Sustainable Luxury Skincare: κέᾰρ
Writer’s note: Even though these products were gifted to me, all the thoughts and opinions shared here are completely my own. My reviews are based on my personal experience with the products, aiming to give you an honest and unbiased perspective.
Κέᾰρ (Kear) is a skincare brand inspired by Ancient Greek heritage, offering a range of natural, ethically sourced products. The brand emphasises the use of powerful herbs and essential oils in its formulations, rooted in Ancient Greek traditions.
Kear's products include non-toxic balms, oils, plant-based soaps, and shampoo bars, all designed to nourish the skin holistically. The brand values inclusivity, simplicity, and sustainability, with a focus on multi-use, effective beauty products that cater to all skin types. Kear aims to provide a comprehensive skincare experience, promoting well-being and connection with nature.
First Impressions
What I Received
Kear sent me two of their premium skincare products for review, allowing me to experience firsthand the quality and effectiveness of their offerings.
They sent me:
The first thing I noticed is that the Soothing Body Balm is very small. It’s exactly as described, I just somehow thought it would be slightly bigger. It’s about the size of a lip balm, so although it’s probably a great way to try it before investing in a bigger size, I can’t see it lasting all that long.
The oil arrived beautifully packaged in a sturdy, well-designed box that immediately gave a sense of quality and care. Upon opening the box, I was pleased to find a long, slender glass bottle inside, topped with an elegant wooden lid that adds a touch of natural charm to the overall aesthetic. The bottle's slim design is not just visually appealing but also highly practical. I appreciate how its compact shape means it will take up only a minimal amount of space on my dressing table, making it easy to keep things organised and clutter-free.
Instructions
Little Candy Balms: Soothing Body Balm
To apply the balm effectively, begin by warming a small, pea-sized amount between your fingertips. This allows the natural ingredients to soften and become more easily absorbed by the skin. Once warmed, gently massage the balm onto clean skin, focusing on the area that requires attention. Use firm but gentle strokes, moving in an upward and outward direction to stimulate circulation and encourage deeper absorption.
Spend a few minutes massaging the area, as this not only helps the balm penetrate more effectively but also boosts blood flow, enhancing the balm’s soothing and healing properties. The upward motion also supports lymphatic drainage, leaving your skin feeling nourished and refreshed. Allow the balm to fully absorb before dressing or layering with other products for maximum benefits.
Calm Revive Natural Body Oil
Before applying, it's important to shake the bottle gently to activate the natural ingredients, ensuring that they are evenly distributed for maximum effectiveness.
When you're ready to use the oil, pump a few drops - around nine drops are typically enough to cover both legs - into your palm. I should note that one pump is equal to one ‘drop’, as confirmed by Kear themselves. This precise dispensing system allows you to ensure that you’re using just the right amount. For best results, deeply massage the oil onto clean skin, focusing on areas that need extra attention. The oil is particularly effective when applied after a shower, as your skin is warm and more receptive to absorbing the nourishing ingredients.
Take your time massaging the oil in, as this not only helps with absorption but also stimulates circulation, enhancing the overall benefits. The lightweight, non-greasy formula will absorb fully into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and revitalised without any oily residue.
Review
I don't lead a very active lifestyle, but despite that, I often find myself dealing with aches and pains. Even though I'm not engaging in intense physical activities or strenuous exercise, I still experience discomfort, whether it's from sitting for long periods, poor posture, or just the everyday stresses that can build up in the body. These aches can range from a stiff neck or sore back to general muscle fatigue, making it challenging to feel fully comfortable and relaxed throughout the day.
My partner, on the other hand, is active. Given our contrasting levels of activity, I thought it would be interesting to see how the product performs under different conditions. I managed to convince him to try it alongside me, so we can both assess its effectiveness from two very different perspectives - mine, with my more sedentary lifestyle, and his, with his rigorous, active regimen. This way, we can get a well-rounded view of how the product works for different needs and body types, and whether it provides the same level of relief and benefits across the board.
