The economic slowdown in Japan put a damper on sales at three major beauty companies in Japan: Shiseido, Kao and Kosé. Shiseido’s profit for the period ended Dec. 31 increased 11.2% to 253.6 million at average exchange rates, thanks to a lower tax rate. However, sales slumped 10.4% to $4.97 billion. The cosmetics and beauty giant’s operating profit slid 12.6% to $348.8 million. “In the first three quarters under review, both Japan and overseas nations faced continued economic stagnation...