The ubiquitous brown bottle from Estee Lauder has always been a firm favourite of mine. I’ve been using the original formula on and off for over 10 years now and it’s always given my skin good results. The only reason I move away from it is to try other serums in the market; I wouldn’t even leave it if I don’t have to. It’s one of the few serums I recommend to anyone looking for a good one.
When Estee Lauder reformulated their classic brown bottle serum to the Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II, I was very interested in finding out how it works and if it really was better than the original formula. Now, I have to say that in my quest for better serums, I haven’t used the original formula for almost a year now so I cannot thoroughly compare the version 2.0 side by side in terms of the texture, scent and so on. But I do remember the results of the original formula so on that note, I can do.
When I was packing for my 5-week holiday, I knew that I couldn’t just rely on sample sachets of different types and brands of serums. I needed my skin to at least look presentable for 2 weddings so I decided to bring the full-sized bottle of the ANR 2.0 (I’ll call it this from now on. The full name is such a mouthful!). It was the heaviest beauty product in my skincare bag but I didn’t care. I just told myself that if I wanted good skin, I had to suck it up. 😛
The scent is pretty much the same as the old ANR. If I’m not mistaken, I remembered my old ANR to be quite thick. In terms of texture, the 2.0 feels just a tad lighter, smoother and more refined. It absorbs quickly onto the skin and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and very boing-boing.
Travelling sure took a toll on my skin. I had about 10 flights throughout the 5 weeks and at the beginning of the trip, my skin already started to become dehydrated, patchy and dull. Thank goodness for the ANR 2.0 because the serum maintained the skin the best it could and while my skin was still slightly dehydrated, it smoothened it out and retained most of its boing-boing-ness. The patchiness and dull skin came back after each flight and the serum kicked their bums to the curb soon after.
The ANR 2.0. is what I’d call a good all-rounder serum. It doesn’t exactly target specific problem areas like hyperpigmentation or do specific tasks like a chemical exfoliant or a particularly brightening serum. At least, it didn’t work that way for me. Those weren’t the results I saw on my skin. My darkened blemishes were still there. My lines and wrinkles were still there, albeit its appearance somewhat reduced. Having said that, it did give my skin good hydration and fixed small issues like dull skin and patches of dryness here and there.
As it’s called the Advanced Night Repair, I used this serum only in the evenings before I went to bed. I woke up the next morning with smooth and soft skin, and that’s the result I was aiming for. While the original ANR was good, it didn’t give me as much oomph and hydration as version 2.0. did. Of course, that’s also because as I continue to age (boo!), my skin changes and while it’s still oily in certain areas, most of it needs more hydration than, say, 4 years ago.
I didn’t experience any major breakouts when I used this serum during that 5 weeks away. Occasionally I would get a tiny spot or two but I suspect it’s due to my poor holiday diet than the product actually breaking me out. It was certainly worth bringing the full-sized bottle with me.
All in all, I love the reformulation. Like I said, it’s more refined and does a better job on my skin than what I remembered with the old ANR. This version 2.0 of the beloved, bestselling brown bottle by Estee Lauder is still my go-to serum if others fail me and even though it’s quite pricey, it’s one worth paying for. Is it something I’d repurchase? Hell yes.
Estee Lauder’s Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II retails at AU$95.00 for 30ml and AU$140.00 for 50ml and is available at all Estee Lauder counters at MYER, David Jones and selected pharmacies nationwide.
What I like about it: Great all-rounder serum for good skin hydration, radiance and boing-boing-ness.
What I do not like about it: Nothing. Love it long time!
Have you tried Estee Lauder’s brown bottle serums? Version 1.0 and 2.0? What did you think? Did you prefer the old or the new?
Note: This product was provided for editorial consideration. Would have bought it in a heartbeat!
Have been a very loyal version 1.0 user for years and I fell off the bandwagon. Time to get back onboard! 😀
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If you like the 1.0, methinks you’ll like the 2.0 more. It’s lighter but still packs a punch.
Ok, so break it down and tell me…would you prefer this or the Lancome Advanced Genefique? I’ve heard that these two are like head to head when it comes to serums.
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I’m actually still using the Lancome Genefique (only started using it 2 weeks ago) so I can’t give you a thorough answer yet. I use the Genefique during the day and the ANR 2.0 at night. So far, other than the physical attributes, I can’t tell the difference between the two. The Genefique is light enough for me to use during the day without making my skin oily at all (can’t do that with the ANR 2.0). Other than that, results are pretty much the same. One thing about the Genefique is that it does smell stronger than the ANR 2.0 so if you’re not really into fragranced products, it might be better to stick with the ANR 2.0. But really, these two? Like you said, head to head.
