Will You Miss Prescriptives?
Sun, 09/20/2009 by Karen | Posted in: News
I still can’t believe Estée Lauder pulled the plug on Prescriptives…
It must have been a difficult decision for the maker of MAC, Clinique and Bobbi Brown. Any time you shutter doors on a 30-year-old cosmetics line it has to hurt, even if sales of the line have been underperforming for a while.
Global distribution will end about four months from now (Jan. 31, 2010), so there’s still time to stock up before the counters disappear. After that, any remaining stock will be cleared out through the website.
I can’t say I’m heartbroken, but I will miss certain things about Prescriptives, like their approach to color, specifically their range. Even as far back as the ’80s and ’90s I could count on Prescriptives to carry foundation shades that matched my skin tone.
But it wasn’t enough to fend off the competition, and they grew to be overshadowed by EL’s other brands.
Loading ...For whatever it’s worth, fellow fans of Prescriptives’ still popular Calyx fragrance are in luck. We’ll still be able to get our hands on it through Aramis at department stores and online. I guess that’s better than nothing… I do like fruity, fresh Sheer Calyx Exhilaration. 
Farewell Prescriptives…
Prescriptives Mineral Bronzer in Warm, $30
Prescriptives Eye Color Compact in Warm from the Well Suited Collection, $40
Prescriptives LipShine in Strawberry Twist, $17.50
Prescriptives Kohl Eye Pencil in Blue Grotto, $18.50
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I remember when I was little and I would go shopping with my mom and my favourite counter would be Prescriptives because I love the colour powders in the tubes. My favourite Prescriptives products are their Moonbeam lipglosses and Planetary being my favourite colour. I got to pick up a few of those. Ilove the teal mascara btw, where is it from?
amy’s last blog post… John Masters Organics Bourbon Vanilla Tangerine Hair Texturizer
Whoa, I didn’t know Estee Lauder owned Clinique, MAC, AND Bobbi Brown!! I remember always passing by Prescriptives at the mall , but never really interested in their products aside from the cool test tubes of make-up that were on display.
I’ve never been a fan of them, not that I didn’t like them, I just didn’t really care for them. I guess its sad that a 30-year old brand is closing, but other than that, I don’t really feel much. Now if Dior or Chanel closed, I would probably be crying and going on a Dior/Chanel spending spree over the next few months.
Sheila’s last blog post… Confirmed: Dior Cristal Boreal Collection for Holiday 2009
My girlfriend uses their skincare and makeup. I don’t use
anything of theirs. Not because I didn’t like them, I just
use other things.
Joanne’s last blog post… Will You Miss Prescriptives?
Hmmm… I’ve never bought anything from Prescriptives before, so really I don’t have much of an opinion either way. However I am quite liking the LipShine in Strawberry Twist – maybe I’ll have to run down to Macy’s and grab a couple of those before they disappear
Rebecca’s last blog post… Get Glowing with Olay Night of Olay Firming Cream
I started using the Prescriptives makeup when I graduated from undergrad. I liked the eye shadows, lipsticks, and one of the serums. However, I went back to Clinique, and I found other brands I liked better (MAC, Bobbi Brown, Stila).
I have rosacea, which comes and goes, and no one at the Prescriptives counter could figure out if they needed to color match my face or my neck!
Toni’s last blog post… Downsizing My Stuff
no…
bye bye good brand of mascara.
Prescriptives was a really respected skin and cosmetics brand in singapore and they left Singapore Years AGO… i was really sad and my frens were kinda distraught abt it too!they stocked up on the foundations esp!
Blovet Beauty’s last blog post… Japanese Magazine Scans & Mr ELMO & VivaBella Giveaway!
I will miss the foundations and the serum!
You know I didn’t think I would miss them at all until I tried a sample of their all skins mineral foundation (the liquid) and I really like it…But I guess if I continue to really like it I’ll buy a few bottles to last me awhile.
Aleksis’s last blog post… Hot trend alert: Black lips
Oh nooooo. My *fave* foundation is Flawless Skin. I’m so sad!
your eyes look gorgeous in that last photo!
and it’s always sad to see a cosmetics brand that’s been arond for a while go
farewell, perscriptives!
Oh no
I’ll have to stock up on their foundations. They match my skin tone perfectly. No other base even comes close.
Not a fan but that sucks about shutting them down.
