Used the right way, Advanced Night Repair gives quick hydration now and a smoother, bouncier look over time. Below is a simple routine, when to use it, how much to apply, and what it plays well with. For texture notes, value, and who should skip or buy, see our Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review.
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What you need
- Cleanser that suits your skin
- Optional toner or essence
- Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (ANR)
- Moisturizer
- Daytime only: sunscreen SPF 30+
When to use it
- PM: The sweet spot. ANR layers comfortably under most night creams.
- AM: Optional for extra hydration. If you use vitamin C in the morning, apply ANR after the vitamin C serum once it absorbs.
How much to apply
- Start with 2 to 3 drops for face.
- Add 1 drop for neck and chest if you like.
Step-by-step
- Cleanse and gently pat skin dry. Leave it slightly damp for better slip.
- Tone or mist if you use one. Let it settle for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Apply ANR. Warm a few drops between palms and press over face, then smooth. Do not rub hard.
- Wait 30 to 60 seconds so the serum can settle.
- Moisturize. Choose a cream that matches your skin type.
- AM only: Finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
Pairing with actives
- With retinol: Use ANR on nights you apply retinol. Order is retinol first if it is a thin serum, then ANR, then moisturizer. If your retinol is a cream, use ANR first.
- With vitamin C: Morning vitamin C can go first, then ANR after it sinks in.
- With exfoliating acids: Use acids two to three nights per week. Apply ANR after the acid step to re-hydrate.
- With peptides and ceramides: Plays nicely. Layer ANR, then a peptide or ceramide moisturizer.
Pilling prevention
- Use small amounts and give each layer 30 to 60 seconds.
- Avoid heavy eye cream drifting onto the cheeks before makeup.
- If makeup pills, try ANR at night only and keep mornings lighter.
How to tailor it
- Dry skin: Seal ANR with a richer cream or a few drops of squalane.
- Oily or combo: Use a gel moisturizer on top.
- Sensitive: Patch test on the jawline for 24 hours. Start every other night, then go nightly as skin allows.
- Travel: Decant into a mini bottle and use 2 drops after flights to calm dehydration.
FAQ
Do I use ANR before or after moisturizer
Before. Serum first, moisturizer second.
Can I use it with retinol
Yes. Most people find the combo comfortable. See the pairing note above. For more guidance, check our Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review.
Morning or night
Night is ideal, morning is optional for extra hydration.
How long to see results
Hydration is immediate. For bounce and tone, allow 4 to 8 weeks of regular use.
Is it safe around the eyes
You can take the remainder from your fingertips around the orbital bone. Avoid the waterline.
See also
Want the glow for less Try our Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Dupes (2025) guide. If you are on the fence about price, texture, and who should buy, read the full Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review.
We may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you.
