PV Writers try the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, and here’s what they think

Product photography by Perkin Gotohio

The Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair is the brand’s flagship product. It takes a lot to become THE product try from a brand - there has to be a long history of success, and customers have to be truly loyal to it over decades. The ANR has been around for 39 years. Until today, it’s still the brand’s best-seller.

Now we’ve done a review of this wonder serum over the years at Project Vanity, but this time we have some lovely new writers testing it out. Here’s how the ANR fared after seven days, with everyone using just one drop a day!

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Before and after seven days of Estée Lauder ANR

Before and after seven days of Estée Lauder ANR

Firas Abboud

My mom loves the Estée Lauder ANR so much, which is why I was so excited to finally try it for myself. After using it every night for just seven days so far, and considering the fact that I didn't get much sleep these past few days, I am happy with the results!

In terms of application, one drop is all I need to cover my big face, and my skin absorbs it really fast! For the results, it obviously tamed my redness, but what I'm most happy about is how it restored my skin's hydration. I will continue using this serum and get more sleep in order to maximize the results.

Before and after seven days of Estée Lauder ANR

Before and after seven days of Estée Lauder ANR

Nikki Paderna, MD, DPDS

Before this, I have never, ever tried the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair but I very much wanted to try it out at least once in my lifetime so I can finally understand the hype surrounding it. For the record, I have oily and dehydrated skin so I prefer skincare products that are hydrating but will not leave any sticky or oily residue on the skin. 

On the first night that I applied it, I immediately loved its texture and consistency. It seemed like a viscous serum on first touch but I’m surprised to find it gets absorbed within seconds and isn’t sticky at all. I apply it after my toner and before my moisturizer, foregoing the other serums I usually apply in my PM skincare routine so I can more or less say that any noticeable changes to my skin can be attributed to it.

After 7 days of using this consistently every night, the first thing I noticed is how my skin looks less dull and tired even if I have been sleeping late these days. The fine lines I have around my eyes were reduced and every morning, my skin feels so soft, smooth, hydrated and supple that it doesn’t appear like I’ve been having a few hours of sleep only. If that’s what it did to my skin in 7 days, I’m curious to find out what will happen after a few more weeks. I’m going to continue using it every night to see what other changes it will do to my skin.

Carol loves how her makeup goes on better after a week of ANR! It helps improve skin texture.

Carol loves how her makeup goes on better after a week of ANR! It helps improve skin texture.

Carol RH Malasig

I’m in my early 30s and as someone who’s recovering from a series of hormonal breakouts, I have been quite upset about how long marks take to fade. A week into using the ANR showed me quite the noticeable change in lightening the marks. Sure, they’re still there but they’re a lot more tolerable now! I also wake up with supple, hydrated skin – not oily or sticky, even on days that aren’t too hot and we decide to skip the air conditioning.

I love the consistency – light and almost gel-like, making it a dream to apply. I think one of the things that made it even more effective was when I started using it with my LG Pra-L Galvanic Ion Booster – a device which helps enhance the absorption of my skincare products. ANR is, of course, good enough on its own but I wanted to enhance its benefits and it did pay off pretty well.

Once, I also tried it on my morning skincare routine and noticed that my makeup went on a lot more smooth. I used the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (admittedly, one of my holy grail makeup products) and my skin looked healthier and glowing under the makeup. I highly recommend ANR for those looking into hydrating their skin, giving it an extra plump, and just improving your overall glow.

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Niki Francisco

Full disclosure: I am reluctant to start ANR again. I’ve tried it before, and my skin seems to purge afterwards. Now that I'm 30, I have a dermatologist and I've gotten treatments that have drastically improved my sebum balance and overall skin health. I've also been actively regulating my hormones which was instrumental in putting a halt on all my skin distress. I love my skin now. It's in the best shape ever...but I want it to stay this way even when I turn 60. I still have not found my HG Serum and anti-aging is now serious business for me.

Okay, so on to ANR! The morning after my first application, I found 2 spots on my face: my jaw and my cheek. I'm chalking this up to the adjustment period, but frankly, I'm worried.

I'm now on Day 7. A full week in, I saw no other signs of purging. The two spots have disappeared and I’ve noticed the post-acne marks have lightened significantly! I think it could finally be working on me.

But it’s not the photos that’s swayed me. This morning, after the 7th night of ANR, my husband commented: “I know you’re worried about breakouts, but your face has never felt that soft before. Maybe keep trying it out?

Well...now that’s third party validation (and a clear go signal to purchase LOL). Perhaps third time is the charm!

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Bambi Dela Cruz-Dimapilis

I’m turning 40 next year so I definitely know that my skincare routine needs an upgrade. It’s actually my first time to use the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I was both nervous and excited as it’s my first time using it ever and being a product new to me, I don’t know how my skin will react to this.

I like how the formula is light and easily absorbed by the skin with just a very mild scent. ANR is very potent: one drop is all I need for my face and neck and I wake up with my skin soft and supple with no greasy or sticky after-feel. I also use this with my favorite toner and moisturizer and my skin doesn’t feel so heavy even with a combination of products in my nighttime skincare routine. Should I have some product left on my hands, I use this to also help moisturize my hands, elbows, cuticles, and sometimes even my heels.  Makeup also sits better on my skin because of improved skin texture!


Everyone has their own skin journey, but I think the verdict is unanimous for the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. How was your experience with ANR? Sound off in the comments!

Liz Lanuzo

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

I eat makeup for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

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