Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum’s brown bottle might just be the most recognized skincare formula in the world. A beauty industry legend, the original masterpiece led to a handful of equally successful ancillaries some of which include cleansers, eye treatments, and the best sheet masks ever made (yes, the ones that resemble two pieces of tin foil). My current ANR crush? The latest launch: Recovery Mask-In-Oil. They had me at ‘mask’ but kept me at ‘oil’. 😉
For those unfamiliar with the concept behind Advanced Night Repair, ChronoluxCB™ is at the core of every treatment. This proprietary, anti-aging blend is designed to reverse the harmful environmental effects to our skin. Each ANR invention is intended for use at night and works best when the cell are more susceptible to renewal or… while you were sleeping.
The newness.
More of an oil than a mask, really, the new Advanced Night Repair Recovery Mask-In-Oil reminds me of a serum oil hybrid to be honest. Extremely lightweight and user friendly, it has the lush consistency of a dry oil. Completely non-greasy, it absorbs without a trace and performs overnight makeover duties in a single application.
What’s in it?
Highlights of the short and impressive ingredient list include moisture boosting Squalane, nourishing Kukui Seed, Apricot, Bilberry and Sunflower Oils, energizing Coffee Extract and soothing Bisabolol and Chamomile. The pairing of Rosemary Leaf and Mangosteen provides a calming, herbal aroma, the perfect bedtime touch. No added fragrance. Major props.
When and how…
At night, apply the Recovery Mask-In-Oil over any serum to boost its properties or as the last step in your routine to seal in all skincare efforts. Fans of the iconic Synchronized Recovery Complex II will love how it wears over it and how it provides that extra cushion of moisture. Ideal for anyone with stressed, dull, lackluster complexions, the Recovery Mask-in-Oil will deliver visibly radiant looking skin by morning.
Ampoules vs. Mask-in-Oil
Many ANR devotees have been blown away by the Intensive Recovery Ampoules that was introduced last year, including me. The phenomenal mono-dose solution has been my go-to to combat jet lag or lack of sleep since scoring a few samples at Selfridges. Coincidentally, the new Mask-In-Oil features a very similar (not identical but close) ingredient deck. In other great news, the slim plastic bottle feels weightless, making it a fantastic travel partner as well.
Yay or Nay?
A definite yay for me. The Mask-in-Oil is a great entry point to the ANR world outside the cult classic serum. All things considered, I would probably choose it over the Ampoules. $76 (30ml) at esteelauder.com, nordstrom.com.