Marisol’s last blog post… Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone
I’ve never bought enough from them, but it’s always sad to see a brand go
gio’s last blog post… Looks: Pink, Blue and White
I’ve never tried the Prescriptives products so I won’t miss them. Maybe they were available only in the US, I’ve honestly didn’t hear about them.
Tavia a’s last blog post… Chic Giveaway: Comment to win the 155$ La Prairie Anti-Aging Eye Cream SPF 15 – A Cellular Intervention Complex
OH CRAP! It took me YEARS to find a foundation/powder that matched my skintone. As a pure cool level one blue/red without a hint of yellow its going to be IMPOSSIBLE to find another foundation that wont give me that undesirable ‘lemon head’ look.
I’m in utter panic now!
I made a go of it and called their toll free number.
I inquired if any of their other brands will be taking on their color matching or at minimum their foundation shades and she said she is unsure but would love to forward my comments on to their executives. She took down my shades (mineral and virtual skin), name, and zip code.
She also said that their products are tested with a 3 year efficicy date from time of purchase if unopened and 24 months from time opened.
Looks like I’ll be stocking up until a new match is found…
I’ll definitely miss them, especially their foundations, oil-free cleanser, apple blossom blush, and skin treatments. They were the first brand of drugstore make-up I ever tried, so there’ll always be a special place in my heart for them
. I’m assuming their products will be sold in CCO’s until they’re completely gone? Maybe people can find products there after they leave dept. stores.
Alexis’s last blog post… Shopping at Sephora – What would you get?
Hi Alexis,
I’m not sure, but I’m going to keep my fingers crossed and hope that they do have them available at CCOs.
Is this for real?!? because I am big time freaking out. I live and die by their concealer. I am calling Neiman’s right now!!!
Hi Aprillmtv,
Yes, girl, it’s true. You better stock up now!
I used to play at their counter when i worked at a department store years ago. Their colors didn’t work for me but some of their double-sided lip glosses were good. It’s unfortunate for them though.
Hi Daya,
I’m sad to see them go! I hope that other brands don’t get cut.
Never tried them, but I must admit the Warm eye palette looks very beautiful!
knit_tgz’s last blog post… Meme (imagens/pictures)
It is unfortunate, I really enjoyed a lot of their lines of makeup
yes, it was the only brand where I could find a pretty good powder and foundatin match. boo.
Oh no, the Here to Stay mascara is my HG mascara! It’s the only thing I use from them but it is so fantastic and I don’t know what mascara I’m going to find to replace it. It’s not necessarily the best at volume or lengthening, but it would not budge for ANYTHING. Not sweat, tears, rubbing, rain, nothing. Ack, I’m going to have to stock up!
I am gutted about this. I’m very pale, blue/red and love their traceless tint in level one, the only one pale enough for me, I’m panicking now at not being able to find anything suitable!!
I also love their lipglosses and the lipstick in rose glow is a lovely nude lip! I do love other brands like MAC more but I will miss prescriptives foundations in particular and am already on the hunt for replacement!!
Yes, I am devastated! Prescriptives Antelope is the only foundation that matches and does not mute my color. I actually just look like I simply have nice skin when I wear it. Now isn’t that what make up is supposed to do. No other Estee Lauder can match it.
Further Prescriptives foundation is the only that does oil-free without irriatation. Please Estee. There is no replacement for Prescriptives Foundation.
It’s a bit sad. I used prescriptives back in the late 80’s when I was in college. I still swear by their Flight Cream and their Moonbeam gloss is to die for….my two favorite shades–Meteor and the defunct SuperNova!
RIP Prescriptives!!
I was really disappointed to hear that Prescriptives is going to end. I’ve always found it difficult to find foundation that suits my skin, a friend recommended Prescriptives to me about a year and a half ago and ive not really used anything else since then..i don’t know what im going to do once they stop producing!
I use the concealer, Virtual Skin foundation and Magic powder. I’ve been using these products for several years and I love them. I get so many compliments on my complexion and I know that a lot of the credit goes to these products. I don’t know what I’m going to do now. I think Prescriptives is a little pricey and they don’t tend to have many special offers like some of the other brands carried in department stores. Maybe I would have used more of their products if the prices were a little lower, but then again, I can’t tell you what I pay for the concealer, foundation and powder because I love them so much I don’t pay attention to the price!
After trying some of the products since the shutter notice, I will miss them.
Apple Diva’s last blog post… Shu Uemura Holiday Sale 2009
I went to my favorite department store today and had a mental breakdown when I heard the news. I have been using all of their products for over 15 years. If it’s not prescriptives, it does not go on my face. My skin is in the best shape it has ever been with their products. People ask me all the time what I use. Isn’t there something we can do??? I bought as much as I could to keep me supplied for a while. Without prescriptives, I think my face will go into complete shock!!! This is one sad southern girl!!! ): ):
I waltzed into Dillard’s to stock up on my depleted supply of Prescriptives to find “sold out” on almost everything in the case. That’s how I found out the bad news. They had nothing I needed, and so I went to Macy’s where I found one of one item. Tonight I tried to order (stock up) online, and again – zilch. I’ve used Prescriptives for the last 15 years and I don’t know where to go now. One thing I do know: I will boycott all other Estee Lauder products simply out of revenge.
I can’t believe they are closing
I just discovered it last year when I was working at Lord & Taylor. As a woman of color, this is the ONLY foundation I find doesn’t make me look ashy, chalky, ruddy, or sallow. 
This is awful. I’m heading back to Macy’s Friday to stock up on the rest.
I’m also disappointed in the closing of Prescriptives! I really like their approach to makeup and LOVE the concealer.
I called in to John Lewis today to see what bargains I could find post Christmas. On a table were a range of Prescriptives. I thought these were part of the sale. But when I turned to look at the Prescriptives counter it wasn’t there. I spoke to the assisstant who has previously ‘ colour matched’ me and also my freinds and she told me that what I saw on the table s was all that was left and that Prescriptives were folding. I have been using virtual and traceless skin for many years and nothing else has matched them. Oh shame on you Estee Lauder ! What will I do now ?
NO NEED TO PANIC. I found ColorLab Cosmetics !! They custom blend EVERYTHING. After trying them I like there makeup much more! They matched me perfectly liquid and mineral power and they put in peptides that would benefit my skin type. My acne cleared up and my skin looks great! Its also amazing to see them make a lipstick and mold it right infront of you. Must try them out here is there info. . . .
Colorlab cosmetics
857 w. armitage ave.
Chicago IL 60614
773-525-9086
I am very disappointed. I love Prescriptives and have been using it for many years. It is the only line that can truly match my very fair skin tone. It is a shame. From a business point of view I can understand if it is not performing well. Boutique brands will not survive in today’s economy. I do not think I will ever find a replacement for that Magic Liquid Powder. It made my skin look flawless.
I’ve been using Virtual Skin/Real Rose forever and am sorely disappointed that Prescriptives has gone out of business!! What were they thinking?? I have always gotten compliments on my skin and at 60, that is no small wonder! Everything else I have tried so far is either too yellow, gunky, greasy, or makes me look like Casper the Friendly Ghost. If anyone has a good suggestion for a replacement, please advise.
I have used Prescriptives for 30 years. There is not another foundation made that matches me like Px Virtual Skin Real Camellia. I’m a level one Blue/Red with no yellow in my skin. Prescriptives skin care line had a pleasant smell, so unlike the heavily perfumed Estee Lauder. I will boycott every brand that is owned by Estee Lauder!!! Why couldn’t Estee Lauder promoted Prescriptives like the do Estee Lauder and Clinique?
Like Kay, I’m a Level 1 B/R Camellia user and have been using Px Super Line Preventor and various foundations for 15 years. I apparently didn’t get the “news” because tonight I went to my Px counter to pick up foundation and was devastated when I was told it no longer exists. I previously used EL and Clinique and hated the way both felt on my skin. It’s going to be a painful process to find alternatives, so hopefully I can still buy a supply online.
I’m in my 50’s and devastated that prescriptives is gone. I’ve been using them for 8 years and their new magic line was amazing. I looked years younger with this stuff. I don’t think any one has anything that compares.
So sad! I went today to find a refill on my Real Camelia Virtual Skin and was shocked to learn they have been discontinued. I had never found a foundation that matched my skin (like others it is hard to find foundations that aren’t yellowish or orangey or chalky looking on my fair complexion) until I tried Px. I stopped by the Clinque counter to pick up some samples for an alternative, but I am doubtful they will work as well. (Or I would have used them years ago in my early days of the quest for the perfect foundation.)