When it comes to trying new skincare, I never change my entire skincare regime for fear my skin will mess up and I wouldn’t be able to identify which product was the culprit. But sometimes I trust a line of skincare so much that when they release a new series, I can’t wait to try it in its entirety to see the full benefits of it. And I trust that it’s safe enough to take care of my skin. Dior Capture Totale is a great example of well-researched skincare that I can’t go wrong with.
Launching soon in January 2020, this latest range of skincare from the line is a result of 30 years of research on cells, and 20 years of research on stem cells, all with a focus on healthy skin. And a key discovery of this research is that with age, the number of stem cells does not change; however their energy potential decreases by 50%. This means self-repair and regeneration isn’t as powerful. Again from this research, Dior ethnobotanists have screened 1,667 ingredients, identifying four flowers that work synergistically with each other to revive and strengthen cells — resulting in naturally, healthier skin.
The four flowers are:
Madagascan Longoza: An extremophile (an organism that thrives in extreme environments) plant that is capable of growing on burnt land, and with exceptional regenerative powers (also a signature ingredient in all Capture Totale products since 2006).
Chinese Peony: A medicinal flower that has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
White Lily: Also boosts skins’ energy with sugars and phytosterols (also anti-inflammatory, with UV-protection benefits).
Chinese Jasmine: Used for centuries in Chinese medicine to recharge
energies.
Apart from these four ingredients, each of the Capture Totale products has its own special formula and delivery technology. I replaced my regular skincare with the following four products and used these for a week:
CAPTURE TOTALE C.E.L.L. ENERGY LOTION-SÉRUM
$113 (175ml)
The Formula : There are 2 types of Hyaluronic Acid, 3 Vitamins: C, E and B3, and 5 Amino Acids — these all contribute to hydrating, rebalancing and conditioning skin.
First Impression : The Capture Totale signature fragrance is strong (it’s not bad though), and I notice that this is far less watery than what most would imagine a lotion to be. The texture is almost viscous but not sticky; it sits on my palm like a jelly drop, and when I spread it across skin, it feels like a delicious burst of hydration. My skin does feel more plump and prepped for the next step of skincare.
CAPTURE TOTALE C.E.L.L. ENERGY FIRMING & WRINKLE-CORRECTING EYE CREAM
$130 (15ml)
The Formula : There are Plant Phytosterols to soothe the delicate skin around the eye, Mango Butter, a rich moisturiser that is also soothing and healing, and bio-fermented Gum that repairs and further comforts skin. Everything sounds so soothing.
First Impression : This jar is cute and very chic. I do like the mini spoon that comes with it too. This is a white cream that feels light and fluffy; and disappears into skin quickly, making it feel instantly softer and more comfortable. And even though it has a fluffy-whipped texture, very little is needed at one time because it spreads easily and is actually rich on skin.
CAPTURE TOTALE C.E.L.L. ENERGY SUPER POTENT SERUM
$184 (30ml) / $265 (50ml)
The Formula : This is the key product in the Capture Totale line, and includes a next-generation Hyaluronic Acid that is said to penetrate skin 3x better than previous versions of the ingredient.
First Impression : There’s a sheen to this ivory cream and it takes me by surprise; but after smoothing this serum over my entire face, there’s no “shimmer”, but instead a subtle glow on the skin.
CAPTURE TOTALE C.E.L.L. ENERGY FIRMING & WRINKLE-CORRECTING CREAM
$200 (50ml)
The Formula : A bio-fermented Ceramide plumps skin and strengthens its barrier function; and 3 Vegetable Oils, rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 further nourish and soften the skin.
First Impression : Just like the eye cream, this one comes with a spatula. The cream looks like strawberry yogurt in the jar, and has the faintest scent out of the four products featured here. I like this one the best. It feels wonderful on the skin; light, fresh and soothing, and it smells heavenly — lightly fragranced with a floral scent and not overly perfumed.
We also heard from Gisele Bündchen at the Dior press conference in Shanghai. At 39 years old this year, the supermodel and environmental activist was surprisingly candid about who inspires her, beauty and ageing. Here’s what she had to say:
Name one woman who inspires you the most.
“My mother. She is the most dedicated, kind and selfless woman I know. She taught me to be independent and to take the reins of my life.”
is there a beauty philosophy you learnt from your mother, that you’ll eventually pass on to your daughter?
“Growing up, my mother didn’t wear much makeup and because of her I always feel most like myself in a more natural look. I want my daughter to love herself and be comfortable in her own skin, so the most valuable lesson I can pass on to her is that ‘less is more’.”
How did your relationship with Dior begin?
“Ever since my first fashion show and campaign with Dior in the late 1990s and early 2000s, working with them has certainly been a career highlight. It has always been a respectful and easygoing relationship. I am grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to grow our relationship through this new collaboration.”
what are some common values you share with the brand?
“Dior is a powerful brand and I admire their desire to make women all over the world feel beautiful and empowered. Both Dior and I honour authenticity and inclusivity. We both believe beauty comes from within and you have to know and value yourself. Dior is an active advocate in the fight for sustainability
within the industry and I admire their conscious effort to understand their impact while constantly searching for ways in which they can continue to improve.”
What do you think is the key to youthful skin?
“Taking care of your skin and looking after yourself is ageless. Everyone is unique and using high‐quality and healthy products is key to finding a skincare regimen that fits your needs.”
What message would you like to send to other women when it comes to beauty?
“I think it’s so important to teach young women that they are most beautiful when they are simply being themselves. Beauty comes from the inside and it is an energy that someone emanates. Every person is unique and has a special gift. Try to focus on the positives and you will see a new world
opening before you.”
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