Do you know how hard it is to keep a secret?
Very, very hard!
I’ve had to sit on this piece of news for over a month and it’s killing me, because in between, I’ve been telling you of my all time favourite skincare and also what I’ve been using in my skincare routine and this one has featured in them both… except I couldn’t tell you because I was bound by an embargo and a confidentiality agreement. Gah!
But no longer!!
Some of you may already know this, but for those who don’t, Estee Lauder has reformulated their iconic Advanced Night Repair serum and it is now known as Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II. The change in the name is the II there at the end. This is their latest and what they say, is their most advanced serum ever.
The key advancement here is the use of their ChronoluxCB Technology. Basically, the discovery is that skin cells purifies itself and this process of catabolysis peaks at night. So, when this process happens, skin repairs itself from damage more quickly. As we age, this process slows. So, this all new ANR addresses this by combining the process of purification and synchronizing of night time repair so skin looks better and younger.
All that aside, all you really want to know is this – how is this all new Advanced Night Repair different from its predecessor and if I saw any difference after using it. Well, that’s what I’m here to tell you 🙂 I’ve been using the new ANR for just about a month now since its uber secret hush-hush press launch and that is just about enough time to test its efficacy 🙂
First, let’s talk a little about the packaging. I have here the Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex (which is the version from 2010) and the new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II (2013 version). I wish they’d come up with a new name because it’s confusing!
The new Estee Lauder ANR 2 (I’ll call it that because the full name is far too long) sports a slightly swankier packaging in the cap. The base remains the same brown square plastic bottle. I doubt they’ll ever change it. It’s far too iconic.
The cap however, sports a lighter gold shade with contrast matte gold bands instead of the brown bands in the previous version. My new ANR 2 is a 30ml bottle vs my existing 50ml bottle so please ignore the size difference. The front label too now sports a more modern design. No logo, just linear lines. To me, it has a modern yet vintage feel to it.
The delivery system is the same, via a pippette with a rubber cap. I find this much more effective than those pump versions that we have been getting, because this just does the job so much better. I’ve been using ANR over the years and I’m glad they haven’t changed the packaging a lot.
I have been told from way back that I should be using 1 full pump of product each time so I have been faithfully doing so. I’m told this is the recommended amout that ensures your skin gets enough product. I have read of people using just a few drops or just using half a pump and it works for them, also because this potion is pricey; but I prefer to err on the side of caution, and I use one full pump each time. (Psst! Buying at duty free helps a lot!)
However, I only use this at night. Yes, I know my face will not fall off if I use it in the day, but I prefer not to. The other additional benefits to the new ANR 2 are anti-pollution technology to reduce the appearance of damage caused by uv rays and pollution, anti-oxidants to protect and repair damage to skin from daily ravages and hyaluronic acid to keep skin well hydrated.
Advanced Night Repair Left: Old Right: New
The texture hasn’t changed. Neither has the colour, which is a semi opaque amber liquid. The unmistakable scent that I associate with Advanced Night Repair serum over the years is still there. Nothing has changed outwardly appearance wise.
But you know what? Something has most certainly changed in the formula.
Having used this new ANR 2 for about a month, with no other change to my skincare that you see here, I have noticed that when I use the new ANR 2 my skin actually looks clearer, brighter and more rested when I wake up. This is one of the claims of the new technology and I honestly scoffed at it when I heard of it the first time. But it does honestly make a visible difference.
I was sleeping really lousily for half of the time that I was testing this, but you couldn’t tell from my skin. Yes, you could tell from my dark puffy eye circles, but the rest of my skin just looked good. As if I’d had my full sleep quota. Pissed me off because no one would believe I was having trouble sleeping 😛
Hydration seems to be good as well which might explain why I can get by without using a hydrating serum but the most visible difference is when I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and see that my skin looks fine. Not blotchy, reduced redness, well rested.
And now my secret’s out 😛 I’ve been using this serum for years now, and I know I will be for years to come 🙂 If you’re thinking of trying it, or to replenish, please make sure you ask for the new ANR 2 or the 2013 version. I wish they’d come up with a less confusing name!
In a nutshell
The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II is a reformulation of the iconic Little Brown Bottle serum that Estee Lauder is famous for. For a long time user I did notice differences in my skin after testing the new formula for about a month. My skin looks clearer and rested when I wake up even if I felt like I barely slept, and it feels hydrated. I didn’t expect it to make a difference, but it has and because I’m a long time fan, I will continue using it. I can’t say if everyone will feel the same way, but I love this one and I’m glad they made it even better.
Pros: Light texture absorbs easily into the skin, Skin looks well rested and well hydrated, Redness in skin is reduced, Skin just looks better!
Cons: Pricey
Who will like this: Anyone who already likes using Advanced Night Repair serum, Anyone in the market for a good hydrating and anti-aging serum in one
I’m afraid I don’t have the ingredient list for this new version so I’ll update when I do get it. Probably when I pick up a replacement bottle.
Are you an Estee Lauder ANR fan too?
This was one of the first anti-aging serums I picked up after I’d started working. It used to be just over RM200 for a big bottle back then! I’ve tried the different textures over the years but I think the latest 2 versions are the best in terms of texture. Lightweight and easily absorbed and not sticky like the previous ones. Definitely keeping it in my skincare rotation. I like to buy from duty free whenever I can. Look out for the 75ml, dual pack or even 100ml bottles. Real value for money right there! 😉 Otherwise, I wait till there are gift vouchers and good GWPs to be had at the local counters for better value for money. I don’t use many EL products but this one is entrenched firmly in my regimen 🙂
Paris B
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II Price: RM350/50ml, RM255/30ml Availability: Estee Lauder counters from August 2013
Would love to share my experience with ANR.I was a bit disappointed with the old formula.bought the big bottle during my mid 20s and threw it out midway since it did nothing (was trying to heal acne scars/evenout skintone,EL illusionist was more targeted for that but gave me breakouts, so opted for ANR).in fact, i think ANR made it even more red and visible?sigh.
come 2013, in my early 30s, older, but still battling with acne and scarring *double sigh*. went to EL counter to restock my ever trusted Hydrationist moisturizing lotion, got a few samples of the new ANR formula, tried it for a couple of days. no funny thing/purging whatsoever, and decided to get the 30ml bottle. It’s been almost 3weeks, but i must say, best decision ever!!!pimples dry faster (who would’ve thought?), face looks brighter and plumper in the morning, smoother skin, and i think it does slowly lightens the scars. My skin was red and blotchy before, now it has kinda calmed down a bit.
Like you Paris, i dont use many EL products, but i think this is gonna be a staple in my PM routine for now 🙂
Hi Lynn, thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m sorry you had a poor experience initially but glad the new one works better for you 🙂 I find that overnight transformation to the skin quite impressive too! 😀
I am definitely going to get this when the midnight recovery concentrate runs out! 🙂
In this case, I think the ANR2 trumps MRC, sorry Kiehl’s!
I think I will change to this when I’ve finished my EL Idealist. Have only heard good things! Plus, I really like the idea of anything that makes me look better on not much sleep…
It’s quite different from Idealist but a good upgrade. I used to use Idealist back in the day before they changed the formula. I’ve been told that it has improved a lot since the days when it felt like pure silicone going on 😛
Hi Paris,
How do you compare the EL ANR II to CD Capture Totale One Essential Serum?
They serve 2 different purposes, Meghann. The EL ANR 2 is an anti-aging serum while the Dior One Essential is a pre-serum that you use to prep your skin to receive the rest of your skincare products. So you would use the One Essential first, then ANR2 if you’re so minded to use both. They aren’t replaceable for each other as they are different.
I so need to start this bottle but I’m still emptying my old one.. Can’t have 5 bottles of serum open at the same time or can I?
Hmm, I’d say it’s debatable 😉 But I do think you’d like this one very much! 😉
hi dear…
do u mind sharing how long does the 30ml or 50ml will last?
trying to figure out the ‘value’ here. hehe 🙂
It will depend on how much you use. Some people say half a dropper or a few drops suffice. I am very generous with my use, so I use a full pump/dropper. This means I go through a bottle more quickly. A 30ml bottle should last about 2 months plus, and a 50ml bottle can probably go up to 4.5-5 months. If you use less, it’s less effective but you take it further. If you are generous like I am, then it’ll be more effective but finish more quickly. The rule of thumb is to use a full dropper, but if you feel that’s too much for your skin then you can cut back. That said, it always pays to follow instructions hence me using a full dropper’s worth. Can’t skimp on these things 🙂
Hi Paris! I am also from Malaysia and I am 20 this year.I am a victim of insomnia and due to my university work I always had little sleep(only about 6 hours) and boy,acne and acne scars are my constant nemesis yet my acne subsided with some mandelic acid serum.Is it too early for me to use this?The SA told me 12 year old girls start using this and I went wide-eyed.
Hi Qing, to be honest, I think 12years old is a ridiculous age to be using anti-aging skincare and any SA who recommends it should be hung by her manicured nails 😛 But 20 isn’t too young if you feel that you need it although I personally feel it’s a bit young. I’d target anti-aging at about 25 and up but that’s just me. Ultimately, I never go by a person’s age but what your skin needs. When I was 20 I was more interested to treat my acne skin so that’s what I did. Then I was more interested in hydration. Anti-aging came much later. But ultimately, it comes down to what you want, and what you’re comfortable with.
Come to think of it,the SA DID have nails,:) Great Advice!You are an AWESOME writer!
Haha! Thank you Qing and thanks for reading! 😉
Hi Paris! I tried this in the sample sachets that I got from the counter recently and now I know why you say this is really good. I have to agree with you 100%!!! It really does make my skin look brighter and well rested. And it absorbs really quick too.
I am so looking forward to purchasing the biggest bottle and infusing it into my night time beauty regime. It really is pricey though but as you always say… A little goes a long way. And this is definitely worth investing.
Thank you for the review Paris! It definitely helps a lot.
Hooray! Glad you like it too Si Yen 😀 I cringe a little at the price but I’m definitely keeping it in my regimen because it’s the only thing that really perks up the skin when I need it to 🙂 Happy you like it too.
Hey, what do you guys think of this? Someone is suing ’cause they ain’t happy about the ANR.
http://www.happi.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2013-09-04/hope-in-a-jar/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HappiBreakingNews+%28Happi+Breaking+News%29&utm_content=FaceBook
That’s interesting Rafa but I guess it takes all kinds 😉
Hello, wanted to buy at duty free KLIA, found out that 50ml same price at RM350, whilst 100ml is at RM550 – only 2 sizes available when I went to the EL counter in Nov 2013. I feel that there will be more options/deals at Changi though will check out when I go next week. Anyway, couldn’t wait so I bought the 50ml at Isetan KLCC and the SA gave some freebies, proper demo as its my first experience with ANR…the sales staff at EL counter in KLIA duty free did not listen and only wants to sell which puts me off lol.
Using the ANR2 since a month now, I haven’t used any serum before.. after seeing all the reviews for this product and doing my research, I finally decided to give it a try.. And the outcome is terrible! I never had breakouts in my entire life, but just after 7 days of using the product I started getting breakouts on my face and there is some tingling sensation after applying it and a lot of itchiness.. but I still continued using it coz I thought it might go away after some days, but it has made my face very dull dry and too many breakouts.. I’m very disappointed with this?
Hi
My Estée Lauder bottle bottom (50 ml) does t have a recycle mark. I bought it from an online website. Where as my 30 ml bottle which I bought directly from store has a recycle mark. Is my 50 ml bottle fake then?. ?
I’m afraid I won’t be able to tell. Sometimes, they come in different types of packaging and different batches could be different, but I won’t know for sure. If in doubt, don’t use the product.