Miranda Kerr's passion for skincare—and the need for education and clarity on the murkiness of the "clean" product subset—hits me with a near blunt force. Yes, Kerr is one of the most recognizable and admired supermodels of our era, but first and foremost, she's a mom (she tells me it's her top priority, after all), and second, she's the CEO of one of the loveliest yet most discerning organic skincare-and-makeup brands in the industry right now. And no, this isn't just me being a doting beauty editor; it's a cold, hard fact.
In light of the newest launch from Kerr's Australian-inspired skincare brand, Kora Organics—a dew- and glow-gifting resurfacing serum that will transform your face into a majestic moonbeam in record time—I had the chance to chat with Kerr about all things beauty. Not only about the magic behind the new Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum ($72) but also about her beauty-and-wellness approach as a whole. Not surprisingly, I also learned a whole lot about Kora's core values and product development process in addition to the inspiration behind each launch.
"Using organic skincare is something I'm very passionate about because our skin is our largest organ, and what you put on it soaks directly into your bloodstream, so that's why it's important to use clean, toxin-free, organic products," Kerr tells me. "People are increasingly concerned with eating organic, working out, and living a healthy lifestyle, but many people forget that there are lots of chemicals and toxins in the products they are using on their skin day in, day out."
As it turns out, Kerr was way ahead of the clean beauty movement that's gained steady ground in the past few years stateside. She started Kora in her home country of Australia back in 2009, and it was slow yet steady burn until the brand eventually launched in U.S. Sephora stores in 2017. (Now, in case you're wondering, Kora is available in over 30 countries.)
"When I initially started Kora back in Australia, it was because I was looking for products that were certified organic and delivered results, but I was unable to find anything that really worked. Eventually, I just decided to create my own range," she explains.
So much more than a "clean" label, Kora is a true, certified, organic beauty brand, Kerr says, acknowledging the grand misconception that organic products or ingredients are largely seen as less effective or powerful when used within skincare and makeup.
"I believe certified organic ingredients are more powerful," she counteracts. "Not only are the crops we source our ingredients from not being sprayed with chemicals, pesticide, and herbicides, but the soil that's used is far more nutrient-dense and not depleted by continual growth and harvest." This is insurance, she tells me, that the ingredients will naturally be higher in antioxidants and thus produce more impressive results within your beauty or skin routine.
"To me, it's a no-brainer. There are so many things in this world we can't control. For instance, we can't control the pollution levels outside, but we can control what we put on our skin to protect it from those everyday environmental aggressors that age and sensitize our skin."
For the new night serum, Kerr tells me she worked with the lab and organic chemists for roughly 18 months. (Spoiler: There's also another new product on the horizon, but she's not allowed to share details yet—stay tuned!)
"I am so, so proud of the Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum ($72) and its performance, and I feel so blessed to be working with the best organic chemists in the world. It's so important to me that we get the formula, consistency, and, most importantly, the results the best they can absolutely be."
Of course, our chat didn't stop there. Keep scrolling for 14 more important pieces of beauty intel I learned from Kerr.
#1: Beware of Greenwashing Because There's a Lot of It
Making (or even just thinking about) the switch to a natural beauty routine can seem overwhelming. There are so many different monikers the industry likes to throw at us as consumers (natural, green, nontoxic, organic), and being able to discern what's actually clean and what's actually going to be an effective, amazing product feels nearly impossible. So I asked Kerr to dish any advice she has for someone who's looking to make some changes.
"The first thing I would say is to do your research to ensure what you are buying is exactly what it is," Kerr warns gently. "There is a lot of greenwashing in the beauty industry because it is unregulated. Brands can claim to be natural or organic by just having one or two natural or organic ingredients. Having the Cosmos-Standard AISBL/Ecocert certification gives our brand integrity. Our customers have the assurance that they are getting exactly what they are paying for: honest, healthy, nontoxic certified organic products.
"I can only speak for Kora Organics, but I would encourage people to make the switch. You'll be amazed at the results. We have some of the world’s leading organic chemists working on our formulas and identifying new high-potency, high-performance ingredients so our products deliver the same if not better results."
#2: These Are Her 3 Favorite Kora Products (I Made Her Choose!)
"Our new Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum is a powerful certified organic night treatment serum that uses natural AHAs, BHA, and ferments to resurface your skin and increase cellular turnover, leaving you with a smoother more refined complexion," Kerr tells me. "I've been using it every night for the last few months, and my skin feels amazing. My pores are noticeably smaller, my pigmentation spots are almost gone, and my skin feels super smooth. I'm obsessed!"
Kerr also gives me intel that she's not just being biased. The brand conducted consumer studies, and 91% of testers reported smaller-looking pores, reduced hyperpigmentation, and a more "youthful" looking complexion.
