I am one of beauty’s biggest sceptics. Call a product a miracle or promise me that it’d make me look younger and I’d look askance at you. That’s how I felt about the Dior Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum. You will have seen the ads with Sharon Stone looking stunning in them. Its a mouthful so I’ll just call it the Dior One Essential Serum. But I was more sceptical than impressed to be honest.
The Dior One Essential serum says that it helps eliminate surface toxins on the skin and help reveal clearer, brighter skin that is more line free. Really? Since it contains AHA and Glycolic Acid, I don’t doubt the peeling process but how about the rest of it?
Because this serum helps to “peel” your skin and “clear toxins” its supposed to help your skin absorb the nutrients from other creams better. I took it on a trial spin – and after 1.5 months I’m still liking it and its effects! I’ve got some before and after pictures to show you below 🙂
Since the Dior Capture Totale One Essential serum promises to help erase lines, I paid special attention to that. I have deep nasolabial lines or laugh lines. Its partly hereditary. So, that would be a good test of the serum’s properties – and it did work!
Here are before and after pictures to show you if the One Essential serum works. For me, it did. Scary close up pictures ahead!
The pictures below are quite self explanatory I think. The one on the left was taken before I started using the Dior One Essential serum. The one on the right was taken 3 weeks later. I only used the serum once a day – at night only because I found it a little too much for me to use it twice a day. Used twice a day, it broke me out a little bit. Used once a day, I experienced no problems and my skin actually looks better.
The results was that the nasolabial line or laugh line had significantly lightened in depth and length. Where the line was lighter (by the side of my mouth) it had all but disappeared.
I’ve also realized that using this serum even just once a day, my skin has been looking and feeling smoother, clearer and more lifted. The other nice thing is that I seem to be having fewer blackheads which is awesome!
I use it after cleansing before toner and moisturizer from any other brand. Just 1 pump of this white milky liquid is enough for my whole face.
Another observation I have since using this One Essential serum, is that my patting time for the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid lotion has decreased a little. It seems to absorb more quickly into my skin. I also use any old moisturizer du jour and everything’s peachy. Perhaps it boosts the efficacy of the moisturizers – I’d like to think so but I can’t quite say with 100% certainty except for the Hada Labo toner for which I can tell its absorbing more quickly.
Point to note: You are advised to use a high SPF sunscreen when using Dior Capture Totale One Essential because of the presence of glycolic acid which can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. I use high SPF sunscreen regardless so I’m fine in that regard.
A 30ml bottle of serum retails at RM360. Now, don’t gawp so – its Dior and it works! 😉 Here’s the deal though – I’d say its more suitable for those at least 35-40 years and up which is great because its more affordable at that age 😉 It might be too rich for young skins – I’m no spring chicken and I can only use it once a day or risk breaking out a little.
Pros: Lightens lines on the skin, Makes my skin feel and look smoother and clearer, Fewer blackheads
Cons: Expensive, A little rich if I use it twice a day but thats not quite a con
Its now more than 2 months down the road since I started using One Essential. I detoured a little into uncharted territory using something else the past 2 weeks (no the lines did not come back), but I’m getting back on the road with this one – my skin looks way better with this!
I know some of you have picked up samples of the Capture Totale One Essential serum from the Dior counter – care to share your thoughts after trying it out? 🙂
Paris B
Connie says
February 25, 2010 at 9:08 amCool! it works! your skin texture looks more refined too. Great review 🙂
ParisB says
February 25, 2010 at 12:22 pmYes! I gotta get back to it. I went and detoured and the other didn’t work as well 🙁
sesame says
February 25, 2010 at 9:49 amWow looks awesome! Very signficant reduction in the laugh line! But I’m really worried with products containing those peeling agents…so I usually pass them up. *coward*
ParisB says
February 25, 2010 at 12:22 pmHeh… I guess my skin isn’t that sensitive. I used to use AHA and Glycolic acid products before this. Those stung. This doesn’t and doesn’t leave my skin red which is great
Jyoan says
February 25, 2010 at 9:57 amLooks like it works!
ParisB says
February 25, 2010 at 12:21 pmYes it does for me! 🙂
blu3 says
February 25, 2010 at 10:03 amDoes it sting? I currently use Murad’s Pore Refining Gel which this sounds similar too. It stings though so I use it only on the t-zone and sparingly. Hmm I’m not sure if it has done anything with lines for me, since I haven’t applied it on laugh lines, but I think it does help reduce some blackheads.
