by: Anne M. Raso

Since we are totally suckers for good skincare and cosmetic products, we could not resist checking out Shiseido's recent event held at Home Studios in the Union Square area of Manhattan. We admit that we love the makeover and services at these events as much as seeing the new products!

Judging by the event, it seems like the Shiseido folks are banking on eyeshadow tips to be their big "sticking stuffer" this year -- there are seven great new trios for easy "smoky eye" looks. However, what really intrigued us was the Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream and the 2010 Holiday Collection Palette, the latter which contains seven original shades for lips, eyes and cheeks.

Lastly, a special shot out goes to Shiseido's head art director Dick Page for creating the unique packaging for Luminizing Lip Gloss in Pop Life. During October, the sales of each gloss will bring $5 to Cancer And Careers, a charity dedicated to eliminating fear and uncertainty for career people with cancer.

It was a great event--and we admit that we enjoyed the eats as well. How clever was it to serve us homemade mini apple Poptarts warmed in a 1940s chrome toaster? We think it's going to be a great fall and winter for this well-loved 30 year old cosmetic brand who keeps reinventing itself while keeping the tried, true and loved products in its collection (or at least for special gift sets at holiday season!).