"This is our signature product," Kerr gushes. "It contains certified organic noni extract, rose-hip oil, pomegranate oil, and sea buckthorn oil to create a rich source of antioxidants and essential fatty acids to smooth, nourish, hydrate, and brighten your skin."
"I'm obsessed with exfoliating and face masks, so I wanted to create a product that could be used as both a physical exfoliator and a revitalizing mask," says Kerr. "I essentially wanted a product that delivered a post-spa facial glow that can be done at home or when traveling in one simple step and in under 10 minutes. It contains natural AHAs from papaya enzymes and aspen bark to stimulate cell renewal, as well as rose-hip seeds and quartz to polish and peppermint to control sebum production and for an invigorating tingle."
She tells me she loves to use it in the shower every other morning as a quick and easy mask and exfoliating ritual, applying it and then letting it work its magic while she washes her hair and shaves her legs.
#3: The First Thing She Does Each Morning Is Dry-Brush
Before diving into her daily morning routine, Kerr tells me that first and foremost, she always dry-brushes her entire body before hopping in the shower, sharing that it's her top secret for getting the circulation going and removing any dead skin cells.
#4: She Doesn't Believe in a Complicated Skin Regimen—Here's Her Exact Routine
For Morning…
"My general skincare routine in the morning is the Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser ($30). It's a soap-free cleanser containing noni extract, green tea, and aloe vera to gently cleanse without drying or stripping the skin of its natural oils. After cleansing, I use the Energizing Citrus Mist ($34) to tone my skin and then apply the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum ($68) and the Noni Radiant Eye Oil ($38). To finish, I'll add a few drops of Noni Glow Face Oil ($68) to a few pumps of the Hydrating Moisturizer ($48) and apply the combination over my face, neck, and décolletage."
For Evening…
"In the evenings, I double-cleanse to ensure any makeup and/or pollution is removed from my skin, and I like to use our Cream Cleanser ($30). It contains aloe vera, avocado, and macadamia nut oil, so it's very nourishing and soothing.
"Then, I'll reach for the Calming Lavender Mist ($34), which I also love to spritz on my pillow before going to sleep! Following this, I apply a few pumps of the new Noni Night Serum ($72) on my face, neck, and décolletage. Then I apply my moisturizer, eye oil, and my face oil just as I do in the morning.
"As my last step in the evening, I like to apply my Noni Glow Sleeping Mask ($48). I know it might sound like a lot, but all the steps are super quick and simple, and the results are so worth it! My skin has literally never felt or looked better, and I'm barely getting any sleep these days with my three boys, especially the two under 2," she laughs.
#5: She Does a 5-Minute Facial Massage Every Single Day
When I press Kerr for additional secrets as to her amazing complexion, she tells me using this Rose Quartz Heart Facial Gua Sha ($58) every day has made a huge difference in reducing puffiness and lending her signature glow. "It harnesses the ancient healing technique known as gua sha. It's a rose-quartz heart-shaped stone used to massage your face and neck to stimulate circulation and reduce puffiness while lifting, toning, and sculpting your face. I use this technique daily for a five-minute facial massage with and combine it with the Noni Glow Face Oil ($68), which helps the hydration and nutrients absorb deeper and more efficiently into your skin."
#6: She Loves RMS Beauty for Her Daily Makeup Routine
"When I wear makeup, I generally like to keep it clean and simple unless it's for a special event or red carpet," says Kerr. "My go-to natural makeup brand is RMS Beauty. It was created by a makeup artist and friend of mine. I love the brand's Un Coverup Concealer in 22 ($36)."
Kerr's expert application tip? Apply one or two drops of facial oil into the RMS pot, and use a makeup brush to buff the mixture into your complexion for a sheer wash of coverage and radiance.
"Then, I apply my Kora Organics Rose Quartz Luminizer ($28) on the top of my brows and cheekbones. It contains finely crushed rose quartz to create a beautiful highlight and add a little magic!"
"Lastly, I use my Noni Lip Tint ($24) to add a subtle touch of color to my lips and apples of my cheeks and curl my lashes to open up the eyes."
#7: For Self-Care, She Swears By Reiki Facials and Face Mists
"I love Reiki facials. Not only are they really calming and relaxing, but combining Reiki into your facials also helps naturally relax the muscles in your face and soften expression lines, leaving a healthy glow of vitality. In L.A., I see Nousha, who incorporates Reiki and a gua sha face massage technique," she says.
For those days when she can't go in for such a luxe treatment, Kerr says simply keeping a luxurious face mist on her desk can work wonders if she needs to clear her mind, and the blend of essential oils and aromatherapy can also provide the ultimate mood boost.
