Every once in a while, a beauty product comes along and gives the industry a much-needed shakeup.
This came in 1982, with the advent of Estee Lauder’s original Advanced Night Repair (ANR) serum ushering in a new era of skin repair.
Its launch marked Estee Lauder's breakthrough discovery into the skin’s ability to regenerate itself overnight, its rhythm of repair and protection, and was the first serum to use hyaluronic acid.
Today, the iconic little brown bottle has garnered devotees the world over, who look to this best-selling serum to deliver powerful ingredients deep into the skin’s dermis.
Staggeringly, one bottle of ANR is sold every six seconds.
ANR has been reformulated four times since its inception in 1982, with the most recent innovation, Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, spurred on by the brand’s research into epigenetics (the study of biological mechanisms that turn genes on and off).
The new oil- and fragrance-free formula is patented until 2033, and harnesses the power of Chronolux Power Signal Technology to fight the multiple signs of ageing caused by environmental damage, including loss of firmness, lines and wrinkles, dryness and dehydration, and dullness.
The skin-loving benefits of ANR are well-documented, promising to leave skin looking smoother and less lined, younger, more radiant and even-toned at any age.
We tasked three busy Kiwi women in three different decades to test-drive Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex as part of their daily skincare routine for three weeks and share their real-life results.
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IN YOUR 30s
Meet Cushla Henry, a manager within the creative industries.
When Cushla isn’t implementing creative content or leading a brainstorming session, she’s juggling swimming lessons with playdates.
On the weekends, Cushla and her family enjoy spending time in the sunshine and exploring the great outdoors.
We quizzed the mother of three on how her approach to beauty has evolved since her 20s, and how using Advanced Night Repair serum twice daily helped her to combat dehydration and get that all-important glow.
Beauty evolution
“As I entered into my 30s, I have become acutely aware of how important it is to find the right products and establish the right routine. The need for SPF and quality products is something that is really essential and well worth the dollars invested – your skin really needs that extra attention as you get older. It’s a sentiment I might not have had in my 20’s,” Cushla says.
First impressions
Upon first opening her bottle of ANR, Cushla says she: “was surprised by how nice it felt and looked on the skin.”
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Advertise with NZME.“Some serums make your face super shiny (almost like it sits on top of the skin) but this one definitely feels like your skin drinks it in and there isn’t any over shininess afterwards.”
A perfect pairing
If you’re not already familiar with the benefits of using an essence before a serum, you’re about to be.
Apply Estee Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion, $91, before applying your ANR serum to help it penetrate deeper into the skin's dermis, leaving it glowing and radiant.
To use, press the essence into your skin using your fingertips, and allow it to absorb fully before following with ANR.
Daily skincare routine
“I don’t have a lot of time between raising my kids, working and studying so I don’t have treatments or use products which require additional time or attention. I try and make sure I have good products at home that I can use quickly in the morning before I rush out the door and at night before bed,” Cushla says.
“My current beauty routine includes cleansing first thing, then I apply the Estee Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion, a few drops of ANR serum, moisturiser and SPF before applying makeup.
In the evening, I use a makeup remover wipe followed by a cleanser to remove any makeup and impurities. Then it’s onto the Micro Essence, some ANR serum and my night moisturiser.”
Real-life results
After three weeks’ consistent use, Cushla says: “My skin feels well moisturised and actually a bit glowy.”
“I would continue to use ANR because I need that extra moisture in my skin. It’s an easy addition to my current beauty routine – I just add a few drops before moisturising and it feels like it balances out my routine without creating extra shininess on my face.”
IN YOUR 40s
Meet Kath Gola, a media sales manager.
Kath has spent the better part of her career in the media industry, identifying opportunities for brands in the glamorous magazine world. A mother of two growing boys, Kath balances school runs and Saturday sports with sales meetings and proactive pitches.
Following her 40th birthday, Kath made a resolution to stick to a skincare routine that will offer real results and offer a little “me time” during her fast-paced day.
Below, Kath shares her daily skin rituals from top to toe, and how using Advanced Night Repair has revolutionised how she cares for her skin in her 40s.
Beauty evolution
“Like anyone, my approach to beauty has evolved over time due to my changing needs. I got into skincare and beauty products at high school and have always loved experimenting with fashion, colours, textures and different hairstyles right from a young age,” Kath says.
“I loved doing my friends’ makeup and was always reading magazines and watching TV shows to find the latest trends and products, and often tried these trends out myself. Thankfully, there weren't smartphones with cameras in those days, as some of those looks were best left in the past!”
“As I grew older, I made a New Year’s Resolution one year to care for my skin in a more preventative way, rather than a reactive way. Since then, I’ve been more adding in products that help specific areas of concern,” she says.
