Partially treated cosmetic product applicator

An applicator for applying a cosmetic substance, the applicator comprising:

• an applicator body including a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion extending therebetween;
• an applicator head operably coupled with the first end of the applicator body, the applicator head including an outer sur face adapted to collect and apply the cosmetic substance and a neck portion operably coupled therewith to couple the applicator head with the first end of the applicator body;
• a detachable shield removably coupled with the applicator head such that the outer surface of the applicator head is segmented into an exposed portion outside of the detachable shield and a shielded portion within the detachable shield;
• and
• a surface treatment adapted to cover the exposed portion of the applicator head;
• wherein upon removing the detachable shield from the applicator head, the applicator head remains coupled with the first end of the applicator body and the shielded portion is free of the surface treatment.

A method of manufacturing an applicator for applying a cosmetic substance, the method comprising:

• forming an applicator head and a detachable shield, the applicator head including an outer surface, the detachable shield being removably coupled with the applicator head;
• wherein the outer surface of the applicator head is segmented into an exposed portion outside of the detachable shield and a shielded portion within the detachable shield;
• applying a surface treatment to the outer surface of the applicator head;
• and
• removing the detachable shield from the applicator head, wherein upon removing the detachable shield, the shielded portion is free of the surface treatment.