As I've said before, I love autumn cosmetic shopping; this always includes my ritualistic "rounds" through all of the department stores. Because this is the time of year that I tend to "change colors" and fade from my usual yellow-tan to a "vanilla pudding" shade, I figured I'd stop by Nordstrom and have a quick Prescriptives makeover to see what the line has to offer. This line is always touted to women of color because it has a HUGE selection of cosmetic foundation shades. Also, my Nordstrom's Prescriptives counter actually offers custom-blended foundations and powders, and I've found that the custom blended powder is extremely valuable when used to correct "ashy" tones when using other brands of foundations. For $40, there is enough powder to last, at the very least, a year and this includes a "handy-dandy" refillable travel container. Needless to say, I am a Prescriptives yellow/orange (big surprise, huh).

My first reaction to the Makeup Artist was not positive; she was trying altogether too hard to make a sale. I understand that the makeup artists are paid partially on commission of the products they help to sell, but come on. If I have a card on file that indicates that I am a current customer, I don't need any further prodding to buy products. The other thing I didn't like was that the makeup artist steadfastly refused to allow me to see the product ingredients before putting the products on my face, even after I explained that I was acne prone. She actually cost herself more sales, at least from me. Also, like many people, I find that department store lighting really isn't sufficient to "custom blend" colors. I had to bring back my powder for the addition of "extra-yellow."

Liquid Foundation with SPF 15 in Fresh Tan (1oz for $30)
Even though I prefer a medium foundation finish, the makeup artist applied this foundation with a brush, telling me it would help me to use less foundation, (and at thirty bucks for an ounce, this is important.) However, I personally felt that the finish was too sheer. This foundation was a decent match, although a shade too dark for my current skin tone went "ashy" on me. This is something I really didn't expect, especially at this price. Also, given that this line is marketed to "women of color", I would have thought that the company would have conquered the "ashiness" problem within their products. It did, however, hold up well through the day without any touch ups. But, the makeup artist's resistance to allow me to see the product ingredients made this foundation a "leaver" not a "keeper."

Y/O Concealer in Extra Dark ($15)
The name of this product was a complete surprise. I've never been called "Extra Dark" anything. It is very similar in price and packaging to the Merle Norman concealer that I really liked. (Merle Norman's version is a little cheaper, though.) It works well as a concealer and eye shadow base and would have been a "keeper" if I didn't already own the Merle Norman product. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a "gander" at the ingredients for this product either, so I can't say how similar the two products really are.

Eye shadows in Toast, Tea Leaves and Dandelion ($12 each)
Like Stila, the eye shadows are sold individually and a customer must purchase a case for them for $5.00. I was not impressed with these eye shadows or any of the others that Prescriptives had to offer. Although the colors are very "true", all of the tones had a distinctly "ashy" cast to them and were not complimentary to my skin tone. Even the makeup artist commented on these products and their failure to look "good" on me, especially since these were "naturals" in brown/yellow family. Unfortunately, she couldn't suggest any others from her line that I should try, either. These eye shadows were "leavers."

The makeup artist was trying so hard to make a "sale" that I didn't complete my makeover. I just asked her to blend up my powder so that I could go. I took a look at the blushes and lipsticks and found that these may have been better products for me. In particular, I liked the blush in "Fire", a lovely, bronze shade with a hint of shimmer, and the lip glosses - "Cocoa" at $16 per tube was an immediate favorite.

I also purchased Prescriptives Super Line Preventer (1fl oz for $45). I'll try anything once, especially if it will help battle the aging process. I was disappointed with the Super Line Preventer. It contains hyaluronic acid, supposedly to draw moisture down into the skin. Unfortunately, I didn't experience any "hydrating" qualities while using this product for 1 month. It reminds me a great deal of Clinique's product, Stop Signs, in that it is an expensive "feel good" item.

Overall, my recent Prescriptives experience was not a positive one; however, I cannot "live" without the custom-blended powder with oil control, so I'll have to go back. Oh well, it'll be at least a year. Maybe I'll try the custom blended foundation next, if Prescriptives can "lick" the "ashiness" problem.

Prescriptive products are available at Nordstrom or by calling (202) 598-4400 where you can find your nearest retailer. Happy Shopping!