“The best beauty trick I’ve been told (apart from using sunscreen daily), was to take off my makeup when bathing the kids at night – to do my cleansing and apply serums and night creams then, rather than getting to the end of the night when you want to go to sleep straight away. Even now that my kids are older, I still do my skincare routine early in the evening.”
First impressions
Kath says the consistency of ANR surprised her. “It looks like it might be quite thick, but a little goes a long way. It absorbs well into the skin, like the skin is relishing in it,” she says.
A perfect pairing
ANR finds its perfect match in Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex 15ml, $124.
An excellent option for women in their 40s, this lightweight eye cream is to eyes what ANR serum is to skin.
Specially formulated to care for the delicate eye area (which is 40 per cent thinner than the skin on your face), this gel-based eye cream works to address fine lines, dullness, dryness and dark circles, while combatting the effects of blue light.
Daily skincare routine
“In the morning, I wash my face then exfoliate my face, neck and decolletage. Next comes ANR on my face, neck and decolletage, followed by my day cream,” Kath says.
“Then I apply all my creams and lotions – body cream, lash serum, foot cream (when I remember), hand cream and lip balm. I leave that to fully absorb before applying makeup. I found that ANR was heavenly for my face, neck and decolletage!”
“In the evenings, my routine starts with eye makeup remover and a double cleanse to rid my face of the day’s makeup. Next is ANR, and depending on how thirsty my skin was, more ANR! For my final step I apply Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex,” she says.
Real-life results
After three weeks’ consistent use, Kath says: “My skin looks and feels brighter, softer and younger, and my pores seem visibly smaller.”
“It feels like ANR is helping my moisturisers work harder for me, and my makeup appeared more flawless. I also apply ANR on my neck and décolletage and I feel that has improved the look of that area also,” she says.
“I am really enjoying using it and will absolutely continue using it twice daily. I have to swat my husband away from using it too!”
“The ANR Repair Eye Supercharged Complex is also divine – it’s been fantastic to use just before bed so it soaks in and helps my eyes look more refreshed in the morning,” Kath says.
IN YOUR 50s
Meet Bee Keng Koh, an account manager for an educational book publisher.
As a long-time fan of Estee Lauder’s range of nourishing and efficacious products, Bee is well versed in the benefits of incorporating its products into a consistent skincare routine. Now in her 50s, Bee’s skin needs have changed and she seeks out products that aim to address the visible signs of ageing and pigmentation.
We chatted to Bee about how hydration is top of the list for caring for her skin in her 50s, and how she loves to layer her other skincare products with ANR serum.
Beauty evolution
“I’ve always had a basic cleanse and moisturise routine, but since hitting 50 I've become a lot more conscious of taking care of my skin,” Bee says.
“I've noticed my skin is a lot of drier and less firm, meaning wrinkles have started to form. To combat this, I have started to include more fresh fruits and vegetables in my diet and increase my water intake.”
“My skincare routine includes regular exfoliation and a face mask at least once a week, and eye cream nightly,” she says.
First impressions
When trialling ANR for the first time, Bee says: “It absorbs easily and my foundation seems to sit better. There is no distinct smell and it doesn't feel oily, which makes it so pleasant to use.”
A perfect pairing
Layer up with Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Moisturiser 50ml, $168, to help lock in the benefits of ANR serum.
This best-selling moisturiser combats the visible signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a loss of firmness, rendering it well-suited to women aged 50 and over.
Daily skincare routine
“My morning skincare routine usually starts with washing my face and applying moisturiser before primer and makeup,” Bee says.
"But I've started applying ANR as an extra step before Revitalizing Supreme + Moisturiser, $168."
“I've heard a lot about ANR and have previously associated it with a serum you use before bedtime to replace your night moisturiser. I’ve since learnt that it can be used before your regular moisturiser even in the day, so I'm excited to have a product in my routine that can both plump up my skin and make it softer, as regular moisturiser sometimes doesn't do the job,” she says.
“My night routine starts with makeup remover followed by cleanser. After which I apply ANR and the Revitalizing Supreme + Moisturiser and then my eye cream,” Bee says.
Real-life results
After three weeks’ consistent use, Bee says: “It’s a little early to say, but I love how ANR glides on smoothly and get absorbs easily into the skin. My foundation seems to sit better as skin seems softer. I would continue to use ANR twice daily as part of my beauty routine if it means I can hold off some of the wrinkles and have firmer, more even skin.”
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex is priced from $141 for 30ml, $196 for 50ml and $248 for 75ml, and is available from selected department stores and Life pharmacies, or shop online at Esteelauder.co.nz.
