KORA Organics Rejuvenating Foot Balm

Foot creams are essential after my daily shower or before bedtime, because it keeps my feet soft and smooth.  I have used many a foot cream in my lifetime (I'm no spring chicken!) but I have never encountered one so deliciously scented that I want to lick my own foot after applying it.  Today's product review is one of my all time favourite products in the KORA Organics skincare range.

The Rejuvenating Foot Balm (90ml - $34.95 AUD) is encased in the typical KORA Organics "almost Tiffany blue" simple, matte packaging.  The foot balm smells absolutely amazing - exactly like candy canes at christmas time!  Soft and sweet, with a touch of peppermint... yum!  That alone is a win for me. However, there are many other great features of this foot cream.  The first one being that it's over 99% natural and that over 62% of the total ingredients are sourced from organic farming.  It has been certified organic according to the ECOCERT standard.

The "blurb" and instructions on how to use the foot balm

This foot balm says that it "soothes and cools" aching or tired feet.  In all honesty, I don't know if it lives up to the claim or not as I use this every day and my feet are never "achy" or "tired".  However, I do notice that after wearing heels for a few hours I'll come home and use this after a shower, and it does feel quite cooling.  I imagine it would be quite soothing for feet that were actually aching!

List of ingredients

The "balm" itself isn't really a balm.  It's nothing like those petroleum based foot creams where it's thick, clear, oily and greasy to the touch.  I use a small blob (about the size of my fingernail) and it's more than enough to coat my entire foot and ankles.  It's very easy to rub in, quite quick to be absorbed, and light.  It's not greasy at all.  I always pop cotton socks on after applying this, though. So maybe it is greasy and I just don't know it?!  Ha, doubt it though, because on the occasions that I've taken my socks off less than an hour after application, my feet feel soft and smooth and not sticky at all.

"Trust"

A unique, cute little thing to note about KORA Organics products is that each product in the line is stamped with a word that is aimed to inspire you to live a better life.  The foot balm has the word "trust" on it.

This foot cream (or balm) is the one I have enjoyed using the most, out of all the other foot creams I've used.  It's moisturising but light, smells AMAZING and is 99% natural.  The Rejuvenating Foot Balm retails for $34.95 AUD for 90ml.  The entire KORA Organics range can be found in David Jones stores, some Terry White Chemists and from their online store.

Keep your eyes peeled, because I'm going to be posting a tutorial on how to keep your feet soft and baby smooth all year round, very very soon.  If your feet are dry and cracked, this is a post you don't want to miss!

KORA Organics Clay Purifying Mask

A few months ago KORA Organics came out with a mask range, the Clay Purifying mask and the Hydrating mask.  I will be reviewing the Clay Purifying mask today.  It retails for $49.95 AUD (100ml) from the KORA Organics website, or you can find it at David Jones stores or select Terry White chemists.

I have normal to oily skin (sometimes normal to dry, depending on the season).  This mask is targeted at oily/combination skin, but it is really gentle and I think it would suit pretty much any skin type.  Using a clay mask is essential in my skincare routine to ensure my pores are deeply cleansed and skin looks bright and is purified.  I switch up my masks all the time, depending on my mood, and I try to use a mask at least once a week (although I'm often forgetful or lazy)!

How I use the mask: Before my shower, I use a small amount (about the size of a 20 cent coin) and apply to my face without washing beforehand, like most masks require you to do.  You could if you want, but like I said, I'm lazy!  I leave it on my face for about ten minutes, often longer.  Lately though, my skin has been breaking out in a rash so I only leave it on for five minutes (as stated "for sensitive skin" on the packaging).  Once I'm ready to wash it off, I jump in the shower and use just my hands and the warm water to gently wipe if off my skin.  I don't follow up with any sort of cleanser, as warm water is enough.

Results: The KORA Organics Clay Purifying mask is quite possibly the most gentle clay mask I have ever used.  The texture is just like a really thick, heavy moisturiser and is easily spread on the face. It dries quickly, too.

