Device and method for applying a product

A device configured to apply a product, the device comprising:

• a receptacle defining an inside space configured to contain a product to be applied, the inside space defining a volume and the receptacle comprising an applicator element holder;
• an applicator element fixed in a first housing of the applicator element holder at least while the applicator element is in use, the applicator element comprising a bundle of bristles defining a convexly shaped outer periphery exterior to the housing;
• a cap configured to close the receptacle, the cap defining a second housing configured to receive the applicator element, the second housing defining a volume smaller than the volume of the inside space of the receptacle;
• and
• at least one channel formed in the applicator element holder and outwardly opening through an orifice, said at least one channel establishing the only fluid communication between the inside space and the outer periphery of the applicator element,
• wherein said at least one channel allows flow communication between an inside space of the cap and the inside space of the receptacle when the receptacle is closed by the cap, and
• wherein the at least one channel is disposed so as to be able to guide product from the receptacle toward and over the outer periphery of the outside of the applicator element.

A method of applying a product, the method comprising:

• providing a device comprising
• a receptacle defining an inside space containing a product and comprising an applicator element holder,
• an applicator element comprising a bundle of bristles mounted in a first housing of the applicator element holder and defining a convexly shaped outer periphery exterior to the first housing, a channel being formed in the applicator element holder and opening out through an orifice, said channel enabling the product contained in said receptacle to flow from said receptacle through said orifice to reach the outer periphery of the applicator element without passing through the first housing so that a first contact between the applicator element and the product flowing from said receptacle is with the outer periphery of said applicator element, and
• a cap defining a second housing configured to receive the applicator element when the device is in a storage position, the second housing having a volume smaller than a volume of the inside space,
• wherein said channel allows flow communication between an inside space of the cap and the inside space of the receptacle when the receptacle is closed by the cap, and
• wherein the channel is disposed so as to be able to guide product from the receptacle toward and over the outer periphery of the outside of the applicator element;
• removing the cap from the receptacle so as to expose the applicator element;
• and
• flowing product contained in the inside space through said channel.