The Estée Lauder Curse: What Happened to These FAILED Beauty Brands?

In this video, we’re diving deep into the infamous Estée Lauder curse - the surprising number of beauty brands that failed despite being under one of the biggest names in the industry. From luxury lines that promised to revolutionize skincare and makeup to trendy launches that just couldn’t take off, we’ll explore what went wrong.
Shop Estée Lauder:
Advanced Night Repair
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Revitalizing Supreme+ Bright Soft Creme Moisturizer with Vitamin C
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Perfectly Clean Infusion Balancing Essence Lotion Amino Acid + Waterlily
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How did some of Estée Lauder’s ventures fall flat? Why were once-promising brands discontinued, and what role did consumer trends and market shifts play? Join me as we uncover the stories behind these beauty flops and reveal how even a beauty giant like Estée Lauder couldn’t save them from failure.
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#EsteeLauder #FailedBrands #BeautyIndustry #BeautyFails #MakeupHistory #BeautyFlops #LuxuryMakeup #BeautyBusiness #BehindTheBeauty #BeautySecrets #MakeupLovers #EstéeLauderCurse

[@blissiimo2064]

Prescriptives was the BEST. They looked at your skin tone and clicked together the best colours for you - for example, I was a yellow orange and needed deep muted warm tones. The powders were blended to order. I was devastated when they left beauty counters - Ive never found better.

[@AdaraBalabusta]

Agreed. I was a blue-red. I believe that EL incorporated the levels and shades into their foundation lines because I purchased "2C3 Fresco" foundation, it appeared to be the exact shade that I used in Prescriptives.

[@38pistol]

Yes it was! I used to work for Px. I miss it😢

[@cherylmaden5989]

What I used all through high school and my early 20s I LOVED their serum😢

[@cherylmaden5989]

​@@AdaraBalabustaI'll have to go there my Macy's has a woman who's been there since it was Burdines😢 I MISS Burdines 😢❤

[@drnono3386]

Agree, my first foundation, and I'm forever searching...

[@TwoShedsJackson]

I loved Estée Lauder (I still use them, along with a few Chanel pieces). What I truly loved-and they were foolish enough to discontinue-was the seasonal colour stories and the iconic golden fluted lipstick cases. Every spring and autumn they’d have a different colour story that seemed like it took the customer into a magical world. Some were better than others, but it was so exciting to see the new displays on the counters every season. I miss that so much. Plus, I miss the gorgeous packaging they used during Willow’s and Paulina’s times as EL ambassadors. Just so classy and elegant. If EL wants to save its brand, how about appealing to those of us who actually MADE them billions of dollars by buying their classic products?

[@LtheGoddess7]

Perscriptives was THAT GIRL. When they discontinued it, I think they left a huge hole in the market.

[@Laurajaneatelier]

I’m mad I never tried it

[@nikolasincorporated]

My mom was a prescriptives girly until estee killed them and told her to go to clinique where she’s stayed since. I think everything from estee is obscenely overpriced and outdated compared to what we now have on the modern beauty market

[@Laurajaneatelier]

That’s true there are so many skincare options now. I’m interested in trying more Korean skincare.

[@MsSkymom]

@@Laurajaneatelier I understand that Korean sunscreens are the best. That's what I use for my face and neck.

[@loretta7851]

I’ve done skin studies product testing for Estee Lauder in Huntington, New York for the past 20 years. They are great products I go to the clinical testing laboratory periodically. They also do testing for many other companies, but they do not tell you what you are wearing. It is top secret.

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Interesting, what do you mean when you say they won’t tell you and it’s top secret

[@ReneeandJimmyG]

My mom worked there too. She brought home a "sample" of a new perfume and told me to try it. I wore it out one weekend and I had man after man tell me how "beautiful" I smelled! Well low and behold this was a tester of a new perfume that hadn't been released yet called "Beautiful!"

[@cincinbx]

I remember Prescriptives. The foundation and lipstick were my staples. I still remember the lipstick I wore, Egyptian Pink.😊

[@lasenoradelacruz]

The Double Wear foundation is amazing in duration and satin look ❤

[@christinaotoole7392]

I worked for Prescriptives about 18 years ago! Interesting company. They were big on customizing foundation. They had like a "clean" ethsetic They were famous for the perfume Calyx. A lot of customers were just coming and get that. I think you can still get that perfume today. It has a green flora lfresh scent

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Wow interesting

[@DeeDeeZack-ir1uc]

Calyx is now sold under the Clinique umbrella. Used to wear it also. Packaging & name still the same.

[@QuickWorksBeauty]

I never cared for Calyx but Prescriptives cosmetics were the best!

[@TheJBite]

It's my favorite perfume. I am still able to purchase it.

[@garywright4495]

YES! and beautiful fragrance Aliage, the both were so Classy and Chic.❤

[@genevabrantner365]

I love Estee Lauder. Always have. I love the perfumes. But, if you look at the ingredients in all the high-end cosmetics and compare them with cheaper brands, there isn't much difference. Just my opinion.

[@barbthegreat586]

You're right.

[@Rositasparks]

I really enjoyed this video..I managed a Clinique counter for a few years in West Michigan. Clinique really out sold Estée Lauder as most felt Lauder was for a more “mature clientele”. The only thing I ever really purchased from them was Pleasures perfume. Thx Laura ❤ 💄

[@Laurajaneatelier]

I used to love Clinique back in the day

[@cherylmaden5989]

I loved Beyond paradise in that cool rainbow/oil slick bottle😢

[@esterdalia3878]

I was gifted a 4-piece collection of mini EL perfumes a long time ago, and it included Pleasures, but Intuition was my favorite. I was devastated when I found out it was discontinued 😥

[@maryaltshuller885]

Please do a video on these cosmetic and makeup brands: Helena Rubinstein and Merle Norman. I don't believe Helena Rubinstein is sold any more and I am intrigued by the history of Merle Norman. I think it's cool that their products are sold in "studios".

[@Destinedfornaps]

Helena is still sold! Saw a Helena Rubenstein section in a Prague store this year

[@ehnnepeacie2698]

My grandma has been using Merle Norman since the 70s and now I use it. I really like their products. Fun fact: Merle Norman used to make camouflage face paint for soldiers during WWII.

[@janehuang7584]

I think HR is owned by Loreal

[@barbthegreat586]

Helena Rubinstein is still sold in Europe.

[@avon1243]

Double Wear is great! Lasts all day into the evening. Needs a cleansing balm to get it off. Need to do a double cleanse to get it all off.

[@Laurajaneatelier]

I will have to try it!!

[@suzannecarden4330]

Double wear has a demi matte finish. Instead I think you would love futurist hydra rescue, it’s so glowy and dewy.

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Interesting ok, I like dewy. Thanks for rhe feedback

[@hithere2697]

used advanced night serum since I was 19. im 51 its the best.

[@sharonsmith583]

I used Clinique in my late teens until my early 30s. I've used Estee Lauder but Lancome is the one I use now.

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Which Lancome products? I used to love that Lancome serum but now I’m using advanced night repair

[@sharonsmith583]

​@Laurajaneatelier I have used Night Repair and I like it. I use Lancome foundation. Also ROC deep wrinkle Repair cream and that viral snail muscin product. If you can get past the texture, it's been great!

[@laylalynn3525]

​@@LaurajaneatelierI love the Lancome Genifique serum for day time under my makeup and the Estee night repair for night. Love both equally.

[@annmhtown9226]

Estée Lauder’s Fruition is the first serum I ever used over 30 years ago. I wore Alliage in highschool over 40 years ago.

[@kathyhenry2362]

I keep praying they'll bring Fruition back! It was amazing!

[@theeclecticbombshell7562]

Fruition is awesome!!!

[@melisamorris2858]

I worked for Clinique and then Lancome for years. I love both brands. Estee Lauder skincare caused milia on my skin. However i love Estee Lauders Double Wear products.

[@missaih]

Double wear is amazing and looks really good on, I never got the chance to try Prescriptives but man if it was around today I’d be all over it, I have to mix foundations for my skin tone now anyways, having them customize it would have been a dream

[@Us19246]

Hi Laura, please make a video about the cosmetics brand "wet n wild". It will be interesting in my opinion to see the history of a good quality accessible for all makeup brand.❤

[@pepperpaige203]

I work in beauty and my colleague and I often talk about Prescriptives and how unique and revolutionary their color matching system was. Fun fact: the woman who ran Prescriptives, developed her own skin care and Cosmetic line, Chantecaille.

[@jeffthompson549]

Night Repair is the last word, Ive used it almost 30 years, I look much younger than I am

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Interesting, I have decided that I’m going to use it long term

[@cherylmaden5989]

I've used it for a few years. I'm 46 if I go without makeup I get carded

[@cherylmaden5989]

I mean my mom and grandma are gorgeous so it's partly genetic but I don't really take after them ❤

[@TwoShedsJackson]

Same here. I’m 56 and have used it since I was 18 and I’m always complimented on my skin.

[@libertywest5835]

Yessss !

[@nycp1969]

Estee Lauder has a practice of buying high quality brands and reformulating them to make them cheaper to produce when they sell them at the same or higher prices. I never understood Prescriptives. It seemed to have the same goals as Clinique--sort of pharmeceutical or medical with a minimalist esthetic.

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Interesting, I feel like they did that with La Mer

[@nycp1969]

@@Laurajaneatelier They did! I used to love Creme de la Mer before EL bought it. It was the cheapest super premium cream.

[@tineshiabobbitt62]

I've used many products that I didn't know estee lauder owned how I love the night time serum and the estee lauder private collection perfume. Great video thanks for sharing

[@dyskelia]

8:02 I love how in this picture, some on the women look like they’re in the 50’s, some in the 60’s, and some in the 70’s.

[@sylviamitbrodt1562]

How sad. I feel sorry for the rabbits!

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Me too!!

[@richardroberts-jl9sv]

I smoke I drink and I'm always out in the sun but I've been using advanced night repair for over 10 years and my skin looks fantastic!

[@Bella-tj4ti]

I think that her son, Leonard, was behind the global expansion. Right now ,I am wearing Aerin Lauder's perfume which I love but it is over priced. It is expensive, but it doesn't smell expensive.

[@VeiledDancer]

Wow! I didn’t know that they bought out so many brands….. you’re videos are really well researched 😊

[@stavis12mua6]

The Estee Edit by estee lauder that was targeting the millenials was a brand that got didcontinued super fast! Also it should be mentioned that bog sellers of Becca were incorporated to Smashbox!

[@lbda9426]

They ruined my favorite brand. Becca

[@angeliarossett5934]

Bonus engagement… loved that vintage powder jar. I went and found one on eBay! Love it so much!

[@honey0474]

I used to work for Estee Lauder from 2000-2014. Thanks for this

[@wenharas1]

IMO, the Estée Lauder company hasn’t done a good job of understanding the indie brands they buy. Those customers are not traditional EL buyers. And the traditional EL buyer is dying out.

[@drnono3386]

Teenagers don't stay teenagers forever

[@paulabarch5065]

And their mother's and grandmothers are living longer and longer.​@drnono3386

[@libertywest5835]

Idk I'm 37 - advanced night repair is my fav!

[@simoneleles5209]

Your voice is very soothing...

[@redlikewineagain697]

Great video! Really enjoyed hearing the history of it. I'd love for you to cover the brand Yves Rocher. Yves Rocher's son took over the business back in the 90s and then mysteriously died. I'd love for you to look into it and talk about it. Thank you ♥

[@Laurajaneatelier]

So happy you enjoyed it

[@robertaevans9658]

Another fabulous video ❤

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Thanks so much

[@SophieCummings-bu9ty]

Both my grandmothers were Estée Lauder devotees. I always found the products far too fragranced and expensive. But they swore by the products and seemed to buy every skincare item they sold.

[@bellyjewel]

Your skin looks really smooth and dewy.

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Thank you!

[@debrasams2362]

Great video! I use several clinique products. I am allergic to perfume (bummer) and have to be careful with scented items. Thanks for sharing.😊

[@kimjohnson8471]

There is nothing that beats a MAC 💋 💄 👄 and bring back Prescrpitives ❤

[@noras2190]

مكياج جميل وفخم جدا حبيته جدا جدا 😍🥰 ياليت كل الشركات مازالت مستمره تنتج مع هذا التعليب والتغليف الرائع الشكل والفخم 😊 🥰

[@shyynelle]

I love your makeup, it’s always looks so glowy!

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Thanks so much

[@caroline6827]

Great video 😊 i loved the 3 step system i bought it with my pay check it was expensive, but i enjoyed it, and my skin loved it 😊(clunique)

[@ann5765]

I used to like Estee Lauder. I prefer Chanel and Lancome over them now

[@Laurajaneatelier]

I need to get back into Lancome I used to like their skincare

[@melisamorris2858]

I love Lancome. I worked for them. They are the best. And I love Clinique I worked for them as well.

[@ann5765]

@@Laurajaneatelier Lancome skincare is excellent

[@sylviamitbrodt1562]

Very interesting video!

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Happy you enjoyed it

[@lalayastill610]

I don't like their business practices, i find them monopolistic

[@jesuis3959]

It has been written that EL found the formulas for beauty product in her uncle's shed and reproduced them without his permission..so suppose that was a very dishonest start...

[@Laurajaneatelier]

Oh wow interesting

[@martijnkeisers5900]

That american accent..😂😂

[@Laurajaneatelier]

lol I’m Canadian not American

[@moshimedlin-sw6ov]

Didn’t they own ll oriel Moshi

[@moshimedlin-sw6ov]

Prescriptions is still at stores. Moshi

[@CleoGravel]

Omg lol😊wow 😊 that’s one company I wouldn’t work for lol 😊 scary 😮

[@theeclecticbombshell7562]

I miss Prescriptives. Estee has owned MAC for awhile and it is still amazing make up. I still use Estee Lauder. I still frequent their product lines in awe of the beautiful packaging. Their Sumptuous Extreme mascara is nothing to sleep on. I think it's one of the best mascara's on the market and it's totally overlooked.

[@adelaidemorningstar1870]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@nolalady3635]

🙀

[@Claudia-ie3gu]

Never bought Estee Lauder and never will

[@happystarhappystar1477]

She looks her age, tbh. Though her stuff does work.

[@kimjohnson8471]

E.L. is like Proctor and Gamble. Its tentacles are everywhere. If you use any type of beauty product (makeup, skin care, fragrance, etc.), you've used Estee Lauder.

[@yourhighnessflyness2179]

I work for the company right now 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@stevieg6418]

Did you write this yourself or did you have someone write this up for you?