Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for customizing a cosmetic product at the point of sale to a customer. The apparatus includes a program for receiving external information on at least one of the customer's skin properties and converting the information to a corresponding formula. A formulation unit is provided for preparing the corresponding formula. This unit includes a mechanism for receiving the corresponding formula as a set of operating instructions, reservoirs for containing different cosmetic chemical compositions, pumps and a mechanism for activating the pumps to dose the chemical compositions into a common dosing chamber in a manner determined by the operating instructions. Importantly, the pumps must have pistons capable of reciprocating and rotating motion.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.

Abstract: A packaged cosmetic product is provided which includes a transparent cosmetic composition, a container for holding the composition and a carton surrounding the container. In a preferred embodiment, the container has a front and rear wall, the front wall being transparent while the rear wall is etched along a portion of its surface. A front wall of the container is transparent while a rear wall is etched along a portion of the surface. The carton has parallel anterior and posterior walls, each with a window cut through their respective surfaces. These windows are preferably of substantially equivalent shape, are bordered on the carton surface by a complementary shaped pattern, are aligned along a common axis and frame the translucent portion. Particularly preferred are windows in the shape of half leaves complemented by symmetrical half leaves embossed or printed on the container surface adjacent the windows. The etched portion is preferably patterned also as a leaf of generally similar design.

Abstract: A cosmetic sunscreen composition is provided which includes at least one organic sunscreen, a crosslinked non-emulsifying siloxane elastomer, a volatile siloxane and water. The composition is an oil-in-water emulsion to provide an aesthetically pleasing light skinfeel and rich viscosity, even in the presence of greater than 25% sunscreen oils.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining a customized skin foundation product to cover human skin imperfections. The steps include spectrophometrically measuring a customer's normal skin to obtain normal skin coloration values of lightness, redness and yellowness respectively denoted as L, a and b units. Thereafter the normal skin coloration values are converted through calculation to a modified value determined by a set program correcting L, a and b values. Based on the modified value the next step is formulating a facial foundation having color pursuant to the modified value. Adjustments are provided for redness and yellowness according to a set of schedules determined by the b/a ratio. Normally the measurement and skin imperfection determination are performed by a licensed dermatologist. Formulation and adjustment is is conducted at a site remote from the dermatologist office or place where the customer is measured and evaluated.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for treating skin conditions including those arising from dermatologic disorders, chronoaging and environmental abuse. Non-ring esterified C.sub.11 -C.sub.30 alkyl or alkenyl esters of salicylic acid are used as the active component in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Most preferred is tridecyl salicylate.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for treating skin conditions including those arising from dermatologic disorders, chronoaging and environmental abuse. Non-ring esterified C.sub.11 -C.sub.30 alkyl or alkenyl esters of salicylic acid in combination with a retinol C.sub.18 -C.sub.30 fatty acid ester used as the active components are applied to the skin in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Most preferred as the salicylate ester is tridecyl salicylate and as the retinol fatty acid ester is retinyl linoleate.

Abstract: A lipstick is provided formulated to include a wax and a phytosphingosine type ceramide. The ceramide improves wearability of the lipstick. Wearability may be further improved through inclusion of a polyamide resin which also achieves increase in gloss/shine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for customizing a facial foundation product at point of sale to a customer. Three essential elements are that of a skin analyzer for reading skin properties, a programmable device receiving the reading and correlating same with an optimal formula from a preprogrammed set of formulas, and a formulation machine for preparing the facial foundation product from various cosmetic chemical compositions. The formulation machine receives instructions from the programmable device on the optimal formula. This formula is then dosed and blended from a series of dispensers containing separate cosmetic chemical compositions into a receiving bottle. The optimal formula may be altered through customer preferences by manual alteration of the selected optimal formula.

Abstract: A cosmetic product and method for imparting a natural-appearing tan to skin is provided, the product being in the form of a multi-compartment dispenser. A first and second substance are stored in separate compartments of the dispenser, at least one of the substances including a silicone. Additionally, the first substance contains an alpha-hydroxy aldehyde such as dihydroxyacetone and the second substance contains at least one amino acid.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided which includes water, an emollient oil, a sunscreen agent and an aluminum salt of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 carboxylic acid. Preferred as the aluminum salt is aluminum citrate, the latter not only thickening but also stabilizing the emulsion against breakage.