Prescriptives Review

Prescriptives is No Longer a Beauty Brand of the Past

If you’ve been around the beauty industry for a few decades or more, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Prescriptives cosmetics. This legendary cosmetics brand was a staple in the 80’s, 90’s, and into the early 2000’s. Prescriptives cosmetics was founded on the belief that the most important part your skin care is YOU. And with that belief, Prescriptives was able to build a beauty brand that was trusted amongst women around the world. After a brief hiatus, to the extreme disappointment of many beloved Prescriptives fans, the popular cosmetics brand is back with a product line that is just as impressive as it was in its earlier days and still backed by the philosophy that all women deserve simple, effective skin care that is good for them.

The History of Prescriptives Cosmetics (& Their Comeback)

Although Prescriptives was wildly popular just a few short decades ago, it’s not surprising to hear that many people—beauty novices and enthusiasts alike—are that the brand is alive and still growing strong today. Prescriptives launched back in 1979 and rose to popularity with their innovative custom blend foundations. By providing a solution to one of the most pressing beauty concerns, Prescriptives was able to build a loyal following. Over the years, Prescriptives developed over 100 different foundation shades and were one of the first brands to acknowledge undertones and create foundations with them in mind. Along with the innovative Prescriptives foundation, there were also Prescriptives makeup and fragrance products that were just as effective and beloved as the custom foundation that launched the brand.

While Prescriptives was a celebrated brand amongst its loyal customers, its parent company, Estee Lauder Companies Inc., made the decision to end distribution of Prescriptives cosmetics products in 2010. While most customers moved on from the Prescriptives brand, those who kept a careful eye and a steady stream of complaints going, were delighted to find that instead of ending distribution, Estee Lauder Companies Inc. decided to no longer sell Prescriptives in stores, instead, moving the brand to a digital-only brand in 2011. Today, Prescriptives makeup and skin care products are sold exclusively online for customers around the world.

Natural Based Prescriptives Ingredients

As part of the Prescriptives brand promise, each product undergoes a careful ingredient selection process to ensure only those that are effective and good for the skin are infused into their products. Prescriptives products contain high concentrations of naturally-derived ingredients that enable the products to help transform the appearance of the skin. Some of the most prominent natural-based ingredients in Prescriptives products include:

Hyaluronic acid – One of the most powerful moisturizers in skin care is hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurring compound in the skin is able to hold an exorbitant amount of water which is perfect for hydrating skin care products. Prescriptives uses a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid in its Magic Liquid Powder, in particular, to add a liquid element to a translucent powder.
Eukarion-134 – This antioxidant is blended with grapeseed extract allowing it to provide optimal protection against environmental free radicals. Prescriptives uses this protection inside their skin care products to reduce the damage free radicals can impose on the skin, helping it to remain as healthy as possible.
Pomegranate – The extract of pomegranates is most known for its anti-aging properties. Pomegranates have been known to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In Prescriptives products, pomegranate is used primarily for its ability to stimulate skin cells natural regeneration process, a key aspect in helping the skin look youthful and refreshed.
Turmeric Root Extract – Turmeric Root Extract is used inside Prescriptives products for its potent antioxidant properties. Environmental free radicals are no match for this powerful antioxidant making it a great addition to any anti-aging skin care product.
Chamomile – For centuries, chamomile has been utilized in skin care and diet for its soothing abilities. In Prescriptives skin care products, chamomile helps not only to soothe the skin, but it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties help to decongest pores and reduce inflammation as well.

The Most Popular Prescriptives Products

True to the brand that was launched back in 1979, Prescriptives cosmetics are designed to work for you. Prescriptives products are known for their easy use and ability to adapt to your current skin care routine with ease. While the brand is home to a number of Prescriptives makeup and skin care products, there are a few that are most well known and celebrated amongst fans of the brand.

Prescriptives Virtual Skin Super-Natural Finish Foundation: The Prescriptives Virtual Skin is medium coverage foundation that promises to give your skin the most natural appearance and feel available. Created to be more skin care than makeup, the Prescriptives Virtual Skin has a lightweight feel and a natural finish that will last all day long. Its formulation includes proprietary pigments that help to naturally even the complexion and antioxidants to help protect the skin against environmental free radicals. The Prescriptives Virtual Skin is also oil-free and non-acnegenic making it a great option for all skin types. Prescriptives Virtual Skin foundation is available in over 21 shades to cover a diverse spectrum of skin tones and undertones.

Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder: You can never go wrong with a good translucent powder and the Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder promises to be one of the best. This sheer coverage liquid powder glides on with a wet feel to help blur imperfections and add a touch of glow to the skin. Its formulation is made up of 58% water and hyaluronic acid which gives the powder its refreshing finish. You can use the Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder as a highlight, setting powder, or even as a base over primed skin for a naturally radiant finish. Currently, the Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder is only available in one shade, however, a second shade for deeper complexions is slated to launch this year.

Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme: This Prescriptives serum is antioxidant-rich and full of nourishing ingredients. Exactly what you’d look for in an anti-aging serum. The Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme works to hydrate skin, improve firmness and elasticity, soothe irritation, and well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its formulation which is full of antioxidants to protect against environmental free radicals and hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin making this a great daily addition to your moisturizer.

What happened to Prescriptives Calyx?

We can’t talk about Prescriptives, its early success and shift in the beauty marketplace without talking about Prescriptives Calyx. Prescriptives Calyx was the brand’s fragrance launch that uprooted the fragrance industry in 1986. The first of its kind, Prescriptives Calyx blended notes of citrus, florals, and fresh green that won the hearts of women and men around the world. When Prescriptives moved to an online-only distribution model, Prescriptives Calyx became unavailable. In 2013, however, Calyx relaunched under Clinique and is still available through the brand today.

ROBIN Original review: Aug 06, 2023. Reply

Please come back! There is no foundation or make up close to your quality.

Kee Original review: Jul 07, 2023. Reply

Preach! I kept getting it online & can’t find it again. I have yet to find a replacement!

Yanya Brown Original review: May 29, 2023. Reply

please bring back the custom blend counters!!!! I tired the online ordering but it just wasn’t the same. The doundations were thinner and the match was not spot on like the in-person experience. the customer blend counters were an absolute experience to watch them blend the foundations and powders. Just incredible! It felt luxurious and high end. They got the matches right!!!! Some of us didn’t have our recipes when the counters closed so we didn’t have our exact match when we ordered online. I have yet to find a product thay compares in quality, match on longevity to that of my custom blended Prescriptives products. The set which included the travel sized were worth every penny. I have told dozens of friend over the years who would be right in line with me now for the experience and the quality should you at least authorize occasional booths or independent beauty consultants. please bring it back!!!! And while you are at it the glossimer Tranquil and Satin Shoes lip stick! if Flori Roberts is still out here and Fashion Fair why not Prescriptives. you can do this right and really succeed. Reach out to us die hards, surely we can contribute to a success of a relaunch. Start back here in Atlanta!!!!

Shirley W Original review: May 10, 2023. Reply

This was the only product that i used for more thn 20 years. i m soooo sorry i can no longer buy it. i tried others but none compared. please bring it back..my skin needs the relied. Thank you.

Dianne Kassur Original review: Apr 26, 2023. Reply

Please bring back the products
I am on my last bottle of foundation!!!

Laurie Original review: Oct 10, 2022. Reply

I am also heartbroken to see that Prescriptives has stopped being made. I madly bought everything I could get when I heard it was going out of business back in 2010. I was so relieved when they decided to sell online. I placed orders every few months so they didn’t think we were losing interest. But I stopped wearing all makeup in 2020 due to Covid. As a nurse, we were asked to avoid it so N95 masks could be resterilized when supply was limited. Lipstick and foundation stained the masks and couldn’t be cleaned properly. Now I am retired and ready to go back to makeup and discovered it AGAIN is not being made. Someone that has the power needs to have mercy on us and bring it back again…please!!

Tina Moody Original review: Dec 31, 2021. Reply

I am completely devastated that prescriptives is now no longer being sold on line. It was difficult enough when they left the stores. When prescriptives continued to sell online I was relieved. One of the GREATEST makeup lines in the world. I have been with prescriptives for over 20 plus years. I have tried to find comparisons but to my surprise there has been nothing. From there super line preventer, to there flawless foundation, moisturizer and primer there will NEVER BE ANOTHER MORE AGE DEFYING MAKEUP NOR SKIN CARE. I wish this MAKEUP LINE WOULD PLEASE PLEASE COME BACK. Sincerely a loyal and very happy customer. I truly miss prescriptives!!!!! Saddest day ever when you chose to discontinue all your products!! ?

Susan McQuay Original review: Oct 26, 2021. Reply

I am devastated to hear that Prescriptives has been discontinued! I am 69 yrs old and people think that I am in my 50s. Flawless liquid foundation in Rose is my perfect match as it is. I hate Estes Lauded because their foundation is to beige or yellow for me. Clinique colors and formulas are bad also. I have never found a cream Mike protect and Perfect Night Cream at any price. I am now unable to drive so cannot shop in stores so I am totally lost forever now!

Genny Williams Original review: Aug 17, 2021. Reply

You were my FAVORITE line of skincare & make up. Your quality , custom & unique line of cosmetics was bar none. I pray that you will come back on the future, even if it’s an online store. I switched over to ORIGINS skincare line after you closed. They have preserved my skin well but not like Prescriptives. Please STRONGLY consider coming back. Thank You !!!

Shelia Baity Rausaw Original review: Jul 29, 2021. Reply

I have used prescriptives for 20 years it is the only fondation to date that does not change colors on me. I have tried other brands but have always returned to prescriptives. Please bring it back. I cannot find anyother that compares. I am totally heart broken. If it cannot return at least give me a brand that has the same colors in the Fondation mineral fresh antelope or warm level 4 also in the camouflage.