Results
My partner and I decided to test out Kear’s products together - he tried the Calm Revive™ Body Oil, while I opted for the Soothing Body Balm.
Kear describes the body oil as their “miracle product,” claiming that it’s powerful enough to completely relieve sore muscles after just two applications. My partner found this to be true for the most part; the oil worked exceptionally well on his legs, easing the soreness much quicker than expected. However, when it came to his arms, the relief wasn’t as immediate, and it took a few more applications before the soreness fully subsided. This slight variation in effectiveness might be due to differences in muscle density or how sore his arms were, to begin with, but it’s worth noting that the oil did eventually deliver on its promise.
On my end, I'm a bit apprehensive about the quantity needed to cover larger areas like the legs. The bottle is designed to dispense one drop per pump, and it takes about nine pumps to cover both legs thoroughly. While the oil is highly concentrated and you don't need a lot to feel its effects, I can't help but worry that this might lead to the product running out faster than anticipated. However, if the oil works as quickly and effectively as Kear suggests, needing fewer applications overall, this might balance out the usage rate and not be an issue in the long run. Ultimately, it’s a trade-off between immediate relief and how long the bottle will last, but the product's high efficacy might make it well worth it.
I applied the Soothing Body Balm to a sore wrist and was pleasantly surprised by how far just a small amount went. The balm is very thick, but as I spread it along my wrist, it melted seamlessly into the skin, covering a much larger area than I initially expected. Despite its rich texture, the balm wasn’t sticky at all and absorbed beautifully, leaving my skin feeling nourished without any greasy residue.
While I didn’t notice a significant difference in the soreness of my wrist after the first application, I’m optimistic about trying the balm on other areas of muscle pain in the future. The soothing application experience, combined with the balm's lovely scent, made it a pleasant product to use, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs with continued use on different types of discomfort.
What is Kear?
Ypatia Mitsatsou, with a background in economics and environmental advocacy, founded Kear in 2016, out of a passion for nature and Greek culture, aiming to create products that capture the essence of Greece's natural elements and heritage. Dora Michailidou, who joined the company in 2020, brings extensive experience in business, sales, and marketing, and also serves as the Country Manager for a multinational consumer electronics company. Together, they manage all aspects of Kear, including product development, marketing, and international expansion, with a successful entry into the US market in 2019 and plans to grow further in the UK and Europe.
The brand's philosophy centres on the belief that skincare should be both effective and simple, with each product designed to serve multiple purposes. This approach makes Kear’s offerings suitable for all skin types, tones, and genders, ensuring that everyone can benefit from their nourishing properties.
Kear’s commitment to minimalism is reflected in its carefully curated ingredient lists, which feature only the most potent and beneficial natural elements. By avoiding harmful chemicals, artificial fragrances, parabens, and synthetic preservatives, Kear ensures that their products are as safe and gentle as they are effective.
Kear’s products do more than just care for the skin; they promote a holistic sense of well-being by reconnecting users with the natural world. This connection to nature is especially important in today’s fast-paced world, offering a moment of tranquillity and balance.
Pricing & Where to Buy
The price of the products varies depending on what you choose and where you buy from. On their official website, the soaps start at €5. Other individual products range from €9.50 to €68.
The gift sets vary from €26 to €143, meaning there’s something in everyone’s price range.
You can buy directly from Kear's official website, kearlife.com, where the full range of products is available for purchase. Free shipping is available in Greece for orders over €50 and internationally for orders over €90.
Online retailers who stock Kear products include specialised beauty and skincare websites that carry luxury and natural skincare brands. An up-to-date list can be found on Kear’s website, but as of writing the stores that offer shipping to the UK include:
Kear also has several physical stores across Greece, so if you’re lucky enough to be visiting, do keep an eye out!
Products
Little Candy Balms: Soothing Body Balm
Kear’s "Little Candy" balms are designed to be both practical and indulgent. Priced at €9.50 for the travel-size version, these balms are an affordable luxury that delivers impressive results despite their small size. Their compact size makes them perfect for travel, allowing you to carry the benefits of Greek skincare with you wherever you go. These balms are incredibly potent, providing your skin with a protective layer that shields it from everyday stressors, including harsh environmental elements and pollution.
