KORA Organics first impressions + review

In honor of my trip to Australia (and simply because I'm obsessed with all things Australian as of late), I decided to finally give Aussie-born and bred KORA Organics a try. Here are my first impressions and review on Miranda Kerr's collection after using her products for the entire 2 weeks I spent on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia...

In terms of first impressions, I was completely obsessed with the packaging and presentation of my KORA products once they came in the mail. Everything is so minimal and beautiful, perfectly complementing the aesthetic and message of the brand. During my two weeks in Australia, I felt so empowered by the women there who embraced their natural beauty, sought after a good glow with safe skin (SO much SPF), and chose to ever-so-slightly enhance their features with natural makeup - and in a way, I was better able to understand why Miranda Kerr wanted to create KORA in the first place. This brand is certified organic, free of many harsh ingredients, cruelty-free, and is largely vegan (save for a few items in their range), with Australian values and culture deeply engrained.

+ Gentle Cleanser (3 Step System - Sensitive Skin)
Of everything I've tried from this collection, I was least blown away (and likely wouldn't re-purchase) the Gentle Cleanser. While it was unscented, simple, and did cleanse my skin just fine, I wasn't really blown away by the formula, and didn't feel particularly 'squeaky clean.' Formulated with noni, chamomile, calendula, and avocado oil, I appreciated how nourishing the creamy cleanser was, but I have cleansers in my collection that I prefer for my skin.

+ Soothing Moisturizer (3 Step System - Sensitive Skin)
What I love most about this moisturizer is that is features an almost balm-like quality, balancing a particular thickness that provides hydration after days in the sun, with the feeling of lightness once rubbed into the skin. This formula is unscented and simple, featuring evening primrose oil, chamomile, and lavender extracts. While this formula isn't my new fave, I definitely will continue to incorporate it in my routine in the future.

+ Calming Lavender Mist (3 Step System - Sensitive Skin)
As someone who typically brings a little vial of lavender essential oil on the airplane to keep me calm, I was incredibly grateful to have this mist with me at all times during my trip. The mist is incredibly fine, smells like heaven, features aloe which soothes on the plane or after the beach, and leaves my bare skin looking refreshed. I love that this mist is both skincare and aromatherapy, calming both my skin and my energy.

+ Noni Glow Face Oil
After receiving a sample of this face oil, I knew I needed a full-size of this to satiate my facial oil addiction. After just 2-3 nights of using this oil before bed, my skin truly felt more luminous, my little spots and blemishes began to heal, and my skin's tone became more balanced and bright. The ingredient noni is known to be reparative, is anti-inflammatory, and nourishing when applied topically. and this oil does just that to my complexion. This is a total must for skincare junkies and facial oil addicts alike.

+ Rose Quartz Luminizer
If you are a fan of a totally natural, 'lit from within' glow, this Rose Quartz Luminizer is sure to be your new go-to. Although it doesn't give you that blinding, glittery highlight, it leaves your complexion looking 'wet,' dewy, and infinitely more hydrated (and even would be perfect as a gorgeous base for your more glittery, powder highlighter). If I could compare this to a product in my collection, I would say it is most like Clinique's Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlighter (which I included in my list of top 6 fave highlighters) in that it's creamy, subtle, and perfect for no-makeup or natural makeup days.

+ Noni Glow Skinfood Supplement
The product I was most excited about to try was this Skinfood Supplement featuring organic noni fruit powder, açaí juice powder, blueberry juice powder, matcha green tea and more. As someone who is on a total health kick (my boyfriend and I have been meal prepping and I am recently obsessed with pilates), I have always been on the hunt for a good supplement powder that can enhance my water and smoothies. This powder chiefly tastes of açaí, balancing sweet and slightly bitter flavors that really is delicious. My body feels ultra-hydrated after drinking this blend, and my mind feels at ease knowing that I am fueling my body with nutrient-dense ingredients that better my skin.

Go-to healthy smoothie recipe:
+ Noni Glow Skinfood Supplement
+ Frozen blackberries
+ Frozen strawberries
+ Frozen blueberries
+ Unsweetened soy milk
+ Spinach
+ Ice

Where would you like to travel? Let me know in the comments below!