#8: When in Doubt, Hold Yourself With Grace and Gratitude
Since she truly does it all (CEO, model, mom), I had to ask Kerr about any helpful life or beauty advice she's absorbed and taken in along the way—in addition to what she'd share with her younger self.
"I received some advice from my grandmother growing up that has always stayed with me," she shares, "and it was to hold yourself with grace and gratitude—to smile from within and to let your light shine because having this intention radiates beauty.
"Looking back to when I was younger, I wish I could tell my younger self the importance of not comparing yourself to others—to focus on the beauty within. Positive affirmation and meditation both play an integral part in my life now."
#9: She Wakes Up at 5:30 Every Morning
When I asked what a typical day in the life is like, she explains that since giving birth to her third son, it's all a little up in the air, and she pretty much has to be ready for everything. However, an early 5:30 a.m. wake-up call followed by a quick meditation is nonnegotiable.
"I usually wake up around 5:30 a.m. when Evan gets up. This gives me a chance to do my meditation while he is in the shower and the kids are still asleep. I love it when I'm able to meditate at sunrise. It's such a special time of day.
"When the kids wake up, we all have breakfast together and get Flynn's bag and lunch packed for school. Once I've dropped Flynn off at school, I would normally head to our Kora Organics office, but at the moment, I'm mostly working from home. You'd be surprised by how much you can get done via phone, email, and video conferences!" she laughs.
"I try to schedule my work during Hart's and Myles's nap times so I can spend quality time with them when they're awake. Being a mother is my first priority. When Flynn's home from school in the afternoons, we usually like to do some type of activity together. We love to have an early dinner together as a family. Then it's bath and bedtime routines for the kids. Once they are asleep, it's time for my husband and me to unwind and catch up."
#10: She Specifically Developed Products Due to Pigmentation She Experienced While Pregnant
"Everyone's skin changes over time, and I've noticed several changes in my skin as I have gone through my 20s, into motherhood, and now into my mid-30s," Kerr shares after I ask about the biggest changes she had to make to her beauty and wellness routines during her pregnancies and since becoming a mother.
"With all three of my pregnancies, I've experienced pigmentation, so I developed products to address those concerns—the Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening
Exfoliating Mask ($48), the Noni Bright��Vitamin C Serum ($68), and the new Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum ($72). These three products together have given me amazing results.
"For body, during pregnancy and post-birth, I used a combination of the Noni Glow Body Oil ($58) and the Enriched Body Lotion ($55) all over to assist and support my skin as it stretches to accommodate my growing baby. I apply the mixture twice daily all over, and then on my belly, breasts, and hips, I also apply a layer of Noni Glow Body Balm ($34), as I feel those areas need a little more TLC and hydration."
#11: Masking Is Her Go-To Antidote for Sleep Deprivation
"Being a busy mum and working across different time zones, I'm often sleep-deprived, and my skin suffers, so I apply the Noni Glow Sleeping Mask every other night to help give the illusion of a full night's sleep," Kerr tells me.
"It's a multitasking overnight face mask that's more hydrating and restorative than a regular night cream. It contains silver ear mushroom, coconut milk, caviar lime, Kakadu plum, and natural hyaluronic acid, which really plumps the skin; softens fine lines; reduces redness and inflammation; improves cell renewal, tone, and texture; and boosts radiance and luminosity. I use it as the last step in my routine before I go to bed, and there's no need to wash it off until the morning because it dries as a translucent veil, it locks in the moisture, and it won't rub off on your pillow!"
#12: The Benefits of Celery Juice Are Real
Kerr let me in on one of her best wellness and nutrition secrets: Every morning on an empty stomach, she drinks celery juice. "I drink at least 16 ounces of organic, cold-pressed celery juice," she says right off the bat.
"Celery is amazing, as it's a powerful anti-inflammatory, supports kidney function, and is alkalizing and also full of electrolytes. I feel it really helps my digestion, brain fog, and energy levels."
#13: She's Super Into Gut Health
"I'm a fan of looking after gut health, so I also take pre- and probiotics," says Kerr. "Prebiotics are a special form of dietary fiber that act as a fertilizer for the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics, however, are live bacteria that can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods."
Kerr didn't tell me exactly which supplement she takes, but I personally swear by these easy capsules from Sakara, which boast prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
#14: Her Daily Multivitamin Is in Powder Form
"As a combination supplement, I created Kora Organics Noni Glow Skinfood Supplement ($55), a water-soluble superfood powder packaged into single-serve sachets, so it's perfect for traveling and contains all my essential vitamins and minerals from coni, açaí, blueberry, mangosteen, pomegranate, matcha green tea, rose hip, chlorella, and elderberry flower.
"I love this product because it's easy to use on the go and provides me with an extra boost of energy whenever I need it."
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