One June day, I decided to write to Miranda Kerr.
As you probably know by now, self-care/self-love and living well in general are important topics of conversation at our office. It’s a great time to be alive because, for one, we can have these conversations honestly and openly to make a change (so we should), and we have access to all the tools we need — within and around us — to master the “Be The Best Version Of Yourself” and “Live Your Best Life” classes. Of course, it’s a journey. There’s no such thing as an overnight success. There are days when everything is aligned and it’s green light all the way on your path. And some are going to be harder. You live, you learn. You learn, you live. Better.
Miranda Kerr was one of the first names I had scribbled on my wish list of WoW Women to interview since the inauguration of WoW. To me, she is a supermodel-turned-super role model. When it comes to positive living and self-empowerment, she sure has earned her wings. I was certain I’d have much to learn from her, whose wisdom I’d then share with you. (It took a few years, but — voila! — if you wish-list it, it will come.)
In 2009, Miranda launched her own brand of organic and certified natural beauty products, KORA Organics, with the intention of nourishing not only the skin but also the spirit of women. All their products are energised with rose quartz crystals, which are believed to carry a soothing energy to encourage love and acceptance of the self and others.
I love that. (Have you seen their new range of Crystal Luminisers, by the way? 😍)
When you look at the 35-year-old mother of two, what you’ll see is a beauty that radiates from within. When she smiles, it’s like even her liver smiles (Elizabeth Gilbert’s medicine man, Ketut, recommends it, remember? “Even smile in liver,” he said.) Hers is a glow and an aura of calm that you can’t just buy. It’s what you reap when you invest in yourself. Be aware and conscious of everything you feed and every word you say to your body, mind and soul. Surround yourself with positive people. Practise kindness and compassion. Practise self-care. Learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. And don’t forget to treat yourself. Repeat.
Truth be told, when Miranda and her team wrote back with a “yes” to my interview request — and just weeks after the birth of her son, Hart — a busy, busy time, surely — I rubbed my eyes a few times. Later, when I asked the Australian about her idea of beauty, she said: “True beauty is about radiating who you are from within, and carrying a sense of grace, joy and positivity. Attributes like kindness, compassion and gratitude, I believe are what make a person truly beautiful.”
The very qualities that make her truly beautiful. The woman walks her talk, her thoughts, words and actions in perfect alignment. She is Miranda Kerr, and that is her superpower.
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If I need some time out, I will take myself out into nature, switch my phone off or switch it to airplane mode and enjoy 10 minutes of meditation somewhere quiet.
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First of all, I’m a big fan of KORA Organics and what the brand advocates. So, thank you for taking the time to chat with me. Why is it important for you to use (and now create) natural and organic skincare products?
Miranda: It’s something I feel very passionate about because what you put on your skin gets absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Everyone is so concerned with eating organic and non-processed foods, but they don’t think about all the chemicals in the everyday products they are using and putting on their skin.
KORA Organics skincare products are officially certified by the world’s leading international certification body, COSMOS-standard AISBL/Ecocert. Certified Organic is the most heavily regulated ingredient system, and only Certified Organic guarantees no toxic synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemicals are used in the production of ingredients. Organic producers and manufacturers also are subject to rigorous certification inspections by third-party inspectors to ensure that they are producing and processing organic products in a manner that you and your family can trust.
It has been a really rewarding journey, and a long process because I wanted to be diligent with every decision made — from the formulations to the packaging. I love creating new products and being part of the development process to get everything 100% right, and learning about new certified organic ingredients that we can work with to enhance the results of our products. KORA Organics is more than skincare, it’s about a holistic way to nurture your mind, body and spirit.
For the benefit of women in my part of the world, where buying natural and organic products is just starting to cotton on, can you tell me your top tips and advice on how to get started, and ease into a more conscious approach towards beauty?
Miranda: The best way to start would be to look at what you are feeding your body in terms of food and beverages. It’s important to know the origin
“We all have bad days, so I guess the first step is acknowledging that and trying to put it into perspective… I believe challenges help us grow and evolve, so I don’t shy away from them, but use them as opportunities to grow.”
of what you are consuming. I try to eat locally-sourced organic fruits and vegetables and whole foods, and consume plenty of fresh, purified drinking water each day.
It is also important to look at what products you use on your body and in your household, too, such as skincare, personal hygiene and cleaning products. As all products we use, from hygiene to cleaning products and all beauty products, may ultimately end up in your bloodstream, it is vital to know exactly what is in each product you are purchasing, and to educate yourself on the effect of what each ingredient is having on your body, and ultimately your health. Then you can begin to make educated and conscious choices.
What are your beauty essentials for day and night, especially when you’re travelling?
Miranda: Travelling can take its toll on your skin, so it’s important to ensure you keep as hydrated as possible, especially throughout the flight. My must haves are:
KORA Organics Body Balm and Face Balm: They are easy to apply throughout the flight and protect your skin from the drying effects of the cabin. I actually specifically created these for travelling.
KORA Organics Calming Lavender Mist and Energising Citrus Mist: I use the Lavender Mist to help me relax during the flight as it has amazing aromatherapy benefits, and the Citrus Mist on landing to help awaken my complexion. They are both also super hydrating and contain ingredients to fight free radicals.
KORA Organics Vitamin Enhanced Lip Balm: Lips can get super dry when flying, so I apply this throughout the flight.
KORA Organics Daily Hand Cream: Hands are often forgotten and can be the first area to show signs of premature aging, so I apply this hand cream regularly and always after washing my hands.
KORA Organics Skinfood Supplement: This is a water-soluble superfood powder packaged into single-serve sachets, so it’s perfect for travelling and contains all my essential vitamins and minerals from Noni, Acai, Blueberry, Mangosteen, Pomegranate, Matcha Green Tea, Rosehip, 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.
KORA Organics Heart Chakra Aromatherapy Oil: It’s my personal aromatherapy blend based on healing and opening the heart chakra. It contains a blend of Rose Otto, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang and Cedar Wood. Rose Otto opens the heart and mind, Sandalwood induces calmness, Ylang Ylang aids in stress and anxiety relief, and cedarwood promotes a soothing effect and assists in mental focus and vitality. It is also supercharged with Rose Quartz crystals, which is believed to carry a soothing energy to encourage love and acceptance of ourselves and others.
Thank you for the list. The Heart Chakra Aromatherapy Oil sounds amazing. I am really excited to try these out on my next trip. Now, you are inarguably one of the most beautiful women alive. Can you tell me, what is your idea of beauty? What makes a woman beautiful?
Miranda: That is very kind, thank you! To me, true beauty is about radiating who you are from within, and carrying a sense of grace, joy and positivity. Attributes like kindness, compassion and gratitude, I believe are what make a person truly beautiful. I also find people look their best when they feel their best.
Self-care is a very important topic at Wear Oh Where. Can you share with me what are some of the ways in which you take care of yourself — body, mind and soul?
Miranda: I nurture my body by feeding it with wholesome organic foods and fresh, purified drinking water. I try to do three things daily that make me happy. Simple things that bring me joy, like cuddles with my sons, a good belly laugh with a friend, or playing the piano and painting with my son. I also meditate and exercise regularly.
Our brand philosophy at KORA Organics is to “feed your mind with positive affirmations and self-love”, “feed your body with the nutrients it needs to function at its best”, and “feed your skin with products to help detoxify, nourish and revitalise”.
What is your idea of “me-time”?
Miranda: I love massages, taking a bath and listening to a meditation or making a cup of tea and reading a book.
Where is your Happy Place?
Miranda: At home or anywhere with my boys (my husband and sons).
What was the last thing or who was the last person who made you laugh?
Miranda: My son, Flynn. He has a mischievous personality and makes me laugh every day!
When you’re having a bad day, how do you deal with it and change the whole narrative with yourself from negativity back into a positive place?
Miranda: We all have bad days, so I guess the first step is acknowledging that and trying to put it into perspective. I believe in communicating any concerns that arise, rather than internalising them. If I need some time out, I will take myself out into nature, switch my phone off or switch it to airplane mode and enjoy 10 minutes of meditation somewhere quiet. It helps me find my center so that I can best move through any challenges. I believe challenges help us grow and evolve, so I don’t shy away from them, but use them as opportunities to grow.
SHOP MIRANDA’S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
KORA Organics is available in Singapore exclusively at all Sephora stores.
