Some Weekend Holiday Cheer

There is some great news for fans of Prescriptives beloved Custom Blend foundations and powders.
While the brand will exit counters at the end of January, you'll still be able to order your Custom Blend foundation and powder online (while supplies last!) via the Prescriptives Custom Blend Replenishment program.

To take advantage, visit your local Prescriptives Custom Blend counter in the U.S. now and ask for your new Custom Blend recipe form. Then register your recipe online at https://www.prescriptives.com/customblend and you'll be notified by email when it is available to purchase in January 2010.
Stock up!!!!

Farewell Tour: Prescriptives Well Suited Finishing Powder

Well Suited is a translucent pressed powder with a silky texture. It gives just a hint of peachy-pink color on fair skin. I have worn it layered over blushes and as a finishing powder. It really is subtle and a quiet kind of lovely. A sleeper in the fall collection.
I loved the sputnik-like design. It makes me giddy.

This powder retails for $28 and is available at your local Prescriptives counter. Visit http://www.prescriptives.com/ for more deets.

Disclaimer: A press sample of this product was provided by Prescriptives.

The Bitter End

Prescriptives will close in 2010

It is always a sad day when you discover a beloved brand is shutting their doors. I have never really gotten over the demise of Tony & Tina. My friends mourn the loss of the Stephane Marais cosmetic line like a family member. Every fragrance junkie worth their salt feels a sharp jab when they think about the great Gobin Daude. That one slays me every time.

This weekend we found out we are losing Prescriptives.

Estée Lauder Companies announced today that it would close the global wholesale distribution of its Prescriptives brand by January 31, 2010. The brand plans to continue to sell online for United States shipping at www.prescriptives.com to help service consumers for replenishment of key products, while inventory lasts. Prescriptives products are currently sold in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.

Prescriptives did not receive the love it so richly deserved. They had superior skin care and eye shadows. The line created such masterpieces such as Magic Powder. This is a finely milled powder that felt wet upon application. It was slightly creepy but with luminizing, opal-like results. I just fell in love with the Quick Remover. With just two swipes my smoky eye was gone and buried.

The Prescriptives counter at Bergdorf Goodman was the place I received my last great makeover. They created and mixed my custom foundation. As much as I love my La Mer and Kanebo....Prescriptives gave me the very best skin match. The MA also stated that I did not need much makeup. Clearly, the man fibbed beautifully. It was such a sweet and kind gesture that I have never forgotten.

Prescriptives Calyx fans...do not fret. This email was in my inbox this weekend.

As most of you know, we made an important announcement yesterday regarding Prescriptives. For those of you who have been supporters of the brand, we wanted to personally reach out to you to let you know that the Prescriptives fragrance Calyx, which is a favorite among consumers, will continue to be distributed through Aramis and Designer Fragrances and sold at the fragrance bar in select fine department stores and online beginning February 1st.

So this week...I will be paying tribute to Prescriptives with reviews that are much too late.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the team and all Prescriptives counters across the country.

Let us know your favorite Prescriptives products in the comments.

Credit: Yahoo

Prescriptives False Eyelashes Plush Mascara:

I have been testing this mascara for the few weeks. It has the rubber brush that I have come to love and depend on. This brush delivers great seperation and length action. You have read my complaints about having short stubby lashes. This mascara really does make my lashes appear long and fan-like. It has exceptional anti-smudging properties and resists clumping. I was impressed with the no mess. This mascara delivers fair volume but no curl. I had to use my eyelash curler before and after mascara application. This makes all the difference.

It retails for $19.50

Disclaimer: A press sample of this product was provided by Prescriptives

The Line Up Project: Prescriptives
Review by MUA's Cavewoman

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of the Prescriptives cosmetic line. Their skincare is thoughtful and effective, their foundations are legendary, their color products are beautiful and wearable and user-friendly without ever being theatrical or too trendy, and their holiday palettes are a bargain for the price. Not to mention their fragrance called Calyx, a wonderful discovery thanks to Tania's review in "Perfumes, The Guide." I'm wearing it now, for a little inspiration, as I write this review.

Prescriptives offers the type of liner I've been reviewing here, the little gel or cream liners in the glass jars, and there are six basic colors plus one limited edition at the present time. It's called Perfect Every Line Gel Eyeliner. I chose the black, called Licorice, and the purple, called Eggplant, for my testing. I was particularly interested to see how these would compare to the Clinique, considering they are both Lauder companies, and in a future test I'll be reporting on a Bobbi Brown liner, also a Lauder company product.

