The Difference Between These *Iconic* Skin Treatments (& Which One’s Best for You)
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
As far as cult beauty brands go, Estée Lauder is right up there.
Their hero Advanced Night Repair serum is an icon, and has been a global best-seller for decades.
But did you know the heritage brand also does active skin care?
Meet Perfectionist Pro, a range of results-driven skin treatments in sleek silver packaging that feel luxe and actually work.
From brightening to resurfacing - and now, even a brand new concentrated treatment for lines and wrinkles - every skin concern is covered.
But with so many Perfectionist Pro options to choose from (and long, technical product names), how do you know which product to add to cart?
Keep scrolling for a quick breakdown of each Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro skin treatment and who it's best for.
1. Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Zone Wrinkle Concentrate.
What:
A new-to-market concentrated treatment to reduce the look of nine types of lines and wrinkles in three key areas on the face and neck.
This product is *exclusive* to Adore Beauty right now, and has some pretty impressive stats behind it.
In fact, it promises visible results in just two weeks of use.
Key facts:
- 5% niacinamide (or vitamin B3) is the hero ingredient in this collagen-building formula.
- You'll also find plumping chorella and hyaluronic acid, and a stable form of antioxidant vitamin C on the ingredients list.
- Estée Lauder’s clinical research found 91% of panellists showed improvement in the look of “11” lines (frown lines between the eyebrows), under eye lines (crow's feet), forehead lines, and nasolabial folds (marionette lines) after 12 weeks of use.
- Suitable for all skin types, but especially if the look of fine lines and wrinkles are a concern, or if you want an alternative to vitamin A.
How to use:
- This product can be used AM and PM.
- Apply all over face and neck, concentrating on zones of concern such as around eyes, between brows, on forehead and around the mouth.
OK, but what's our Perfectionist Pro Multi-Zone Wrinkle Concentrate review?
This product is so new, you won't actually find customer reviews online just yet.
That said, I slipped a product sample to my mum (who has loved the ANR serum for years) and here's what she said after using it for a couple of weeks:
"The nozzle makes it easy to apply only the amount of product you need to the areas you need it, so you won't run out too quickly. The lightweight texture has a comfortable, nourishing feel on the skin and doesn't pill when I apply under or over the ANR serum."
"No tingling or stinging, but when I apply this in the morning, it visibly hydrates and plumps those areas - even if only temporarily."
Put simply: Nothing in a skincare tube can target the look of lines like injectables can, but this is a great product to try if needles aren't for you.
2. Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Intense Brightening Essence Ampoules.
What:
A four-week brightening, smoothing and calming treatment that promises to reduce the look of skin redness, texture, dullness, dark spots, pores and fine lines.
Key facts:
- The hero ingredient is ascorbyl glucoside, a water-soluble, stable and non-irritating form of the antioxidant vitamin C.
- Formula also contains fellow antioxidant vitamin E to enhance vitamin C's efficacy and soften and smooth the skin, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and licorice extract to reduce the look of redness.
- Consumer testing on 120 participants after using the product twice a day for four weeks found 93% of people said their skin looked more even-toned.
- Suitable for all skin types, but especially great for anyone who wants to specifically address dullness and uneven texture.
How to use:
- This set comes with four ampules, each one containing a week's worth of concentrated serum.
- Apply AM and PM after cleansing and before layering other serums, moisturiser and SPF.
- Remember to keep the pipette when you finish each bottle to use with the next one!
OK, but what's our Perfectionist Pro Intense Brightening Essence Ampoules review?
"Very lightweight texture isn't heavy on the skin at all and absorbs quickly. I was surprised there was no tingling or unpleasantness, which can so often come with active treatment products."
"The four bottles for four weeks makes it super easy to add into your routine, I'd recommend for extra glow in preparation before a big event. Oh, and it smells rather good!" - Gerard, AB Senior Marketing Manager.
3. Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Renewal Retinol Treatment.
What:
A creamy retinol treatment that addresses uneven skin tone and texture, hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing, without irritation.
Key facts:
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by AB customers.
- Patented formula designed to give you results, without any of the peeling, stinging or irritation vitamin A skin care is known for.
- Key ingredient is retinol, a strong form of vitamin A (the gold standard when it comes to active skin care).
- The formula delivers the retinol using a time-release system for minimal irritation, along with supportive ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
- Best for anyone looking to graduate to a stronger vitamin A product than their existing serum.
How to use:
- Use this product like you would any vitamin A serum - only at nighttime on cleansed skin, and not on the same night as any other resurfacing or exfoliating products.
- You only need a pea-sized amount, and you can pop moisturiser on top if you want extra hydration.
OK, but what's our Perfectionist Pro Rapid Renewal Retinol Treatment review?
"I splurged on this as a gift to myself for Christmas and I'm loving it. Feels amazing on the skin and the retinol doesn't make my skin react." - Ailish, AB customer.
"Took a gamble on a new product and so far I'm loving it. I've noticed a difference to my fine lines, and it's been a great addition to my skincare routine. I often have dehydrated skin, and this did not cause any drying at all." - Verified AB customer.
4. Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Treatment.
What:
A multi-tasking age management treatment product for plumper, smoother, softer, firmer and more lifted-looking skin.
Key facts:
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by AB customers and comes in three sizes (30ml, 50ml and 75ml).
- Formula contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, a patented rebuilding peptide that helps skin boost its natural collagen and elastin production.
- Also has collagen-boosting chlorella, exfoliating AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and hydrators glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
- Suitable for all skin types, and best for those looking for age management skin care.
How to use:
- Apply to cleansed skin before moisturiser AM and/or PM, but not on the same night as any other exfoliants and vitamin A treatments.
- If you use in the morning, always follow with an adequate amount of SPF50+ sunscreen and practice sun safe habits like seeking shade, reapplying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing!
OK, but what's our Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Treatment review?
"I have never used a product that gave better and more obvious results than this. It is just perfect. My super sensitive skin loves it. I use it at night instead of a night cream. It isn't as expensive as it appears as it is very economical. I just wish I could afford to use it daily." - Trish, AB customer.
"I have to be absolutely honest and admit, if there is one product I need the most in my skin care, it's this. It is worth the money as a little goes a long way. I haven't been using this product for several weeks as I have been trying out other skin serums, and my skin is not as firm, nor as bright as when I was using this with the ANR serum" - Veronica, AB customer.
Which Perfectionist Pro Treatment Should I Add to Cart?
Let's finish with a quick recap:
Want to boost collagen production and specifically target the look of dynamic lines in certain areas of the face?
Give Perfectionist Pro Multi-Zone Wrinkle Concentrate a go.
If skin dullness and lack of radiance are your main concerns, the Perfectionist Pro Intense Brightening Essence Ampoules are for you.
Perfectionist Pro Rapid Renewal Retinol Treatment is your pick if you're looking for a medium to strong vitamin A treatment.
And Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Treatment is your all-rounder, one-and-done product for a smooth, plump, hydrated complexion.
Want more product breakdowns? Check out these Beauty IQ articles below:
