A product’s journey to cult-like status isn’t always easy. In fact, it often takes years of research. We are talking about Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II (ANR, to those in the know), a serum that carries in its legendary brown vial, a 36-year-old knowledge in targeted skin treatment.

There are serums…

For those who may have not yet become familiar with the benefits of using a serum, it’s time to know a few things (or…two!) about this skincare staple. Serums are loaded with beneficial ingredients, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories since their lightweight texture allows them to penetrate deeper into the skin than a simple moisturizer. They act pretty much like multivitamins, boosting the skin on a daily basis, as food supplements do in our bodies. As you can imagine, including a serum in your skincare routine is a can’t-miss step!

And there is ANR! 

Introduced in 1982, ANR was designed to work while you sleep targeting fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, dryness, and many other skin concerns.

Fun fact: Estée Lauder was the first cosmetic company to use a pharmacy-inspired brown bottle to reinforce the products’ serious skin care sentiment.
Today’s version –“Synchronized Recovery Complex II”– has been updated to feature some of the latest skincare advances like the innovative, exclusive ChronoluxCB™ Technology (CB representing Catabolysis) which supports the clock gene activation to synchronize the important cellular functions that occur during the 24-hour cycle. In other words,  cellular functions during the day are focused on protecting skin from the environment, whilst during the night, cellular functions are focused on helping skin repair and recover.

Perfectly absorbed from the skin ANR’s renewed texture remains peachy colored, lightweight and fragrance-free. It can be applied to protect the skin from pollution, fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and dullness. It suits all skin types and can be used both for prevention and cure.

But don’t get fooled by its name! This is a multipurpose product, and not for night use only. Instead, it can be applied before moisturizer to soften and refresh the skin, or as a base under the make-up, while a single drop in it can make it last longer. Moreover, ANR can be used for toning up and nourishing the eyelashes, as well as a balm against dry lips. It also works perfectly on the nails as well as a brow polisher. Finally, it is a great remedy for soothing sunburn as an after-sun!

Featuring some of the most in-demand anti-ageing ingredients in skincare today and showing great results, ANR didn’t become accidentally, the “king” of all serums and it surely deserves a space on your beauty shelf!