I've already used both of these Prescriptives liners, but for today's test, I chose the Licorice, to have a good comparison with yesterday's black liner from Clinique. I wanted to see how black this Prescriptives was in comparison.
The consistency of the Prescriptives is thicker than the Clinique, but it seems that if the liner product is called "gel" rather than "cream," indeed they are thicker, drier, and more dense. But loading the brushes (the Shu 5F and the Sonia Kashuk bent-angle) was just as easy as could be, and I had a perfect line on each eye within just a minute. The Prescriptives formula was by far the easiest to apply of all that I have tried so far. It dried quickly to a very matte, black-black, almost identical to the Clinique, but I do think that the Clinique is a colder-toned black if indeed there is any difference at all. I even swatched the Prescriptives and the Clinique both on the back of my hand to compare them, and they are so close that it's almost impossible to tell the difference.
Again as before, the Kashuk brush does tend to lay down a bit thicker line than the other brushes I have used. So that would definitely be a personal preference. I'm getting pretty well-skilled at applying these liners now, so I can get an equal line with both the Kashuk and any other brush I am using in the testing.

Soon after I applied the Prescriptives, I got a phone call and had to run an emergency errand. I jumped in the shower, washed my hair, and got dressed. I was surprised to see the liner still absolutely perfect on both eyes! It's definitely waterproof, even though Prescriptives does not state that it is. All they say is "non-smudging, non-smearing, non-creasing." And in these descriptions, all is true. Seven hours later, both eyes still showed the liner as perfect as when I had applied it. Removal was a breeze with a few cotton pads soaked in Benefit Gee That Was Quick eyemakeup remover.

I just have to add here that this review is for the Licorice shade only. What I am wondering is if the results would also apply to other colors in this line. I'm wondering if in each individual line, the results would vary or be different from color to color. So in the future, I'll be testing other colors in some of these lines, not all of them, but the ones with which I have had good results. I'll report on the Eggplant color in a future review, and I also will test and review some of the liners with an application of shadow over top of them, to see if that affects the wear and the appearance.

Prescriptives again does not disappoint. It's not often in the forefront of the makeup-world buzz, but this company offers solid performers that deserve some praise and recognition. I'm here to rave about the line and the liners. Prescriptives Perfect Every Line gets a 9 in the ratings. I'd give it a perfect 10 but I seem to be holding out as if I were judging some Olympic gymnastics or figure skating event, I haven't seen all the performers yet. We'll see if a perfect 10 comes along!

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were purchased by the reviewer.

Prescriptives Friends and Family Online Offer

Enjoy 25% off and FREE SHIPPING with online purchases until October 24th 2008.
The code is FRIEND8.
There are some restrictions. This discount is not valid for Holiday gift sets or custom color for eyes and cheeks.
Visit Prescriptives.com and start shopping!

From Prescriptives:

This unique, silky cheek color has the smoothness of a cream and the ultra-light texture of a mousse. Packaged in a small silver-toned compact for easy portability, it blends effortlessly to give cheeks a soft veil of buildable color for a look that is seamless and radiant.

Limited Edition Shades are:
Corsica Hibiscus (R/O) – LIMITED EDITION
Thai Orchid (B/R) – LIMITED EDITION

The spring line will launch January 15th 2008.
The cream blush will retails for $21.50

Credits: Wikipedia and Prescriptives

Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation

Several weeks ago I was in NYC with Erika from Makeup Bag and Michelle from All Lacquered Up. We paid a visit to the local Prescriptives counter at Bergdorf Goodman. We were there to check out the custom blended tinted moisturizers. The SA's created beauty concoctions that managed to transform the skin into pieces of art. In all seriousness, the blends made the skin look immaculate. Think Nicole Kidman before the botox. I was watching with true envy.
I am a girl that needs extra coverage. Jason Garland,my SA insisted that I am twisted and see imagined flaws but I can not be budged when it comes to foundation.
He insisted that I sit down to have my foundation custom blended.
I reluctantly agreed.
He examined my face kindly and then started to whip up a recipe. It was hard to keep track with what he put in my blend. I saw moisturizers, luminizers and treatments being thrown in along with something the looked like a thick pea soup.
Along the way he stirred the potion and would give it a good "martini worthy" shake. At the end it was an exact match to my skin color. A strange mixture of pale pink with flashes of yellow. On the skin it toned down the redness, counter balanced the yellow tones and covered everything it needed to. It did not settle into any pores or lines. It survived the day with no mishaps.

It did not morph into any orange shade, it did not fade or disappear, and it did not move or slide.