Susan geren Original review: Mar 12, 2021. Reply

I have been using Prescriptives cosmetics for thirty years; primarily “All You Need” and “All Clean”, as well as my base and eye make-up. I’m now 75 and still receive compliments on my skin, despite the fact that I no longer wear any make-up. I’m reduced to the last few drops of “All You Need” and am rationing my last tube of “All Clean”. There are no alternatives I’ve found. Desolate.

Vetsy Original review: Feb 09, 2021. Reply

Come back. As a Black American woman, your product perfected my complexion by customizing the product. No other line comes close. I wished you would have given us customers notice of the closure of the line because I would have made a purchase and kept in the refrigerator. Come back, just come back. Clinique causes break outs for my skin!

Shannon Original review: Jan 24, 2021. Reply

I am literally devastated that Prescriptive’s is discontinued. The false eye lash mascara in black was the best to be found. I just bought some on amazon at double the price the moment I found out. I loved the moisturizers and eye creams. And Yes I do look much younger for my age after using these products for 25 years. I started in my mid 20s and 47 now. Please come back! I have to go cry now!!

Peggy McAndrew Original review: Jan 07, 2021. Reply

I am heartbroken to know that Prescriptives is ending its line. In my opinion there is no better moisturizers on the market. I have been using since the beginning in the 80’s. I was sick when the stores stop carrying it but thrill to order online, which I have been doing faithfully. My other favorite wal Millenium by Elizabeth Arden. I found it for sale in TJ Maxx. Going to see if they pick up any Prescriptives at all.

Pacita Taylor Original review: Dec 27, 2020. Reply

Prescriptivists was the “best” foundation and powder I have ever used and I am now 52 yrs old. When I say you could even see the foundation on my face to neck…. it was magical… the money I paid was with it. I would go to Boston Store to get my foundation / powder. I searched for about an hour to find this page because I had forgot the name. Prescriptives should be brought back to their own store and watch the people pour in and they will be a success just like they were before. Think about it Estee………,Bring them one more time.

Dolores Brenneman Original review: Dec 24, 2020. Reply

I’m so upset that prescriptives brand is discontinued. The Super line preventor is the best serum on the market. Please bring this back!

I started using Super Line Preventor when I was 28. I’m now 68 and still use it. That’s 40 years that I have been a loyal customer. I’m very sad to know that there will be no way to buy this anymore. For a 68 year old my skin is so nice, my husband of 35 years tells me “how smooth my skin looks”. That makes me feel good. This is a very sad decision for alot of people that have been loyal customers. I know the perfume prescriptives used to have, Calyx, Clinique now has it. I’ll be checking Clinique to see if they start to carry any other products from prescriptives.

Sharon Hagen Original review: Oct 17, 2020. Reply

I join Claire Wood in mourning. Between the time I got the email saying Prescriptives was going to be discontinued….only a few days ago btw….Super Line Preventor Xtreme is GONE. I thought to at least buy 2 bottles, but no…out of stock. I also use the Super Line Preventor eye serum and the Intensive Rebuilding Moisturizer, both for face and eyes…..and Virtual Skin foundation and Traceless foundation in the summer, plus their Camouflage cream concealer, which even the Chanel and Dior counters recommended as the best and said they used themselves.. But it’s the Super Line Preventer Xtreme that, every time I ran out and they were out of stock and I tried to use something else, my skin was NOT happy, immediately. The serum makes a DEFINITE difference and I’ve used it forever. I started using PX when they were in the department stores and have been a loyal customer ever since. How can they do this ? WHY would they do this, especially in a time when online sales are saving lives and preventing the spread of the virus. Seems unusually tone deaf from a marketing perspective. They’ve never advertised PX in it’s online presence yet products sell out all the time and they have prospered exclusively by word of mouth it seems, which should tell them that the products are loved and they’ve been doing something right. I went online to Clinique and Estee Lauder brands to see what might be comparable. NOTHING. The Estee Night Repair is 25% more expensive and more complicated in its formulation. The Clinique serums can’t compare. Like Claire I hope they can rebrand the Super Line Preventor under the Clinique brand but maybe if enough of us complain directly to Estee Lauder they will reconsider. I worked the last time. Let’s try again. I already called them (and the girl said many are calling and complaining) and also sent an email using their form. DO BOTH ! Here’s the link :
https://www.esteelauder.com/customer-service/contact-us

Claire Wood Original review: Oct 07, 2020. Reply

I am so distressed to find Prescriptives will no longer be available! What am I going to do without Super Line Preventor? My skin and I are in mourning. Are you going to just run out existing inventory? If so I need to stock up on Super Line Preventor before it is too late.
Surely one of the other product lines in the Lauder family can rebrand SLE serum and keep it available!!! Clinique, for example.
This product is essential in my skin care routine and I don’t know what will be an adequate replacement!!!

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