Miranda Kerr on Intentional Living, Certified Organics and Why She’s Feeling Better at 43 Than In Her 20s
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
If there was ever a case to be made for holistic beauty, it’s Miranda Kerr.
She radiates that rare type of beauty that’s equal parts aspirational (she literally glows!) and genuinely inviting. She credits a grounded ethos that prioritises wellness, above all else.
We sat down with the supermodel turned mogul to discuss juggling business with motherhood, maintaining a meticulous routine and the beauty treatment she’d never try again (spoiler alert: it involves leeches). Amidst her busy schedule - the founder carved out some time to jump onto our Beauty IQ podcast. For anyone looking to elevate their wellness routine - we would highly recommend a listen!
You’ve lived through so many iconic beauty eras; from your early days as a teen model to walking the Victoria’s Secret runway. Looking back, how has your approach to beauty evolved?
"The first runway I did for Victoria's Secret was 20 years ago! That’s wild. I’ve learned that the more connected you are to your soul and your purpose, the more beautiful you feel. I was raised with the belief that beauty is something on the inside; having a kind heart and treating people with respect. That kind of spark inside is what is most beautiful.
Image: Instagram @mirandakerr
When you nourish your body and manage stress, it shows in a way that is more contagious than anything physical.
Since I’ve become a mum, I don’t want anything that feels complicated or time-consuming. I’m drawn to products that are effective, easy to use and feel good on the skin. That’s where the less-is-more approach comes in."
Was there a moment or idea that inspired you to start KORA Organics?
"It’s a personal story. When I was a teenager, my mom was diagnosed with tumors in her spleen. It changed the way we looked at overall health. Back then, 'clean beauty' wasn’t even a thing. I learned that certified organic ingredients have up to 60% more antioxidants and aren't sprayed with potentially carcinogenic pesticides. I created KORA Organics because I couldn't find products that met those standards for myself and my family."
There’s a lot of noise around the term ‘clean beauty’. Why was it a non-negotiable for you to be 'Certified Organic' rather than just 'Clean'?
"There’s a huge difference. Anyone can slap 'organic' on a label, but when you're certified, you go through rigorous steps to prove it.
I’ve invested my own money from my modelling years into this because I truly believe people shouldn't have to compromise their health for results. We have the clinical studies to prove the efficacy."
If we were to peek into your beauty cupboard, what would we find? Are you a minimalist or a maximalist?
“You’d definitely find a lot of KORA skincare!
My daily essentials like; The Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser, Active Algae Minty Mist, Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum, Noni Glow Face Oil, Turmeric Glow Moisturizer, Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Scrub + Mask, the Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Moisturizer, our Active Algae Calming Cleansing Balm, the Milky Mushroom Ultra-Hydrating Mask and Nourishing Hand & Body Lotion. They’re the products I come back to again and again because they really support the health of my skin.
I also love beauty tools and devices, so there are a few of those tucked away too, things like my LYMA Laser, microcurrent devices like NuFace, my KORA Rose Quartz gua sha and dry body brush. I find they really complement my skincare and help with circulation and overall skin tone.
For makeup, I keep it quite minimal and focused on enhancing the skin. Just easy, everyday products that let your natural skin shine through.”
Your morning routine is legendary. Walk us through those first few hours of the day.
"I wake up naturally between 5:00 and 5:30 AM and do 20 minutes of Vedic meditation while I'm still in my little cocoon. Then, I open the blinds; that morning light is so good for your circadian rhythm. I like to dry body brush before hopping in the shower. Then it’s the Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser, Minty Mist, Vitamin C serum and the Turmeric Glow Drops to minimise pores."
And to wind down?
“At night, I have the luxury of an early dinner with my kids to prioritize bath and reading time. Once they're in bed, I double cleanse with our cleansing balm and foaming cleanser.
I think consistency is key when it comes to skincare. I’m a stickler for my skincare routine of cleanse, mist, serum and moisturizs; regardless of how late it is or how exhausted I am. I’m super religious about washing off all my makeup before I go to sleep – I actually don’t ever remember going to sleep with my makeup on!I keep the Milky Mushroom Hydrating Mask next to my bed as an overnight sleeping mask. It dries as a translucent veil, and when I wake up, I notice my skin is much more plump."
Do you have any beauty regrets?
"When I was young, I begged my mom to let me get a perm. I had a straight fringe and very curly hair; it wasn't the best decision!
But more seriously, a dermatologist once convinced me to try a laser for my freckles. It actually triggered massive pigmentation in my skin. It took a lot of time and patience to rebuild it.
The big lesson for me is that quick fixes aren't always the answer. Long-term skin health is worth it. Now, when I see people drawing fake freckles on in photoshoots, I just wish I had mine back."
You’ve tried a lot in the name of a glow, what’s been the most ‘out there’?
"I have done a leech facial. I could literally feel them sucking my blood! I haven't gone back for another, but I didn't want them to be discarded afterward, so I actually kept the leeches and put them in my koi pond at home. No leeches were harmed!"
You're a mum of four running a global empire. How do you find balance without burning out?
"It’s a blend. I try to find little rituals, like asking the kids on the school run what three things they are grateful for. At the end of the day, we do 'Rose, Thorn, and Bud'; the bud being what they are looking forward to. I’m 43... but I feel like I have more energy now than I did when I was in my 20s.
Someone asked me recently why I’m still doing this [running Kora Organics] when I don't 'have' to, and the truth is, this is my heart. I haven't taken a cent out of the company. I live for creating these products."
Image: Instagram @mirandakerr
What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
"I would tell her that beauty isn’t something you chase, it’s something you cultivate from within.
When you take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually; it naturally reflects on the outside.
And when it comes to confidence, don’t compare yourself to anyone else. The more you can embrace who you are, the more that quiet confidence and inner glow will come through.”
Catch up on more of our KORA Organics favourites with the below Beauty IQ article:
