National Lipstick Day is an annual event held on July 29, originating from a beauty brand's initiative to celebrate a product launch. Over the years, it has expanded into a major promotional period for numerous beauty retailers and brands, featuring discounts, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals, and occasional free samples or full-sized product giveaways. The event often spans the last two weeks of July through the first week of August, with participating companies using the date to launch new shades, clear inventory, or reward loyal customers. For U.S. consumers, this day presents a valuable opportunity to acquire lip products at reduced costs or through no-cost samples, though specific offers vary by brand and year.
The event's history is tied to Huda Beauty, which purchased the rights to National Lipstick Day in 2016 to commemorate the launch of its Liquid Matte lipsticks. Since then, numerous brands have joined the celebration, creating a widespread retail event. Shoppers can expect promotions from a range of retailers, from high-end brands like MAC and Sephora to drugstore staples like Maybelline and NYX. While some brands offer completely free products, others provide significant discounts or BOGO arrangements. Participation and offers are typically announced in the weeks leading up to July 29, with many brands encouraging customers to sign up for newsletters or follow social media for early access.
Brands and Retailers Offering National Lipstick Day Promotions
Participation in National Lipstick Day is widespread across the beauty industry, with both brands and major retailers offering special promotions. The specific deals can change annually, but historical patterns provide insight into which companies are likely to participate and what type of offers they provide.
MAC Cosmetics has a legendary reputation for National Lipstick Day. Since 2007, the brand has given away regular-sized lipsticks to customers who line up at its physical stores. These in-store lines can be long, and the freebies are offered alongside in-store discounts. Online, MAC often features discounts of up to 50% on select lipsticks. Additionally, MAC operates the "Back to MAC" program, where customers can exchange six empty M.A.C. lipstick containers for a free lipstick of their choice at any MAC store. This program is separate from the National Lipstick Day event but provides a consistent way to obtain a free MAC lipstick throughout the year.
Huda Beauty, as the originator of the event, actively participates each year. The brand often uses National Lipstick Day to launch a new lipstick shade. Promotions have included buy-one-get-one deals, freebies, and discounts available both online and in stores. Huda Beauty has also offered special promotions tied to collaborations, such as with Boots, where lipstick freebies and BOGO deals were available.
Urban Decay typically participates with discounts and BOGO deals rather than giving away free lipsticks outright. Customers can expect to see promotions around July. For those who miss National Lipstick Day, Urban Decay frequently offers promo codes, which can be accessed by signing up for their newsletter or following their social media channels.
Maybelline has been a participant since 2017. While the brand occasionally runs sweepstakes that may be open to US or UK consumers, these often do not require a purchase to enter—simply filling out a form is sufficient. For National Lipstick Day specifically, Maybelline has offered promotions, and customers are advised to join the "Maybelline Express" newsletter before July to stay informed.
Giorgio Armani is a luxury brand that rarely offers free lipstick without conditions. However, for National Lipstick Day, they have been known to provide a second lipstick completely free with the purchase of one. Throughout the year, they also offer online promotions such as BOGO deals, discounts, or free shipping.
Fenty Beauty, Rihanna's makeup line, consistently includes a free sample with all online orders, though the specific sample is not chosen by the customer. To stay updated on new products and promotions, including those for National Lipstick Day, customers are encouraged to join the brand's email list.
NYX is known for having its own versions of major sales, including National Lipstick Day. If a customer misses these events, they can check the NYX promotions page for ongoing offers, which have included free shipping, free lip kits with orders, and discounts that do not require promo codes. Signing up for the NYX newsletter also provides discounts upon sign-up and early access to new launches and promotions.
Bobbi Brown offers a dedicated samples page where customers can sometimes find free lipstick samples and other makeup freebies. However, many of these samples require a purchase. For example, a 3-in-1 kit that includes a lipstick, mascara, and face hydrating cream may require a $65 order. Membership in the Bobbi Brown Club provides a 15% discount and early access to promotions.
Major retailers also participate in National Lipstick Day. Ulta and Sephora have historically offered discounts during this period. Macy's and Target are also listed as past participants. Target, for instance, has offered BOGO 25% off on select lip products with a Target Circle membership. Other retailers like Anastasia Beverly Hills, ColourPop, and Kylie Cosmetics have also been noted for participating in the event.
How to Access Free Lipstick Samples and Offers
Obtaining free lipstick samples or taking advantage of National Lipstick Day deals requires a combination of preparation and timing. Since many offers are limited-time or available only to newsletter subscribers, proactive steps are necessary.
Sign Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs: Many brands prioritize their email subscribers for announcements about freebies and sales. For example, Urban Decay and NYX encourage customers to join their newsletters to receive promo codes and early information about promotions. Similarly, Fenty Beauty uses its email list to notify customers about new products and promos. Loyalty programs, such as the Bobbi Brown Club or Target Circle, often provide members with exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and sometimes free gifts with purchase.
