Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

I turned 25 this year and I think this is the best time to get on the anti-aging skincare wagon. After all, prevention is better than cure. That’s when I bought my first, very popular among the blogosphere, anti-aging product – Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum.
I picked up a serum because I think they work fast – isn't that what it’s said (I am not sure) or perhaps because they are stronger. Plus, I have moisturizers and toners and face oils and other creams, but not a serum for face. Additionally, this is my first Estee Lauder purchase. So, I couldn't resist.
This one claims to reduce visible signs of aging, provide intense moisture to keep skin hydrated, repairs past damage and prevent future damage as well leaving skin smooth, supple and youthful.
I tested this serum for 12 weeks religiously – once every night. Initially, for the first week I wanted to use it twice a day (I read somewhere that it works well as a sunscreen also), however, that didn't turn out well. The hot humid weather made it feel worse on my skin. It felt very sticky and not normal; I wouldn't even touch my skin. If I try to smile, I could feel like it was breaking up just like if you put on a clay face mask and try to show your emotions. BUT I didn't give up on it at once, I tried mixing it with a rich moisturizer – this did help but a bit of that tacky feeling was still there. Tried it alone – totally didn't work out! Eventually, I just had to skip using it during the daytime.
If I am testing a skincare product, it has to run for at least 4 weeks. This was a first time for me with a serum which was an anti-aging one and I didn't notice any remarkable difference and so I wanted to give it more time.
My experience with this – I apply it every night before my night time moisturizer. I don’t rub but I pat it over my face after rubbing it in my fingers and seal it with a quick patting finger massage, focusing on my eye area. I don’t have any wrinkles or fine lines, so, I cannot vouch for how well it works on them. As a tool for prevention, I do feel it does make a difference. Makeup goes on easily and stays longer. I do wake up to a skin that is glowing and well hydrated – thanks to the Hyaluronic Acid, but these effects are short-spanned. I wish if it could last for the entire day.
Moreover, it is fast absorbing, feels very soft on my face. I do have some occasional breakouts – which is normal. So, I can say this serum didn't make it worse at all. I did notice some fading of blemishes to my surprise which was very impressive and unexpected. But nothing that an over the counter product cannot do. During winters, I did require some extra need to moisturize. So far, excluding the anti aging claim which I cannot test, it does what it claims.
It comes in a dark brown hard plastic bottle with a dropper – which maintains control over the amount of the product you need and is a transparent smooth gel like liquid. This has a slight pleasant smell, somewhat tangy, but it doesn't last long. I usually need only 2-3 drops to cover my entire face. I have the 30 ml bottle and after using it for 12 weeks straight, I think it can go for 3-4 weeks more. So, it does seem expensive at first- I bought it at INR 4265 for 30 ml. However, if you do some calculations, it is INR 142 circa per ml, which isn't bad for a high end serum like this. All this for, 105 days – INR 40 per day! Not bad at all!!! The 50 ml should cut more costs.
The performance is nothing mind-blowing but certainly it has long term benefits. It does feel luxurious and healing on the face. I don’t think I will repurchase it (in fact I think this one has been discontinued), but would like to try the new formula. I read the new formula is more hydrating and thus, should be able to take care of the flakiness during winters as well.
I think it will be good for someone going in there 30s, when you can really witness the differences and of course, you will get the new formula – which should be better.
Overall, I do love the packaging, have received compliments on my skin many times and the texture is amazing - do feel pampered, every night I sleep with it, applied on my skin.
My Rating: 3.5/5 Repurchase? : The new formula perhaps
Something on the ingredients for the enthusiasts like me;
Moisturizing
Pantethine (pantothenic acid), Squalane (olive oil), Lecithin, Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid)
UV damage repair
Bifida ferment lysate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Pantethine
Anti-oxidant
Arabidopsis thaliana extract, Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), Chamomile
Collagen-stimulating
Tripeptides
Anti-inflammatory
Bisabolol (chamomile extract), Chamomile
Bio molecules
Sodium RNA
Humectants
Butylene glycol
Surfactants
Bis-Peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Oleth 3 phosphate
Fragrance
Lactobacillus ferment
Emollients
Glycereth-26
Film-forming agents
Choleth-24
Solvents
Ceteth-24
Thickening agents
Xanthan gum, Carbomer
Chelating agents
(metal-binding agents) Trisodium EDTA
Preservatives
Phenoxyethanol, Metylparaben
Colorants
Green 5 (CI 61570), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700)
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