Free Cosmetics Come January 20

No, this has nothing to do with Barack Obama's inauguration. It just happens that a court order has forced department stores around the country to provide free cosmetics as a result of a settlement for a price fixing scheme.

As part of a $175 million settlement that certain department stores and cosmetics companies "conspired to sell products at the manufacturers' suggested price only - never at a discount, several stores will be giving away cosmetics beginning Jan. 20.

The stores maintain there was no wrongdoing.

The products will be available at stores like Bloomingdale's, Dillard's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. In total, 14 department stores are participating, according to the lawsuit.

Officials from Macy's said the chain will distribute over 4 million items at its stores, valued between $18-$25.

The giveaway will last for seven days, or while supplies last, the retailers said.

Depending on the store, products will be available from brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancôme, Clarins, Guerlain, Givenchy, Chanel, Boucheron, Coty, Calvin Klein, L'Oréal and Christian Dior. Products range from cosmetics to lotions and shower gels.

To get the free cosmetics, consumers must have made a purchase between 1994 to 2003. Stores will require customers to sign a registry acknowledging that purchase. No other proof of purchase is required. Customers are entitles to one free cosmetic only, while supplies last.

More details can be found here.