From The Straits Times    |

Gisele Bundchen. Photo: Dior

The name Gisele Bundchen calls to mind many things: model, actress, author, mother, environmental activist. And most recently, the muse and face of Dior’s newly reformulated Capture Totale C.E.L.L Energy range. We managed to catch her at a Dior press conference in Shanghai, where the 39-year-old Brazilian (unabashedly) admitted to having much on her plate – her string of titles keeping her busy, from day to night. 

But Bundchen looks far from defeated – or exhausted – by her many roles. Sure, there are times when she wants nothing but to crash onto the couch after a long day – and that’s only human, even for a supermodel mum – but what intrigued us is how she keeps up with her very happening life (which starts at 5.30am, BTW).

The answer is meditation.

“It’s like a reset button for me when I meditate. I give myself that hour of quiet time, to be with myself, to reconnect – I feel like I’m filling up my energy tank like that,” she says. “So even before the day begins, I feel like I’ve already done something for myself. I feel like I’m able to give.” 

And it’s true – Bundchen looked radiant and glowing, like happiness was beaming through her skin. She heartily shares that it’s thanks to the new Dior Capture Totale skincare she has been religiously using (no surprise there!). The reformulated range, comprising five products, focuses on skin stem cell technology. Skin stem cells are what produces new skin cells, which helps keep skin looking youthful and healthy. Capture Totale C.E.L.L Energy “reawakens” and re-energises dormant skin stem cells, so that they are constantly producing new skin cells. Four floral extracts create this magic: madagascan longoza, Chinese peony, Chinese Jasmine, and white lily.

But good skincare aside, there is more Bundchen has to offer when it comes to beauty. We had an intimate 15 minute chat with the supermodel-mum; on her tips to great skin, the wonders of meditation, and her take on ageing gracefully.

One of the star ingredients in the reformulated Dior Capture Totale C.E.L.L Energy range, Chinese jasmine. Photo: Dior

We talk a lot about healthy beauty and skin wellness. How do you make sure you take great care of your skin?

“Your skin is your largest organ. That itself makes me mindful about what I put on it, like how I am with what I put in my body. Good skin is a combination of both. You can’t expect to eat junk food and drink soda all the time, then use a product and expect your skin to look good. So for me, I take special care to hydrate my skin and body. I drink lots of fluids – see, I’m drinking water and tea. I will never have soda, and you cannot pay me to have a soda. Because I know what it does to my body, and if it doesn’t nourish it, it’s not invited. The same concept applies for skincare. I hydrate my skin, a lot. You’ll only want the best stuff, and to me, natural (formulas) are best. You don’t want to put all that chemical stuff on your skin. You need to see your body as a temple.”

Five products make up the new Dior Capture Totale C.E.L.L Energy range. Photo: Dior

Share with us your skincare routine for great skin.

“Always clean your skin. I will never go to bed with makeup on. I’ll take off the makeup with organic coconut oil – the ones that you use for cooking, and makeup comes off easy that way. Then, I wash it with warm water, and I’ll put on toner, serum, moisturiser and eye cream.”

What’s one tip you’ve learnt in your 26 years of modelling about taking care of your skin?

“It’s important to let your skin breathe. If I’m not working, or if I’m working from home, I don’t wear any makeup. I just hydrate my skin a lot. Even if I’m working, I wear minimal makeup, too.”

How has your skin changed as you age, and how do you adapt your skincare routine to these changes?

“You have different problems at different ages. When I was a teenager, I got pimples. I don’t have them anymore, but I do feel my skin feels drier. It’s like you can do less when you’re 20, and get away with it. I was only putting cream on my face when I’m working, before makeup. Nothing else. Now, I definitely need have to use moisturiser. I’m more diligent, and committed to taking care of my skin.”

One of the star ingredients in the reformulated Dior Capture Totale C.E.L.L Energy range, Chinese peony. Photo: Dior

How would you define beauty, at this age?

“I was just asking my mum this question: what’s your favourite age? She says now. She’s 71, and she has beautiful skin, beautiful wrinkles. And these wrinkles are your life experiences that show on your face. It’s wisdom. So beauty to me, is however old you are now.”

What would you say to people who fear ageing?

“People see age as a negative. I think it’s wonderful! Wisdom is something that only comes with age. You cannot learn what you know in your 40s, when you’re in your 20s. It’s impossible. You have to live long enough for that experience. I wouldn’t change who I am today, at this age, for anything in the world. I am who I am today because I’ve lived through it. In fact, I’m excited to see who I’ll become when I’m 50, 60, and beyond.”

Gisele Bundchen. Photo: Dior

You’re all about living life to its fullest. How does meditation help with that?

“Meditation allows me to be with myself. All of that noise, it goes away for a second. And you can just take a breath, and figure out what you’re going to do that’s gonna feed your soul. From that place, life is happier. When I meditate, I feel gratitude.”

Are you having a good time as the face of Dior’s new Capture Totale C.E.L.L Energy range?

“Of course! And I’m grateful for this opportunity, too. Dior and I, we have very similar beliefs. Their idea of sustainability, and doing (skincare) the natural way, is what I agree with. They’re thinking about the sourcing of ingredients, and how pure the formula is. They’ve reduced packaging, and replaced the ink on labels to be a plant-based one. It’s a win-win. The earth wins, and I win. I get to have good products that are environmentally-friendly, and are great for my skin.” 

Browse the Dior Capture Totale C.E.L.L Energy range below:

The Dior Capture Totale C.E.L.L Energy range will be available in Dior boutiques and counters from Jan 2020.

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