It performed all these feats without a primer.

The price might make most beauty lovers pause. It is $62.
As a La Mer foundation junkie...I considered this a bargain.
I wish I could get a perfect match at my local drugstore.
But no brand has managed to match my skin tone and stay on my face for more than 4 hours.
In the end it pays to spend more on my foundation.
My vanity is not cluttered with foundations that do not work for me.
Instead there is room for perfumes and countless lip glosses.

Not all Prescriptive counters offer custom blending. Call your local counter for details.
The next time you visit Bergdorf Goodman please stop by the Prescriptives counter. The men are damn geniuses and will give you the best makeover of your life. Ask for my guy, Jason Garland or Asif Zaida.

Credits: Blogdorf Goodman
Disclosure: I purchased my custom foundation at Bergdorf Goodman.

Prescriptives The Illuminator All Over Face Color

This is a multi-functional pressed powder that highlights, contours and illuminates the face and cheeks with an incandescent glow. Three base shades overlaid with gold shimmer make up this holiday compact. I was impressed with the silk-like texture and subtle shimmer power. Some women shy away from shimmer products because they do not want to look like they are covered in glitter.
This product has very fine shimmer beads that do not overpower the wearer.
It gives just a hint of a spark.
It is a limited edition product and is currently available at your local Prescriptives counter for $35.

http://www.prescriptives.com/



Credits: Blogdorf Goodman
Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by Prescriptives

Prescriptives Here To Stay 24-hour Longwear Mascara

This is a water resistant mascara that can be worn alone for the waterproof benefits or over any Prescriptives mascara to deliver a water resistant shield. I used it successfully over my Chanel and Max Factor mascara.
This water proof mascara gives incredible lift and separation. It has a fabulous rubber-like comb that grabs each and every lash. I think this movement toward rubber brushes is the best thing to happen mascara.

The mascara formula is smudge, clump and flake resistant. There is no mess left on the eyelid or face.
The Teflon, polymer and specially treated pigment formula gives a soft, glossy finish to the lash. This patent leather sheen is what made me fall for it.
The only fault I have with the product is the lack of curling power. If you have straight stumpy lashes like myself...there will be no miracle for you here.

It is currently available at your local Prescriptives counter for $19.50
($27.50 for our Canadians friends).

Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by Prescriptives

Prescriptives Colorscope Creamy Eye Color: Smoking Gun

This is a very long wearing cream eye shadow that lasts throughout the day without creasing or losing intensity of pigment. It can be worn alone for a luminious finish or as a base coat for other shadows. I have used it with much success with my MAC Sumptious Olive and Greensmoke shadows. It resists caking, streaking and fading. I am going to chalk up this feat due to it's ingredients. It is a blend of gel complex, carnuba butter, and silicone polymer.

The shades available are: Chamois, Jungle, Chai Tea, Rose Dust, Smoking Gun(pictured above), Pink Pearl, Maroon Glace and Moonstone. They will be available at your local Prescriptives counter in October and will retail for $18.00($24.00 for our canadian friends).


Credits: Blogdorf Goodman
Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by Prescriptives

Brushed With Greatness Project

Misc Brushes by Cavewoman

During the initial "skunk" brush craze, I hesitated to buy MAC's version. It seemed huge and weird to me. I resisted all the raves on the MakeupAlley makeup chat board, I didn't need this brush, I don't wear bronzers, or highly pigmented blushes, etc etc etc.
Or so I thought.
A trip to Saks always includes a thorough perusal of all counters in the cosmetics department. Annie and I found Lancome's version of the "skunk" and we were impressed by its smaller size, nicely shaped handle, and softer, more flexible bristles. It's a more user-friendly "skunk" than the famous MAC #187. I have not regretted caving on the Lancome version. If you own a bronzer or a bright blush that requires a light hand in applying, a "skunk" is a necessity. I'm not sure if Lancome continues to offer their version. The smaller fluffy Lancome shadow brush was included in a long-time-ago gift with purchase. I keep it in my travel bag, and it's a nice shape for an overall wash of eye color.

My love of all things Prescriptives isn't limited to color and treatment. Prescriptives is well-known for fine foundations, and it extends to their brush collection for face products as well. My very first loose-powder brush was a Prescriptives brush, and you can see that it's been pretty well used over the years. And still it performs as well as it did when it was new, washes beautifully, stays soft, even though I can't seem to get the handle clean anymore. The foundation brush has a good point at the tip for working foundation into the nose area, as well as under the eye. But my favorite brush from Prescriptives is the angled blush brush. This ultra-soft, short-handle brush was a recent discovery at the Lauder outlet store. A perfect travel size, the bristles are expertly tapered and lay down a soft and even application of blush, without applying too much color in one area. Blending is a breeze with this superb brush. I'm liking these angled blush brushes right now.
I think I'll go see if I can spruce up the handle of that old Prescriptives powder brush.

Disclaimer: These products were purchased by the reviewer, Cavewoman

40 Days and 40 Nights of Beauty Brand Reviews

Day 31, Prescriptives

Cavewoman: If I had to say that any one brand of cosmetics dominates my collection, it would definitely be Prescriptives. I've been using this line for almost twenty years! I discovered Prescriptives in the flagship Saks Fifth Avenue store on a trip to NY, and made my first purchase that day, a water-based shake-before-you-use foundation that is no longer being made. It is interesting that my very latest purchase at Prescriptives is also a foundation, this time the Custom Blend. My skin has changed drastically in these years between that first purchase and the last one, but what hasn't changed is the fine quality, user-friendly, performance-delivering items in the line. I almost can't say one favorite, so I'll tell you just a few. It'll be hard to limit myself, but I will try!

Above all, the Custom Blend foundation is my favorite Prescriptives item. I was in Dillards a few months ago, a shopping trip quickly planned with my cousin. The only thing I wanted to do that day was go to Prescriptives, because this is the only counter in our area which does the Custom Blend. I approached the SA who greeted me warmly, listened to all my foundation issues, skin-type needs, and she asked me tons of questions about what I was wanting in a perfect foundation. She asked my Prescriptives color-print family (I am Blue-Red) and set out to make my makeup. The base that is used is oil-free, so I asked for moisturizing ingredients. She explained all the ingredients (adding treatment, too) and then showed me the luminizing ingredient (she added lots of the pink, and a little of the gold.) She tested her blend on me every step of the way, and would not stop until I was totally happy with the blend. She wrote everything down on a card, and if I want more and can't get to her store, she can blend and send! What I ended up with is a very moisturizing foundation that matches me more perfectly than any store-bought pre-bottled foundation I have ever had, with luminosity and comfort too. It is a pleasure to reach for my Custom Blend, knowing it performs exactly as I wanted it to. No caking, no turning color, no settling into lines or pores, and it is luminous and glowy. It is about as close as I have ever come to something resembling the old Luxe formula, and also Clinique Gentle Light, which I used when Luxe was discontinued. My Custom Blending was a most pleasant experience, from start to finish. Many foundations that I have are wonderful and I won't toss them or swap them away, but my Custom Blend is the one I reach for almost all the time now.

The Holiday palettes are something I wait for every year. Inside the large compact are six shadows, a blush, and a highlighting finishing powder. These pans can be popped out, re-arranged, and refilled directly from Prescriptives regular stock. I have four of them, both the warm and cool from last year and this past year. I re-made one of them with colors I chose from the Prescriptives display, saved the pans I removed, and interchange and replace when I use one up or just see new colors at the counter that I'd like to add to one of the palettes. I do not know of one other company that offers such a useful palette. Pans are held in by magnets, so it is easy to change them. And they are perfect for travel, too. Included in each Holiday palette is a double-ended shadow brush. A very nice brush, too.

Another great Prescriptives product that I use every day is the Flawless Concealer. A small silver compact with pot concealer inside, this product goes on smoothly, doesn't dry out, doesn't sink into lines, and doesn't cake or fade. I like a concealer in a pot, because it is easy to just tap my finger onto the product and dot and blend under my eyes. I happen to use it over my Prescriptives Vibrant Eye. That's a luminous serum-type of product that feels lightweight and adds a bit of light-reflection to diffuse any shadow or darkness under the eye.

Prescriptives has recently launched the fabulous AnyWear pressed powder foundation. I can't believe that finally, there is a powder foundation that looks beautiful on dry skin! It can be used wet or dry, you won't ruin it with a wet brush, and it covers beautifully without that masky powdery look. I like it as a finishing powder too, but it's great all on its own, for days when I have to paint and go and I don't have time to do a full foundation application.

I could just go on and on about Prescriptives! But then we'd be here for days! Go see all the beautiful things at the Prescriptives counter (Racecar Red is a great red lipstick!) and maybe you'll become a fan, too.
See how I am sneaking in one more Prescriptives product?

What are your favorite Prescriptives products? Let us know in the comments!

Photos: Cavewoman

Disclosure: The products were purchased by the reviewer.