Laser-focused on boosting our skin’s energy levels overnight, the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair range has a cult following for good reason. I’ll be the first to say that the serum which started it all is truly spectacular. Over the years, the line has expanded to include cleansing options and eye treatments. A few weeks ago, the brand added the ANR Overnight Treatment, which promises the look of extra sleep—a benefit I need on a regular basis. As night creams are my favorite skincare category to test out, I wasted absolutely no time diving into this one. More details below.
What is the ANR Recovery Treatment?
The new Estée Lauder overnight formula is the richest of all ANR products. With an almost balm-like texture, it feels like a soft, pliable putty at first touch—quite intriguing, actually. Due to its rich, dense texture, it’s best to warm up a small amount between your fingers and use a pressing motion to apply it as the final step in your nighttime routine. This technique allows the cream to melt into the skin easily, leaving it feeling nourished and never tacky—something I personally abhor in overnight treatments. Think of it as a seal for your most hardworking PM serums. It nourishes, renews, and regenerates a fatigued complexion. I’ve also been told it’s suitable for those with sensitive skin or anyone recovering from laser treatments or in-office peels.
What’s in the new ANR cream?
When it comes to Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair formulas, you can always expect two hero ingredients: Lactobacillus Ferment and Tripeptide-32. The first is a non-living probiotic that excels at soothing and calming our skin’s delicate acid mantle. Tripeptide-32 is a multi-tasking compound that strengthens and restores the skin barrier while boosting collagen and elastin production. Whether you call it well-aging or anti-aging, this ingredient duo has made the ANR treatments legendary for a reason.
Ideal for those with drier or more mature complexions, the Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment has a nourishing base of Shea and Cocoa Seed Butters. Despite this, it’s surprisingly fast-absorbing and doesn’t feel heavy at all. Other noteworthy ingredients include Polyglutamic Acid (moisture-binding, skin-plumping), Hydrolyzed Rice Extract (hydrating, brightening), Succinic Acid (brightening), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydrating), Caffeine (energizing), Squalane (prevents moisture loss), Algae Extract (moisturizing, firming), and Chamomile Flower and Cucumber Extracts (hydrating and soothing).
When/How to use this Estée Lauder treatment?
As the name implies, all leave-on ANR formulas are best suited for nighttime use. If you tried to use it during the day, I doubt any SPF would layer comfortably over it due to its rich texture. My evening routine is usually hardcore minimalist, consisting of a potent serum underneath a richer moisturizer. While testing this cream, I used it both over the iconic ANR serum (which I absolutely adore) and Aklief (a prescription-strength retinoid) with great success—no pilling and no sticking to my pillowcase. The formula doesn’t use any added fragrance, but I detect that subtle ANR scent with a hint of a green note. I really enjoy it.
Do you need it?
If you already have a night cream (or any kind of moisturizer in the ‘sleep mask’ category), you’re probably getting enough benefits not to justify an additional splurge. However, if you’re curious about night creams or just exploring the idea of one, this is a truly impressive formula to consider. Lastly, if you’re over 30 and haven’t yet heard of a night cream, order a jar right now. I’m loving this new launch, and I’m confident that fans of the ANR serum will agree with me.
$98 for 68ml, available at dermstore.com (where you can get it for $74.25 with my affiliate code OMGBART), as well as at sephora.com or ulta.com.