The smooth, thick consistency.  It feels more like a moisturiser than a clay mask!

Close up of the mask on my face.  Despite its moisturiser like texture, it dries very quickly like most clay masks.

With other clay masks, after washing it off I feel that my skin is quite tight and shiny looking, but with the KORA Organics Clay Purifying mask, I don't get that at all.  It's as if I've used a hydrating mask instead, with the benefits of clay.  This is why I think it would be suited to most skin types, rather than just the oily/combo that it's targeted at.  After use, my face is not shiny, rather it looks brightened, plump and pores aren't as noticeable.  It definitely feels heaps cleaner than it usually does, as if the clay has absorbed all the impurities.

I love the KORA Organics Clay Purifying Mask!

Here's a photo of me straight out of the shower, after I had dried my face and applied a tiny amount of lip balm (I'm OCD, I can't stand the feel of bare lips!)  I hope you're not too frightened by my appearance!  But see how my skin looks nice & hydrated, cleansed and soft?  (BTW, I did mention that I'm experiencing an awful rash on my face, and you can see it on my right cheek and forehead if you look close enough).

Fresh out of the shower.

After moisturising with the KORA hydrating cream, my skin looks bright, smooth and clear.

The KORA Organics Clay Purifying mask does not dry out my skin at all.

Overall, I really like the Clay Purifying mask as it is very gentle, yet does the job of cleansing my pores, refining and purifying my skin while also keeping it smooth and bright.  For the price,  it's not bad considering that this is a natural & certified organic product.  This is an ideal mask for those who have sensitive skin and are time poor, like me.  I also think it would be good for those with dry skin who wouldn't dare use a clay mask in the first place!  This mask has replaced my once favourite Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, because it gives me the same results, but without the dryness & stinging sensation.  Holy grail?  Hmmm... I'll let you know in a couple of months time.  But it looks like it will be my favourite for awhile yet!  Check out koraorganics.com.au for more info, products, and to buy online.

Kora Organics Review

Kora Organics products.  Note: the Rose Mist no longer looks like how it is in this photo. This one is from the old packaging.

I adore Miranda Kerr.  When she came out with a skincare line, I... didn't actually know about it until around this time last year.  I actually heard about it through a good friend, who said she wanted to try organic products.  When she mentioned Miranda Kerr and organic in one sentence, I was all over it and googled to find out more.

A year later, here I am: an avid fan of Kora Organics.  Only recently they have become certified organic, which is impressive in my books.  If you watch my video, you can see her talking about the products in more detail.  I have not tried every product in the line, but those that I use I will continue to use until it no longer works for me, or if it gets discontinued (No!  What a nightmare!)  So here's my little review on each product I use:

Hydrating Day & Night Cream: (50ml, $59.95) Although this is a day and night cream, I do not use it for night time (for night I just use rose hip oil).  As the product name implies, it's a hydrating cream that has a fresh, herbal, slightly tangy scent.  If you use too little, it can feel like it's tugging at your skin as you apply it, so best to use a fair size amount.  Having said that, you do not need a lot.  A five cent coin amount is enough for the face, but I like to double it and have it taken down my neck and decolletage.  It does not contain SPF, which is fine with me because I like to use a separate sunscreen anyway.  It's not greasy at all, it gives you enough hydration to ensure your skin stays moist but does not feel heavy, look greasy or clog pores (mine, anyway!)  My ideal day cream!

Cream Cleanser: (90ml, $44.95) This product is definately not for the oily/combination skin type (but I think it can actually help your oily skin if you do, will post about it soon).  If you have normal skin, like me, or dry/sensitive skin, this would be great for you!  It feels quite "slippery", almost like a cleansing oil (but much thinner) so it doesn't feel like it's cleaning your skin... until you wash it off with warm water!  It's recommended you use a cloth to wipe your skin after cleansing with this product, but I'm lazy and just use my hands (often because I'm in the shower).  This cleanser does not foam at all, but is very effective at getting rid of dirt, oil and sweat on your face.  I used to use Philosophy Purity Made Simple, but now I've switched to the Kora Organics Cream Cleanser as it does not use any nasty ingredients but does just as good a job, if not better.

Balancing Rose Mist: (50ml, $39.95) This product is good for all skin types.  I absolutely love this spray!  It's so versatile.  I use it for everything: setting makeup, as a toner, as a moisturiser if I'm too lazy or time poor for an actual moisturiser, as a refreshing, hydrating spray throughout the day... so many uses!  I always spritz my face about 4 times with this before I apply the Hydrating Day & Night Cream.  It acts as a toner that way.  Sometimes, if I can't be bothered applying moisturiser (such as when I'm at home and have no plans) I'll just spray my face lots of times and leave it to dry.  My skin never feels tight, just moisturised.  It's like a lazy girls moisturiser.  The mist you get from the bottle is a huge spray, but it's so fine.  On hot days, I attack my two boys with this as well if they're looking red in the face.  It keeps you cool!  On top of makeup, it works just like the M.A.C. Fix +... except it's organic!  LOVE!

Daily Hand Cream: (90ml, $39.95 - not pictured in photo) One thing I really love about this hand cream is the simple packaging.  I get lots of questions when I use this hand cream out and about!  I suppose people are curious about the brand.  As an actual hand moisturiser, it is a good hydrating cream that is lightweight and does not leave my hands feeling greasy.  One thing I wish it did have was sunscreen, but I find that  hand creams that do contain sunscreen tend to leave a greasy film on my hand, or make it feel sticky.  So I'm not too upset by that minor fact.  Hand creams are a staple in my handbag, and so far this is my favourite hand cream.

Tinted Day Care Cream: (50ml, $59.95 - not pictured in photo) This is the only product in the range that I wasn't a fan of.  It is a tinted moisturiser that contains a little bit of sun protection (from zinc oxide).  I don't mind it, but I don't love it.  It looks great on the skin (very natural, slight coverage) and doesn't irritate my skin or anything, but I do have problems with the application.  It tugs at my skin terribly, unless I use a lot.  Which I don't want to do, because then it looks too obvious on my skin.  A thin layer looks best, but everytime I apply this it just feels like it dries too quickly.  I have tried both using a mist beforehand and not, and either way I still felt the tug.  Because of that, I don't like to use it.  But when I do use it, once it's on, I really do like it.  If it dried less quickly and didn't tug, I would use it more often.

Vitamin Enhanced Lip Balm: (6.5ml, $24.95) Not only does this lip balm look so cute in its beautiful green pot, it is also an awesome multi-tasker!  I don't really like lip balms where you have to dig for the product with your fingers, but I make an exception for this one.  It keeps my lips moisturised for so long.  I apply this in the morning, go out and have lunch, and I still don't feel like I need to reapply it.  It gives a great transparent gloss to your lips and has no obvious taste or scent.  If I have flyaways, I'll apply it to my hair to keep them at bay.  If I'm in a waiting room and I'm bored, I'll apply this to my cuticles.  If I have a dry spot somewhere on my face or body, I'll just pat some of this stuff onto it.  This is my all time favourite lip balm.  I love a lot of lip balms, but this one takes the cake!

There are a few other products that I use from the range, such as the mask and scrub, but I haven't used it long enough or consistently enough to form an opinion of just yet.  However, once I do I will be sure to review them also!

Kora Organics can be purchased online at their website www.koraorganics.com, which is the cheapest option.  They are also sold at David Jones and Terry White Chemist.  I'm not sure about the prices at Terry White, as the have only recently started stocking the Kora Organics range, but at David Jones the prices are atrocious.  They have jacked up the prices so much since the new packaging launched!  E.g: Online, the Hydrating Day & Night Cream is $59.95.  In store, it's just under $72!  What the?!  How do they justify that?  Grrrr!  I used to buy from DJ, but from now on I will just be ordering the products online.  Kora Organics has a great range, with products that work very well and while a little on the pricey side, I believe that you get what you pay for.  For certified organic products, it's not too bad.  And if it works, it is definitely worth it.  What will you be putting on your face tonight?

