5 minutes with Karen Murrell

Mindfood Magazine December 2009

Karen Murrell is the founder and creator of an eponymous skincare and make-up range. With a proven track record in the health and beauty sector, Murrell has created an exquisite range of certified organic skincare and natural lipsticks.

What was the inspiration for starting your own certified organic skincare and natural make-up range?

"Color, life and personality. I wanted to create a range that inspired beauty. Not a traditional natural beauty product. Having an international organic certification and being able to stand proudly and equally on the international market was a personal driving force. Being the first New Zealand beauty house to be awarded this honour was a magnificent start!"

What is the Philosophy behind the Karen Murrell range?

"A cosmetic and makeup range that combines aesthetic appeal and outstanding quality with a conscience."

How long has the range been in the making?

"18 months and I have loved every minute!"

Were there any major obstacles you had to overcome?

"Yes, many! Packaging was our major obstacle for this project. Although there have been a considerable number of ecological triumphs in plastics and packaging of late, finding a factory that is able to use these applications and new technology is another story. Finding an ECOCERT approved site added even more stress into our mix."

How does your packaging align with your environmentally friendly ethos?

"Every aspect of my packaging is environmentally friendly, My lipstick canisters are made from PLA: a corn resin-based material that biodegrades back into the earth within 100 days. My boxes are made from 100 per cent renewable, recycled paper using soy inks. I wanted to be able to provide my customers an easy, fast option of recycling."

Are all ingredients in your skincare products certified organic?

"All Karen Murrell skincare products are from 99.5 per cent natural origin with 50 to 99 per cent of ingredients coming from organic farming. All of my skincare products are certified with ECOCERT, which is an international organic certification body. My True Miracle Intense Balm has also been awarded with OFC Australia's highest organic certification."

What synthetic ingredients are your products free from?

"All the nasties! Mineral oils, paraben preservatives, artificial colorants, TEA and petrochemicals."

Tamanu oil features often in your skincare range. What is it and what is its benefit?

"Calophyllum inophyllum is extra precious oil. Grown in Polynesia, this little wonder of an oil encourages new tissue, accelerates wound healing and the growth of new skin. I fell in love with the history of this oil and the stories of healing and happiness."