Btw I’m like you too – always skeptical of product claims. After all most claims turn out to be extremely exaggerated or just made up 😛
ParisB says
February 25, 2010 at 12:20 pmHi Blu3 – no it does not sting at all. Just goes on as a light lotion/serum. With so many products and claims out there it pays to be sceptical! 😉
Hanny says
February 25, 2010 at 11:09 amOooooo…. It looks like it works on you!!! Great!!! Haihz…. I better start saving up!!
ParisB says
February 25, 2010 at 12:17 pmIts great for me – but I’d like to hear from anyone for whom it did not work too coz we’re different 🙂
Fara Abdullah says
February 25, 2010 at 12:16 pmI’ve just started the serum about 3 weeks ago. Honestly, I didn’t see much different. May be I should wait longer and should have taken pre-pic like you too 🙂
Paris, what happen to Genefique Lancome? Are you still on it? Does it do any good to you skin? I’m keen to try that too. thanks for sharing.
ParisB says
February 25, 2010 at 12:17 pmHey Fara – Genefique broke me out so I gave it to my Mom. She’s asking for another bottle 😛 It works great for her and I personally feel its better for “older” skin.
juan says
February 25, 2010 at 7:59 pmi was waiting for this entry from you. frankly, it helped my problematic oily blemish-prone dehydrated skin in ways i have never imagined a single formula could do. i got it as a sample and was hooked on it after using it for 3 days once a day. i know it’s steep but i didn’t mind paying for something that works. tried twice a day as well but i think it was too rich for my skin too. so, once a day for more refined skin is just perfect. i didn’t notice much on the fine lines but i did notice smoother, clearer and toned skin, with smaller pores. best of all, i could go out of the house sans makeup without worrying about looking pale or sallow.
ParisB says
February 26, 2010 at 12:17 amOoh thanks for sharing! It really does make the skin look so much better doesn’t it? I love it 😀
Soapaholic says
February 25, 2010 at 11:07 pmThis is intriguing! I wonder if it’s available here in Manila. Must check out the local Dior counter soon. 🙂 Thanks!
ParisB says
February 26, 2010 at 12:18 amI’m sure it’ll be out there soon
All Women Stalker says
March 1, 2010 at 1:13 amWhoa! It made a hell lot of difference! How much is it anyway?
jojoba (My Makeup Reviews) says
March 9, 2010 at 12:55 pmwow this is something i can certainly splurge on. looks great.
and congrats on your successful 3 years!
rosie says
March 28, 2010 at 3:57 pmhi. i just bought mine a week ago and had wondered when exactly do i apply it to my skin. so i used it after cleansing and toning but b4 moisturising. but u do it before toning… interesting. i must say after a few days, my face feels smoother and already friends are commenting i look younger!! but i bought it in Jeddah, saudi arabia and cost me rm500!!! then i went to istanbul and saw the price there was only 370. DARN IT!! so my next trip home, i must buy it in KL.
Ify says
April 28, 2010 at 8:42 amI tried out the sample and noticed that my face looked fresher and younger after a few dys. I didnt use sunscreen though. Cant wait to buy the bigger size.
Aubie3223 says
May 17, 2010 at 8:40 amFor any of you doubting the effects of the Totale One serum, it is AMAZING! I have always tried several different anti aging skin care lines that are expensive, but I have sensitive/rosacea skin and it does not irritate me or cause my skin to be dry & flaky because of the exfoliating properties. For those of you weary about the glycolic acid/AHA properties just wear sunscreen and use every other day or 3x a week. This serum makes your skin smooth, minimize pores and lines! I am very impressed!
Jess says
October 5, 2010 at 4:02 amThanks for your honest review! Since I’ve run out of my serum, I have been looking for another one to try out, and it happened that this one caught my interest.
Did you notice any improvement concerning enlarged pores issues too?
ParisB says
October 5, 2010 at 4:10 pmI really like this one – it certainly helped with plumping up lines and in keeping my skin smooth generally. I don’t have very enlarged pores so I cannot quite say but I did notice that the new Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus helped a bit with pores 🙂
Joann says
December 4, 2010 at 5:44 pmHi Paris!
I want to find out how long does it take to finish a bottle? It is just so expensive for 30ml. I am in dilemma in deciding between splurging on this serum and other serums. :(.
Can you recommend other serums that really help with repairing the skin?
Thanks!