The Soothing Body Balm is an essential remedy for anyone seeking relief from tense muscles and body aches. This balm is formulated with a high concentration of natural anti-inflammatory arnica, renowned for its ability to soothe and heal.
Whether you're dealing with the discomfort of muscle pain, the aftermath of a bruise, the stiffness from arthritis, or the fatigue of tired feet and a sore neck, this balm provides the perfect solution. It’s designed to deliver deep, penetrating relief to sore areas, helping to reduce inflammation and promote faster recovery.
Pros
The compact size makes them perfect for travel or on-the-go use.
Offer a budget-friendly way to experience premium Greek skincare.
The potent balm is highly effective in providing skin protection and nourishment.
Made with all-natural, non-toxic ingredients, free from harmful chemicals.
Absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue.
Cons
The small size means the product may run out quickly with frequent use.
Primarily targeted for muscle and body pain relief, which may limit its appeal to people without such concerns.
Essential oils like orange may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with sensitivities to fragrances or essential oils.
Ideal for use after a strenuous workout, a long day on your feet, or simply as part of your daily self-care routine, the Soothing Body Balm brings both immediate comfort and long-term benefits to your body, leaving you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated.
Calm Revive Natural Body Oil
Kear’s Calm Revive Body Oil is a thoughtfully formulated product that effectively combines the benefits of olive oil, almond oil, beeswax, and arnica extract into a versatile, all-natural body care solution. This is priced at €46 if you buy directly from Kear’s website, but third-party retailers may charge more.
This oil is an excellent choice for those who prioritise natural, chemical-free skincare and seek a product that not only nourishes the skin but also supports muscle and joint health.
The oil’s ability to absorb quickly and leave no greasy residue is a significant advantage, especially for people who dislike the sticky feeling often associated with body oils. A small amount of Calm Revive Body Oil goes a long way, making the product not only effective but also economical. Its waterless formula ensures long-lasting results, and the soothing properties of arnica provide immediate relief from pain, stiffness, and bruising.
Pros
Effective relief for sore muscles, bruises, joint pain, and stiffness.
Absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue.
Uplifting scent.
Trusted by professionals.
Suitable for face, hair, and body.
Cons
At €46 it might be more expensive compared to more conventional body oils or pain relief creams.
People with fragrance sensitivities might find the scent too strong or irritating.
Does not contain SPF, so additional sun protection would be necessary if used during the day or before outdoor activities.
Kear’s Calm Revive Body Oil is a standout product in the realm of natural body care. It offers a harmonious blend of nourishing oils and potent arnica extract, making it a must-have for anyone looking to soothe their body and skin naturally.
A few drops are sufficient to achieve the desired results, ensuring that the 50ml bottle will serve you well for over three months of regular use.
Whether used for daily care or specific needs like post-exercise recovery or massage, Calm Revive Body Oil promises to calm and revive the body and mind.
Final thoughts
Overall, Kear's Calm Revive™ Body Oil and Soothing Body Balm offer a luxurious and effective skincare experience, with the body oil showing quick relief for sore muscles, especially on the legs, and the balm providing a rich, non-sticky application that absorbs well into the skin. While the oil may require more product for larger areas and the balm didn’t immediately alleviate soreness, both products are pleasantly scented and have shown promise in soothing discomfort. I’m eager to continue using them for different types of muscle pain, appreciating their natural formulations and the sensory benefits they provide.
Kear’s mission is to help individuals achieve healthier, more radiant skin through the use of natural, ethically produced products. By blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation, Kear provides a skincare experience that is not only effective but also mindful and inclusive, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits of beautiful, well-cared-for skin.
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Hana Ames is a cat mama, feminist, enjoys cooking, playing board games and drinking cocktails. She has been writing professionally for since 2018 and has a degree in English literature. Her website is www.hrawriting.com and she is always interested in discussing new projects. Catch her on Twitter @hrawriting and Facebook: www.facebook.com/hrawriting