I love this Serum too Tine! Used sample sachets for 2 weeks and I woke up to glowing skin every morning. Pity it is so expensive in Malaysia but I console myself that paying RM350 for the 50 ml would also give me many GWPs which I could put to good use. I am currently saving to purchase this serum 🙂
On a separate note, could you tell me what does Cosmetic Skin Solutions Vitamin C + E serum actually does for your skin? I have been using this for a few months and I am not sure if it made my skin smoother and brighter. I thought my smoother skin was due to Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Moisturiser which I used as my night time moisturiser. I am just trying to gauge whether I should repurchase this serum or look for another brightening serum.
A good serum that gives you great skin is worth the investment. Really. 🙂
The CSS serum brightens the skin, keeps it smooth and soft. At least, that’s the results I got when I used it. It’s very affordable and highly comparable to the very expensive Ultraceuticals C+E serum. How long have you used it? Serums usually take at least 6 weeks to 3 months before you see the full results. However, if after that time and you’re still not seeing any results, it’s best to move on to another and not waste your money on something that doesn’t work for you.
I think it might have gone pass the 3 month mark. I also think the serum has oxidized a little which I thought was a bit odd. Initially I placed it my fridge and then I shift it to my wardrobe because I had durian in my fridge and did not want the smell to get into the serum. LOL. I noticed the colour has changed to a slight yellowish tint and quickly placed it in the fridge again (By the way, I open and close my wardrobe everyday because that is where I place my skin care and makeup items). Not sure if oxidization could reduce the effect of the serum?
I find that the CSS serums, especially the C+E serum, do oxidise quicker than most serums I’ve used and that’s just about the biggest snag I have with them. I’ve used the serum when it turned slightly yellow but didn’t see any drop in results. Then again, I was reaching the end of the bottle so I was happy to chuck it when it become even more yellow.
I’m afraid this serum didn’t work for you as well as it did for me. Sorry about that 🙁 Reckon it’s time to search for a new one. ‘Tis a pity too because a lot of serums out there are quite expensive in comparison.
Yeah, the CSS serum is one of the most affordable in the market compare to the rest. A friend of mine whom I have not met over the last 2 months recently commented that my skin looks better. But I am not sure if it is down to this serum, the Olay moisturiser or the Bioderma Micellar water which I had been using over the last 2 weeks. The thing with beauty products is that you cannot really tell which one is actually making your skin look better especially if you used it simultaneously. But on closer observation, I did notice that my skin looked clearer after I started using the micellar water but it also could be my imagination? LOL.
What are your thoughts on the Clarins Intensive brightening serum? It gets so much raves in magazines and on the internet in terms of its effectiveness but it is pretty expensive though.
I’m afraid I haven’t used the Clarins Intensive Brightening Serum so I can’t give you my opinion there. You’re right though; when you use 2 relatively new products at the same time, you can’t really tell which one’s giving (or not) you results.
I say you do whatever that works the best for you. If using the micellar water gives you clearer skin, stick with it! If it’s the entire regime that’s working, stick with it. 🙂
Hi Tine,
Can you share on how did you use the serum? I’ve been told by the BA that you pat it lightly on your skin especially the T zone area and the rub slowly on the rest of the face. Is that the correct way? coz i kinda frown when she explained but consoled myself considering she’s the expert?
do you use light moisturizer or heavy night cream right after?
Hi Zf,
I’m not a patter. Most beauty counter ladies tell me to pat the product in but unless you make it into a routine and pat, I honestly can’t be bothered to slowly pat and pat and pat on the skin. 😛 Me, I’m a massager. I like to apply serums on my skin and massage the product in. I don’t know about other women but I find massaging product in works better for me than just patting. Could just be me of course. For this serum, I squeeze some product onto my palm, apply 5 dots of it on my face and then slowly massage in. I don’t feel like I get enough product all over if I just pat.
That, and also I’m too impatient to pat. 😛
I use a regular moisturiser right after. I don’t like heavy creams as I have combination skin and cannot handle rich creams. I keep the light ones for the day (even when I use the ANR during the day). Doesn’t matter what you use as long as it’s hydrating enough for your skin. If light ones suffice, then use it.
I am still on ANR 1.0 and it was my first love with proper skincare routine. I do wake up with soft and supple skin after using it on nightly basis. I mix a few drops if ANR with Trilogy Rose Hip oil and so far have quite decent outcome. Though I’m not one of the lucky ones with glowing skin, but I always remembered what you once wrote that a product is good enough even if it just maintains our skin condition and not worsen it. Maybe ANR is preventive product for me from accelerated aging due to my earlier random skincare days. I have tried ANR 2.0 and agree that the texture is slightly more runny and light. I love it the same. I normally wait for the 75 ml special edition with additional miniatures and stock up. Duty free is also a good place to purchase.
Haha well, it was my mum who said the way she gauges how efficient a beauty product is is that if things don’t deteriorate, then it’s working. 😛
I always stock up on staple skincare whenever I manage to hit the duty-free counters (not in Australia, ‘cos it’s still more expensive even when duty-free). That’s a good recipe you mentioned there, about mixing the ANR with the Trilogy Rose Hip Oil. I might just give that one a go!