Bonus! Free cosmetics to be distributed by major retailers

Fulfilling their obligation as part of a nationwide class action settlement, local retailers will be giving away $175-million in cosmetics starting Jan. 20. Shoppers will be able to get one free item per person from big names such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancome, Chanel and Christian Dior at Macy’s, Dillard’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus and Target stores.

The giveaway, which will last up to one week while supplies last, is part of a five-year-old settlement involving price fixing on beauty products. A suit was filed on behalf of consumers in February 2004.

To get the free goods, consumers must sign a registry saying they made a cosmetics purchase between 1994 to 2003. No other proof of purchase is required.

Most of the available items will be body lotions, shower gels, night creams and mascara. For a list of the products or details on the settlement, visit www.cosmeticssettlement.com.

Emily Nipps, Times staff writer

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