zoom meetings with the team from marketing and product development, and often I have media interviews and photo shoots. At night, I like to do a relaxation ritual. I make a cup of lemon balm tea with honey, dim the lights, light a few candles, burn palo santo to clear the space and play some relaxing music (I love Snatam Kaur). This is all part of my wind-down ritual to relax before bed. I switch my phone onto flight mode, so I’m not tempted to check emails throughout the night. I’m usually in bed by 830-9; then I do it all again the next day; it’s busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Miranda Kerr
Miranda Kerr’s favourite product, KORA Organics Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening & Exfoliating Mask, from $27.
What advice would you give other women starting a business or launching a beauty brand?
Starting a business, you need to be patient, resilient and have self-belief. Building a business doesn’t happen overnight - there will be hurdles and many learning experiences along the way, but if you’re truly passionate about what you are doing, it motivates you even more, to keep going. I wish I’d known; it was expensive. I haven’t taken a dollar from the company; it all gets reinvested into the business. Empower your team, really nurture and develop the company culture and bring out the best in each team member. That includes direct and constructive feedback and challenging them to strive beyond their goals so they don’t plateau in their career or development. Teamwork makes the dream work, and it’s important you have a strong team who shares your vision. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or for advice; having a point of difference is important. For us, that’s being ‘certified organic’; we’re still Sephora's only certified organic brand. Focus on your goals, and surround yourself with positive and inspiring people.
What's your favourite product in your collection?
I really am obsessed with our KORA Organics Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening & Exfoliating Mask. It’s like an at-home facial in a tube as it brightens, deeply cleanses, reduces inflammation and evens skin tone. I use it as both an exfoliator and mask, and whether I’m at home or travelling, it’s a simple but powerful step that I can do in under ten minutes
How difficult was the Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum to make?
It definitely wasn’t easy. I spent the last two years working with our chemists to deliver five times the active power of conventional retinol in a certified organic formula. One that is gentle enough to use day and night without irritation, redness or dryness. I created this product because traditional retinol has felt too harsh on my skin, and I’ve had difficulty finding a healthy, natural alternative that gave me the desired results. When we conducted our clinical study, nearly 80 per cent of traditional retinol users told us that it’s gentler and more effective, and they saw faster results than traditional retinol.
Miranda Kerr answer to mainstream retinol, KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum,$108.
Beauty
What's the first thing you do in the morning and the last before you sleep?
Kiss my husband before starting my morning self-care rituals. The last thing I do is put on my KORA Organics Noni Glow Sleep Mask, turn my phone on flight mode and kiss my husband goodnight.
What are your secrets to staying healthy and looking great?
My health and wellness have always been a priority. I love to work out; I always try to get in at least one workout daily; it’s part of my self-care routine and gives me mental clarity. At the moment, I love a mix of pilates, running, walking and weight training. I like to meditate every day for at least 15-20 minutes to help me set my intention for the day, so I start with a positive and clear mindset. I also count nutrients over calories and follow the 80/20 rule – meaning I eat healthy organic produce 80 per cent of the time and allow myself to treat 20 per cent of the time. Following this approach helps me to find balance in my diet. A few of my favourite things to eat are potatoes, papaya, bananas, and soup (cauliflower); I follow recipes from Cleanse to Heal by Anthony William, Medical Medium.
What is your wellness philosophy?
To me, health is wealth – the connection of the mind, body and spirit is powerful. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so slow down, feed your mind with positive affirmations and take the time to fill your cup. Do things that bring you happiness and joy daily, and spend quality time with those you love and those who make you laugh. Laughter can sometimes be the best medicine. What works for one person may not work for another, but for me, I find I must take time to exercise; spend time with my family and close friends; meditate; eat healthy food that fuels my body; read books that uplift me, and do my skincare rituals morning and night. Crystals, aromatherapy, mindfulness and positive affirmations have helped me so much. When you can train your mind to choose a more positive thought, it can help transform your whole day. I also rely on essential oils for their therapeutic benefits on the skin and the senses. For instance, peppermint oil (which we use in the turmeric brightening, exfoliating mask, and foaming cleanser) uplifts and invigorates. When you shower and use these products, you feel that energetic burst, but it’s also good for your skin’s natural oil production.
