Free Makeup!

Yes, I did say FREE! As part of the $175 million class action lawsuit against major cosmetic companies, retailers including Macy’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, and numerous others will join together to give out 1 free item of makeup to customers, while supplies last, for up to 7 days, beginning today- January 20, 2009.

A little background on the filing: The 2003 lawsuit accuses department stores and cosmetics companies of collaborating together to “fix” prices and sell them at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and never offering discounts. It also alleges that promotions were coordinated so that stores wouldn’t compete with each other.

Additional details can be found at the settlement website here (this site also shows what items will be given away). All that is required for you to claim your free item is to sign a form, guaranteeing you purchased makeup between the dates of May 29, 1994 and July 16, 2003. Most major costmetic companies are participating in the giveaway promotion, including: Chanel, Christian Dior, Clarins, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Guerlain, and Lancome.