Karen Murrell ECOCERT-certified lip color

Karen Murrell's self-named product line is a product line that has obtained ECOCERT certification for organic ingredients. Karen draws her inspiration from the natural beauty of her native New Zealand.

I was pleased to receive Karen’s elegant presentation box, which contained four lipsticks, a lip conditioner, and her skin and body care products. The outer boxes, which are made of recycled paperboard, feature romantic, sensuous illustrations.

Over and over, I write that I am not a purist when it comes to cosmetics ingredients. When I try natural or organic cosmetics, I want to find out if they perform as well as conventional products. More often than not, I am disappointed.

When, however, I had read in Thread (NZ), that Karen Murrell lipsticks compare favorably with MAC in look and feel, I took notice.

Karen Murrell lipsticks.  Credit: Thread (NZ)

While I can’t vouch for the comparison with MAC – the feel is lighter and the look is less opaque than the MAC Satin or Lustre lipsticks that I know – the colors are indeed beautiful and the lipsticks are emollient due to natural plant-based oils (evening primrose and castor oils). Colors are:

• Cordovan Natural (nude)
• Pink Starlet
• Red Shimmer – not as shimmery as the name might suggest, but that’s a plus: real reds, such as Red Shimmer, should not be shimmery
• Violet Mousse

Set the lip color by coloring your lips with a complementary lip pencil before applying the lipstick.

For those who put a premium on natural and organic products in their cosmetics, I encourage you to try Karen Murrell.

Currently, the Karen Murrell product line is sold at a few stores in New Zealand. International shipping is available through NetPharmacy, http://www.netpharmacy.co.nz/.