Monitor Brand Websites and Social Media: In the weeks leading up to July 29, it is advisable to check the websites and social media pages of favorite beauty brands. Brands like Huda Beauty and MAC often announce their National Lipstick Day plans through these channels. Some brands, like Urban Decay, also offer promo codes through social media if a customer misses the main event.
Understand Purchase Requirements: Not all freebies are truly "no-cost." Some are contingent on a purchase. For instance, Giorgio Armani's free lipstick offer requires buying one lipstick first. Bobbi Brown's sample kits often require a minimum purchase. It is crucial to read the terms and conditions of each promotion to understand any spending thresholds or product requirements.
Check for In-Store vs. Online Offers: Some promotions, like MAC's in-store free lipstick giveaway, are only available at physical locations. Others, such as the discounts at Sephora or Ulta, may be available both online and in-store. Retailers like Target often provide the option for free in-store pickup, which can save on shipping costs and ensure product availability.
Look for Complimentary Samples with Any Order: Brands like Fenty Beauty include a free sample with every online order, regardless of the total amount spent. While the sample is not chosen by the customer, it provides an opportunity to try new products at no additional cost. Other retailers, such as those listed in the deals summary, may offer a free sample when spending a certain amount (e.g., $25 or more).
Participate in Sweepstakes and Contests: Some brands, like Maybelline, run sweepstakes where customers can enter to win products without making a purchase. These are typically open to residents of specific regions, such as the US or UK, and require filling out an entry form.
Utilize Brand-Specific Programs: Programs like MAC's "Back to MAC" provide a consistent, year-round method for obtaining a free lipstick. Customers can accumulate empty containers and exchange them at any MAC store, independent of National Lipstick Day.
Important Considerations for Consumers
While National Lipstick Day presents numerous opportunities, consumers should be aware of several factors to maximize their benefits and avoid potential pitfalls.
Limited-Time Nature of Offers: The deals are typically only available on or around July 29. The source data indicates that some promotions may last for a broader window, from the last two weeks of July through the first week of August, but the core event is a one-day celebration. Shoppers should act promptly once offers are announced, as popular items may sell out quickly.
Geographic Restrictions: Some promotions may be limited to specific countries. For example, Maybelline's sweepstakes are noted as potentially available only for US or UK consumers. International customers should verify the terms of any promotion to ensure they are eligible. Shipping policies can also affect accessibility; for instance, some retailers offer free standard shipping on orders over a certain amount (e.g., $50) within the U.S.
Product Availability and Selection: Free samples or discounted items may be available in limited quantities or for select shades only. Brands like Fenty Beauty do not allow customers to choose which sample they receive. In-store freebies, such as those from MAC, are subject to availability and may require waiting in long lines. It is advisable to have a backup plan if a desired item is unavailable.
Comparison Shopping: Even with National Lipstick Day discounts, prices can vary between retailers. The source data advises consumers to price compare before making final purchases. Some retailers may offer additional perks like free shipping or bonus gifts that could make one store a better value than another, even if the base discount is slightly lower.
Return Policies: Understanding a retailer's return policy is important, especially when trying new products. Some retailers, like those offering free U.S. returns, provide more flexibility. If a purchased lipstick does not meet expectations, a clear return policy can mitigate the cost.
Email and Notification Overload: Signing up for multiple newsletters is a common strategy to receive promo codes and sale alerts. However, this can lead to a high volume of marketing emails. Consumers should consider creating a dedicated email address for promotional sign-ups to keep their primary inbox organized.
Scam Awareness: While the sources provided are from deal websites and brand promotions, consumers should always be cautious when providing personal information online. Ensure that any sign-up page is a legitimate brand or retailer website before entering email addresses or other details. Official brand websites and verified sign-up forms are the most reliable sources for offers.
Conclusion
National Lipstick Day on July 29 is a significant annual event in the beauty industry, offering U.S. consumers a prime opportunity to acquire lip products through discounts, buy-one-get-one deals, and occasional free samples or full-sized giveaways. Participation spans from high-end brands like MAC and Huda Beauty to drugstore favorites like Maybelline and NYX, as well as major retailers including Ulta, Sephora, and Target. To access the best offers, consumers should proactively sign up for brand newsletters and loyalty programs, monitor official websites and social media in the weeks leading up to July 29, and carefully review promotion terms for any purchase requirements or geographic restrictions. While some freebies are available without purchase—such as MAC's in-store giveaway or sweepstakes entries—others are contingent on spending a minimum amount or buying specific products. By understanding these dynamics and planning ahead, shoppers can effectively navigate National Lipstick Day to maximize savings and enjoy new lip products at a reduced cost or no charge.