Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically mounting a helix on a radial bristle cosmetic brush, and in particular, a mascara brush. The brush has a twisted wire core and may be mounted to a plastic stem or rod that extends back to a cap/handle combination. The helix comprises a spiral series of adjacent coils. The helix is adapted to be mounted about the core of the brush such that the radially extending bristles of the brush project out between adjacent coils of the helix. The apparatus for mounting the helix on the brush comprises a base supporting a cradle. The cradle receives and aligns a helix and a brush. A pusher mounted next to the cradle slides the brush toward the helix such that the tip of the brush comes to rest against one end of the helix. A gripper holds the other end of the helix so that the helix is stationary relative to rotation of the brush. A rotator has a pair of jaws supporting wheels that grasp the stem of the brush. At least one of the wheels is driven to rotate the brush.

Abstract: A printed template and method for using the template are illustrated for evaluating various characteristics of eyelashes and categorizing the eyelashes accordingly. The template has one edge portion suitable for placement adjacent an eyelid under eyelashes. The edge portion is provided with indicia representing known eyelash characteristics such as density, thickness, length or color. The indicia on the template are placed adjacent actual eyelashes such that a visual comparison can be made between the eyelashes and the indicia. By comparing the eyelashes to the indicia, a user can more objectively determine the measurements and characteristics of the eyelashes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions useful in enhancing lipid synthesis in skin comprising an effective amount of cafestol or kahweol, or derivative thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier. Such compositions are useful in treatment or prevention of dry skin and conditions in which the skin's lipid barrier is defective or damaged.

Abstract: A product package includes a disposable applicator pad assembly. The applicator pad assembly has a porous foam pad with an elastomer strip bonded to the perimeter of the pad. The elastomer strip is compressed between a retaining ring and the package to impermeably secure the pad assembly to the package. A cap is provided to cover the applicator pad. A sealing skirt depending from the cap is dimensioned to contact an inner annular portion of the strip in sealing engagement to prevent evaporation and to protect the applicator pad and package contents from contamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid dual phase cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising an oil phase and an aqueous phase, the composition containing as a demixing agent a film forming agent such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and derivatives thereof. The compositions of the invention are particularly useful as makeup removers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic or pharmaceutical topical compositions containing at least one cyclic nucleotide having its 2′ hydroxyl group replaced by a hydrogen atom for inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor is in combination with a magnesium buffer and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also includes methods for treating or preventing inflammation or irritation such as is common in the skin disease, atopic dermatitis, which is known to be related to the uncontrolled activity of phosphodiesterase.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for a container having at least two separate compartments and a single neck finish. The dispensing nozzle comprises a hollow shell having an outer surface, an inner surface, a distal end, and a proximal end. At least one partition projects inwardly from the inner surface of the shell, the partitions defining at least two channels within the shell, each channel aligning with a separate compartment of the container. A flange extends radially from the outer surface of the shell, the flange having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface seating against the sealing surface of the container neck. The proximal end of the shell extends beyond the flange and is configured so as to conform to the dimensions of the inner surface of the container neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid, substantially anhydrous eutectic mixture comprising a principal acid component, such as a hydroxy acid, and at least one other component selected from the group consisting of a carbohydrate, a polyol, an amino acid, and a carboxylic acid. The mixtures remain liquid at room temperature, are relatively non-irritating, and can be used to deliver higher levels of the principal acid than would ordinarily be possible. The invention also provides a method of making such a mixture comprising heating the component having the lowest melting point to the temperature at which it melts, dissolving the remaining component or components in the melted component, and allowing the mixture to cool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic compositions for topical application to the skin. The compositions comprise an organopolysiloxane elastomer dispersed in a hydrocarbon vehicle. The present invention also includes a cosmetic composition comprising a silicone gel combined with a compatible cosmetically acceptable carrier where the silicone gel comprises the elastomer dispersed in the vehicle. The compositions of the invention are transfer resistant and produce a unique soft and powdery sensation on the skin due to the combination of the elastomer with the hydrocarbon vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations for topical application which comprises an anti-inflammatory effective amount of 3-furan carboxylic acid. The formulation also optionally comprises an anti-irritant effective amount of frulic acid and an antimicrobial effective 2-furan carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing or treating skin damage which comprises applying to the skin a composition containing an effective amount of a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable compound capable of acting as an electron donor, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the application of a composition containing an effective amount of a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable compound capable of acting as an electron acceptor, whereby an exchange of electrons between the electron donor and electron acceptor results in generation of an electrical current on the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical composition for enhancing collagen levels in skin cells, the compositions comprising an effective amount of a biologically active phenolic compound-containing extract, or active fraction thereof, obtainable from Mimosa pudica.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wax-based composition comprising at least about 0.5-30% water in a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein water is encapsulated in a lamellar lipid vesicle capable of withstanding wax melting point temperatures. The composition is useful in delivering water soluble actives in an anhydrous base, and is particularly well-adapted for uses in lipsticks and lip-care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a stable natural pigment composition comprising combining (a)a liquid hydroalcoholic base containing a natural pigment, a UV absorber, and an antioxidant, with (b) an absorbent base containing a porous bead, and allowing the absorbent base to absorb the liquid base. The invention also relates to the natural pigments per se as well as cosmetic compositions containing them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for dispensing a fluid product, the container having a dispensing device on or within which is placed at least one magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to lipid mixture compositions comprising one or more cholesteryl esters in an amount of at least about 25% by weight of the composition, and less than about 5% by weight of sphingolipid, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations for topical application to the lips containing the lipid mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations for topical application which comprises an antimicrobial effective amount of 3-furan carboxylic acid. The formulation also optionally comprises an anti-irritant effective amount of ferulic acid and an antimicrobial effective amount of 2-furan carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigment composition comprising an effective amount of an aqueous extract of coffee and at least one organic pigment. The pigment compositions are useful in preparing cosmetic formulations in which a true black color in the final product is needed. In particular, the pigment composition is useful in the preparation of eyeliner, lash coloring, and hair dyes or rinses.