Special Patriotic Edition: Free Cosmetics for All Americans


If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Obama’s first day as president, how about stopping by a department store to pick up some free makeup?

Thanks to a class action lawsuit, nine beauty conglomerates are being forced to give away $175 million worth of cosmetics for one week starting today. So if you ever wanted to try Lancôme mascara or some Givenchy perfume without paying the hefty price tag, today’s your lucky day. Yes we can!

Stop by any Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue store and you are entitled to one free item from a list of twenty goodies. While the pickings are slim for the actual products that will be distributed, there are some gems to be found among the clutter.

Some of the brands, such as Chanel and Dior, are simply handing out sample sizes of body lotions or perfumes (i.e., taking the cheap way out). Can’t you get that stuff for free just for stopping by a Sephora?
On the other hand, Coty Inc.’s brands (think designer and celebrity fragrances) are offering full-sized versions of shower products from Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, and Sarah Jessica Parker…so even if you don’t like the scents, you can give them as gifts or sell them on eBay.

L’Oréal is doing the same with Ralph Lauren Romance Shower Gel and Giorgio Armani Code for Men Shower Gel, (incidentally the only men’s product offered.)

Good old L’Oréal is also kind enough to be the only participating company to offer actual makeup – three bestselling Lancôme mascaras. Cils Design Pro is a dual-ended mascara with two different sized applicators to help apply the product evenly. Fatale is the one to use for dramatic, thick, almost-fake-looking lashes. (Disclaimer: Beware of clumps.) Courbe Virtuose lengthens and curls due to a perfectly curved applicator. All would be excellent choices for settling up.

So, hurry up, take a coffee break, and rush out to get your free item. The offer is only on while supplies last, and we all know that won’t be long.

For more information, including the full list of products being offered, visit http://www.cosmeticssettlement.com

—JYLL SASKIN