by POPSUGAR Beauty 17

Well, this is a disappointment. After 30 years in the cosmetics business, Prescriptives — the makeup company known for its "colorprinting" approach to matching skin tones — will be shuttered by Jan. 31 of next year. Officials from parent company Estée Lauder told WWD, "After a thorough analysis of the Prescriptives brand, management concluded that the brand's long-term business model is no longer viable, given the current market environment." Thanks a lot, recession.

This is unfortunate news for women who have difficulty tracking down the right foundation shade, as Prescriptives offered a better-than-most range of options for women of color. And if that didn't work out, its Custom Blend service (rave review here) provided the opportunity to get a precise match. In the grand scheme of things, that might not seem like a big deal. But for anyone who's been told that a makeup company doesn't make foundation in her skin tone, it was an excellent option — and perhaps, for some women, the only option for a perfect match.

Prescriptives will continue to be sold online, while the inventory lasts. So if there's a product you absolutely love, grab it now — because in a few months, it won't be an option. (I'm rushing off to get one last Custom Blend foundation while I can.) Are you surprised by this development?