I've seen some guys teach night auto's at 40kts without a flare, and just a yank on the collective at the bottom. The idea being that the landing light is pointed at the crash-site during the final phase of the auto.
Opinions vary, and I've found a lot of students struggle with depth perception at night. To cushion a unflared auto at the precise moment isn't exactly something you practice enough to get good at it.
A good old 65kt auto with a flare should keep you alive.