Free Makeup Given Away after Class Action Settlement

High end retail stores Macy's, Saks fifth avenue, Dillard's, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales all to offer free cosmetics today. The free make up giveaway is a result of a class action lawsuit involving cosmetics price fixing.

The stores are ordered to give away $175 million dollars in free makeup starting today, January 20.

The class action settlement states that anyone who purchases cosmetics from May 29, 1994 through July 16, 2003 from the following companies is eligible. The cosmetic companies included are Boucheron, Chanel, Christian Dior Perfumes, Clarins, Conopoco, Estee Lauder, Guerlain, L'Oreal, Parfums Givenchy.

If you purchased products from the companies mentioned all you need to do is show up at the cosmetic counter to claim your free makeup. Your are only entitled to one item that has been picked by the cosmetic companies. You do not need to bring previous receipts to pick up your free cosmetics. You may be asked to sign something acknowledging you are eligible. To read more information on the class action settlement click here.

The free cosmetics giveaway is on a first come first serviced basis. No rain checks will be given out so hurry. The free makeup give away will last 7 days. It is very possible that some department stores will run out sooner.

I have been a purchaser of high priced cosmetics for years. I frequently buy my makeup and perfume at Macy's and Bloomingdales. I was not at all surprised to learn that high end department stores have been fixing the cosmetic prices. As a consumer if you like a particular product that is similarly priced at all stores, you have a option buy it or don't buy it.

The fact is that price fixing is against the law and has been an unfair practice by many companies. The allegations made against the high end department store are that they conspired to keep the prices high on many popular brands of makeup and perfumes. The companies have done wrong and now are forced to try and make up for their mistakes. While I am happy to go get my free item, I wish that the give away would have started on a day other than Inauguration day.

Sources

www.cosmeticssettlement.com

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-free-cosmetics-department-stores-jan16,0,517861.story

http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/public/guidelines/primer-ncu.htm

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/business/6220220.html