1. Tell me more about Shiseido

Shiseido (pronounced SHE-SAY-DO), founded in 1872, is the oldest cosmetic company in the world. It is a company rich in Japanese tradition yet fiercely contemporary, for people of all nationalities, backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. Shiseido is dedicated to high quality, high image and high service and has created skincare products and regimens for every phase of a woman's life. Within its full range of product offerings are three basic skincare lines, a high-performance category for special care and a brightening line. In addition, Shiseido has a body care, suncare and men's line.

Shiseido is best known for its signature facial massage service that is practiced daily at the counter. Years of Shiseido research have shown that regular facial massage strengthens and tones the skin's muscles to help prevent sagging and wrinkling. Visit a Shiseido counter to make an appointment for your complimentary facial massage today.

2. I have an oily T-zone, my cheeks tend to be dry and I'm in my 20s. What is the best line for me?

We suggest the Basic Beauty Method - cleanser, softener and moisturizer in the Pureness line as the basic skincare for oily skin. Follow with one of the special care products for effective targeted solutions to eliminate blemishes, control excess sebum and shine, and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.

3. What is the best way to treat normal to combination skin and defend against early signs of aging?

Stress is a part of life, but you can help combat its effects with Shiseido's The Skincare line, which treats and stabilizes stressed skin to achieve a vibrant, beautiful complexion and peace of mind. We recommend using the Basic Beauty Method - cleanse, soften and moisturize in the Skincare line with the Renewing Serum to provide firmness and smoothness to the skin.

4. What is the best way to treat dull skin for an even brighter complexion?

White Lucent is Shiseido's renowned brightening line that is infused with the most advanced ingredients to fade the look of dark spots for exceptional clarity. The line consists of the basic beauty method - cleanse, soften and moisturize with other targeted advanced care products, all of which can be added to any skincare regimen. Concentrated Brightening Serum is a high-performance brightening treatment that effectively suppresses melanin formation to reduce dark spots and freckles for a radiant complexion.

5. What is the best skincare line for mature, dry skin that addresses the signs of aging?

Benefiance was designed specifically for mature skin to fight aging while targeting and treating maturing skin's most critical needs. Using the Basic Beauty Method - cleanse, soften and moisturize within the Benefiance line is a good place to start. Other products, including Wrinkle Lifting Concentrate and Firming Massage Mask are excellent for anti-aging.

6. What is the High Performance line?

Shiseido's High performance line offers the most innovative age-fighting technology. These advance skincare treatments target wrinkles, sagging, firming and dullness. Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer is an excellent product to start using if you are looking for anti-aging benefits.

7. Can I mix products from different skincare lines?

Yes, all Shiseido products are formulated with the most innovative technology so that you can layer and use different lines together.

8. Why do I need to use a softener and how is it different from a toner?

A softener is part of the moisturizing process, while a toner is part of the cleansing process. Shiseido has developed softeners in each skincare line that are formulated to soften, rehydrate and enhance the effectiveness of moisturizer. Many of these products offer slight exfoliation as well as restore clarity for a softer and smoother complexion. Softeners are an essential part of the 1-2-3 regimen - cleanse, soften and moisturize.

9. What is the difference between a moisturizer and a serum or essence?

A moisturizer is an essential part of Shiseido's recommended 1-2-3 beauty regimen use after cleansing and balancing to protect the skin as well as offer moisture-retention benefits to encourage a healthy complexion.

A serum or essence is a specialized treatment for your individual concerns. Some are applied before moisturizers and some are the final step of a beauty method.

10. Are eye products really necessary?

Yes, skin around the eyes is very delicate, thin and apt to show signs of age first, requiring special care. Shiseido offers a variety of targeted eye treatment products.

11. How do I treat acne, blackheads and large pores?

Young adult acne can be treated by using the 1-2-3 regimen in the Pureness line. Blackheads can be treated with Pureness Pore Purifying Warming Scrub and Pureness Pore Minimizing Cooling Essence. Enlarged pores due to aging can be treated with Bio-Performance Super Lifting Formula and Shiseido Facial Massage.

12. Are there any products that may help to reduce the signs of cellulite?

Body Creator Aromatic Sculpting Gel is a light cooling gel with an empowering fresh scent that reduces the appearance of cellulite improving body contour. Other Body Creator products include Body Creator Aromatic Salt Scrub and Body Creator Aromatic Firming Cream.

13. Do I need to wear sun protection year round?

Yes, UV rays reach earth all year, which increases the risk of damage to skin. UV rays are primarily responsible for causing premature signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging. Shiseido offers a high SPF suncare line offering the Ultimate Sun Protection Cream or Lotion with SPF 55, as well as a highly nourishing cream or lotion for the face and body that defends against these powerful rays. All of Shiseido's sun protection products are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as effective sun protection.

14. What is the difference between SPF and PA?

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) shows the products ability to protect the skin from UVB (rays that burn). The higher the SPF, the more effect it has in defending against UVB.

Shiseido developed a unique PA rating system to show the level of protection against UV rays (aging rays) with the highest index being PA+++ as the most effective protection.

15. How can I find the right foundation shade and formula for me?

Shiseido offers many alternatives for various skin types and desired coverage.

• For basic coverage - Dual Balancing Foundation SPF 17
• For lifting and firming benefits - Lifting Foundation
• For light and dewy coverage - Hydro-Liquid Compact Foundation

For help finding the best foundation formula and shade, the first step is to have your color matched by a Shiseido Beauty Consultant. Make an appointment today to get a complimentary makeover.

16. What is the best way to conceal dark circles and imperfections?

The best way is to first treat the problem areas. For dark circles around the eye area, apply daily Bio Performance Eye Contour Cream formulated with Vitamin C & E Derivatives. Once a week, use the Benefiance Eye Mask for added treatment. For additional coverage, the award-winning Concealer Sticks are offered in three great shades to match your complexion.

17. How do I keep my makeup looking fresh all day?

Perfect makeup always begins with good skincare. Follow the basic beauty method - cleanse, soften and moisturize before you apply your makeup. To keep makeup looking fresh, you can use Shiseido's Pre-Makeup Cream or one of the Veils (colorless foundation) then touch up any imperfections with one of the Concealer Sticks or award-winning foundations. As a last step, apply Enriched Loose Powder to set makeup and carry Oil Blotting Papers for touch-ups during the day.

18. Are Shiseido products ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested?

Yes, Shiseido products are ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested.