Kera Kisses is the result of an unexpected collaboration with Wool Source
Karen Murrell has something of a reputation for keeping one step ahead in the beauty game. The undisputed lipstick queen has a fearless attitude that has seen her Kiwi lipstick brand rightfully earn its place on the world stage. And now the sharp thinker has turned her attention to that most iconic of New Zealand ingredients, although not one usually associated with lipstick – wool.
In what is believed to be a world first, she is launching Kera Kisses as her collaboration with New Zealand-based company Wool Source.
The formula uses an innovative new activated keratin powder from deconstructed wool fibre, for the colour cosmetic that could be poised to reshape the cosmetics industry.
“When I was contacted by Wool Source with this opportunity, I was blown away by the research they presented me with,” says Karen. “The ultra-fine keratin powder derived from deconstructed wool fibres is a pollutant protectant and a pollutant neutraliser, which means the wool keratin powder can absorb and neutralise pollutants, preventing them from damaging your skin from oxidative stress.
“In addition to this, keratin powder also boasts strong properties in being moisture absorbing, meaning the absorbent nature of the wool pigment makes it a good moisture buffer. Its light and sponge-like character holds moisture next to the skin, keeping the lips well hydrated by effectively maintaining a moisture cushion on their surface.”
Kera Kisses is Karen Murrell’s first lipstick to harness the ground-breaking keratin-infused technology. The ultra-fine keratin powder is undetectable in the application of the lipstick and is incredibly soft, non-gritty, and applies like a smooth, balm-like lipstick.
The super hydrating formula provides lips with next-level moisturisation. The deep, blue-based red, which Karen has also described as a “black-based red” stays put and doesn’t bleed, as the keratin powder particles lock it in place and the pigmentation stays true by kissing the lips together to seal the moisture and colour into the lip.
“As you apply Kera Kisses, the lipstick colour deepens with the amount you choose to apply; it has great longevity and is so deeply hydrating, I would describe it as a wet look lipstick once applied,” she says.
“It’s easy wearing and also has a lovely comfort factor for the lips, like a comforting wool blanket; it truly feels amazing to wear.”
Karen is particularly excited to release this product as she hails from a rural background, having grown up in Te Awamutu.
She is also impressed with the full transparency and traceability of the keratin ingredient; the keratin powder is derived from happy, healthy sheep on Westmere Farm near Ashburton in the South Island.
“The design on the product box is a shot of the actual farm that the sheep are from,” she says. “Transparency of our ingredients is important to me, and the fact that vegetarian, halal, kosher, and cruelty-free certifications of the ingredient are underway give me complete confidence in the integrity of this ground-breaking ingredient.”
Kera Kisses is officially launching at New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays today (30 November 2022) and is also available online (RRP$31.99).
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