Prescriptives Brand to Close Global Wholesale Distribution by January 31, 2010

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) 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.

A core component of The Estée Lauder Companies` corporate strategy is to
evaluate, and where possible, turn around underperforming brands with the goal
of improving return on investment. 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. The Company is
committed to placing as many impacted employees as possible in open positions
within the Company.

"We believe that the difficult decision relating to Prescriptives will allow us
to redirect our resources to key strategic imperatives where we see the highest
growth potential," said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer,
The Estée Lauder Companies. "Ultimately this action allows us to focus on those
areas which we expect to benefit the Company, our shareholders and business
partners. We intend to work closely with our retail partners and continue to
communicate with our consumers to ensure a seamless transition."

For Prescriptives consumer support, toll free numbers have been set up in North
America (1-877-819-2968, English, Spanish and French speaking), the United
Kingdom (0800 088 4168) and the Republic of Ireland (1800 936 080).

The Company`s previously disclosed estimated ranges for fiscal 2010 net sales
and earnings per share, before charges associated with restructuring activities,
remain unchanged as a result of this business decision. The Company also expects
to take charges associated with restructuring activities of between $35 million
to $40 million in connection with this action. These charges are within the
range of overall charges the Company previously estimated it would take in
fiscal 2010 in connection with its long-term strategic plan. The recording of
charges will depend on when decisions are made and the relevant accounting
criteria are met. Such charges are not included in the Company`s fiscal 2010
earnings per share projections for the first quarter or the full year.

The forward-looking statements in this press release, including those in Mr.
Freda`s remarks and those relating to the financial impact, involve risks and
uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those forward-looking statements include current economic and other conditions
in the global marketplace, actions by retailers and consumers, competition, the
Company`s ability to successfully implement its long-term strategic plan,
including the changes in the distribution of Prescriptives, and those described
in the Company`s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2009.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world`s leading manufacturers and
marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The
Company`s products are sold in over 140 countries and territories under the
following brand names: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab
Series, Origins, M•A•C, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger, Kiton, La Mer, Donna Karan,
Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Michael Kors, American Beauty,
Flirt!, Good Skin, Grassroots Research Labs, Sean John, Missoni, Daisy Fuentes,
Tom Ford, Coach and Ojon.

An electronic version of this release can be found at the Company`s Website,
www.elcompanies.com.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Investor Relations:
Dennis D`Andrea, 212-572-4384
ddandrea@estee.com
or
Media Relations:
North America
Marianne Diorio, 212-572-4433
mdiorio@estee.com
or
United Kingdom and Ireland
Sarah Griffiths, +44 207 409 6804
sgriffiths@estee-lauder.co.uk

Copyright Business Wire 2009