Abstract: A system allows people to more easily find products matching their skin tone. The system includes a scanning device to scan one or more spots of a person's skin. For example, three different spots can be scanned. The scan determines a skin-tone identifier for the person's skin. With this skin-tone identifier, the customer can view products that match their skin tone.

Abstract: A portioning machine for providing a custom cosmetic includes a mixer having a mixing chamber and also accommodates a plurality of dispensers having outlets that are directly coupled to the mixing chamber. In one embodiment, the portioning machine includes a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive an assembly having at least one dispenser. In another embodiment, the portioning machine includes a slot configured to receive an assembly having a plurality of dispensers. Each dispenser is associated with an actuator, and the portioning machine includes a portioning processor configured to control the actuators to dispense additives from selected dispensers into the mixing chamber in accordance with a target set of additive ratios to produce the custom cosmetic.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an image capture device includes a housing configured to be attached to a host device (that has a camera and a light source). The device includes a light chamber within the housing. The chamber includes a first port facing a direction where the host camera would be located when the device is attached to the host, and a second port substantially opposite the first port. The device includes a light pipe having an opening that faces a direction where the host device light source would be located. The light pipe is configured to transmit light from the host device light source for providing illumination at or about the second port. The device includes a lens cover configured to move between a closed position in which the lens cover blocks the second port and an open position in which the lens cover does not block the second port.

Abstract: A cosmetic portioning machine is provided having a mixing chamber, with a plurality of radially-disposed inlets, each of which provides an ingredient. A piston disposed in the mixing chamber defines a mixing volume. A dasher may be disposed in the mixing chamber to mix the ingredients together in the mixing volume so as to form a cosmetic. When the cosmetic product is thoroughly mixed, the piston urges the product out of the mixing chamber and through an outlet. A moveable sealing member is configured to pass through the outlet so as to seal off fluid communication between the mixing chamber and the outlet and to urge any remaining cosmetic product through the outlet.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-operate color capture device that can capture color information and transmit the captured color information to an interface device such as smartphone, where the captured color information is optionally processed and is then transmitted to a remote server for subsequent production of the customized cosmetic.

Abstract: A system allows people to more easily find products matching their skin tone. A kiosk at a retail store or other location can assist customers in determining what products are right for them and then purchase them from the retailer. The kiosk can include a scanning device is used to scan one or more spots of a person's skin. For example, three different spots can be scanned. The scan determines a skin-tone identifier for the person's skin. This skin-tone identifier is used by a software program (e.g., executing on a tablet computer) to determine and output a listing of products that are appropriate for the person's skin tone.

Abstract: A system allows people to more easily find products matching their skin tone. The system includes a database that categorizes cosmetic products according to a skin tone color set. The system includes a scanning device to scan one or more spots of a person's skin. For example, three different spots can be scanned. The scan determines a skin-tone identifier for the person's skin. With this skin-tone identifier, the customer can view products that match their skin tone.

Abstract: A system allows people to more easily find products matching their skin tone. A kiosk at a retail store or other location can assist customers in determining what products are right for them and then purchase them from the retailer. The kiosk can include a scanning device is used to scan one or more spots of a person's skin. For example, three different spots can be scanned. The scan determines a skin-tone identifier for the person's skin. This skin-tone identifier is used by a software program (e.g., executing on a tablet computer) to determine and output a listing of products that are appropriate for the person's skin tone.

Abstract: A system allows people to more easily find products matching their skin tone. The system includes a database that categorizes cosmetic products according to a skin tone color set. The system includes a scanning device to scan one or more spots of a person's skin. For example, three different spots can be scanned. The scan determines a skin-tone identifier for the person's skin. With this skin-tone identifier, the customer can view products that match their skin tone.

Abstract: A system allows people to more easily find products matching their skin tone. A kiosk at a retail store or other location can assist customers in determining what products are right for them and then purchase them from the retailer. The kiosk can include a scanning device is used to scan one or more spots of a person's skin. For example, three different spots can be scanned. The scan determines a skin-tone identifier for the person's skin. This skin-tone identifier is used by a software program (e.g., executing on a tablet computer) to determine and output a listing of products that are appropriate for the person's skin tone.