Application of comestics

#The invention relates to cosmetics, and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to improvements in the application of cosmetics.

#Cosmetics preparations of various types have been in use for many, many years. Accordingly, a wide range of application methods have been trialed, though primarily facial cosmetics are applied using a pencil, brush or stick, or other similar means.

#This approach has been generally satisfactory. However, there are a number of problems associated with existing techniques of packaging and applying facial cosmetics. Among these problems is the difficulty some have in effectively applying cosmetics using conventional techniques. Also, some experience considerable difficulty in mastering the techniques required to successfully apply cosmetics preparations with sufficient competence to achieve the required effect.

#FIG. 1 is an enlarged representation of a cosmetics applicator according to an embodiment of the invention, especially suitable for retaining and applying eyeshadow;

#FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a facility used to manufacture cosmetic applicators of the kind depicted in FIG. 1; and

#FIG. 3 is a representation of a set of cosmetic applicators of a shape a little different from those depicted in FIG. 1, and produced by the facility depicted in FIG. 2.

#A cosmetics applicator 200 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Manufacture of the cosmetics applicators is achieved using a production facility 10 as schematically represented in FIG. 2. A sheet of cosmetics applicators 200 that are produced using this facility 10 are represented in FIG. 3. An enlarged presentation of a cosmetic applicator is provided by FIG. 1.

#The cosmetics applicator 200, illustrated on an enlarged scale with a magnification a little greater than 2, is represented in FIG. 1, and includes a surface 210 of a selected highly flexible PTFE containing material. The surface 210 can be considered as being divided into a relatively larger first portion 220 and a relatively smaller second portion 250. Larger portion 220 is covered with an underlay of a waxy or oily substance such as cosmetic foundation, overlaid with an outer layer of cosmetics preparation such as, for example, coloured make-up powder. Relatively smaller second portion 250 is clear and uncovered. Portions 220, 250 meet at a boundary 225 marked by an edge of the powder layer and are defined at least in part by generally curved edges 221, 251 of sheet 200.

#The portion 220 may be divided at a boundary 222 into a first region 230 and a second region 240, which are respectively overlaid with different colours and/or types of cosmetics preparation. The first and second regions 230, 240 of the portion 220 are positioned so that the two respective colours of these regions 230, 240 are similarly represented on the skin of the eyelid. While a simple arrangement of only two regions 230, 240 is depicted in FIG. 1, intended to apply different colours respectively to the upper and lower portions of the eyelid, a wide variety of different colours, or of graded colour tones, of cosmetics preparation can be applied to the surface 210 of the applicator 200.