ParisB says
December 5, 2010 at 10:47 amHmm… I’d safely say more than 3 months because you only use it once a day. At least i usually only use it once a day – at night. I like this one for the effect it has on lined skin. If that is your concern, its worth checking out. I also use the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum and Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate both of which I like. The new Shiseido Bio Performance Serum isn’t too bad too. They are all pricey but work.
Katrina says
March 6, 2011 at 7:13 amHi! I just need to say that i love love love this serum! I tried Clinique pore minimizer serum (it was really bad), some other serums.Never saw any difference or was dissapointed. I got a sample as a gift for a purchase and forgot about it for some days not believing it will work. then i just tried it and got shocked! This is the best product i’ve ever tried! It works! skin is glowing, better color, you can actually watch pores getting smaller, not greasy, very light. But now i’m sceptical, because i dont know what age you should be to use it. I’m 29 and afraid my skin will get used to it and wont “work” naturally without it becase products for mature skin are more “stronger” and i’ll get all wrinkly.:) Since dior in general is for more mature skin. Isnt it? Please tell me i’m wrong! 🙂
ParisB says
March 6, 2011 at 1:26 pmThere is no real age for using skincare. If you think it works for you, then stick with it – no hard and fast rule 🙂
Sally says
August 13, 2011 at 3:30 amI LOVE the One Essential 🙂 and I’m so glad to see it OBVIOUSLY works great for you! I am the same way about beauty products. If it claims to be a miracle I’m doubtful. However, after I started working as a Christian Dior beauty stylist I have been proven wrong… This stuff actually works! I’ve been shocked by the results I’ve seen.
Every single woman needs the One Essential. It not only detoxes your skin, but boosts ANY other skincare you use by 300-400%! I’m 22 and I use the Dior skincare products. They are definitely not just for more mature skin. Dior revolves around skin concerns, whereas some other brands categorize regimens around ages. I use products from the Hydralife and Capture Totale lines, because they work on my skin concerns.
I’ve been using the One Essential now for months and my skin has never looked so fresh and radiant. Yes- you may experience break outs, especially in younger skin. But this just means it’s working! 🙂 Every day you get over 7 billion toxins in your skin. That’s bacteria, free radical damage, pollution, smoke (EW!) and the One Essential draws that out from the dermis layer (most skin care can’t even go this deep into your skin) and gets rid of it! So those breakouts you experienced? That was bacteria that was hiding deep inside your skin for who knows how long! Gross right? Haha. However, every skin is different. So if using it once a day works better for you, right on!
I just LOVE this product! 🙂 The whole Dior skincare line is just phenomenal. I’ve seen the difference first hand and it is amazing. AND– exciting news — I just got back from Seattle for our seasonal seminar and Dior is actually releasing 2 new One Essential products… An eye serum, and a mask! So if you love the results you see with this serum, imagine the results you’ll see with these other One Essential products. The mask is 10x stronger than the serum in boosting and detoxifying your skin. I don’t know about you, but I am way excited! 😀
Dior may be a little “pricey” but when you break it down and factor in how long it actually lasts, and the results you see you realize it’s worth investing a few dollars a day! After all, you only have one face, why wouldn’t you want to take care of it? I know I would rather spend those couple dollars on keeping my skin healthy instead of buying that cup of coffee 😉
Chris says
September 11, 2011 at 1:06 amI have just bought this today, but didn’t realise about the AHA and glycolic acid, which is fine by me and can’t wait to try. Having said that I would think that you dont need to exfoliate your skin with another product skin as the One Essential would clear the dead skin cells anyway. Is this correct? Otherwise you would be overdoing it somewhat.
Dian says
February 9, 2012 at 6:09 pmDear Paris,
I’ve heard many praise for the Dior Capture Totale One Essential Boosting Serum and now had it finally. !! :)))
I would like to ask how you applying it on to the skin ? Just pat lightly or massaging it in spiral movement ? My skin is bit oily so usually I just pat lightly any other skincare…
Thanks before ! :)))) Really enjoy your reviews on skincare & make-up !
Tina
Paris B says
February 12, 2012 at 6:23 pmHi Dian, I usually just pump out on my palm and spread it out on my skin like I do with moisturizer – its how I apply almost all my serums 🙂 Hope this helps and thanks for dropping by!
fabulousAimee says
March 12, 2012 at 4:47 pmHi Paris, do you still use this? Thanks!
Paris B says
March 13, 2012 at 2:48 pmHi, no I stopped after finishing the first bottle. But I’m contemplating re-starting.