Meeting Miranda Kerr

I lined up for about 2 hours on Saturday, 27th August 2011 to get my book signed by the ever so gorgeous Miranda Kerr at the David Jones Bourke Street Mall store.  I said I'd get up early just so I could be one of the first in line, but of course that didn't happen.  I didn't leave for the city until 11am (event started at 12!) and I was pretty much towards the end of the line.  Here's a few snaps of me on the way:

Just a tad excited!

My 3yr old boy doesn't know what we're doing or why mummy is acting like child with ADHD.

My outfit for the day was soft pink themed.  I wore my pastel pink off the shoulder Guess knit tee and carried a pink Bvlgari handbag.  I didn't want to wear high heels because I knew I would be standing for a long time, so I opted for a very low pair of cream shiny pumps from Aldo (if I had a soft pink pair, believe me, I would've worn it!)  My jeans were a dark wash pair of skinnies by Gripp and I had to wear sunnies (brown Tom Fords) because my eyes were really red (turned out I had a minor case of conjunctivitis... ewwwww)!

Love the dirty mirror!  That's what happens when you have kids who brush their teeth and spit everywhere but into the sink.

I took a video of Miranda as she came out during her second appearance.  You can view the video at my beauty channel on YouTube or my personal channel.  They are of the same thing but from different angles.  (Beauty channel vid= a bit cut off in the beginning, quite shaky towards the end because my arm got tired and filmed from the side.  Personal channel vid= full video filmed front on but also quite shaky, a lot of talking can be heard in the background and a whinging child bumping the cameraman every now and then).

Now, on to actually meeting Miranda.  As I was walking up I nearly tripped because I didn't realise that there was a slight incline to the stage (how classy!) and as soon as I was there in front of her, she confirmed that I was Rin and silly me, in the heat of the moment I end up striking a conversation with her and forget to turn around for my photo.  D'oh! 

I actually asked her a very personal question that normal people don't go around blurting to one of their idols.  I asked her if she was still breastfeeding her son.  She is so sweet, she actually smiled and nodded and said that she was.  So while she was signing my book, I was telling her that I had breastfed both my sons for over two years each (to which she raised her eyebrows and said "wow, good on you!") and then harped on about something or other to do with breastfeeding.  She actually agreed with me that breastfeeding is such a natural and beautiful thing to do.  She said "what is up with that?!" in regards to some people not choosing to breastfeed or stopping after a very short while.  Anyway, I can't remember the conversation fully as it's hard to concentrate when a beautiful woman is looking you in the (red) eye and talking about how beautiful breastfeeding is!  So on to the pics:

Dazed and confused after talking to Miranda!

I was going to include some photos of her outfit sourced from other sites, but I think I will do that in a different post because I don't want this to be too long.  But let me just say, the shoes that Miranda was wearing... O. M. G!  To die for!  In fact, her whole outfit was so simple yet chic and classy.  I asked David Jones on their facebook page what shoes she was wearing and they told me they were Jimmy Choo and available in DJ now.  If you want to see what it looks like, read this article.  But be warned... you WILL fall in love!!

So, the rumours are true... Miranda Kerr truly IS a sweetheart!  Check out her newly revamped KORA Organics line here.  (Post on KORA Organics coming up!)

Miranda Kerr Talks About KORA Organics

I wanted to do a whole post tonight on my day in the city to attend the Miranda Kerr book signing, but sadly I'm absolutely knackered from shopping.  So here is a video of Miranda talking about her skincare line and book.  I actually got to speak to her, we had a conversation about breastfeeding!  She is such a sweet girl and her products are great.  I will post about it later, for now enjoy the video... PS- Sorry for the shaky camera and background noise!

 

Here is the link to the video (it's on my personal youtube channel): http://youtu.be/ZPr1Zd5Fj38