The Colossus: Chanel No. 5

When I first caught a whiff of a woman wearing Chanel No. 5, it took me by surprise: She flew by me -- we were passing through a duty-free shop in Toronto -- in such a hurry she didn't even notice she scarf whack me in the face.
Upon further realization, it wasn't the scarf, but the Chanel.
Debuting in 1921, Chanel No. 5 has been dubbed "the world's most legendary frangrance."
It gets its name from French madame Gabrielle "CoCo" Chanel.
Before Chanel, most perfumes were derived from natural oils such as balsam and flower extracts.
Not Chanel.
CoCo, who was born in a poorhouse, is famous for saying ""I want to give women an artificial perfume," said Chanel. "Yes, I really do mean artificial, like a dress, something that has been made. I don't want any rose or lily of the valley, I want a perfume that is a composition."
Sophisticated yet simple (inhales). Yes.

URGENT: Free Cosmetics Available While Supplies Last

Hurry to Lenox Mall, or to any department stores: Starting Tuesday all the major ones (Macys, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, etc.)will begin giving away cosmetics as a result of a class-action settlement they lost in 2004.
It all stems from a lawsuit accusing the companies of price-fixing on cosmetics. While the stores haven't admitted to price-fixing they agreed to settle the case by giving away up to $175 million in cosmetics.

Does this apply to all customers?
No, but those who purchased a product from one of the manufacturers (Estee Lauder, Chanel, L'oreal etc.) named in the suit between 1994 and 2003 are eligible to get one free cosmetic product.
What if I don't have my receipt?
No receipt or proof of purchase is necessary.
What if I bought several things?
Only one product per customer is allowed.
The giveaway began Tuesday and will end Jan. 26 -- or until stores run out. Any remaining cosmetics would then be given to charity.
To get the full list of manufacturers, check out THIS LINK.
At Macy's stores, for instance, free products will be set on tables in the cosmetics department. Please contact the other stores to find out their setup.