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Sandra Ramani

Joined 10 years ago

Do the words "free" and "beauty" together make you giddy? Welcome to your dream.. The Concept
In the last decade, 127-year-old Japanese beauty line Shiseido has steadily grown to become an American department store staple. But with its East-meet-West desire to help people "live well and live beautifully," the company yearned to get back to the basics of educating consumers on the art and science of beauty and wellness. Enter the Shiseido Studio, where you can play with all the products, take free classes and basically brush up on all things skin. And did we mention that nothing is available for sale? Given the prime location in shopper's paradise, this is both refreshing and bizarre--and surely confuses the tourists.

The Services
Have your skin analyzed by a fancy machine that "reads" your tone and texture, get a virtual makeover in a pod-like alcove or just sample to your hearts content, while the Studio Guides provide gentle assistance. Even better, take free classes on such topics as facial massage, aromachology or dry-skin repair; just call or visit www.shiseidostudio.com or schedules and to reserve a place. Group classes available by appointment.