Miranda Kerr
Miranda Kerr with KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil, $97 and KORA Organics Rose Quartz Heart Shaped Facial Sculptor, $84.
When you're tired or rundown: what is your beauty hack?
My favourite at-home treatment is a gua sha massage using our KORA Organics Rose Quartz Heart Shaped Facial Sculptor with the KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil. It’s a great tool for stimulating circulation and improving skin tone while depuffing, contouring and lifting the face. Gua sha is an ancient Eastern technique that is such an incredible remedy. Based on this traditional practice, I created a gua sha to do my facial massages at home to help naturally lift and sculpt my face. What I love about this beauty treatment is that it’s designed to enhance your natural beauty while promoting lymphatic drainage, eliminating toxins, and relieving tension and stress.
What's your favourite makeup/hair buys?
KOSAS Lip Balm in Pulse brings out the natural pink colour of your lips and contains hyaluronic acid, which makes it a super hydrating product. I use it every day. RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up Foundation. I use the shade 22 for my go-to, all-natural makeup look. It gives my skin the right amount of coverage and instantly evens my complexion. I swear by mixing my KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil in a pot, blending my makeup brush, and then applying it all over my face. Tower 28 Beauty Make Waves Mascara. It’s vegan, lengthens, holds the curl, and doesn’t smudge. It’s very natural looking. Benefit Gimme Brow Gel is so quick and easy to use. I follow my natural shape and brush up my brows to give them a natural-looking fullness. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. The travel size is easy to keep on hand for midday touch-ups and extends my blowout's life. The oat milk formula nourishes, softens and smoothes my hair instead of making it feel tacky or sticky; I highly recommend it.
Favourite fragrance?
My favourite scents are rose, gardenia, certified sandalwood, and organic essential oils. I switch between them and Louis Vuitton's Pacific Chill. I love how Pacific Chill captures a sense of well-being, vitality and purity in a bottle, inspired by green juices and the revitalizing power of the ocean.
Home
How would you describe your home?
I like to think my home is warm, cosy and inviting. I love home interiors and all aspects of design, so decorating my home and being creative with it is such a passion of mine. I want my home to be beautiful but still functional for everyday life, with a calming, serene energy. I’m naturally a homebody, and my space affects my mood and feelings. It’s my sanctuary - where I can relax, recharge and be at peace.
Miranda Kerr at home
What's your favourite room in your home?
Our kitchen is the heart of our home and probably the most joyful space; we love cooking together, and it’s a space where we all gather and connect. My fondest memories growing up were with my family in the kitchen.
Miranda Kerr at home
Fashion
What is your one fashion indulgence?
I find it hardest to resist handbags. I’ve built a collection over the years, especially from my travels. I love how much a statement bag can elevate your look, and I carry my handbag everywhere I go…. Even when I'm at home.
What are your favourite local and international fashion designers?
Internationally, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. I also love MATE The Label, which makes sustainable basics in LA. Some of my favourites from back home in Australia are Zimmerman, Alex Perry and Sir the Label.
Zimmerman Luminosity Wide Straight Jean, $550. Louis Vuitton NéoNoé MM, $ 3,600. Sir The Label classic tank, $110. Alex Perry Wells Blazer, $$2,961.
Best buy ever?
I would have to say my Louis Vuitton duffle bag (NéoNoé MM), which I’ve had for over ten years, and it has been with me all over the world.
What makes a great working wardrobe?
A great working wardrobe has a foundation of go-to pieces, like the perfect pair of jeans, classic white t-shirts, a staple pair of flats and heels for date night. I would also say choose pieces that you can wear in several ways, dress up or down and that you feel good in.
Celebrating 25 years of tropical, plant-based skincare.