The Gift With Purchase

It’s up for some debate as to which cosmetics company first came up with the idea for the “Free Gift with Purchase” or, what some consider “the only time some people ever buy any department store makeup.” The Estée Lauder website claims that Estée herself came up with the whole gift-with-purchase concept. Estée was a savvy businesswoman and a pioneer in the industry when she started her company in 1946. She was a skincare and fragrance visionary and was never afraid to march right up to a customer and boldly apply some lipstick to their bare lips! Giving away gifts as a beauty marketing promotion works, as does giving away samples, which most companies try to participate in as well. Many will hand over a free two week supply of foundation just for coming up to the counter and chatting with one of their beauty advisors, so don’t be afraid to ask for samples! They will be more than willing to give them to you in hopes of getting your return business.