Abstract: Disclosed are colored cosmetic compositions that, when applied to a person's skin (e.g., the lips or cheeks), hair or nails, exhibit exceptional brilliance and clarity of color, and a method of using those compositions to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the skin, hair or nails. The compositions comprise: (a) a pigment formed by incorporating a solvated dye into a resin, and (b) a cosmetic carrier having admixed therein the pigment in an amount effective to provide an attractive cosmetic effect to the composition when it is applied to a person's skin, hair, or nails. The methods of this invention comprise applying an effective amount of the foregoing composition to a person's skin (e.g., lips or cheeks), hair or nails.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the adverse reaction of skin to chemicals and compositions that contact the skin, e.g., topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations, and to contact physical irritants. The active ingredient of the composition of the invention comprises a hydro-alcoholic extract of Cola nitida.

Abstract: Cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions and methods comprising delivery systems for the controlled release and enhanced penetration of biologically active materials (e.g., Vitamin A) to the skin. The delivery systems comprise cholesteric liquid crystals wherein the active material is retained within the lamellar molecular structure (i.e., between the molecular sheets) of the cholesteric liquid crystal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of testing brushes for: (a) determining the dye transfer characteristics of brushes having dyed bristles, and (b) determining the capacity of brushes for picking-up acceptable amounts of product and transferring the product to an application surface. The method and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful for testing cosmetic brushes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved cosmetic container and applicator comprising: (a) a container having an open and a closed end; (b) an applicator including a cap, an elongated rod, and a brush; (c) an upper wiper element located at or near the open end of the container; and (d) a lower wiper element located further from the open end of the container than the first wiper element, the lower wiper serving to divide the container into two chambers. The upper wiper removes excess makeup from the brush when it is removed from the container and, preferably, also wipes the surface of the rod clean when the rod is removed from the container. The lower wiper cleans the brush after every use, thereby virtually eliminating the building up and drying of makeup that would otherwise occur on the brush.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition and to a method of using that composition to enhance the penetration of topically applied ingredients into the cells of the skin. The composition preferably comprises:(a) at least one cosmetic ingredient selected from the group consisting of retinyl palmitate at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 1% by weight, pantethine or a cosmetically acceptable ester of pantethine at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 2% by weight, superoxide dismutase at a concentration of about 0.001 to about 1% by weight, and epidermal growth factor at a concentration of about 0.001 to about 1% by weight;(b) about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of trehalose; and(c) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for protecting hair from damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet light and a method of using the composition. The composition comprises:(a) a first component selected from the group consisting of a material having superoxide dismutase activity, ascorbic acid, Cytochrome C, mixtures of nicotinamide dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase, uric acid, uric acid salts, and mixtures thereof;(b) a second component selected from the group consisting of mannitol, catalase, and mixtures thereof, and(c) a third component selected from the group consisting of a disulfide, a thiol, and mixtures thereof, said disulfide and said thiol each having a molecular weight of at least about 100.

Abstract: A system and method for encoding objects with a microscopically visible code are provided. A laser beam is passed through a mask to impose a pattern representative of the code on the beam. The power level of the beam is adjusted in accordance with the output of a reflectivity sensor which measures the object, so that the beam intensity is sufficient to produce a microscopically visible pattern, but insufficient to produce a visible pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetic composition comprising a resin, a polysiloxane, a polyolefin that is fluid at room temperature, and at least one hardening agent. Suitable coloring materials include dyes, pigments and pearling agents. The compositions of the present invention may be molded into the shape of a lipstick. They may also be applied in the form of a cream, especially when the composition is intended to be used as a lip gloss or as a lip balm.

Abstract: A vessel with a metal skin particularly well suited for cosmetic use is provided. The metal skin covers the shoulder region from the base of the neck over the side wall and extends inwardly over a substantially planar metal plate adhered to the bottom of the container. The metal skin is formed into a cup shape and the jar is dropped in up-side down and crimped over the metal plate on the bottom. Pre-forming the shoulder region of the metal skin avoids unsightly stress marks in the upper exposed portion of the container.

Abstract: A vessel with a metal skin particularly well suited for cosmetic use is provided. The metal skin covers the shoulder region from the base of the neck over the side wall and extends inwardly over a substantially planar metal plate adhered to the bottom of the container. The metal skin is formed into a cup shape and the jar is dropped in up-side down and crimped over the metal plate on the bottom. Pre-forming the shoulder region of the metal skin avoids unsightly stress marks in the upper exposed portion of the container.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions containing an active substance complex for promoting the DNA repair process of the skin cells, in order to guard against possible cellular skin damage due to excessive light influence, and to counteract the light-caused aging process of the skin. The active substance complex consists of inactivated cultures of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium or bacteria related to this genus.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions including a vasoconstrictor for reducing blemish redness are provided. The cosmetic compositions comprise an effective amount of phenylephrine hydrochloride in a suitable cosmetic vehicle. The cosmetic compositions of the invention are particularly useful for reducing the redness of facial blemishes.

Abstract: An emollient composition which has utility as a skin moisturizer comprises from about 2 to about 20% isodecyl neopentanoate, from about 0.25 to 2% oleolyl polypeptide, and up to 97% mineral oil.